When it comes to protecting your valuable equipment, “better safe than sorry” is a motto no Ham Radio operator should take for granted. Like any type of insurance policy, surge protectors are devices Ham operators hope they’ll never need to use but are glad they have when the worst happens. For a small investment, these devices can save you money and the hassle of replacing damaged equipment “just in case.”
The “just in case” we’re talking about are lightning strikes that hit antennas. High voltage riding down the feedline can severely damage or completely disable expensive radio equipment in your shack. DX Engineering carries a range of equipment to defend against lightning, including the 75 ohm Coaxial Lightning Surge Protector, manufactured for DX Engineering by Tii Network Technologies, a company that has specialized in lightning surge protection for over four decades. The patented in-line, gas-tube style unit:
- Features a unique design that is impedance-matched to 75 ohms
- Is virtually transparent to all analog or digital bi-directional signals from DC to 1.0 GHz
- Comes equipped with an integral fail-short mechanism for a power-cross condition, which shunts both the coaxial cables’ center conductor and sheath for a common path to ground
- Includes a protection element that is designed to reset after each over-voltage event
- Provides necessary EMI shielding thanks to its metallic housing
- Is environmentally sealed (15 PSI) to prevent moisture and humidity penetration encountered in broadband pedestals, vaults, and stand-alone receive antenna applications
- Has full 360 degree Type F connectors that provide superior RF performance and tighter connections
What do Hams think?
Five Stars: I installed one each of these on my Beverage RX antennas. They are well-built and easily installed. Good insurance!
Five Stars: Excellent product. Works as it should.
