Pico Balun - 1 to 1 and 4 to 1 balun kit
More than just a balun, it's a complete feedpoint assembly solution!
One way to use the Pico Balun - using cord and Top Insulator (not supplied)
Complementing our growing range of light-weight products, the Pico Balun is sure to be popular. A high frequency transformer using a twisted-pair transmission line gives the desirable characteristics of small size, low weight and low loss. A tiny patch-panel allows the Pico Balun to be configured as either a 1:1 current balun or as a 4:1 impedance transformer when you build it.
The Pico balun uses high quality components for low loss operation. Building is easy with clear online instructions. We also supply test resistors to allow you to check your balun before attaching your antenna. The Pico Balun PCB incorporates strain relieved attachment points for the the antenna and, importantly, the co-ax - it's a complete feedpoint solution. The Pico Balun is rated at 10 Watts - ideal for KX-3 users.
Testing your balun before use is easy too - we supply 2 x 100 Ohm resistors with each kit for testing.
The Pico Balun is designed to be fed with RG-174 co-ax and this is also strain relieved on the PCB. While RG-174 is our recommended lightweight co-ax, RG58 can also be used.
Don't Miss Out on these Great Options
- Waterproof your balun with Liquid Electrical Tape
- Ready-made RG-174 co-ax cables. Details here.
- Ready-made RG-58 co-ax cables. Details here.
- Antenna wire. Low cost and premium options.
Specification
Power rating - 10 Watts
PCB size - 60 x 57mm (2.4 x 2.25 inches)
Weight - 3.5 grams (<0.15 oz.) approx.
1:1 balun measurements
- VSWR < 1.15:1, RL > 24.5 dB, f= 1 MHz - 30 MHz)
- Common mode impedance:
- > 1500 Ohms above 16 MHz
- > 1000 Ohms from 5 MHz to 16 MHz
- > 600 Ohms from 1.8 MHz to 5 MHz*
- Through loss < 0.2 dB from 1 MHz to 30 MHz (measured at 30 MHz)
4:1 balun measurements
- VSWR < 1.15:1, RL > 24.5dB, f = 1.8 MHz - 30 MHz
*Low frequency impedance can easily be increased at build time if required - we tell you how in the instructions (thanks Dave VE7EZM/AF7BZ).
12 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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assembling the sota beams pico balun
the kits is of quality parts and went together easily if you can solder ok.i did have a short between the 2 coils at one end because i pulled the wires too tight and not as shown in the very good assembly instructions so if you take care you should have no problems .if i can find some more space in my garden may buy another.
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Built into a nice lightweight Link Dipole
Kit goes together in about 10mins (really). I used 10ft of RG174 which suits my normal use in the N.E. USA where the summits have trees 95% of the time. I set-up with the Dipole flat at about 2M / 6ft height. Completed antenna in the SOTABEAMS bag with two stakes and string (20ft) is just over 7oz.