Common Mode Chokes, Line Isolators
1:1 Choke / Balun Kits — Stop Coax from Becoming Part of the Antenna
Is your coax cable part of the problem?
If your dipole, beam, or end-fed antenna feeds directly into coax without a proper choke or balun, unwanted RF currents can travel on the coax shield — creating noise, RFI, and pattern distortion. A Palomar 1:1 Choke or Balun Kit keeps the signal inside your coax where it belongs, improving receive quietness and transmit performance.
As Ferrite Application Experts, we offer a complete range of 1:1 current baluns and feedline chokes designed for every station type — from low-power portable rigs to full legal-limit installations.
When to Use a 1:1 Choke or Balun
- Your coax shield radiates RF or causes interference in your shack.
- You get RF “bites” on the microphone, key, or computer during transmit.
- Your SWR changes when you touch the coax or equipment chassis.
- You notice background noise or hash increasing with certain coax runs.
Adding a Palomar choke or balun eliminates common-mode current and restores balance to your system.
How to Choose the Right Choke Type
Palomar offers several styles of 1:1 chokes and baluns — all designed to reduce common-mode current, but each tailored to different needs, power levels, and installation styles.
| Choke Type | Best For | Typical Power | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snap-On Chokes | Quick fixes for noise and RFI on existing coax, DC, or control cables | Up to 500 W (depends on cable) | Easy to install, reusable, no tools required — perfect for portable or multi-cable setups |
| Slip-On Chokes | Permanent installation on coax jumpers, feedlines, or control lines | Up to 1.5 kW | High-mix ferrite sleeves (Mix 31/43) for HF/VHF use — easy to add before connector installation |
| Coax Jumper Chokes | Plug-and-play solution — place inline between feedline and rig or tuner | Up to 3 kW | Built-in ferrite sleeve choke in short coax jumper — no modification required |
| BULLET™ Chokes | Feedpoint or mid-line installation on dipoles, end-feds, or OCF antennas | 500 W to 1.5 kW (varies by model) | Compact weatherproof enclosure — perfect for feedpoint use with eye-bolts or hardware mounting |
| CUBE™ Chokes | High-power feedpoint or shack isolation for large stations | 1.5 kW to 5 kW | Heavy-duty weatherproof box enclosure — handles full legal limit; highest choking impedance available |
Tip: For the quietest station, use one choke at the antenna feedpoint and another near the station entry or tuner.
Palomar 1:1 Choke & Balun Kit Features
- Wideband ferrite design for HF through VHF (1.8 – 61 MHz typical)
- High choking impedance to suppress common-mode currents up to 30+ dB
- Available as kits for DIY assembly or fully assembled for plug-and-play installation
- High-quality, weather-resistant components — built for permanent outdoor use
- Compatible with dipoles, OCFs, loops, verticals, and beam antennas
Installation Tips
- Install the choke or balun at the antenna feedpoint for best results.
- Use an additional choke at the station entry to isolate feedline noise.
- For portable setups, Snap-On or Coax Jumper styles make instant improvements.
- Keep coax leads together and avoid large loops to minimize coupling.
Need help choosing? Contact Palomar Engineers with your antenna details, and we’ll recommend the perfect choke or balun for your station.
Start Hearing the Difference
Keep your signal strong and your noise low with a Palomar 1:1 Choke or Balun Kit.
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Palomar Engineers — Ferrite Application Experts since 1965.
