HOW TO WIND A TOROID BALUN(Bal-anced to Un-balanced)

K8KIZ 7/2014

Voltage or Current? Voltage baluns are easier to make

and will work in any number of situations.

Current baluns, while more difficult, tend to be more effective over a greater range of circumstances, balancing the current on both sides of the antenna.

Usually, any balun is better than no balun.

K8KIZ 7/2014

One Remedy for RF on Coax…

With neater turns, this free form

‘UGLY’ balun is as good as the one

above!

K8KIZ 7/2014

Photo Credit: K3DAV

Buy or Make? Both voltage and current baluns are

available from a number of manufacturers.

Making your own is definitely within the capability of the average ham.

Using a readily available kit, you can save at least 60% off the price of a commercial unit.

K8KIZ 7/2014

Here’s a Wireman kit…

$15.35

K8KIZ 7/2014

Here’s What You Get:

Not included!

K8KIZ 7/2014

Wrap the toroid with the glass tape:

(This protects the enameled wire from scratches.)

K8KIZ 7/2014

Toroid is ready for winding:

K8KIZ 7/2014

Make a pattern for the required turns of wire….

10 turns = 36 degree divisionsK8KIZ 7/2014

Mark the ‘turns’ on the toroid.

K8KIZ 7/2014

Anchor a wire pair:(Be sure to identify each end of each wire!)

K8KIZ 7/2014

Toroid is now wound with 10 turns.

K8KIZ 7/2014

A wire that passes through the center of the toroid counts as one turn!

Wire pairs are easily identified.

K8KIZ 7/2014

Coil ends are joined for 4:1 ratio.

K8KIZ 7/2014

Coil & SO-239 mounted in box.

K8KIZ 7/2014

Balun is attached to OCF antenna.(Crimp & Solder – no external mechanical

connection.)

K8KIZ 7/2014

Another view for detail.

K8KIZ 7/2014

Ferrite Bead Specifications:

K8KIZ 7/2014

Beads come in many sizes.

K8KIZ 7/2014

Adding ferrite beads to coax at antenna feed

point.

Heat Shrink Tubing.

K8KIZ 7/2014

Another view….(10 bead total recommended)

K8KIZ 7/2014

Start the shrink wrap at the bottom, so the top piece will overlap for water

drainage.

Flying high & working great!

K8KIZ 7/2014