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All about baluns with photos, projects and instructions, by IZ7ATH

MFJ manufacturer of ham radio antenna products, antenna tuners, antenna analyzers, morse code & CW, SWR wattmeters, antenna accessories , power supplies, audio filters, TVI filters, baluns, coax switches and more

The word balun means balanced-unbalanced: it's used to adapt a balanced device to an unbalanced one, read more basic thory on Ununs and Baluns

How to easily home-brew baluns even in strange formats 1/1 - 2/1 - 4/1 - 6/1 - 9/1 - 12/1 et 16/1 for bands from 1.8 to 30 (50) MHz in french

A 9 dB gain 70cm collinear antenna construction is detailed, utilizing eight half-wavelength sections of _RG58/U_ coaxial cable. The design incorporates specific calculations for velocity factor (0.66 for RG58/U) to determine precise element lengths, such as 223mm for a half-wavelength at 444 MHz. A quarter-wave radiating element of #16 solid wire, 169mm long, is added to the top, and a 160mm aluminum tube acts as a quarter-wave counterpoise at the feed point. RF choke baluns, constructed from three _FT50-43_ toroids, are positioned a half-wavelength from the feed point to mitigate common mode current. Assembly involves soldering the coax sections in series, followed by SWR testing during construction and final mounting within a ¾-inch PVC pipe. The article suggests using four half-wave elements for a shorter antenna, noting a potential slight increase in SWR, which can be mitigated with quarter-wave ground radials. The design principles and formulas are scalable for other VHF/UHF bands like 6m, 2m, or 1¼m, providing a versatile homebrew solution for enhanced gain.

Do these things do exactly what they say they do, or are they total hogwash? - Patrick lifts the lid on the MLB

Build a portable VHF yagi antenna for 2 meters. All you need is two rabbit ear antennas from Radio Shack, two CATV baluns, four feet of 3/4 CPVC pipe with one tee.

Antennas, Keyer, amplifier, transverter, baluns

Optimizing the impedance transformation and common-mode current suppression in antenna systems often involves selecting an appropriate balun. This project presents a **hybrid balun** design, combining characteristics of both voltage and current baluns to achieve superior performance, particularly when used with an antenna tuner. The design addresses issues like **common-mode current** on the feedline, which can distort the antenna's radiation pattern and introduce RFI in the shack. The construction details include winding techniques for the toroid core, component selection, and practical considerations for integration into an existing antenna system. Performance comparisons are drawn against conventional balun types, highlighting the hybrid balun's effectiveness across the HF bands. The resource provides insights into the current distribution and impedance matching properties, crucial for efficient power transfer and reduced SWR.

Show diagrams, winding methods and tables of some 1:1 and 4:1 baluns for 1.8 - 30 MHz suitable for use up to 200W (400W peak) on systems using 50 or 75 ohm coaxial cable input where SWR should not exceed 1.6:1.

Baluns what do they do, in a pdf file by W7EL

Your source for coax, connectors, wire, baluns, and other certified quality wireman products.

DIY Basic Electronic Theory, Basic Antenna Theory with Antennas built from common materials. What does SWR really mean. Baluns from transmission line.

Dispels myth about choke balun winding method

Receivers, Antenna Tuners and accessories, antenna analyzers, dummy loads, wattmeters, shortwave radio receivers, baluns, filters

Australian dealer, HF linear amplifiers, power supplies, baluns, HF UHF yagis and verticals including multiband HF verticals.

RFI Kit, ferrite cores, baluns, loop antennas, antenna tuners and various accessories

Selecting an appropriate antenna system for shortwave broadcasting involves evaluating various types based on performance, cost, and operational parameters. This resource details the critical specifications for broadcast antennas, including average and peak power ratings, directivity, takeoff angle (TOA), horizontal beamwidth, and gain, emphasizing that a 100-kW transmitter requires an antenna rated for 150 kW average and 400 kW peak. It clarifies that low TOA signals travel thousands of kilometers, while high TOA is for local coverage, and nearly all modern shortwave broadcast antennas are horizontally polarized. The article explores specific antenna types, such as Log-Periodic Antennas (LPAs), which offer wide frequency ranges (e.g., 2-30 MHz) and directional patterns with 11 dBi gain, costing from $20K to over $100K for multi-curtain versions. Dipole arrays, also known as curtain antennas, are prevalent in international broadcasting, featuring steerable beams (±15° and ±30°) and mode-switching capabilities to alter TOA, with high/low pairs costing over $1 million. Fan dipoles are noted for omnidirectional patterns, smaller size, and lower cost for low-power applications, while rhombics, though simple, require resistive termination and incur several dB of I2R losses. Balun considerations are crucial, as most communications baluns are not rated for the higher average and peak powers of AM broadcast transmitters. Modern shortwave antennas utilize durable materials like Alumoweld wire rope for radiators and support elements, avoiding copper, fiberglass, or materials prone to stretching or deterioration. Feeder systems for high-power stations often require tapered-line baluns to convert 50-ohm unbalanced power to 300-ohm balanced for connection to the antenna.

One common challenge in antenna systems is mitigating common-mode current on the feedline, which can distort radiation patterns and introduce RF in the shack. This project details a 1:1 balun design that ingeniously avoids traditional ferrite beads, often a costly component, by substituting them with steel wool. The steel wool, when integrated into the balun's construction, effectively attenuates unwanted RF on the outer braid of the coaxial cable, ensuring that the antenna radiates efficiently and as intended. The construction involves winding coaxial cable through a PVC former, with the steel wool strategically placed to provide the necessary common-mode impedance. This method offers a practical and economical alternative for hams looking to build effective baluns without the expense or availability issues associated with ferrite cores. The design principles focus on creating a balanced feed to the antenna, crucial for optimal performance of dipoles and other balanced radiators. Experimentation with such designs can lead to improved field results, particularly for those operating with limited budgets or seeking innovative solutions for their antenna systems. The simplicity of using readily available materials like steel wool makes this a compelling build for many radio amateurs.

French manufacturer (F5MSU) of antennas and accessories since 1999 : Yagi, Delta-loop, dipoles, T2FD, verticales, EFHW, baluns, ununs, etc.

Why a vertical antenna or longwire antenna might require a balun

A 40-meter reversible _Moxon rectangle_ antenna project details its construction and performance, featuring 51-foot long sides and 7.7-foot turned-in sections. The design incorporates a 16.5-foot boom, with elements spaced 1.1 feet apart, constructed from #14 covered wire. It utilizes two double-pole relays for switching between NE and SW directions, achieving F/B ratios up to 40 dB on CW and 30 dB on SSB, with distinct reflector stub settings for each mode. This antenna replaced a full-size 2-element Yagi, demonstrating comparable forward gain while offering superior F/B ratios and directional flexibility. _EZNEC_ modeling indicates only 0.2 dB less forward gain than the Yagi. The system uses no baluns, relying on half-wave feedlines and switched stubs for impedance matching. The antenna is tree-supported at 45 feet, with its effective radiation height modeled at 80 feet due to local terrain, enhancing its performance over a nearby lake.

K4TR Manufacture and sell simple dipoles, half square 2 wire phased vertical arrays, end fed zepp antennas, G5RV antennas. 1:1 baluns

Magnetic longwire baluns 1:9 combined with ground, a 1:2 and 1:1 balun connections by ON6MU

Baluns for HF application resource page

The Buddipole website showcases a range of portable amateur radio antenna systems, including the **Buddipole**, Mini-Buddipole, Buddistick PRO, and BuddiHEX, designed for rapid deployment and multi-band operation from 40 meters to 2 meters. Each product page details specifications, operational modes (dipole or vertical), and compatible accessories like tripods, masts, and baluns. The site also features portable DC power management systems such as the PowerMini 2 and PowerPlus, which include integrated battery chargers and solar controllers, catering to off-grid or field day setups. Instructional videos demonstrate antenna assembly, tuning, and deployment techniques for various configurations, including the VersaTee vertical and Mini-Buddipole. Customer testimonials and DXpedition highlights, such as operations from Montserrat (VP2M) and Dominica (J38), provide real-world examples of the equipment's performance in challenging environments. The company, established in 2001, emphasizes modularity, versatility, and efficiency in its product line, all manufactured in the USA. Shipping information, a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee, and contact details for their Heber City, Utah facility are clearly presented. The site serves as a direct sales portal, offering a comprehensive catalog of antennas, power solutions, and components for portable amateur radio enthusiasts.

Occasionally errors are made regarding core selection. This especially includes baluns, where on occasion some very strange ideas surface.

a neat 1:1 50 ohm balun for use on HF horizontal wire dipoles.

This Magnetic Longwire Balun (MLB) makes it possible to efficiently use a coaxial lead-in cable with all forms of longwires, T-forms or other types of wire antennas, without the need for an antenna tuner.

W1ZY's 40 Meter MOXON is the product of 9 months of experimentation. The final array is reversible and constructed from No. 12 insulated wire fed through two RF current baluns

One of the most popular Ham-lore rumors is a balun's performance can be tested or evaluated by grabbing the coax and watching for an SWR change. This is probably one of the worse test-rumors circulating

Notes on homebrewing antennas by Chris G4CYA, from gamma matching, to phasing antennas, splitters and combiners, baluns and measuring techniques.

Antenna manufacturer from Poland, produce dipole wire antennas, W3DZZ FD4 Windom and long wires, baluns, dealer for toroids and connectors managed by Leszek Mlynarczyk SP1BKS

Antenna tuners, components, filters and baluns manufacturer based in germany

Some antenna manufacturers place baluns at the incorrect location in LPDA arrays, or tell you to route the cable incorrectly. This can cause substantial RFI and all sorts of weird problems like RF into house wiring.

HF baluns by amidon.de with online shop

Circuit diagrams to homebrew different baluns by vk2awx

There is considerable confusion about the various types of baluns, this article try to make it clear.

Baluns for amateur and commercial radio.

Ferrite Toroids. Iron Powder Toroids. Ferrite Beads. Split Cores. Cable clamp-ons. Balun Cores. W2FMI Baluns and Ununs. Inductive components for EMI Suppression and RFI Suppresion, power supplies, HAM radio.

An impedance transformer (9:1) to feed a high impedance long wire (~450 ohm), down to a 50 ohm unbalanced coaxial input.

Balun Designs wind high quality baluns and ununs for Amateur Radio and commercial applications based on the researched and tested designs of Dr. Jerry Sevick, W2FMI.

The Coaxman by Clear Signal Products, Inc. features a complete Wireman line of coaxial cable and antenna wire. Antenna wire, baluns, coax connectors, insulators, ladder line, magnet wire, rope.

Circuit diagrams drake tr7, Schaltbilder Drake Tr7, antenna tuners, baluns, and home brew power supplies, dual tone ssb test generator, zweiton ssb test generator, zweiton testgenerator, dual tone test generator by DK4DDS

EA4EOZ home made baluns

About different baluns types. Samples and schematics for several ratios baluns in french

Baluns / Ununs design and acceptable power

Collection of different techniques to homebrew PVC yagi antennas, including elements assembling, baluns and chokes, radiator box tips and tricks by dk7zb

Some antenna manufacturers place baluns at the incorrect location in LPDA arrays. If we consider what the balun does we can see how the mistake occurs.

The document provides a comprehensive overview of baluns, which are devices used to connect balanced loads, like dipole antennas, to unbalanced inputs, such as coaxial cables. It covers various types of baluns, including voltage and current baluns, and their design, construction, and testing. The text discusses the importance of baluns in preventing RF currents on coax shields and their applications in Ham radio setups. It also includes practical advice on selecting and using baluns based on antenna impedance and power ratings, along with detailed performance evaluations and construction tips for different balun configurations.