Do I Need a Balun (#739)

Dave, you are a natural teacher. Thank you.

Thanks for the explanation. I was taught the radiating wires of the dipole "see" each other. In a perfect center fed dipole the wave traveling out along the wire sees a reflection of itself in the other wire and the impedance stays the same, but in an unbalanced situation the wave traveling out from the center conductor sees itself both in the other half of the dipole and in the outer sheath of the coax and now the impedance is not the same because the outer skin of the coax has become part of the dipole. This results in RF flowing along the outside of the coax. The BALUN is there to hide or remove the electrical RF connection between the radiating dipoles and the coax and make the coax 'anonymous'.

Thankyou. I learned something new today! Great explanation of what a balun is, clear and concise without opinion-mongering or trying to sell anything.

Another great explanation by a wonderful sage. Thank you, sir! My goal when I'm on the air is to work mentors, like you, that have influenced my passion in this hobby. Hope to hear you soon, Dave!

Fantastic video Dave. You answered a question I have never found the answer for. Great informational video. Thanks so much.

Nice Video Presentation! I was not educated in this particular topic, BUT now I am after watching this video. I think I got 95% per cent of what was said reasonably understood. I think if I REPLAY this video along with some practical hands on experience, I will have all concepts and theories down pat. THANK YOU! This was Very Helpfull to me because I will soon be putting up a 20 Meter Di-Pole Antenna, and I want to do it right the FIRST TIME!

Finally, after days or month of searching i found a very good and quick explanation of Balun. The other videos from other people talk a lot. Now i have understood what balance antenna and unbalance cable mean. Thanks you man for this video.

Dave, I started watching your videos about 6 years ago while I was studying for my technician license. I now have my General and just bought my first HF rig today! Here I am again years later, doing research while trying to build my first dipole. The information is as solid as ever and easy to follow. Thanks for these videos, Dave! They have been an invaluable resource as I learn more about the hobby.

Thank you for this excellent explanation!

Thank you for this explanation!

Very good information. Thanks for sharing all your wisdom!!

well done Dave, thanks!

Good discussion, long time away from ham, retired now and need lots refresh of stuff i have forgot over the years thank you for sharing.

This is the first time someone has explained this topic in a way that I halfway understand. And I have searched for a LOT of explanations here on YouTube for baluns.

Thanks, David great explanation.

Great video, Dave. I wish my EE profs would have explained it that well.

Really informative, thanks Dave (:

Good question. Great 👍 answers.

That was very helpful Dave given I will soon be purchasing an 80M antenna.

love your content. you explain things really well. have you done a video on how toroidal ttransfoerms work and how you wind them?