PL-259 Quick Disconnects For Ham Radio Lightning Protection

A simple and inexpensive method to protect your ham radio investment from lightning damage is to install PL-259 / SO-239 - UHF 'Quick Disconnect" connectors.  Doing this allows for quick removal of radio equipment from the coaxial cable feeding the antenna system. Quick disconnects are very reliable and as the name implies these are quickly installed or disconnected.

It's always a good practice to disconnect your radios from it's outside antenna system if you plan to be away from your ham station (QTH) during periods of unstable weather such as thunderstorms.

Many ham radios operators pay particular attention to the weather and as a result have advance warning of inclement weather.  In fact, the amateur radio community is very active in the SkyWarn program which is a partnership between the National Weather Service and local communities.

You will find a large selection of UHF components at TestParts.com.  TestParts is called 'America's RF Superstore' and one visit our their website will prove this.  You will find an excellent UHF Quick Disconnect at TestParts for $3.95 each.  TestParts SKU #97530.

TestParts also sells the Alpha Delta 'TT3G50' Transi-Trap Lightning Surge Protector for $29.95.  TestParts SKU #04222.  Surge protection should be part of every outside antenna system.

So, as the spring and summer approaches lets be proactive and protect the ham radio equipment that is so invaluable to our communities.

 
TestParts.com
P.O. Box 425
126 Railroad Street
Thomson, GA  30824
Tel: (706) 361-0825