> JE>Balun construction and wiring:
 > JE>(use RG-8 solid dielectric coax)
 > I don't understand what a Balun is?  I know they are important,
 > and on HF are
 > the life of any antenna, but I don't have one on mine.  I tried
 > to understand
 > you diagram, but it just didn't click.  Could you break it down
 > for me.
Hi, Chuck.
First off, a BALUN (pronounced Bal (rhymes with val) Un (like Un-Cola :-) ) 
transforms RF current from a BALanced line to an UNbalanced line.
Most dipoles have a feedpoint impedance of 50 to 75 ohms, so if you're going 
to be using 300ohm twin-lead to feed the antenna (open wire syle) you'll need 
a 6:1 Balun, to take the impedance down to 50ohms from 300.
As for the diagram, let me see if I can import it here, on the BBS, instead 
of the windows based point system.  Seems that the graphics/fonts don't jive 
just right, and it looks absolutly -horrible- when it comes out 
Another thing, before I post the drawing again - while it doesn't say 
anything in the rules about excessive signature files, for -this- conference, 
it is generally not a good idea.  A lot of sysops are still paying money to 
send their mail via long distance.  Your particular sig-file may not amount 
to anything, but I'm sure you can appreciate the fact that every little bit 
helps.  ;-)
Your message had three lines of text, and thirteen lines of Signature file.  
Could you shorten it up, please?  Thanks!
Now, the J-pole...
         === 2 Meter J - Pole made from 300 ohm twin lead ===
  (Taken from Jan. 1984 D.A.R.C. antenna article by James Burks, KA5QYV)l
     _______     _____  <== DON'T SHORT THIS END
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
        |       |     |
      54 in.    |     |
        |       |    _| __________
        |       |   |_  __________}1/4 inch gap
        |       |     |           |
        |       |     |           |
        |       |     |           |
        |       |     |           |
        |       |     |           |
 attach shield==>|   |<==attach coax center conductor____
        |       |     |      16 3/4 inches             |
        |       |_____|           |                 1 1/4 in.[adj. this 
ength
     ___|___     |___|  __________|____________________|_       for min. SWR]
                   ^
   
1.  Start with 54 1/2" of good quality TV lead.
2.  Strip 1/2" of insulation and solder wires together.
3.  Measure 1 1/4" from bottom and strip insulation.
    This is solder point for coax feedline. (center on short side)
4.  Measure 16 3/4" from bottom and cut out 1/4" notch.
    This tunes antenna to middle of 2 meter band.
5.  Feed with a length of RG58U coax.  Tape coax at
    feedpoint to the twin lead.
6.  Antenna may be sleeved inside 1/2" PVC for outside
    mounting or thumbtacked to an inside wall.
73=Best Regards                 -Jeff KA5THB
Co-Moderator HAM_TECH           ka5thb@qsl.net
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