[Elecraft] Cost Effective Balun

[jeff_list at burnshome.org]

I have read a lot about baluns, and still cannot decide what to get. I have
a KAT100 and, want to experiment with several antennas fed with open wire
line. 

 

>From all the discussions of baluns I have a formed a few impressions.

 

1.	For QRP operation the balun is probably not needed. 
2.	Use a 1:1 balun unless you know your antenna system has high
impedance on all bands of operation. 
3.	For multi-band operation make the balun really big to handle any
waste heat.  

 

With these ideas in mind I am tempted to get a super heavy duty balun like
the ones form DX Engineering. The $100 plus price tag on these big baluns is
encouraging me to take a look at cheaper alternatives. 

 

One alternative is to make a heavy duty balun form a kit. Any comments on
the various kits available? Two sources I have located are:
http://www.amidoncorp.com/aai_cost_experimenter.htm and
http://thewireman.com/index.shtml

 

Another alternative is Elecraft's BL1. Is this little balun really up to
100W service for multi-band antennas?  Has anyone found a good enclosure for
the BL1? Can a switch be used to switch from 1:1 to 1:4 configurations? 

 

Thanks for taking one more look at this old topic. 

 

Jeff Burns

AD9T