The "one glove method" kind of reminds me of that singer guy but I guess the "bling" kept wearing the enamel from the wire, eh? I really enjoy your videos, they are very educational for this old ham.
They both work. The frequency response might be a little different. With the 8 turn model a larger wire size can be used for higher power. I tried both to see what the difference was. The wiring method causes the ratio to come out the same. 73, N7JFP
The purpose of a 1:1 Balun is to reduce the travel of RF back to transmitter caused by a impedance mismatch at the antenna. The 1:1 Balun would normally be placed very near the antenna. If you are not transmitting there is no need for a 1:1. Look up "Preselector"and how it improves reception in receivers. 73, N7JFP
Hi Lawrence, nice video. Others HAMs winding the "coils" in opposite direction, one clockwise and the other counter clockwise, then the terminals ends in the same "side ".Thanks for share.73, LU8HRW
The purpose of a Balun is to try and match the radio impedance to the antenna impedance. A long wire antenna has a high impedance, so a 1:9 balun would help in matching. Ham radios are made with a 50 ohm output. So a 1:9 is 50 ohm to 450 ohm. An antenna tuner would also help. good luck, 73 N7JFP
The purpose of a balun is NOT to match impedance. The primary purpose is to attenuate common mode currents. What you made is a transformer, not a balun. Dale W4OP
I am very sorry, but what you have made is a 4 to 1 balun (4:1) for a 200 ohms antenna. That's why you are using a 200 ohms resistor for your testing... A 1 to 4 balun (1:4) is a step up transformer used for a COBWEB antenna which has a 12.5 ohms impedance when complete. The 1:4 balun brings the matching circuit (antenna) from 12.5 ohms to 50 ohms.
Also for a much better result a FT240-43 toroid ferrite core is recommended for any type of balun for HF (all HF bands). 73's de M1ENE
@josh2utube The SWR/frequency response curve can be varied by changing several components. Wire size, wire spacing, and toroid type are a few. I recommend "Transmission Line Transformers Handbook" from Amidon Associates, inc. 73, N7JFP
I am very sorry I dont agree with what you are saying ... A1:4 balun is a step up transformer ... for instance, a COBWEB antenna when complete is 12.5 ohms which requires the 1:4 balun to bring it up to 50 ohms. The single loop antenna is a 200 ohm antanne this then would require a 4:1 balun to step down to 50 ohms...
The 1:1 balun is a RF choke. It's purpose is to stop the RF from coming back down the antenna feed line. One wave length of coax coiled up will work. Search Internet for RF choke or 1 to 1 balun. Check this: k8dns.com + /balun.html 73, N7JFP
Thank you N7JFP. That being the case, would using a 1:1 in addition to a 9:1 balun be the best solution for a random wire antenna connected to my short wave radio to give it the ability to receive even better? For example, if the 1:1 was used at the end of my feedline just before my receiver then I would then connect a 9:1 on the other far side (the side I would connect to the antenna) of the 1:1 balun. Would you consider that to be a more ideal set up?
I am not sure of the effects of stacking two toroids together are. It is always fun to try something new and see what the outcome is. Try it and see. 73, N7JFP
I notice at the beginning of the video you say you need 16 turns but later on toward the end of the video you say and count 15 turns. Which is it 15 or 16?
+KB3PHL I made an extra turn on one side. One side is 15 the other side is 16. Does it make a difference? I am not sure. I would try to make both side equal. 73, N7JFP
ok so to check a 1:4 balun i need a 200 ohm load, so im guessing a 50ohm load for a 1:1 balun, it makes sense i guess. please correct me if im wrong. Regin oy1r
I have not tried different core types. The T130 was the type specified for this project. It worked for the HF bands. There are a lot variables to change to get a better bandwidth. Good luck experimenting. 73, Larry
+Zara Hall This toroid is designed for HF frequencies. You would have to find a toroid made for UHF frequencies. The 1:4 ratio should still work. 73, N7JFP
+KB3PHL I have not tried the heavier wire. You might get only half the number of turns. Not sure how that wire size would effect frequency response. Should increase power capability. The best way to find out is to build one. Good luck. 73, N7JFP
@KB3PHL: Yes, one does. The nomenclature of the toroid is simple: The first number denotes the diameter (higher is larger) and the second denotes its ferrite composition (e.g. 2 is for 0,5 to 30 MHz). One could use thicker wire to have increased power capabilities. It does not affect the freq. response, as long as you wind it tight to the toroid. You do not need to wrap the toroid in tape or anything, but it helps to prevent arcing in unusual bad cases. I used 14 AWG for my UnUn with a 200-2 toroid. It handles 500 W with ease. 73, PD0PSX the Netherlands.
There are many books and articles that show the formula for calculating the impedance of the balun in a certain frequency range. Most things are variables. Type of material and size of toroid, wire gauge, number of turns and spacing of wires. 73, N7JFP
You cannot make a 4:1 CURRENT balun with a single core. What you have made is a 4:1 transformer. What is the purpose of a balun- it is to transform a balanced load to an unbalanced source- this is called the common mode rejection ratio. Measuring the SWR does nothing to indicate the effectiveness of the balun. Nor does it indicate the insertion loss of the balun. Finally, wideband baluns are made from ferrite materials not iron powder. You are misleading hams.
I have previously constructed the type using two seperate ferrite cores, very succesfull, worth looking at W8JIs site. The core type here, perhaps an Amidon T200-2 does make good rf transformers, they were very popular for the purpose (despite being iron powder). My guess is that this will work for the impedance transformation but not attenuate common mode current much.
Recently finished a 4:1 balun following your advice. It works fine with a delta loop antenna in the band of 40 m. Thanks from Argentina.73 LU8HRW
Great video, perfect finish showing your work results. Thanks!
The "one glove method" kind of reminds me of that singer guy but I guess the "bling" kept wearing the enamel from the wire, eh?
I really enjoy your videos, they are very educational for this old ham.
@N7JFP
Great, thanks for your help.
Jon
That's great. I used my 4:1 Balun with a 40m Delta Loop that is horizontal. On 40m my SWR is 4:1, but 20 and 15m are 1.5:1. Good DX, 73, N7JFP
They both work. The frequency response might be a little different. With the 8 turn model a larger wire size can be used for higher power. I tried both to see what the difference was. The wiring method causes the ratio to come out the same. 73, N7JFP
The purpose of a 1:1 Balun is to reduce the travel of RF back to transmitter caused by a impedance mismatch at the antenna. The 1:1 Balun would normally be placed very near the antenna. If you are not transmitting there is no need for a 1:1. Look up "Preselector"and how it improves reception in receivers. 73, N7JFP
Great vid, thank you for taking the time to share.
count turns from the inside of the core. As soon a conductor goes inside, it count for 1 turn.
Hi Lawrence, nice video. Others HAMs winding the "coils" in opposite direction, one clockwise and the other counter clockwise, then the terminals ends in the same "side ".Thanks for share.73, LU8HRW
The purpose of a Balun is to try and match the radio impedance to the antenna impedance. A long wire antenna has a high impedance, so a 1:9 balun would help in matching. Ham radios are made with a 50 ohm output. So a 1:9 is 50 ohm to 450 ohm. An antenna tuner would also help. good luck, 73 N7JFP
The purpose of a balun is NOT to match impedance. The primary purpose is to attenuate common mode currents. What you made is a transformer, not a balun.
Dale W4OP
@red5standngby From what I have read, 18 gauge should handle up to 200 watts. To get the 1KW it should be made from 12 or 14 gauge. 73, N7JFP
I am very sorry, but what you have made is a 4 to 1 balun (4:1) for a 200 ohms antenna.
That's why you are using a 200 ohms resistor for your testing...
A 1 to 4 balun (1:4) is a step up transformer used for a COBWEB antenna which has a 12.5 ohms impedance when complete. The 1:4 balun brings the matching circuit (antenna) from 12.5 ohms to 50 ohms.
Also for a much better result a FT240-43 toroid ferrite core is recommended for any type of balun for HF (all HF bands).
73's de M1ENE
@josh2utube The SWR/frequency response curve can be varied by changing several components. Wire size, wire spacing, and toroid type are a few. I recommend "Transmission Line Transformers Handbook" from Amidon Associates, inc. 73, N7JFP
I am very sorry I dont agree with what you are saying ...
A1:4 balun is a step up transformer ... for instance, a COBWEB antenna when complete is 12.5 ohms which requires the 1:4 balun to bring it up to 50 ohms.
The single loop antenna is a 200 ohm antanne this then would require a 4:1 balun to step down to 50 ohms...
The 1:1 balun is a RF choke. It's purpose is to stop the RF from coming back down the antenna feed line. One wave length of coax coiled up will work. Search Internet for RF choke or 1 to 1 balun. Check this: k8dns.com + /balun.html 73, N7JFP
Congratulations!
Wonderful video.
73 de VA6POP
@red5standngby I am using 18 gauge, one is red, one is blue. The colors make it easy to align the wire as you wind them. 73, N7JFP
@Dreamlgider That's correct. 50 ohms should work. Good luck, 73, N7jfp
Thank you so much nice video 73'
Never use a iron-powder toroids on antenna side. I made it allways ferrites like a Amidon FT-114 - 61 or FT-140-61 for 2kW power. 73, OH5FCO
Thank you N7JFP. That being the case, would using a 1:1 in addition to a 9:1 balun be the best solution for a random wire antenna connected to my short wave radio to give it the ability to receive even better? For example, if the 1:1 was used at the end of my feedline just before my receiver then I would then connect a 9:1 on the other far side (the side I would connect to the antenna) of the 1:1 balun. Would you consider that to be a more ideal set up?
I am not sure of the effects of stacking two toroids together are. It is always fun to try something new and see what the outcome is. Try it and see. 73, N7JFP
Seems stacking toroids increases power handling.
I noticed that you call this 1:4 instead 4:1 are they the same thing or totally different? Will this ballun match a 50 ohm radio to a 200 ohm antenna
Yes. 50 to 200. Works great. Thanks for watching. N7JFP
Mitico. Me ne farò uno identico. Grazie da IW3ILM.
What would be the wattage rating on this balun?
@d3474mas73r The glove protects the fingers from the wire. They work best with the smaller gauge of wire. 73, N7JFP
I notice at the beginning of the video you say you need 16 turns but later on toward the end of the video you say and count 15 turns. Which is it 15 or 16?
+KB3PHL I made an extra turn on one side. One side is 15 the other side is 16. Does it make a difference? I am not sure. I would try to make both side equal. 73, N7JFP
How much wattage do you think this might handle?
Thanks,
Jon
Are they good or help receiving as well
I have not tried using it on a receive only antenna. It's main purpose is for the transmitter/antenna matching. 73, N7JFP
Thank. You for your video. I noticed that you did not show how you would check for Common Mode Currents in this project. Were you able to do so?
I did not check. I was looking for a low SWR on 20m and 40m. I run 5 or less watts. 73, N7JFP
What's the difference between this and the 8 turn model? Or have I just missed it?
What size wire are you using?
ok so to check a 1:4 balun i need a 200 ohm load, so im guessing a 50ohm load for a 1:1 balun, it makes sense i guess. please correct me if im wrong.
Regin
oy1r
As i know iron cores are not suitable for this work. Ferrite cores should be used
Have you tried a different core material to get a wider frequency range.
I have not tried different core types. The T130 was the type specified for this project. It worked for the HF bands. There are a lot variables to change to get a better bandwidth. Good luck experimenting. 73, Larry
Where can I find the blue and red colored enamel coated magnet wire?
+KB3PHL Colored copper wire can be found at this site. firemountaingems.com/shop/zebra-wire 18 thru 30 gauge can be found here. 73, N7JFP
Do you know the effective frequencies that the T[130 works at as per the work done by g3txq?
I am not sure of how the T130-2 applies to g3txq antenna. It covers the HF band. 73, N7JFP
@@N7JFP no, the component ferrite, not a radio.
Can this be used for UHF TV antenna or it is only suitable for HF?
+Zara Hall This toroid is designed for HF frequencies. You would have to find a toroid made for UHF frequencies. The 1:4 ratio should still work. 73, N7JFP
Would you need a bigger size toroid for 12 or 14 gauge wire?
+KB3PHL I have not tried the heavier wire. You might get only half the number of turns. Not sure how that wire size would effect frequency response. Should increase power capability. The best way to find out is to build one. Good luck. 73, N7JFP
@KB3PHL: Yes, one does. The nomenclature of the toroid is simple: The first number denotes the diameter (higher is larger) and the second denotes its ferrite composition (e.g. 2 is for 0,5 to 30 MHz).
One could use thicker wire to have increased power capabilities. It does not affect the freq. response, as long as you wind it tight to the toroid.
You do not need to wrap the toroid in tape or anything, but it helps to prevent arcing in unusual bad cases. I used 14 AWG for my UnUn with a 200-2 toroid. It handles 500 W with ease.
73, PD0PSX the Netherlands.
friend is how many millimeters thick is Cable? yy5mki
+Philip Poitevien --hamradioindia.com/kitbuild/Toroid.htm this site will help.
Thanks for the link to the calculator, looks useful. 73, N7JFP
What colour is the toroid thanks
+Tom Moorcroft Watch my video Winding a 1:4 Current Balun with 8 turns.The color is RED. 73, N7JFP
Why 1:4, I am familiar with a 4:1 but not a 1:4
Depends on direction. Radio is 50-antenna is 200. 73, N7JFP
Why does it take so many turns?
There are many books and articles that show the formula for calculating the impedance of the balun in a certain frequency range. Most things are variables. Type of material and size of toroid, wire gauge, number of turns and spacing of wires. 73, N7JFP
Can u show me a 1:1 balun? please!
You cannot make a 4:1 CURRENT balun with a single core. What you have made is a 4:1 transformer. What is the purpose of a balun- it is to transform a balanced load to an unbalanced source- this is called the common mode rejection ratio. Measuring the SWR does nothing to indicate the effectiveness of the balun. Nor does it indicate the insertion loss of the balun. Finally, wideband baluns are made from ferrite materials not iron powder. You are misleading hams.
I have previously constructed the type using two seperate ferrite cores, very succesfull, worth looking at W8JIs site. The core type here, perhaps an Amidon T200-2 does make good rf transformers, they were very popular for the purpose (despite being iron powder). My guess is that this will work for the impedance transformation but not attenuate common mode current much.
You do sound like Donald Sutherland so I have attention even more Hi
Very nice. Thank you de WA6IXI
balun malo
fun watching others show how to bend wire and count to 16
Can I use 29f of cable with this 4:1 balun?