Ferrite Beads, Common Mode Chokes, RFI--Jim W6LG--Ham Radio Basics--A Look At Palomar-Engineers.com

[@ericcornell3243]

As a young guy, I'm very thankful for guys like you who have decades of knowledge being willing to share insight. Thanks! 73

[@andyschneider3431]

I’ve bought from Palomar. Their stuff WORKS!!! works very well. Common Mode Choke on my vertical, one at the antenna one behind the radio. Noise floor on 20m to nothing.

[@cpgoef6]

I ended up purchasing the IC-7300 kit from Palomar and it has cut my RF interference down by 90%!

[@MrScotchpie]

Great to see you back. Hope things are going well with the move. You inspired me to take my ham licence and next week will sit my UK foundation test, hope to get the Intermediate in August and Full licence next year. Thanks for introducing me to a new hobby and maybe we'll chew the fat one day on the air.

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

Awesome Jim! I been using Palomar products since a Novice in 79 and can not say a bad thing about them!!

[@loueckert4970]

Thanks Jim, great video. You have encouraged me to tackle a horrible RFI problem. Great insight, much appreciated. 73 de KT1R

[@lyfandeth]

Wow, comprehensive kits! Life just got simpler, thank you.

[@nvrumi]

Thanks Jim for posting an update. Like Stevenson, I'm hoping you're doing OK. I always enjoy your lessons and am hopeful you can continue doing them. 73 de AG7TX

[@boopymd]

Thanks Jim. All the best 73. Jim. K4JUO

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Jim, Very informative video. The Palomar website has much info on RFI choking. In the RF amp and HF Transceivers RFI kits they have selected the correct mix for each application. First time looking over the info they offer. Thanks for pointing out their website. 73 WB3BJU

[@kellyphillips4404]

Thanks Jim , this help me out a lot . Watching from Kentucky “ The Bluegrass State “

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Kelly! 73, Jim W6LG

[@sparty837]

I have been looking for this info, great timing on your video

[@DJChrisArgueta]

Sparty83 same here.

[@ham-radio]

Perfect. I hope it helps you. 73, Jim

[@chrisn9140]

excellent video!!! Thanks Jim... I hope you are doing well. I have a request - could you please do a video on rotators, how you install and set where its currently pointing to and how to align it with google earth etc? how to computer control?

[@ham-radio]

Yes, that sounds very good. We are packing up rotators now. I can get one or two and show how they work. Thanks for the idea. Health is still an issue with a new problem; severe osteoporosis and fractures in lots of places. Thanks again! 73, Jim

[@ham-radio]

Tonight we got an offer on the house. It looks good. So now the rush to find a place to live. I have been rolling around in my head that video. I have a very small yagi and a 5 foot tower that would hold it all. Thanks for the great idea. 73, Jim W6LG

[@chrisn9140]

@@ham-radio :( welcome to my radio room in wolf mountain will be changed to something new - hopefully something equally good. All the best.

[@ham-radio]

Ya, and I get pretty emotional about it all. The buyers are nice, local folks, with 5 kids and this is a good location for them. So, I am happy about that. Today we start the serious hunt. I need a three car garage and open space behind the house. I prefer ground to be level or downhill towards EU. Steep uphill to EU is a deal breaker. Thanks. I am doing a serious on buying and selling after COE. 73, Jim

[@douglassharafanowich8605]

@@ham-radio Osteoporosis runs in my wife's family. As a Chemist, she made the difficult decision to add the supplement commonly known as ICE CREAM to her diet to increase her calcium intake. :-)

[@stevenkaeser8583]

Just placed an order for my Icom. Great website. Thanks.👍

[@ham-radio]

With Palomar? 73, Jim

[@stevenkaeser8583]

Yes

[@ham-radio]

The guy that answered my emails was very nice and should be a good resource for all of us. 73, Jim

[@arconeagain]

I use the Fair-Rite brand, 43 material for my applications. A typical choke for the antennas I use consists of five 2.4" toroids with four passes of RG213, and space the three loops out. This is based on a very extensive bench test article I read.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks! 73, Jim

[@arconeagain]

This was for 27mhz by the way, it's obviously frequency specific, fine for 10m though. 31 material is fine too.

[@48th34CountFelon]

Welcome Back! Great helpful video!

[@worksmartpaul]

Thanks for that valuable information Jim!

[@ham-radio]

Thanks. That makes it worth the work. That video took a lot of time to prepare and produce. It was well worth it if it helps you and some others. 73, Jim

[@Palmettohorn-fm9jl]

@@ham-radio Yes, great video (as they all are), Jim. Just upgraded my equipment and needed help w/RF issues. Friend recommended some beads on Amazon for under $10. Would rather spend more and it work, than to make a donation to Brand X. Lol. 73.

[@ham-radio]

Hi and thanks for watching. For your first time making a common mode choke or unun or balun, I would recommend a discussion with Palomar. I met them, him, once years ago at a show. We had adjacent booths; nice guy. Generally for my uses I buy more than I need at the time. If the recommendation is for 6 beads, I will add at least 8. I try to keep many in a box at the parts drawer. I know I am going to need them. As far as quality goes, there is some crap for sale. Some beads look pretty and do nothing. I hope that helps you. Thanks, Jim

[@g0fvt]

Hi Jim, firstly I wish you well with your health, your videos are informative and balanced and I find myself in agreement with everything you say. (A shame as I like to argue). I would recommend a look at the website of the late G3TXQ, he used a VNA to measure common mode impedance of various common mode chokes. My own measurements are in the same ballpark as his. A word to the wise, if you use them either side of a linear amplifier you also need to choke the PTT and ALC lines etc. Not sure I would use them on the input side of the amplifier though.... 73 (sorry I just spotted the chokes on the various leads on the Palomar example)

[@petercarty6379]

cheers Jim very cool info

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Pete. 73, Jim

[@garysharp293]

Great video. Very informative. Many thanks!!

[@aogbert]

Thanks, Jim. I was just looking at Palomar this week. I need to do some lightning protection before the monsoon hits, but RFI should be next. Hope .You are doing well, you septuagenarian😁👍. Be well.

[@ham-radio]

Really funny word. Can you imagine that word being in one of those nationwide spelling bees? Septu...what? Thanks Bob. I am still laughing. 73, Jim

[@donaldshields2483]

Thank you Jim for all the information and I know you’re very knowledgeable I have some RF I’m trying to get rid of all at once it came on I have a solid-state amplifier only running about six or 700 watch and at the present time I can’t use it so thank you for the information k1emw

[@dudeski934]

Very good video I'm happy I found it

[@rallypoint1]

I am using a Mix 31 snap on 1” bead with 8 turns for 11m. Would adding more beads help or more turns? Also have a cube RF filter at the radio. All from Palomar. Thank you and love your vids!!

[@ham-radio]

That sounds like plenty of choke. Please go for a ham license. It is easy and a lot more fun. Do not carry over what happens on 11 to meters to the ham bands. Go for the Extra Class license and with that, you will learn a great deal more about electronics AFTER you get the license and get on the air. Thanks, Jim

[@rallypoint1]

Jim W6LG Thank you for getting back to me so fast! Ya it’s about 17k ohms of choke. Funny you mention HAM..I have been studying for my tech but Covid put a stop to testing in my area of So California. I agree 11m has a number of characters. I have made contact with some nice gents. Really good conversations with them. I initially got the radio for off roading. A few contacts later...I am hooked! Thank you agian! 917 Runner So California

[@ham-radio]

Where are you in So Cal? 73, Jim

[@rallypoint1]

Jim W6LG San Gabriel Valley...Pasadena area.

[@xjohn1970]

I use Mix 31 on everything. at lest 5 on end of coax to get over the 2000ohm mark. they work amazing.

[@ham-radio]

Good to know! I was using 8 if they are split beads. 73, Jim

[@EricColeUK]

Great info Jim thanks. I just had an MFJ Line Isolator fail on me. SWR going crazy when TX over 25 watts. Anyway.... at least I found the problem. Good recommendation on that site Jim much appreciated. Hope to hear you on air. 73 G4VZZ

[@ham-radio]

Glad to help Eric, 73 from CA where it is hotter than ....

[@pamlohman3312]

Hi Jim. Thanks for a wonderfully informative channel. I use your concept of everything bonded/grounded to the panel. I also use LMR-400 for EVERYTHING in my shack, including jumpers. I have zero RFI, yet use no ferrite beads. Could this be because of the "double-shielding" in the LMR-400, or just luck? Chip, NN4U

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Palomar's prices are actually less than on Amazon in some cases. 2.4" Toroid Mix 43 at ~9$ each vs $11 each, and Palomar gives discounts on 10 or more - and I'm sure I'll be using at least 10 in short order.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks again! 73, Jim

[@danedickey6942]

Excellent info ! Thanks Jim.

[@moglitoashoe9265]

gm jim i bought a snapon clam ferrite bead from amazon bec i am in a real hurry to build a commonmode I choke.....the package says 31500 and claims to be a type 31of course as usual they are made in china, how do i test to very that this are type 31 clamp on beads ? i have an mfj 259D on hand ??? how do i do this test and what values of inductive reactances are i going to look out for ? tnx de n6mmq 73s i did some tests but im not sure how to interpret the readings i had as far as impedance and inductance are conserned. also i did not terminate the ends of the PL259 RF connectors i just left them "open" will it help if i put a 50 ohm carbon resistor as a Load ??? the freqs i used were 2.0 mhz and 3.5 mhz and i read results saying R( Z > 650) ohms or Z at this two bands. i wish i had those Lab gear and test equipment we had back in college... how reliable are beads sold on amazon ?????

[@ham-radio]

Hi, I don't have a good answer. Since I read your email, I have been thinking about using the NanoVNA. What if, if, you put some beads on coax and see if there is a change. What if you put ferrite beads on the coax and ran some power. If the beads heated, then they are reacting. I am still thinking about how to do this. 73, Jim

[@ianharling9569]

Hi Jim..I'm getting some RF feedback on my tx audio with my Icom IC-7100 when I'm operating HF mobile in my car.This only happens when the microphone is plugged into the head unit and there is a long connecting cable between the rig and the head unit so I'm guessing the cable is picking up the RF and causing distortion on my tx audio.If I plug the microphone directly into the rig bypassing the head unit connection then the problem goes away.Hopefully Palomar can help! .73 Ian G7HFS .

[@ham-radio]

I mentioned exactly that in the videos. Find a good quality cable and make an extension that is well shielded and has appropriate parts to limit RF on the mic cable. 73, Jim W6LG

[@ianharling9569]

@@ham-radio Many thanks.☺

[@waynegram8907]

JIM W6LG, what are the differences between ferrite beads compared to Common mode chokes? because they both can be SNAP ON to coax cables but I don't know what are the differences between the two.

[@richarde735]

Great video Jim! I just finished building a 9:1 transformer balun and a 1:1 current / choke balun. The 1:1 balun is 2 conductor, 14 gauge thhn and wound with 12 left and 12 right windings. I have a bunch of the snap on beads that will fit my RG213. Would the addition of these beads be advantageous or would that be overkill? thanks for your time!

[@JohnVK5JAK]

I know this is an old-ish video, but a quick question, if I may. If you get a certain RFI reduction by winding your coax through a type 31 toroid 5 times, do you get the same result using 5 type 31 ferrite beads on the coax? Is each single bead the equivalent of a single pass through the toroid and, therefore, 5 beads are the same as 5 wraps through a single toroid

[@ham-radio]

Just a guess at 0400 local, I think the latter might be actually better. I had to read what you wrote a few times to get the idea. I was thinking core saturation and distance to the core. We're not likely to get response from someone on this question. You may want to find a forum somewhere that deals with ferrite. Sorry that I don't know the answer. 73, Jim W6LG

[@JohnVK5JAK]

@@ham-radio the latter also looks a lot neater.

[@thormusique]

Great video, Jim, thanks! I think I've seen all (or almost all) of your videos on grounding, eathing, and bonding. What I'm wondering is how you specficially deal with lightning. Do you use a lightning arrestor for coax? Or do you simply just disconnect and unplug your rig in the shack. The more I've poindered this question, the more the latter seems to me to be the better solution, as lightning has been known to propagate in unpredictable ways. Anyway, I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts on this. Cheers!

[@williambarrett70]

Thanks for the video, Jim. 73.WW5MB

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Paul. Regards, Jim

[@marybilbrey3442]

Hi Jim, have a question concerning grounding for your ham radio room. If one wanted to isolate equipment, from the standard home grounding and use ground rods, or ground ring connected to a main bus-bar, would you have to use a insolation transformer for all your electrical power requirements? And thank you for your informative videos.

[@ham-radio]

I can't recommend and I don't agree with what you propose. If there is a fault, it needs to lead back to the main panel. I would not circumvent the National Electric Code. Those guys are pretty smart at protecting us. Thanks for the question Mary. Stick with the what your Building Department and Code Enforcement tell you to do. 73, Jim W6LG

[@marybilbrey3442]

Thank you Jim, still learning. Will go with your recommendation, Mary.

[@beekeeper8474]

Just got an amp and half way done getting it back on the air. Wondering in I'm going to need to add something like this?

[@ham-radio]

Not likely. If the amp is the tube type, follow my instructions in another video about how to tune it up correctly. Welcome back & 73 Jim

[@JEFF-Elliott]

Hi Jim thanks ever so much for your video, very useful. You say to check the ferrites you need because they have different frequencies but they’re quite wide band so how do you decide what you need. Generally mix 31 or mix 43 or mix 50 something as you go higher in the frequency is that not correct is there some kind of table for this or guide? M0uhf

[@ham-radio]

Don't stress a lot about the mix. They are generally wider than you might think. Sometimes I have stacked a mix that was not quite right but I used a bunch to get to the necessary lump impedance. I think Palomar has a guide on their website. 73, Jim

[@tantrispicks2440]

Hugely helpful! Thank you!

[@i82996]

Hey Jim, I am about to begin construction on the attached "shack" on the house, which will take a 20 amp and a 15 am power supply through NM-B cables (12 and 14 gauge, respectively). What about clamping one or more snap on beads onto each supply cable from the breaker box during the rough in? Any thoughts? Albert KRO4OLM (waiting on the new vanity call).

[@richarde735]

Jim, in this video you show 7 coils of lmr-400 through 3 ferrite 2 inch round core of a certain type. I assume they are all the same type but what if I used three type 31’s and then three more type 43’ or 61’s at another point on that loop of coax, would I get the best advantage from both types being usedtypes?

[@clems6989]

interesting question. and in theory, yes that would work. IDK why you would need to do this though.

[@bruehlt]

Also look at Mouser.com, for fair-rite brand ferrite, which is also an excellent alternative.

[@ham-radio]

True. When I checked Amazon, it was iffy at best.You might want to check Fry's. They often have the lowest price. Thanks. 73, Jim

[@tomramberg5625]

Very helpul, as always. Thanks, Jim. De Tom JW6VDA

[@wayneurban2748]

I’m having LED headlight interference on my radio will these correct the problem it’s a 12 V system automobile

[@ham-radio]

I doubt that it would help. 73, Jim

[@dovpauzner5093]

Thanks!

[@boopymd]

Jim I am rooting for you. If you get back on 20, I would like a sked. Jim K4JUO

[@fearnofishnick]

My television put noise on my hf rigs would using these help? If so would I want to put them on the TV power cord or at the radio? 73 KE7LWL

[@1fanger888]

Very helpful, thanks Jim. Be well, KC3BXZ Joe.

[@jamesking4308]

Interesting. Thanks! :)

[@kolbo24]

Hi Jim: Thanks for the very informative video. I am going to give this a try for RFI Problem I am having with a SM power supply that is very noisy on AM radio at around 590kcs. Hope this works but bear in mind this is a “reduction” kit how much time will tell. I feel like I am trying to put lipstick on a pig. I should have bought a Astron supply, but look at all the money I am saving! 73s ka7smu Don.

[@LB7VI]

Great movie Tnx 73s LB7VI

[@ronbjork3479]

Very good information Wy7rb

[@WRCX212]

What do I do when the isolator makes my swr go up?

[@clems6989]

your antenna is using the coax shield as a counterpoise. When you install the choke you basicall have no counterpoise so the antenna no longer works correctly.. if this is an end fed antenna try moving the choke further away from the antenna feedpoint..

[@cmvb69]

Can you use ferrite beads on antennas ?

[@ham-radio]

Yes and you should use the correct bead for the frequency and desired affect. 73, Jim W6LG

[@ahbushnell1]

go to digikey. There are data sheets

[@yeovil07]

I receive a lot of QRM on basic CB set up, would putting ferrite on my coax stop this

[@ham-radio]

No. QRM is interference from other stations. Ferrite beads would have zero affect on that. 73, Jim

[@JayN4GO]

How’s the move going

[@alanbrown4766]

Al, W1VTP: Great vid... I have used a lot of those snapons in my shack. I use a SDR xcvr and the xcvr/computer are very sensitive to RF in the shack. So far, so good.

[@jimguelde4068]

I may phone Palomar, describe my system and ask for recommendations... beyond that, it’s just too time consuming for a hobby. Kinda like asking the guy what time it is and he proceeds to tell you how to build an atomic clock.

[@ham-radio]

Jim, amateur radio is not just a hobby. It is a licensed radio service granted by the Federal Government. Investing time to learn is time well spent and makes things more enjoyable. Honestly, I think your metaphor is way beyond what is being asked of you. Knowing how things work and how to fix them is good. I have spent many hours learning about photography. I have found that the more I know, the better I like the challenge. I recommend that you reconsider. Thanks for the reply. There are others who would agree with you. After 55 years, I have a very different opinion. Thanks & 73, Jim W6Lg

[@jimguelde4068]

Hello Jim and thanks for the comments. There is no doubt that you have much more personal, professional and financial investment in Amateur Radio than I do. Your knowledge far exceeds mine. When I decided to become involved in HAM radio, my goal was to obtain the equipment and knowledge to communicate in a responsible and legal fashion under emergency conditions. So I studied and obtained my General license. I do not "contest" or spend a lot of time on the air, but I have achieved my goal of having the means to communicate when the inevitable emergency arises. I have radio equipment for the same reason that I maintain a pantry with a 3-year food supply, keep 200 gallons of fuel in my bulk tanks and am proficient with firearms. Yes... I am one of "those" people. I am just as serious about preparing for the future as you are in holding up your high standards of Amateur radio. We are really not that much different. I enjoy your videos and have learned a great deal from you and other experienced Amateur operators. Live Long and Prosper!

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Jim. I like all of what you said. We need more guys like you. It could be a big fire, an earthquake, or worse...likely the latter. Most families are not prepared. Many can't be ready. Reminds me of an episode of Twilight Zone. We got an offer on the house last night. So now we seriously look for the new QTH. Thanks for your kind and thoughtful words. Regards from your friend, Jim W6LG

[@roykilo9642]

great more money to dump into the Hobby.... great info

[@ham-radio]

There is stick-shock on the beads. I bought a large quantity and got a really low price a few years ago. Those things are worth their weight in gold. 73, Jim W6LG

[@aogbert]

Oops. Was also looking at Fair-Rite.

[@bankerlies6121]

The earth is not a globe jim.

[@ham-radio]

It's not? What is it? 73, Jim

[@esearrow]

Palomar-Engineers: Company with zero support to customers, they never answer emails and cancel orders at their unilaterllal decision without talking nor contacting the customer. Of course, If you place right after another order, you can notice their "free shipping code" is not working anymore for you. Embarrasing. Advice: read on eHam about them before thinking spending money there.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks for the advice. I will go look. Did you need help with one of their products? I will send a copy of your comments to them today. Thanks, Jim W6LG

[@ham-radio]

With respect to the Free Shipping, what is your shipping address zip code? Thanks, Jim

[@esearrow]

@@ham-radio Thanks Jim, talk them about SAVE-MORE coupon... Will be interesting what the say.

[@esearrow]

@@ham-radio I'm International customer... and received their "reminder e-mail" to finish the transaction. I uploaded a capture here: m.imgur.com/a/EH73Uaf. Finally, I ended up buying from "mouser"; fair-rite quality ones, cheaper and 3 days delivery (17 days less).

[@ham-radio]

Please, before I do that, what is your zip code for the free shipping that got changed to not so free? Thanks, Jim