Dear Henry Spencer:

"Henry Spencer" wrote in message
...
In article 1sOxc.24554$1c4.754@fed1read06,
N:dlzc D:aol T:com \(dlzc\) N: dlzc1 D:cox wrote:
Lightning strikes near the "cable", will induce sympathetic current in
the
cable. The heating can delaminate your cable, delamination in an area
that
is in full atmosphere.

The length of cable within the atmosphere -- especially within the region
where lightning is an issue -- is such a small fraction of the total
cable
length that all kinds of special precautions can be taken there without
increasing cable mass significantly.

Sprites have been seen to 60 miles in altitude, and that is without a
"lightning rod". Other than not having any one carbon fiber contacting any
other, there isn't much you *can* do. Then there goes your strength.

David A. Smith