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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Pico Balun
I have not yet assembled this neat unit but I expect that it will perform as expected. While one could easily make one himself it wouldn’t be as neat and clean as this one and at the low cost really not worth the effort. Gadgets like this reminds me of fishing........ you just can’t have too many options !
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Pico Balun
A great small QRP balun that I used on my trapped dipole for 40/30/20. Works great! Thanks
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They work!
Easy to build and they work. I have used both 4:1 and 1:1 configurations to to good effect.
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Pico Balun
Easy to build and it tested out great. Next month it will be in Colorado on some summits for final testing. Great item.
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Excellent little picobalun, worth buying
I wouldn't normally buy stuff like this: my junk box has all the components I need. BUT, sometimes a convenient little thing catches ones eye, so it was here and I sprung the cash. Made it in a few minutes and popped it into my /P doublet. Hoisted aloft in my usual /P venue and gosh...what difference. I'm not saying suddenly I workded all the Dx but the tuning of my KX2 was markedly improved on all bands. Its a short doublet and the KX 2 sometimes struggles on some bands with this aerial...not anymore. Well worth the money. A light weight centrepiece and a balun to boot.
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Quality Balun kit
Quality components with easy assembly and good clear instructions
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Good balun
Nice and very small balun, easy to Mount. Not yet used so no comment.
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Makes a nice, ultra light antenna
Built this as 1:1 for use in an inverted vee trapped 20/40. Have only built the 20 section so far, but have been impressed with the balun kit. Paired with RG174 wire and SB's lightweight antenna wire -- and 3 kite winders, -- this could become my new favorite antenna. I did waterproof the balun using liquid electrical tape, as recommended. Good instructions made for an easy build. Thanks!
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great bit of kit
Bought this as my first antenna project and to help me get started portable . Product is well made , instructions easy to follow and the advice and back up from Sota beans very good . 9100 miles on 5w SSB to VK on this and a 2e0tsa liner loop says it works .
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Pico Balun
Very easy to construct, as always instructions are very good. So far very pleased with this product, up to the expected standards from SotaBeams.
