Feed Line Choke
Each end fed antenna needs a feed line
choke at the radio end of the coax to stop the antenna common mode
current (on the coax braid) from getting into the radio when
transmitting and also to stop RFI common mode noise when receiving. The
simplest, most cost effective choke is a ferrite ring (F240 size)
installed as shown in the picture (at the transceiver end of the coax)
Add the Feed line choke (part # EFFLC-240) for $10 to your end fed
today and stop the pesky RFI from getting into your radio and causing
audio distortion or unexpected operation!
NOTE: Coax shown in picture is NOT INCLUDED and is shown as an installation example only. If you want a pre-wound choke check part# JC-1-1500-3 or JC-1-1500-6.
For non-resonant end fed antennas placement of the choke from 16-95 feet away from the antenna feed point to use the coax braid as the counterpoise (since these antennas are really off center fed dipoles with the short side using the coax braid as the counterpoise. Wind 8-10 turns thru center for an effective 3-30 MHz choke. See Bullet Antenna configurations for exact choke placement depending upon wire length.
For End fed Half Wave antennas place 1-3 feet from antenna feed point to act as short counterpoise for these voltage fed antennas. Use 8-10 turns.
Testimonial
Hi Bob,
Radio: Flex-6700 running barefoot -10 to 100 Watts max.
Antenna: MFJ-1216 – 160/80 meter OCFD wire antenna with matching network.
Elevation: Over 60 feet AGL – fully extended.
Installed: Mid November 2013
I operate mainly on the digital modes running less than 50 Watts. All of the sudden after a few days operating with this antenna, I start to have RFI and my radio was acting up; such as changing bands, SWR changing values, radio failures and turning off. However, when I used my Hy-Gain 18 HT vertical on the same band none of the abnormality occurred.
I contacted MFJ and confirm that what I was noticing was a failure of their “matching network” AKA balun. They offered no solutions. Then I contacted Palomar Engineers and bought the 1:1 new toroid RF beads. I called Palomar Engineers and I happened to talked to you directly; regarding the on going issue with the MFJ antenna. I found out that the 1:1 balun was not what I needed (I was miss-informed by MFJ that it was 1:1 matching network.)
You offered to make the required balun 4:1 and the rest is history.
Here are my findings:
- No more RFI displayed on the monitors.
- Radio not acting up or turning off.
- The SWR at 160/80 meter is 1.2:1
- No antenna tuner required. (radio goes to Bypass automatically.)
- Worst SWR is on 10 meter with a 2:1 but still usable, with antenna tuner 1.5.
- One happy OCFD user!
Thanks to Palomar Engineers design and engineering for solving this issue.
73, Ernest – W4EG