After many requests we have created a compact, special balun for single band loop (Sky loop or Delta loop) antennas. The CB-2.25-1500 is a CUBE(TM) enclosure containing a multi-core, broadband 2:25 impedance transformer (50 ohm coax input to 112.5 ohm balanced output) in series with a 1:1 current balun for extra common mode current choking to keep RF current off the outside of the coax braid and on the antenna where it belongs. The extra choking action also means that the coax feed line will not act as a radiator causing unnecessary RF interference (RFI). Rated for full 1500 watts PEP and 450 watts CW (ICAS). 1.8Mhz – 61 MHz.
CB-2.25-1-1500EB is housed in a 4” x 4” x 2” waterproof housing with SO-239 input and stainless steel eye bolts on the side for ease of connection to your wire antenna. Top eye bolt acts as an antenna hoist. Also available with top studs for post or wall mounting (Model # CB-2.25-1-1500TS)
Loop antennas should be cut for 1005/F(MHz) in total length, where F (MHz) is the lowest frequency to be used. For 3.5MHz this equates to 288 foot perimeter (square, delta, multi-side ok).
Production Note: These hybrid baluns are special order and made to order for each customer. Please note that shipping will be approximately 2-3 weeks after order placed depending upon our existing production schedule.
Pictures show 2-1 balun but you will receive the 2.25:1 balun with 1:1 hybrid in a single enclosure.
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