Broad Band Terminated Dipoles (BBTD), Tilted Terminated Fold Dipoles (T2FD) and Balanced Termination Folded Dipole BTFD) antennas can be designed to cover a large range of frequencies between 1.8 30 MHz. Longer length antennas generally provide better low frequency efficiency but take up a larger footprint of land. One BBTD that has worked well at the AK6R antenna farm is shown below. Many other designs are available and can be found at www.HFLINK.COM as well as other internet sites. Your mileage may vary using this antenna, but as a general coverage antenna for ham and shortwave broadcast, the simplicity can’t be beat even though an individual dipole on a specific band may out perform this broad band dipole. Palomar Engineers has all the parts you need to build this antenna, so why not give it a try?
Depending on the source of the antenna design, different value baluns are specified. Our Bullet(TM) baluns in ratios of 9:1, 12:1 and 16:1 are excellent for this type of antenna as they are broadband from 1.8-61 MHz and will take up to 500 watts PEP.
Model SB-1 is a static bleeder meant for 50 or 75 ohm coax line. It is rated from 1-150 Mhz at 1.5KW with a maximum SWR of 5:1 on the line. The bleeder is used on a coax “T” in line with the coax transmission line as shown in the picture below.
SB-1 Coax Static Bleeder installed on coax “T” connector
To use procure a coax “T” and a male to male connector. Connect the SB-1 to the male to male connector and thence to the coax “T”. Static voltages are bled off from the center conductor to the outside conductor (braid of the coax). At the entrance to your radio station ensure that the outside conductor of the coax transmission line is grounded so as to provide a sink for the static electricity on the antenna center conductor.
The SB-1 static bleeder is usually installed near the radio shack entrance on the antenna side of any 1:1 baluns/line isolators (between isolator and radio) if used.
the connector is a male PL-259 and will fit into a SO-239 (female) or "T" with female counterpart to the PL-259. Small, convenient, effective and easy to install! "T" connector shown in picture NOT included.
Likewise Termination Resistor values vary from 500-1250 ohms and we have a good selection shown HERE: