--- Dave <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I understand the basics of using a balun, but have a > question about the > specifics. Using a dipole, what would be the > difference between using a > 4:1 balun compared to a 6:1 balun? Which would I > choose, and why would > I choose it? Planning on feeding the dipole direct > from the tuner in my > IC-746 (non-Pro), if that makes a difference. > > Thanks! > Dave > KB3MOW > > Not to be too smart about it, but I don't think you have any understanding at all about a balun.
Normally a dipole is around 70 ohms impedance. It may be somewhat lower or higher depending on the height above ground so a 50 ohm coax will usually make a good match to it near the resonate frequency. Most of the time a balun on a dipole is just a waste of material. If you put a 4:1 balun at the center of a dipole you get about a 4 to 1 mismatch and the 6:1 balun will be even worse. I doube that your internal tuner would even tune if the 4:1 or especially the 6:1 balun is used. Most internal tuners will not match much over a 3:1 swr and the 4:1 will probably cuse that much. A 1:1 balun can be used with a dipole to help reduce radiation from the feedline if needed or wanted. The 4:1 or 6:1 baluns are used with antennas that do not come close to 50 to 70 ohms. This could be an off center fed antenna where the impedance is around 300 ohms. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
