[Elecraft] BL2 Question

[David Dietrich]

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

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