Nautel Maine Inc VS300 User Manual

Page of 133
VS300 Operations and Maintenance Manual
Routine maintenance
Page 3-6
Issue 0.1  2011-03-11
Inspecting lightning protection systems
You should inspect the lightning protection systems that are connected to your VS300 transmitter, ac 
power, RF feedline, antenna and tower periodically to ensure that your site, equipment and personnel 
are fully protected. 
Interval
Every 6 months. 
Parts and tools
Depends on your site, but may include a digital multimeter, ladder, binoculars, and continuity tester. 
Procedure
Perform the following steps to test the lightning protection systems: 
1. Test the continuity between ground available at your lightning arrestor and ground available 
on various pieces of equipment connected to the transmitter. Ensure that there is no 
resistance (near 0 ohms, accounting for multimeter test lead resistance). 
2. Physically inspect the lightning arrestor to ensure that all connections are tight. Also look for 
any sign of scoring or burning (indications of possible damage from earlier lightning strikes). 
3. Using binoculars, visually inspect the hardware on the tower. Look for charred, broken or 
frayed connections and corrosion.