[Elecraft] BL2

[Paul Kirley]

Clint KI6SSN sed:
>  I just received my BL2 kit. I want to weatherproof it. I am going to
replace
the BNC with a UHF (mounted on the enclosure) and maybe do something
different with the balanced line connectors.

>  My questions are: Can I enclose it in a die cast aluminum box or
should I
use plastic? Will there be any effect RF wise using metal, besides
shielding?


Be sure also to consider heat.  The ferrites in my BL2 (mounted at the
K3
output) get quite hot at times.  In warm weather or during a contest, I
have
a fan blowing on the BL2.

I believe that rated BL2 insertion loss is for transformation of 50
ohms to 
50/200 ohms (depending on the switch setting).  Rarely does ladder line
present either 50 or 200 ohms resistive, so actual insertion losses 
(heating) are greater than rated.


73, Paul W8TM