does a 2m 4 element quad need to have a balun

[mr_fx]

does a 2m 4 element quad need to have a balun ???

I have read that is does but I was not sure why it does

 

[wavrider]

wrap an ugly balun at the feed point.

 

[hookedon6]

wrap an ugly balun at the feed point.

an ugly "balun" doesn't balance (transform) anything

just feed it direct with 50 ohm coax http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7pwoRKZQXSEA_5EPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTBzYXZjNTVzBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMjYEY29sbwNhYzIEdnRpZAM-/SIG=11fsg1o22/EXP=1353102504/**http%3a//www.cubex.com/2m.htm

 

[RatsoW8]

an ugly "balun" doesn't balance (transform) anything

just feed it direct with 50 ohm coax CUBEX 2M Models

Agree. I've built dozens of 2m/440 yagis and quads over the years and never used a balun. That's what makes them fun and easy to build. They're not complicated.

 

[W5LZ]

All a balun will do with any directional (beam) antenna is make the radiation pattern more symmetrical. That's aside from any impedance transformation. Without a balun the radiation pattern is 'slewed' a little. Not really noticeable in most cases since it won't be much of a 'slew', and 'slewing' is going to happen to some extent due to the antenna's environment (what's around it) anyway. If it eases your mind to use one then do so. If not, then don't worry about it.
- 'Doc

 

[mr_fx]

thanks guys, I am about 75% complete.

best part is one of my CB buddies came over and he was like, "Damn son!!! You gonna be droppin' the maul on them 2meter fools, huh?" I was like, "ummm... uhhhh... yeah that's it."

 

[Beetle]

It sort of depends on what the feedpoint impedance of the antenna is. A balun might be able to help if the impedance is significantly different from the transmission line's characteristic impedance.

You might have better luck transforming Zcoax to Zantenna with matching stubs. Grab a copy of "Cubical Quad Antennas", or most any ARRL antenna book.