The difference between a balun, unun, common mode choke, line isolator and impedance transformer

In the world of amateur radio, the terms balun, unun, common mode choke, line isolator and impedance transformer are often used. But also often mixed up and sometimes lead to heated discussions on forums and social media groups. For your convenience (you don’t have to ask on a forum or Continue reading The difference between a balun, unun, common mode choke, line isolator and impedance transformer

The Hula Hoop Halo; a simple DIY antenna for 6 meter band DX

There is no other band that is affected by so many forms of propagation as 6 meters (50 MHz). Sporadic-E (Es) in summer and midwinter. TEP (transequatorial propagation) around March/April and September/October. F2 propagation and aurora in periods of high solar activity. Meteorscatter and the almost daily present troposcatter. But Continue reading The Hula Hoop Halo; a simple DIY antenna for 6 meter band DX

Is your antenna making noise? Use a rope!

In most cases, radio amateurs love it when their antenna resonates, because a resonating antenna is usually an efficiently radiating antenna. At least, when we talk about electrical resonance and not acoustic resonance. The latter can cause considerable nuisance and even dangerous situations. Fortunately, there is an effective and inexpensive way to keep Continue reading Is your antenna making noise? Use a rope!

The liquid HF vertical for 10m to 40m

I love HF and my QTH is not that good for harbouring a lot of antennas so I can work each band. I do have a trap HF vertical but it is a pain in the … Corrosion makes this antenna untunable to resonate.The ideal antenna would be a vertical Continue reading The liquid HF vertical for 10m to 40m