3GStore, The EVDO Experts and Lightning

JoeCHecht · EVDO Junkie Joined: 05 Jan 2008 Posts: 277

After doing some research, I seriously have to wonder why the experts at the 3GStore do not recommend and sell any sort of grounding or lighting protection for antenna installations.

For example, the installation guide for the Yagi antenna they sell clearly states:

Warning: Lightning protection is recommended for all installations (Wilson Part #859902).

The building codes in many places require grounding of exterior antennas.

I believe the National Electrical Code does as well.

I see plenty of posts recommending mobile antennas on rooftops, with no mention of grounding (because suitable grounding devices cannot be easily added to those mobile antennas?).

I wonder if the experts at the 3GStore have even read the installation instructions for the product, and if so, do they know something that Wilson does not, and if so, why not enlighten the customer as to why they can skip this vital protection that is most likely required by law?

Not meaning to sound harsh, but I am starting to think they are either not experts, or perhaps the selling mobile antennas to stick on your roof is more profitable than selling a proper antenna installation.

Seriously folks, if you have installed (for example) an unprotected mobile omni on the roof, you need to be aware that you have just installed a lightning rod, and it may cost you your life, your home, your equipment, and your family.

If that is not enough incentive to make you get your installation right, consider that the addition of a proper ground alone may improve your reception.

Going all out and getting a good gas discharge surge unit is cheap insurance for the 0.1 db loss you may experience.

Springtime is here folks, and with it, thunderboomers-a-plenty.

I lost a neighbor last year to lightning (and knew six families that lost there houses) one from a bad antenna installation, and with that, comes a passionate, personal plea:

Be safe, and Get-R-Done - NOW!

Joe

Victor · Site Admin Joined: 14 Jul 2006 Posts: 67

It is bad enough you tell someone that the use of an antenna is simply NOT going to be the "FIX ALL" to their problems of signal in their area.
(If we wanted to just sell antennas, we would simply not even bother asking and just sell it regardless) I have suggested that customers use lightning protection and I have been laughed at that not only is: "that is overkill, but haven't you guys got enough of my money already?"

My response:

We are here to help not hurt you! If you feel that you are wasting your money on "Protection" why would you continue to waste your money spending on car insurance and medical insurance when you are not in any car accidents and your healthy as a horse?

Ohhh, when ya put it that way, you have a point! I guess there is a "chance" that even "I" can have a lightning strike and have it hit my new antenna installation.

I not only give them the part number but have also provided them a contact number so that they may purchase from a reputable Wilson dealer that has greater demand for this "accessory".

People... if you are looking to purchase this protection for your new or pre-existing installation, and you would like to purchase this from 3Gstore, simply let us know by replying to this thread or contacting us by way of phone or e-mail;-)

Hey Joe, thanks so much for being an advocate for safety, it makes it that much easier to show that it is not just another item on an invoice to charge you for; but more of a piece of mind item that is available to anyone that wants it;-)

Victor
3Gstore.com
Senior Support Specialist
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- Victor

JoeCHecht · EVDO Junkie Joined: 05 Jan 2008 Posts: 277

Michael · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 5:20 am Post subject:

Joe,

We really should give you a job here Smile

Actually we had these ordered with our last order and failed to enable them on our web site and I just enabled it, so here you go:

http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=98&products_id=596
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jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1127

Methinks JoeH needs to take a creative writing class and learn how to relay information without first creating a villain. The info could be provided with out chest beating and finger pointing giving folks the necessary info in a brief paragraph or two.

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1127

Wait a minute, did I post that?

Michael · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 7:34 am Post subject:

Jack,

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