Boltek StormTracker-PCI - Manual (Page 8)

4 TRACKING STORMS
LIGHTNING
Receiving lightning signals does not cause lightning to strike. Your LD-250
antenna is less likely to be struck by lightning than your anemometer, since the
antenna does not need to be above the roof line. Still though you must exercise
common sense when choosing a location for your antenna. If you mount the
antenna on a ten foot pole on the highest point on your roof, with no trees or
television tower nearby you are asking for lightning to strike.
Your best protection against lightning is to mount the antenna indoors. Radio
waves will pass right through a wood building. Lightning is more likely to strike
a tall tree, television antenna, copper plumbing vent, satellite dish, telephone line,
power lines, or CB antenna. If you do mount the antenna outdoors make sure
there are plenty of ground paths for lightning nearby (such as those just
mentioned), and higher than the antenna.
The LD-250 receiver board has surge suppression in its input to protect against
voltages induced into the antenna cable. It is also a good idea to purchase a surge
suppressor to plug your computer into. If you have a modem try to find one that
will protect your phone line as well. Lightning often enters through the telephone
line. Both your computer and surge suppressor will need to be grounded.
The antenna may be mounted indoors or outdoors. Try to mount the antenna as high as
possible (without making it a lightning rod). Mounting the antenna high will keep it away
from noise sources and will improve the maximum range.
In a wood framed house, the second floor or attic is often a good location for the
antenna. This places the antenna above the most common sources of interference:
televisions, lights and appliances, yet leaves it in a good location to receive lightning
signals. Mount the antenna to the drywall or attic rafter away from screws, nails,
electrical wiring, and other metal objects. If your house has aluminum siding (vinyl siding
is ok), foil-lined insulation, or any other metal coating, you might have problems
receiving with the antenna indoors, as the metal may shield radio waves from the
antenna.
DO NOT MOUNT THE ANTENNA SO AS TO ATTRACT LIGHTNING. The
antenna does not need to be the highest object in the area to receive lightning signals.
DO NOT LOCATE THE ANTENNA NEAR AN OBJECT WHICH IS LIKELY
TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. Objects such as television antennas, CB
antennas, power lines, phone lines and tall trees are natural targets for lightning. Keep
the antenna and cable away from anything which might be struck by lightning. Lightning
can jump from one object to another in its search for ground.