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Review on πŸ“» HAM Equipment Balun Kit NXO-100 for 1-30Mhz Shortwave Radio: Magnetic Balance for Enhanced Performance of Amateur Radio Antennas - DIY by Michael Jennings

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Great project for any radio amateur.

This set is supplied without instructions and can therefore not be assembled incorrectly! In fact, I would advise everyone to try this project. However, a quick Google search will turn up more than you wanted to know. The kit can be assembled in different ways, I chose Unun 9:1 for a long wire. As you can see from my last photo, the packaging has loosened. This is because I waited to seat the pipe until it was wrapped. I have since disassembled it and repackaged it. The math I found on the website said it took me 11 rounds, an odd number, but hey, this is a kit to play and learn with on the go. Google vk6ysf and you will find it. The bottom screws on the PL259 were a little tricky to tighten, but little fingers or pliers can do the trick. I also found that the varnish on the wire was harder to remove with sandpaper, but it still came off. If you want you can apply some heat and it will come off easier. I also cut off the top screws on the PL259 connector to give a little more room. Maybe to cut my finger later. In total I spent about 90 minutes building it, but once completed I had to take it apart again. I still don't know what the white piece of rubber is for, maybe hanging? If you want it to be waterproof, cover everything with silicone. After testing everything was fine with my Yaesu FT-991a internal tuner.

Pros
  • The 1:1 balun is suitable for a bipolar DP (inverted V-positive V) antenna such as Yagi (40-100 ohms). Balun 1:4 for LOOP antenna and Winton antenna (200-400 ohms).
Cons
  • Small parts