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Beginner ham antenna questions
- Thread starter bhayles
- Start date
Do not make it confusing
KISS method Keep It Simple.
Dipole is a balanced antenna, coax is an unbalanced transmission line.
Thus the need for a BALUN BAL ( balanced, your antenna ) UN (unbalanced coax).
UGLY BALUN or RF CHOKE does not do anything from a current distribution aspect, the ugly balun or RF choke just in theory chokes or prevents the RF from the shield of the coax thus eliminating the coax from radiating IE CMC common mode current.
A good 1:1 current balun provides a center point for your dipole legs, an easy connection for coax to transition to the antenna and a stable point to suspend the antenna.
If you decide on 160 meters you will need an specific current balun for 160 meters, if not most current baluns are good for 3 to 30 mhz frequency coverage.
Many knowledgeable members have posted on this thread, their advice is good and sound.
Build your antenna however you like and see how it works for you, try the rf choke, then try the current balun, be prepared to re-tune the antenna every time you change from the rf choke to the current balun.
Or just get a good 1:1 current balun, and build it, install it, and call it done.
KISS method Keep It Simple.
Dipole is a balanced antenna, coax is an unbalanced transmission line.
Thus the need for a BALUN BAL ( balanced, your antenna ) UN (unbalanced coax).
UGLY BALUN or RF CHOKE does not do anything from a current distribution aspect, the ugly balun or RF choke just in theory chokes or prevents the RF from the shield of the coax thus eliminating the coax from radiating IE CMC common mode current.
A good 1:1 current balun provides a center point for your dipole legs, an easy connection for coax to transition to the antenna and a stable point to suspend the antenna.
If you decide on 160 meters you will need an specific current balun for 160 meters, if not most current baluns are good for 3 to 30 mhz frequency coverage.
Many knowledgeable members have posted on this thread, their advice is good and sound.
Build your antenna however you like and see how it works for you, try the rf choke, then try the current balun, be prepared to re-tune the antenna every time you change from the rf choke to the current balun.
Or just get a good 1:1 current balun, and build it, install it, and call it done.
http://www.g4nvh.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/choosingthecorrectbalun.pdf
Very good info at this site for different types of baluns and their uses for different type of wire antennas.
Very good info at this site for different types of baluns and their uses for different type of wire antennas.
BJ radionut
Supporting Member and 6m addict
DX Engineering - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99
Here's another antenna goodie site...I have used many items they make and stock
DX Engineering Multi-Band Dipole Antennas DXE-WA-135 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at DX Engineering
This little combo assortment is one heck of starter pack. I am running (2) of these fed 180 degrees out of phase at about 40-45 ft.
Again see W8JK wire antenna...
This combo pack they sell, I think is a good buy all around....price items separably at other sites...easily twice the cost...ALL high quality parts!
Good foundation for many antennas.
All the Best
Gary
Here's another antenna goodie site...I have used many items they make and stock
DX Engineering Multi-Band Dipole Antennas DXE-WA-135 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at DX Engineering
This little combo assortment is one heck of starter pack. I am running (2) of these fed 180 degrees out of phase at about 40-45 ft.
Again see W8JK wire antenna...
This combo pack they sell, I think is a good buy all around....price items separably at other sites...easily twice the cost...ALL high quality parts!
Good foundation for many antennas.
All the Best
Gary
One thing about the DX stuff is that their instructions are very well laid out.DX Engineering - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99
Here's another antenna goodie site...I have used many items they make and stock
DX Engineering Multi-Band Dipole Antennas DXE-WA-135 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at DX Engineering
This little combo assortment is one heck of starter pack. I am running (2) of these fed 180 degrees out of phase at about 40-45 ft.
Again see W8JK wire antenna...
This combo pack they sell, I think is a good buy all around....price items separably at other sites...easily twice the cost...ALL high quality parts!
Good foundation for many antennas.
All the Best
Gary
BJ radionut
Supporting Member and 6m addict
Agree!
Those "T" bar dipole insulators are the best I have ever used.
Couple years up in the air and show zero weathering.
All the Best
Gary
OK...radio, power supply, antenna, balun decided on. Next step...COAX. There are so many kinds (though I think for a Ham rig the only two are RG8 and RG 58, right?) and so many "types" and manufacturers I am lost.
I still have the tight budget limitations (and will have unless I win the lottery...unlikely as I don't play) and need to be frugal (NOT cheal...there is a difference).
Distance from feed line connection at the antenna to the radio is still a bit uncertain, but I'm sure it will be over 100 ft, probably in the 150 ft range as a good guesstimate.
Info on type, brand, and economy minded supplier would be appreciated.
As for the licensing front...tonight's the night. Y'all's support has been great. I'm feeling good about the Technician test but have serious doubts about the General.
Oh well...there's always next month.
I still have the tight budget limitations (and will have unless I win the lottery...unlikely as I don't play) and need to be frugal (NOT cheal...there is a difference).
Distance from feed line connection at the antenna to the radio is still a bit uncertain, but I'm sure it will be over 100 ft, probably in the 150 ft range as a good guesstimate.
Info on type, brand, and economy minded supplier would be appreciated.
As for the licensing front...tonight's the night. Y'all's support has been great. I'm feeling good about the Technician test but have serious doubts about the General.
Oh well...there's always next month.
For that long of a run, you might consider 450 ohm ladder line as your feedline. Very low loss, and the price is reasonable. Otherwise, some of the thick unwieldy stuff should suffice... LMR 400 or better. HF is pretty forgiving compared to VHF/UHF.
http://www.timesmicrowave.com/documents/resources/22-25.pdf
Don't sweat it if you don't get General... concentrate on getting Tech first. As you said, there's always next month. Ya never know though, you might get a friendly pool that you know the answers to. Good luck!
73,
Brett
73,
Brett
There is a pool with questions along the lines of, "Do modern trancievers run on DC electricity, water, steam, or hamster wheel power?"
RF Connection Coaxial Cable
9092 Plus
I have good luck with this form of rg8x. They make it to length for you. You can use it now, and upgrade later. Then you use it for jumpers in the shack and mobile installs.
Rich
9092 Plus
I have good luck with this form of rg8x. They make it to length for you. You can use it now, and upgrade later. Then you use it for jumpers in the shack and mobile installs.
Rich
JETSTREAM 2015F-150A , JETSTREAM 2015F150A R&L Electronics
This is what I am currently using on my HF tribander and 6 meter
Rich
This is what I am currently using on my HF tribander and 6 meter
Rich
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