Scanning during thunderstorms

[xpawel15x]

After the heat wave, we have some strong thunderstorm in my area. I want to be scanning during the storms because there usually is a lot to listen to. I was just wondering if it safe to be by a scanner at the time of the storm. Can it possibly attract lighting?

 

[trainman111]

If you have an outdoor antenna up, I definately would not recommend attaching it to your scanner and listening, whether it is grounded or not. What I usually do is just attach the rubber duckie and listen using that. While you might loose some of the more distant signals, you'll still be able to hear what is remotely close to you.

 

[xpawel15x]

I only listen with a portable handheld scanner antenna...Diamond RH77CA to be exact.

 

[N4JNW]

Yeah.... Ditch the outdoor antenna and throw on your duckie..

 

[trainman111]

I only listen with a portable handheld scanner antenna...Diamond RH77CA to be exact.

You should be fine then. Listen away!

 

[captmfa7112]

Attic Antenna

How about an antenna in the attic? Would the same principle that applies to outdoor antennas apply here?

 

[Bucko]

I use my indoor antenna's in the closet and attic all the time during a storm, if it gets them then you are in trouble.

 

[N4JNW]

Yeah, if lightning strikes an indoor antenna, your scanners being popped will be the least of your worries...

Seriously though, sometimes during a storm, you don't have to be hit directly by lightning to seriously fry sensitive electronics. Sometimes, a hefty static discharge is all it takes to pop your favorite scanner.

While lightning technically is a HUGE static discharge in the atmosphere, a smaller one will do damage as well. It's a good idea to always unplug during a storm. It might be a pain in the butt, but I've learned sometimes pain in the butts save your butt!

As mentioned, throw on a good duckie, or telescopic antenna and continue your scanning adventures.

 

[ka3jjz]

and it can happen - even a near strike can induce a large voltage jump in any nearby conductors, and that includes antennas. Frankly the safest thing to do is not listen at all during a lightning storm; why tempt fate? 73s Mike

 

[rdale]

There's no safety problem with a handheld scanner and a rubber ducky or similar antenna. If the lightning is close enough to fry your scanner in that circumstance, you have bigger issues to deal with ;>

 

[policefreak]

Even if the scanner is unplugged, it is running off batteries, and only the rubber duck is attached, can the scanner still receive a power surge from a nearby strike?

 

[motomeso]

Just don't listen to your hand held scanner under a tree and you will be fine.

 

[N4JNW]

Even if the scanner is unplugged, it is running off batteries, and only the rubber duck is attached, can the scanner still receive a power surge from a nearby strike?

No. Considering it is unplugged from the power, and the antenna, there is no way it can recieve a power surge. It's not hooked to anything..

 

[trace1]

Even if the scanner is unplugged, it is running off batteries, and only the rubber duck is attached, can the scanner still receive a power surge from a nearby strike?

No. Considering it is unplugged from the power, and the antenna, there is no way it can recieve a power surge. It's not hooked to anything..

You’ll catch me listening to my scanner and HT quite often during inclement weather conditions, all of course being not connected to any outside antenna(s) or commercial power source, being that not only am I a member of the local ARES and RACES I just happen to want to know and keep up with what is going on during this time...