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via QRZ Forums by AJ4VD on 3/10/10
I would like to have a simple, cheap direct conversion receiver (~$10 in parts, I have a few) permanently connected to an antenna, and output audio into a PC to be analyzed continuously. I don't care about lightning-protecting the radio because it's easily replaceable. However, how can I protect the PC from lightning-induced surges through the audio cable? Everyone I talk to says it's impossible. Is it really???
I have an excellent ground source. The shield of the coax is well-grounded before it enters the radio, and the metal box I built my radio in can be well-grounded too. I'm thinking that any crazy lightning would jump from the circuitry in the radio to the metal case, and that the chance of high voltage leaving the case for the audio cable is extremely low. Still, I'd like to cover my bases, and I thought a few zener/breakdown diodes between the mono output and the ground might help half way between the radio and the PC. Is this at all a help?
Alternatively, what about a "spark box", where the main element of the mono cable is left exposed inside a metal box with plenty opportunity for electricity to jump to the grounded box. Perhaps the wire would be of such fine caliper that any sizable current would melt it and break the connection?
come on guys! there must be something I can do!
Radio:
INTERNALS:
NOTE COAX AND AUDIO CABLE:
Thanks for your advice.
--Scott, AJ4VD
I have an excellent ground source. The shield of the coax is well-grounded before it enters the radio, and the metal box I built my radio in can be well-grounded too. I'm thinking that any crazy lightning would jump from the circuitry in the radio to the metal case, and that the chance of high voltage leaving the case for the audio cable is extremely low. Still, I'd like to cover my bases, and I thought a few zener/breakdown diodes between the mono output and the ground might help half way between the radio and the PC. Is this at all a help?
Alternatively, what about a "spark box", where the main element of the mono cable is left exposed inside a metal box with plenty opportunity for electricity to jump to the grounded box. Perhaps the wire would be of such fine caliper that any sizable current would melt it and break the connection?
come on guys! there must be something I can do!
Radio:
INTERNALS:
NOTE COAX AND AUDIO CABLE:
Thanks for your advice.
--Scott, AJ4VD
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