Polyphaser, Delta Arrestors and Switches
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Primary Function:
- Polyphaser arrestors act as a grounding device, providing a low-impedance path to the earth for transient energy while isolating the RF signals.
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Installation Points:
- Install arrestors at all potential entry points for lightning energy into your system, including:
- Coaxial cables
- Control lines
- Power lines
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Coaxial Surge Protection:
- Most Polyphaser devices are installed inline with coaxial cables. They protect the radio by clamping voltage spikes and directing surges to a properly installed ground system.
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Grounding System:
- An effective grounding system is essential for lightning protection. A good ground includes:
- Copper ground rods driven deep into the earth.
- Low-resistance connections to the ground system.
- Bonding all grounds together to avoid differential potential.
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Frequency Range:
- Choose an arrestor model designed for the frequency range of your amateur radio equipment (e.g., HF, VHF, UHF).
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Weatherproofing:
- Ensure that outdoor connections to the Polyphaser device are well-sealed to prevent water ingress, which could lead to corrosion or failure.
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Redundancy:
- Multiple levels of protection may be necessary, especially if you operate in areas prone to frequent lightning storms. Use additional surge protectors on power supplies and control circuits.
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Testing and Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect the Polyphaser and grounding system for corrosion, damage, or loose connections.
- Replace arrestors after a significant surge event or as per manufacturer recommendations.
Installation Tips:
- Entry Panel Integration: Use a bulkhead or entry panel to house arrestors where cables enter your shack. This provides a single point of grounding and surge protection.
- RF Performance: Check the insertion loss and VSWR of the arrestor to ensure minimal impact on your signal quality.
- Bonding: Bond all metallic structures (masts, towers, and antennas) to the same ground system for uniform potential and enhanced safety.
Using Polyphaser arrestors as part of a comprehensive lightning protection plan helps safeguard both your amateur radio equipment and your home
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