lightning protector

[mrsvensven]

I have been reading some old threads about grounding and lightning protection for antennas, and I now have my station properly grounded. I am wondering what kind of lightning protection is recommended for my roof top antenna.
I have seen links to protectors in teh $75 range, and I would definetly buy one if it is what I need, but would something like this work fine too? Right now my cable goes through a Grounding block with F connectors, so this would fit onto my coax perfectly. This protector is much cheaper than others though, so is it not going to be as reliable? I assume that I can't transmit with that protector? Is the impedence mismatch an issue (it's 50 ohm cable). Should I use one of those models on the cable TV coax entering my house (it looks like that's what it is designed for)?

If I needed a different protector, I could always cut off the F connectors and put on UHF or N connectors, so connector type isn't a huge deal.

 

[N1BHH]

Nothing will survive a direct lightning strike, but a good station ground will work nicely. The ARRL has a whole series on lightning protection here: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/lightning.html

Here are a couple more links for you to study:
http://www.w8ji.com/station_ground.htm

http://www.hamuniverse.com/grounding.html

 

[rfradioconsult]

Save your money and purchase an additional insurance policy for your radio gear. Adequate commercial lightning protection would cost many times the cost of all your equipment.

 

[mrsvensven]

what about an indirect strike that enters through the cable or power service?

 

[rfradioconsult]

Don't let the insurance lapse.