[R-390] Baluns, Caps, Ballasts

[Tisha Hayes]

The idea of the balun is to match to a 50 ohm feedline. At the antenna there
is another balun to match to whatever the characteristic impedance is of the
antenna (9:1, 4:1, 2:1, etc...). A balun is just another tool (ideally a
2.25:1).

Some folks use 75 ohm feedline and a 2:1 balun would probably be a better
match. it is just a matter of perspective, some folks may be perfectly fine
with a wire shoved into one of the pins on the coax connector connected to a
chunk of random length antenna.

Has anyone considered that the seller may also be a member of this list? It
does appear to be a bit arrogant to believe that the person who has gone
through the trouble of making such a device is some large corporation hiding
away in anonymity. It can be a "wholesome family owned business" if it is in
the US, Germany, UK or Bolivia. I will buy from whomever makes the best
product at a price that I consider reasonable. Shipping charges do come into
play on any purchasing decision if it is based solely upon money.

It would be nice if someone was making a balun who lived next door and I
could walk over to say "Hi". We are all a community here and are connected
by a common interest in a fine radio. Sometimes we may disagree with each
other but at the end of the day it is about the radio. There are p-l-e-n-t-y
of radio enthusiasts, amateurs, etc.. who live within 50 miles of me who I
would cross to the other side of the street to avoid. I am not ready to form
"Only the R-390A radio club of Etowah County" just so I could keep it local.

My apologies for diverging a bit and getting a little peeved. I have
received more than enough private email flack over my choice of who to buy
this from than it warrants.

-- 
Ms. Tisha Hayes/ AA4HA
-
*"Learning is not virtue but the means to bring us an acquaintance with it.
Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without
integrity is dangerous and dreadful. Let these be your motives to action
through life, the relief of the distressed, the detection of frauds, the
defeat of oppression, and diffusion of happiness."  -- Nathanael Greene*