Re: [Elecraft] BL2 Question Follow Up
Hi David Don't get the cart in front of the horse or sell the KAT1 short. You may not need a balun! Build your antenna first and see if the KAT1 has any problems on any of the bands. If so, try varying the length of the antenna or feed-line in small increments until you find a combination the KAT1 likes. I ended up with an antenna about 100ft long with about 30ft of twin-lead that tuned up on 40 thru 15 FB as one of the portable antennas used with my K1. Other combinations should work as well! If you are locked in on Antenna or feed line length and having problems the BL2 is there for your rescue! I use one to tame a Double Extended Zepp at the home QTH on a couple of bands the KAT100 needs help with. I haven't enclosed my BL2 but that doesn't sound like a bad idea. I normally use a battery with my K1 so everything is isolated from ground. Connecting a ground would upset feed line balance whether it was coax or twin-lead.(Lewallen, W7EL Ant Comp.#1 p.159) Good Luck and let us know what you end up with...Ted..aa5ck David Dietrich wrote: Howdy Everyone, I am seriously considering the purchase & construction of a BL2 switched balun so I can construct a lighter dipole antenna for field use than the dipole I have been using with my K1-4 (#2051). ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] BL2 Question
David, KC9EHQ wrote: "Construct a 20 and/or 40 meter 1/2 wave dipole and feed it using standard TV twin-lead as my feedline (found in any hardware/home improvement store)" Dave Don't know about the stores down there. However, Twin Lead is very hard to find, especially in the populated areas. TV receivers are heavy into coax usage for better of worse. Think about using mini coax and feed the antenna unbalanced. If you make a fan, dual band dipole, it will eliminate the AT and balun. A purest may want to install a few toroids at the center feed point to eliminate RF on the outer shield, but for QRP operation, I doubt that would be a problem. Don't wish to discourage you in buying a BL-2. They are a handy item to have but for this particular application it's not necessary, IMHO. Carry on Bill Harris ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] BL2 Question Follow Up
You might also compare your 44' doublet by itself and with a 25' extension on one side, if you have room. That makes it into an OCF, and the impedance swings will be less extreme than a center-fed 40m dipole, particularly on 20m. I had a 44' doublet up and found improved performance. The last 5 feet of mine point straight down. It is an easy change to do and undo. Leigh/WA5ZNU On Sun, 22 Oct 2006 6:43 am, David Dietrich wrote: Whoops! I should have added this when I was composing last night. I have the KAT1 tuner installed. At the present, my four band module is for 40, 30, 20, & 15. I plan on at least operating on 40 & 20 for sure, and possibly 15 if the SWR isn't too bad. Original message below for reference: Howdy Everyone, I am seriously considering the purchase & construction of a BL2 switched balun so I can construct a lighter dipole antenna for field use than the dipole I have been using with my K1-4 (#2051). I am planning on taking the K1 down to TX over Christmas and I don't want to take the heavier dipole I have with me like I did this past summer. It's rather bulky and takes up valuable suitcase space. Here is my plan: Construct a 20 and/or 40 meter 1/2 wave dipole and feed it using standard TV twin-lead as my feedline (found in any hardware/home improvement store), and some #18 wire (I have some on hand). Since the antenna would be balanced, I would attach the twin-lead to the balun and the balun to the back of my K1. I am thinking that this design would make for a good performing, lightweight antenna that will be easier to pack & set up. Questions: 1. Will the BL2 work well with TV twin-lead antenna I am going to build? There's no sense in buying it if it won't work with this antenna. 2. What kind of luck have those of you who have built it had with fitting it into some sort of plastic or metal enclosure? What works and what won't? 3. Will I need to do any sort of grounding with this? I'd really like responses from those who either (A) own one OR (B) do a lot of antenna homebrewing & experimentation. Many thanks, David KC9EHQ K1-4 #2051 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] BL2 Question
David ... The advice you are getting here is right on - the BL-2 should be a very useful tool in achieving the type of portable antenna you want. A popular length of dipole for working 40 thru 10 is 44 feet (22 ft per side). This can be installed either as a flattop or inverted V depending upon the available support facilities and fed with TV window line as you propose. I use this arrangement here with good results for my temporary antenna for field day, sweepstakes, etc. It makes a fairly compact portable antenna that is capable of good performance. Don is correct in pointing out that your success with loading will be dependent on the feedline length. I actually haven't measured my feedline length - just installed what would reach the shack from the back yard. With the switchable balun I can match all bands 40 thru 10 including WARC with the tuner in my K2. I believe the K1 tuner has less matching range, but I think you would still have a good shot at a match on all bands. For your portable operation I would suggest making up a couple of feedline extensions, perhaps 5 ft and 10 ft. Install PowerPole connectors on each end. If you have difficulty with a match on a given band, snap in an extension and try again. I've done this, but actually haven't needed to use them yet! Have fun! 73 ... Craig AC0DS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] BL2 Question
Hi David Yes, the BL2 will do a fine job for you. I use one here with my multiband 40m dipole. Being able to switch between 1:1 and 4:1 ratios is very handy. One band will load best with the 1:1 setting, while another band will load better with the 4:1 setting. Very useful tool. You won't regret it. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of David Dietrich Sent: Saturday, October 21, 2006 8:50 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] BL2 Question Howdy Everyone, I am seriously considering the purchase & construction of a BL2 switched balun so I can construct a lighter dipole antenna for field use than the dipole I have been using with my K1-4 (#2051). I am planning on taking the K1 down to TX over Christmas and I don't want to take the heavier dipole I have with me like I did this past summer. It's rather bulky and takes up valuable suitcase space. Here is my plan: Construct a 20 and/or 40 meter 1/2 wave dipole and feed it using standard TV twin-lead as my feedline (found in any hardware/home improvement store), and some #18 wire (I have some on hand). Since the antenna would be balanced, I would attach the twin-lead to the balun and the balun to the back of my K1. I am thinking that this design would make for a good performing, lightweight antenna that will be easier to pack & set up. Questions: 1. Will the BL2 work well with TV twin-lead antenna I am going to build? There's no sense in buying it if it won't work with this antenna. 2. What kind of luck have those of you who have built it had with fitting it into some sort of plastic or metal enclosure? What works and what won't? 3. Will I need to do any sort of grounding with this? I'd really like responses from those who either (A) own one OR (B) do a lot of antenna homebrewing & experimentation. Many thanks, David KC9EHQ K1-4 #2051 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] BL2 Question Follow Up
David, It will work if you can load it - and whether or not you can load it easily is highly dependent on the length of the feedline. The switchable balun will help you obtain a match. I would suggest a flattop antenna cut near resonance at 30 meters and a feedline length that is near a halfwavelength long at 30 meters (even though you may not plan operation on 30). The key is to avoid extremely high impedances at the feedpoint - if the sum of the feedline length and half the antenna length is near a multiple of a half wave on any band, the feedpoint impedance is likely to be high, similarly if that sum is near a multiple of a quarter wave, the feedpoint impedance will be near 50 ohms (but that is just a 'rule-of-thumb' starting point. If you can obtain the feedpoint impedance of your proposed dipole for all bands of interest, a bit of work with TLW (available from the ARRL website) can help you determine a length of feedline that should work for all bands. The KAT1 has a good matching range, and the switchable balun extends it. I would say if you can keep the impedance at the balun end between 20 ohms and 1200 ohms you should be successful, but you need to stay away from points that are highly reactive as well. After all the 'figuring' is done on paper, put it up and try it - it is quite wise to verify whether it works or not before you take off and try to use it at a portable location. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > Whoops! I should have added this when I was composing last > night. I have the KAT1 tuner > installed. At the present, my four band module is for 40, 30, > 20, & 15. I plan on at least > operating on 40 & 20 for sure, and possibly 15 if the SWR isn't > too bad. Original message below > for reference: > > Howdy Everyone, > > I am seriously considering the purchase & construction of a BL2 > switched balun so I can construct > a lighter dipole antenna for field use than the dipole I have > been using with my K1-4 (#2051). I > am planning on taking the K1 down to TX over Christmas and I > don't want to take the heavier dipole > I have with me like I did this past summer. It's rather bulky > and takes up valuable suitcase > space. > > Here is my plan: Construct a 20 and/or 40 meter 1/2 wave dipole > and feed it using standard TV > twin-lead as my feedline (found in any hardware/home improvement > store), and some #18 wire (I have > some on hand). Since the antenna would be balanced, I would > attach the twin-lead to the balun and > the balun to the back of my K1. I am thinking that this design > would make for a good performing, > lightweight antenna that will be easier to pack & set up. > > Questions: > 1. Will the BL2 work well with TV twin-lead antenna I am going > to build? There's no sense in > buying it if it won't work with this antenna. > > 2. What kind of luck have those of you who have built it had > with fitting it into some sort of > plastic or metal enclosure? What works and what won't? > > 3. Will I need to do any sort of grounding with this? > > I'd really like responses from those who either (A) own one OR > (B) do a lot of antenna homebrewing > & experimentation. > > Many thanks, > > David > KC9EHQ > K1-4 #2051 > ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] BL2 Question Follow Up
Whoops! I should have added this when I was composing last night. I have the KAT1 tuner installed. At the present, my four band module is for 40, 30, 20, & 15. I plan on at least operating on 40 & 20 for sure, and possibly 15 if the SWR isn't too bad. Original message below for reference: Howdy Everyone, I am seriously considering the purchase & construction of a BL2 switched balun so I can construct a lighter dipole antenna for field use than the dipole I have been using with my K1-4 (#2051). I am planning on taking the K1 down to TX over Christmas and I don't want to take the heavier dipole I have with me like I did this past summer. It's rather bulky and takes up valuable suitcase space. Here is my plan: Construct a 20 and/or 40 meter 1/2 wave dipole and feed it using standard TV twin-lead as my feedline (found in any hardware/home improvement store), and some #18 wire (I have some on hand). Since the antenna would be balanced, I would attach the twin-lead to the balun and the balun to the back of my K1. I am thinking that this design would make for a good performing, lightweight antenna that will be easier to pack & set up. Questions: 1. Will the BL2 work well with TV twin-lead antenna I am going to build? There's no sense in buying it if it won't work with this antenna. 2. What kind of luck have those of you who have built it had with fitting it into some sort of plastic or metal enclosure? What works and what won't? 3. Will I need to do any sort of grounding with this? I'd really like responses from those who either (A) own one OR (B) do a lot of antenna homebrewing & experimentation. Many thanks, David KC9EHQ K1-4 #2051 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] BL2 Question
Howdy Everyone, I am seriously considering the purchase & construction of a BL2 switched balun so I can construct a lighter dipole antenna for field use than the dipole I have been using with my K1-4 (#2051). I am planning on taking the K1 down to TX over Christmas and I don't want to take the heavier dipole I have with me like I did this past summer. It's rather bulky and takes up valuable suitcase space. Here is my plan: Construct a 20 and/or 40 meter 1/2 wave dipole and feed it using standard TV twin-lead as my feedline (found in any hardware/home improvement store), and some #18 wire (I have some on hand). Since the antenna would be balanced, I would attach the twin-lead to the balun and the balun to the back of my K1. I am thinking that this design would make for a good performing, lightweight antenna that will be easier to pack & set up. Questions: 1. Will the BL2 work well with TV twin-lead antenna I am going to build? There's no sense in buying it if it won't work with this antenna. 2. What kind of luck have those of you who have built it had with fitting it into some sort of plastic or metal enclosure? What works and what won't? 3. Will I need to do any sort of grounding with this? I'd really like responses from those who either (A) own one OR (B) do a lot of antenna homebrewing & experimentation. Many thanks, David KC9EHQ K1-4 #2051 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
