Depends on your random wire and what band(s) you want to use. For some bands the 9:1 "balun" (not used as a true balun in this case, since both the coax and the random wire are unbalanced by nature) will step the feedpoint impedance down to something that's a better match for the 50 ohm coax, limiting coax losses. It can also allow your ATU to tune up on frequencies otherwise outside its range. Use the "balun" with a counterpoise or earth.
In some cases the 4:1 or 1:1 balun may be a better choice, or even connecting the wire directly to the coax center conductor (and counterpoise to the shield). All depends on QRG and wire length. If the ATU can tune it up, you're good to go, if not, change one or more parameters until it can (wire length, balun ratio, counterpoise length and orientation). For more information read Dale WB6BYU's answer here: http://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php?topic=33274.0;wap2 73, Thomas OZ5TN On 31 January 2017 at 07:59, gliderboy1955 via Elecraft < elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote: > What are the advantages/disadvantages of using a 9:1 balun v. using the > switchable Elecraft balun at 1:1 or 4:1 or no balun at all when using a > random wire portable? > Why 9:1? > Thanks > 73 Eric WD6DBM > > > Sent on my Samsung Galaxy S® 6. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to tho...@horsten.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
