Boltek LD-350 - Manual (Page 8)

I N S T A L L A T I O N
3
Installing the Antenna
The antenna is housed in a small black plastic box that must be mounted vertically on a
non-metallic support. The antenna cable plugs into the bottom of the antenna housing.
When mounting the antenna ensure the correct side of the antenna faces north. The cable
plugs into the bottom of the antenna with the front of the antenna facing north. The front
of the antenna corresponds to the top of the computer screen. If the antenna does not face
north the top of the computer screen will not be north.
Provided there are no large metal objects to block the radio signals, mounting the antenna
6 feet high is ok. Mounting the antenna 12 feet high is good. 20-25 feet is better.
LIGHTNING
Receiving lightning signals does not cause lightning to strike. Your LD-350 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-350 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,