1:1 Balun for HF Dipole Antennas, Part 1 of 5

[@JarlSeamus]

Thanks for another fantastic video series. Love how the safety glasses are protecting the bench. LOL

[@nolllabsproductions4620]

Dave just finished the coil section of the balun and it is spot on on all ham bands except 6M and 160M (could be others) but the major ones 20M, 40M, 80M are all very close and about 50 ohms +\- thanks for the tutorial, I'll remember this one. I'll try it on the dipole tomorrow (1/8)

[@RESlusher]

Hey Dave! Great video as always! Get a couple pieces of aluminum angle (or angle iron), then cut a couple wide strips from an old mouse pad and epoxy/glue them to the angle material. Instant "soft jaws". I use them all the time when working on my firearms. Just lay them over the jaws of your vice for a steady hold that won't damage whatever is in the vice.

[@not2fast4u2c]

Another great project... I will be watching for the rest of this series

[@iblesbosuok]

Excellent video. Sorry I'm late more than seven years, sir.

[@johnquinzio8499]

Some technical notes: This is a 1:1 Ruthroff type voltage balun. It has a tertiary or 3rd winding which acts as a voltage divider. Built correctly, and using a 75 ohm resistor across the antenna terminals, it will test at 1.6 SWR/76/15-18 reactance (X). A few tips: Before you wind the wires onto the center core put one end in a vice and using a rag to protect your hand, grab the wire in your fist and pull the length of it with force until all the bends and kinks are out. It will wind much smoother. When winding the wire onto the coil, put one end in a vice and wind it as you pull tightly around the core. After winding each wire and feeding it into the corresponding hole, put it back into the vice and pull it tight onto the core. Finally, after all the wires have been pulled tight, pinch both ends of the coil so there is no space between the wires and put a small drop of super glue on the out side of the coil at opposite ends. I have built many of these after seeing Dave's video and they work well. Remember they don't suppress common mode current. K6JMQ

[@johnquinzio8499]

John Quinzio Clarification: SWR:1.6 / R: 76 ohms / X (reactance) 15-18. These are approximate values and most test very close. K6JMQ

[@la6yja]

@@johnquinzio8499 Do you know the approx. power handling on this balun? Tnx de LA6YJA...

[@daveN2MXX]

Awesome video! I was using compression F connectors and adapters for my RG6....I converted them to amphenol pl259s, with just the center conductor soldered....works great, and much more reliable connection compared to the F connectors!

[@cnccontroller]

Thanks Dave! I did the same balun. It works great! I am glad how works this balun!

[@lyleanderson6284]

For starting holes, I find that a brad point bit works real good to prevent "bit wander"...

[@colinskelding8959]

Hey hey- Great videos! Just one suggestion. Before lining up to drill the bolt holes for the coax connector, put it in the hole drilled THEN thread on the PL259 so the outer threaded barrel makes the entire unit centered in the PVC hole. Then mark and drill the bolt holes. 73, w0dbb

[@robertbobbitt8448]

Very nice But one thing When doing the so239 First make the hole connector size Then after marking and drilling screw holes finish main hole through assuring center Just a thought

[@danaborgman8526]

Hi Dave, I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. I had an idea when you were drilling the first screw hole for the SO-239. Why not put the PL-259 barrel on first, and insert the connector in backwards. Then it won't spin when you drill that first hole. 73!

[@daveb5041]

Good thing while drilling you had your safety goggles on... the bench. Its like safety through capacitive coupling. Same principle as how current passes through a transformer without wires actually connecting.

[@fayebower4312]

Dave, how about a video showing how to make a 9:1 unusual. Thanks for all your guidance.

[@gr7396]

I’m having real trouble finding the flat 1 1/4” end caps? These are not a commonly stocked plumbing part in Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware. Amazon lists then for $5.99 and up for making patio furniture. So I’m stuck using the more common pvc domed ones you mentioned aren’t as desirable. I see this video was made 7 years ago so any source at that time may have changed. Sadly I’ve bought the 14g wire thinking the the pvc parts would be easy to find at a big home improvement/hardware store. I’d like to suggest that any videos made take into consideration the most common easy to find parts and show the two options. Not ever making a balun but wanting to try, this version and instructions seemed easy to try. I can use the domed end cap for the top ok, but not sure about the bottom? Having no choice to keep the cost down I’ll have to make a domed end cap work to hold the SO-239 connector? I planned on giving a few away to new hams. I do own a 3D printer so perhaps I can design snd print a insert that I can glue in that will allow a larger hole in the domed end cap but present a flat mounting surface fir the SO-239. If this happens I’ll post it to thingiverse as a way to use more common stocked pvc pipe parts.

[@vo1um1]

Dave ... can u explain to me what the difference is between a 1:1 balun .. and a 4:1 balun .. thanks.

[@rickclark2168]

Hi Dave. My compliments on your excellent "How to" videos. One question, how did you determine the number of windings for the 1:1 balun design. I can't seem to locate the info.

[@daveb5041]

I was watching your videos then paused one to search on google for making a balun; something totally unrelated to the video I was watching. 1st result was your video. What are the odds of that? baluns/unun are a mystery to me but I have my torroid and magnet wire so Im ready to build.

[@radiorob007]

Hello Dave, great nice videos Dave! a small note: Please stay make sure that you give the millimeter and meter sizes on your videos? Many many success with……… Greetings from the Netherlands/location Rotterdam. Rob.

[@siscok5lyt]

Try threading the hole. Mount without screws. And glue.

[@spacetrucker2196]

I would have went in with the step bit right away but would have been totally flamed for it in the comments.

[@generoll4027]

Any chance you might make a 5/8 wave vertical for one of the high bands? 10/15/20.

[@lagof2008]

Hello , I liked the work done in the balun , and would like to take a doubt with you . which size of radial , because I have trouble with physical space , and would cover if possible the range of 160 to 10 meters. the doubts are : size so that the antenna is multi band ; it covers such a range of range? tks

[@davidhefner5668]

Note that the barrel connector fits into the hole of the cap.

[@jojo80picardiehamradio12]

Hello very good

[@victorb22622]

It was clearly seen that you are making bigger hole.that wasn't needed.but u did it

[@florinberechet6375]

Hi Dave, I've already built this 1:1 balun following you video and it is working as it should. I would like to make a second one but I'm out of AWG14 magnet wire. Instead, I have some AWG18 magnet wire (1mm diameter). Is it OK to use AWG18? How about the number of turns, is it the same? I intend to use this balun for a QRP SSB transceiver (no more than 10W). Thanks, Florin - YO3IVT.

[@OtterLakeFlutes]

Thanks Dave: do you think I need different plans if I'm using 14 gauge thinly insulated copper wire (from Romex)? I'd think the only difference would be the spacing (since the insulation is a bit thicker than enamel). Do you really think that would throw it off? I enjoy obtaining free or highly discounted materials as much as I enjoy the craft :) -- often new or good as, just waiting for the taking at flead markets or even people who want it carted off :) This is a habit I'm enjoying even after having a bit more cash flow. I think it sates some deep hunter-gatherer instinct.Also aluminum tent poles abound, often reinforced with extruded ribs for strength & rigidity. With your help I learned about V's and my friend came over and asked me why I had my 10 meter inverted when it's very rigid. DUH... hehe, I flipped it and got higher :) .. pretty cool because the poles slide in and out of each other and remain set, being so easily adjustable repeatedly, PLUS I made it so when you yank out the extensions it's a resonant 2m :) either way light enough for a TV rotor. You never cease to grease my gears and get me in the shack with renewed vigor.

[@SherwoodR631]

Would you use this on on dipoles? or just the regular feedpoint connector.

[@billrutz9851]

Hi Dave, I am thinking this is a current Balun not a voltage Balun. Could you give us the formulas you used> Thanks for all the great videos you have done. Give a guy some ideas to work on. 73, Bill, KB1VGS

[@r7kbcr7kbc30]

nice work :) 73!

[@BM-ff1zo]

Thanks.

[@geirha75]

Will a dipole with a balun be better at reception as well?

[@gvvq-pi5ml]

Hi Dave.can i just ask you one question, a Diamond 4:1 balun, used with WD 330J HF folded dipole, have you any idea if you should get continuity across the SO 239 connector, or is it capacitivily coupled, or is it inductive coupled might be a BU 50 balun...from Fred in England g4vvq.

[@calvinlong1265]

Hello Dave: I need to make a 16:1 balun for a broad band terminated dipole (for 100 watts) and I have questions. I'd like to use a large toroid for the balun, but, I'm unsure what type of wire to use and how many 'turns' I should make. I have also been told that a choke balun using the coax cable two feet down from the antenna balun would be a good idea. How many turns should it be? Any information provided will be appreciated! Thanks and 73's!

[@Aurora64blue]

Hi Dave Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for making a really well thought out video. I still consider myself new to the hobby so any help I get is a good thing. Just curious, did you ever try to measure what type of SWR reading you will get if you place a 50 Ohm value on the antenna terminals. What SWR values do you think are acceptable for a bench test. Thanks again, 73's VA3 RWK

[@SherwoodR631]

Why choose an air core balun (choke) vs a ferrite core balun?

[@Troyster94806]

I built one and somebody called it a voltage balun and told me it was worthless. Is this in fact an air core CURRENT balun and what's all the confusion about?

[@qsoboy]

Hi Dave, it is a 1:1 current balun so it should work placed at a Vertical (multiband) feedpoint with a tuner, will it work? Thank you.

[@johnpappas9306]

great video , what is the diam. of the coil in mm ?????

[@bubunmazumder]

hello,excellent video..by the way,can you tell me in which software will I able to design & simulate a 4:1 Balun?

[@paulshuff2273]

Hi Dave for the balun having problems getting 14swg here in UK but tell me i can buy by length can you tell me how much you used to make the balun? many thanks paul

[@Michael-lo3ht]

I'm new to ham and want to build my own dipole wire antenna. Then I just realized this is HF. I need something for VHF since I'm doing 2m. is it much different?

[@maxelneser7168]

Hi Dave, what the max power this Balun can handle? Does it work with Yagi antennas? (BTW thank you for upload all your videos). 73 from HP2EK / Max

[@psicologosUpi]

hy i need make an antena for hd signal now in mexico we have hd signal but the problem is reception is poor can you help my

[@richardnovak6407]

Can I use bare copper wire. Thanks

[@fredblue3056]

Can you use this method and make and explain a 4 to 1 balun ?

[@RodrigoAGJ]

Dave , can I use instead 3/4 PVC an 3/4 aluminum core to install 3 body Coil ?

[@lespettit]

Dave puitting uo hex beam will it work on it

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

Can anyone tel me if this will handle legal limit power of 1.5 KW ??

[@willharry6791]

What is the power capability of this balun?

[@jwltankman9661]

Dave, Have you added the 1:1 Balun to your 40-80 meter trap dipole yet. If so how did the antenna look on your MFJ 259B? It added a little SWR to mine. Best I can get is 2:1 on both 40 and 80. I had 1.1 to 1 on 7.195 as my lowest SWR and 1.to 2 on 3.775 with just using your dipole center feed without the balun. Love your videos. Keep up the good work I know it takes a lot of your time to make the videos. James Lollar k5gkr

[@DaveTadlock]

I normally use an inverted V configuration without a balun, as the feed-point impedance is already near 50 ohms. You might put a 50 ohm resister on the end of your balun and check it with an SWR analyzer to make sure the balun is properly working. Thanks for watching and 73! :)

[@jwltankman9661]

Dave Tadlock I did put a 50 ohm dummy load on the output of the Balun and reading the MFJ259C the SWR is above 2.1:1 across the 3.500 to 7.300 MHz Spectrum. I guess there must be an imbalance between my windings. I will try another one and see if it turns out better. Thanks for the quick reply and I will keep you posted on my out come. 73's James

[@DaveTadlock]

JWL Tankman When wrapping the wires back across the coil, be sure to leave as much as a gap as possible. It will flatten out when you shove it into the PVC pipe.

[@johnquinzio8499]

Dave Tadlock Put a piece of 1/8 inch heat shrink tubing the length of the coil on both folded wires. This will prevent contact with the coil wires. K6JMQ

[@lespettit]

dave putting up hex beam will it work for me

[@ragnarzuzu]

Ok. Thanks. Need one for g5rv. No idea what this balun is for.

[@DaveTadlock]

This is just for a regular dipole antenna. Thanks for watching and 73! :)

[@WhateverYuotuber]

i subscribed your channel for two things : your smile dipoles :)

[@kayakbassfishing473]

Dave where are you?

[@deshatsu]

Dave, Love the project! how many feet or pounds of the 14awg wire do I need to order? Thanks

[@DaveTadlock]

A one pound spool of 14 gauge AWG magnet wire is about 80 feet long. Conservatively guessing, you'll need about 15 feet of wire. You can probably make about 5 baluns from one pound spool. 73

[@starlynsalas2478]

someone can tell me how it works?

[@ragnarzuzu]

Is this for a g5rv?

[@DaveTadlock]

This 1:1 air core balun is for mono-band and resonate multi-band HF dipole antennas. It is not meant to work with a G5RV antenna.

[@starlynsalas2478]

+Dave Tadlock hello i wanna know something i speak spanish and my father want to know how the antenna work but i dont understand very well can u explaing me what is that? how does it works?

[@yidwyland]

do you a web site with the part list? enjoying the video KK6SHL

[@colinskelding8959]

Sorry! Didn't watch far enough to see you're already using idea I suggested. Lol 73, w0dbb