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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[n6wg]

Hi David
Yes, the BL2 will do a fine job for you.
I use one here with my multiband 40m dipole.
Being able to switch between 1:1 and 4:1
ratios is very handy.  One band will load
best with the 1:1 setting, while another
band will load better with the 4:1 setting.

Very useful tool.  You won't regret it.
Good luck and 73
Bob N6WG

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of David Dietrich
Sent: Saturday, October 21, 2006 8:50 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] BL2 Question


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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[Craig Smith]

David ...

The advice you are getting here is right on - the BL-2 should be a very
useful tool in achieving the type of portable antenna you want.

A popular length of dipole for working 40 thru 10 is 44 feet (22 ft per
side).  This can  be installed either as a flattop or inverted V depending
upon the available support facilities and fed with TV window line as you
propose.  I use this arrangement here with good results for my temporary
antenna for field day, sweepstakes, etc.  It makes a fairly compact portable
antenna that is capable of good performance.  

Don is correct in pointing out that your success with loading will be
dependent on the feedline length.  I actually haven't measured my feedline
length - just installed what would reach the shack from the back yard.  With
the switchable balun I can match all bands 40 thru 10 including WARC with
the tuner in my K2.  I believe the K1 tuner has less matching range, but I
think you would still have a good shot at a match on all bands.

For your portable operation I would suggest making up a couple of feedline
extensions, perhaps 5 ft and 10 ft.  Install PowerPole connectors on each
end.  If you have difficulty with a match on a given band, snap in an
extension and try again.  I've done this, but actually haven't needed to use
them yet!

Have fun!

          73
                   ... Craig  AC0DS


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