Ethernet Optical Isolator for Lightning Protection?

Steve N4LQ

Lightning season is here and I've been looking for a way to isolate the 6500 from the cable modem. I searched for an optical isolator they are rather rare. This is the lowest price I could find. http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/HALO-Electronics/PTI-451G0002/?qs=H3a2uBbsjVU5xxTjWnW15Q== Has anyone tried one and do you think it would be a good idea? The cable modem has no provisions for grounding to my shack ground bus.

W5XZ - dan

steve: you did look at:

https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/ethernet_lightning_surge_protection

right?  you don't HAVE to go optical, though.  a wi-fi range extender will do the same thing.  Just
 upgraded mine to 'AC' speed recently, but i'm not at home and cant give a device name or model..

73

Stan VA7NF

Use a fiber connection from your switch into the shack.  There are many configurations of which a few have been discussed on this forum.  aka media converter

Paul Christensen, W9AC

Steve,

See this post from NN4ZZ.  You should be able to adapt it between your cable modem's Ethernet port and your router, assuming you don't have an "all-in-one" modem + router. 

https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/using_fiber_instead_of_cat5_question

Paul, W9AC

Steve N4LQ

In fact this is an all-in-one modem + router. 
I was thinking the "isolator" mentioned would be nice because it doesn't require any power connection. It is not optical however. It uses transformers. 
My modem is only 6 feet from the 6500 and computer.

W5XZ - dan

don't you think a lightning surge would fry most any small-ish transformer ??

Steve N4LQ

It has a 5kv rating but of course a direct strike would simply **** a hole in the shack wall. 

W5XZ - dan

all our utilities are under ground, but i still lose an AT&T dsl / wifi box every few years to very nearby strikes...everything is on surge suppressors too...no way i'm hard wiring my 6500 to that box !!

this works for me:
http://www.linksys.com/en-eu/products/rangeexpanders/RE6500
in the shack,

and this one sits on top of my old att dsl modem, with it's wifi turned off:
http://www.linksys.com/en-eu/products/routers/EA6500

50 60' away, two walls...solid connects 24/7

AE0MW

I use these whenever I'm concerned about Ethernet suppression.

http://amzn.com/B000BKUSS8

Having experienced a surge that 'jumped' to Ethernet in my house I'm much more paranoid than many.

I can't speak for how well they work because like most insurance policies you don't really know until it's too late! I didn't have them the last time...

Steve N4LQ

Yes cable modems are evil beast. The cable usually has a ground of its own where it enters the home and it provides a nice path for surges. Making my PC and especially my FLex part of that loop is scary. Surge protectors might help but I don't trust them much.

Walt - KZ1F

I am glad you suggested that. I have one of those also. Further, I plugged my NetGear Hub into an APC surge protector and have a whole house surge protector on the service panel. And I also carry insurance on the radio, amp, ATU etc.

Duane_AC5AA

I was using WiFi from the Uverse router/modem until the "stuttering" problem came along with 1.4x.  I'm hoping it gets fixed so I can re-isolate the PC from the network.  Same as you - lightning is plentiful here in the spring storms.

W4YXU

I have installed fiber optic from the shack to the router:

2 TP-LINK MC100CM Ethernet Media Converter   
    Item #: N82E16833704015   $67.98 ($33.99 ea)                

2 Coboc CY-OM1-SC/SC-15 49.21 ft. Orange Multimode 62.5/1 25 Duplex LSZH Fiber Patch Cable SC - SC,M-M           $32.76 ($16.38 ea)

Newegg 3Day  $10.81
Order Total    $111.55

I ordered 2 cables in case I bust one while doing frequent shack re-arrangements !

Jim
W4YXU

Javier, KC2QII

Steve,

 I have not used the product you mentioned but have successfully used  I have used the L-COM products in commercial applications before. 

See http://www.l-com.com/surge-protector-cat5-5e-6-data-line-lightning-surge-protectors-poe-injectors

Javier
KC2QII

Steve N4LQ

Thanks....
Fiber would be nice but I'm only going about 6 feet and this looks looks so easy. Not only would it stop surges but RF. Too bad they cost so much. 

Steve N4LQ

This device just arrived and it does not work. I'm sending it back. 
No idea why. http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/HALO-Electronics/PTI-451G0002/?qs=H3a2uBbsjVU5xxTjWnW15Q%3D%3D