[Elecraft] Long wire balun question

[Don Wilhelm]

John,

There is not much you can do about the antenna efficiency short of changing
the physical characteristics of the antenna itself - if it works, it works
and the voltage/current relationship at the feedpoint will determine its
impedance and how easily it can be matched.

A balun does not make sense to me with a long wire antenna fed directly out
of the tuner, but an efficient and effective RF ground does make a lot of
sense.  If you suspect any problems with RF feedback, try adding a 1/4 wave
wire for each band at the shack (tuner output) location.  The wires should
be separated at the ends and since they may have a high RF voltage on them,
be certain that they are well insulated and cannot be contacted by persons
unaware of the danger.

73, Don W3FPR

----- Original Message ----- 

> I put up a 125' long wire antenna at 35' this weekend. It tunes up well
> 10m-80m running directly to the KAT2. I am wondering if I should ad an
> unbalaced feedline and a 4:1 current balun between the tuner and antenna.
> Would this reduce potential RF in the shack or change the antenna's
> efficiency?