TO: ALL ARES OPERATORS IN DISTRICT 3 (OFFICIAL)
ALL AMATEURS IN WEST VIRGINIA (INFORMATION)
FROM: WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED AND WOOD
COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES (ARES)
ARES DISTICT 3 BULLETIN NR 07.42 DATE: October 21, 2007
SUBJECT: WIND STATIC
What is wind static? Wind static is electricity that is generated when a piece of wire, such as an antenna, is suspended in the air. Wind static usually happens when the air outside is cool and dry, and there is a wind blowing. As the air passes by the wire it displaces electrons similar to the passing of a comb through your hair. Static Electricity can build up to several thousand volts and can do the same amount of damage as a nearby lightening strike. Grounding the transmission lines of the antennas will help greatly to reduce the chances of electronic equipment from being damaged. Wind Static can be produced in the winter or the summer, all that's needed is the proper weather conditions, and your radio equipment can be damaged the same as if it were hit by lightening. (Reprinted, with modifications of ARES Zone 3 Bulletin 01.05)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV;
ARES Assistant Section Coordinator WV
ARES District Emergency Coordinator WV DISTRICT 3