Balun Chokes & SWR: The Truth Revealed!

Comments · 289

• PA

  @Pauldeva · 2 months ago

  Thank you so much for putting together such a detailed and informative video. I really appreciate your content because it is clear you are one of the few creators who actually tests, measures, and experiments with everything in deep detail.Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz everywhere about these green-core Balun Chokes. Everyone seems to be praising them, claiming they achieve over 50dB of common-mode current attenuation. Have you had a chance to test one of those green cores yourself? I would love to see your detailed take on them. Keep up the fantastic work and 73!

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• KD

  @kd5und201 · 2 months ago

  In less than 20 minutes you have said everything and more for what I have been trying to tell new hams for years. Thank you for such a well put together and explained video

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• QR

  @QRPLife-AI4TB · 2 months ago

  Another great one.  By the way, it takes "intestinal fortitude" to put out videos backed by science in a world of ham radio mythology...kudos, my friend!

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• PA

  @PaulCuda-w2f · 2 months ago

  Excellent job...one of the best I've observed.  Most hams would need to listen several times to grasp all the concepts adequately, but this is why hams are curious and resourceful.  Keep it up!

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• WO

  @wolfschindler8921 · 2 months ago

  I&apos;ve got a vertical with 2 raised, tuned radials. I put the choke on the coax a quarter wave away from the antenna, giving me a third radial.<br>Works brilliantly.

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• KI

  @Kiwi-PhilL · 2 months ago

  Excellent information, I discovered the same things when first getting into HF about 4 years ago. It seems that one of the most understated Chokes for those with troublesome USB connections between the Radio and computers. It has them tearing their hair out and not realizing a cheap effective 140 or 240-43 or 31 toroid with 7 turns of an inexpensive 6 foot USB Cable and 10 mins of time will make a real difference in USB connection reliability. It does not need expensive High Quality Toroids or Cables to be effective.

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• KI

  @killeresk · 2 months ago

  A really great explanation of choke function and effect.

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• RS

  @rsullivant · 2 months ago

  Excellent. Huge help clearing up chokes for me. You’ve done it again and pls keep it coming.

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• SC

  @scottdunn7484 · 1 month ago

  This was a good intro to common mode current for me. First time through the video I got a pretty good grasp at a high level. After watching the video I spent a little time discussing common mode current with Grok, which filled in more details for me. Then I watched this video a second time and it all fell together very neatly. Thank you for for taking the time to produce the video.

• RO

  @Robert_Varner · 2 months ago

  Excellent presentation!

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• TO

  @tonywalker8250 · 2 weeks ago

  Information delivered clearly and concisely. Thankyou.

• VE

  @VE7OSH · 2 months ago

  Thank you so much for this insightful video!<br>I&apos;m definitely one of those operators who chases the perfect SWR. During my POTA activations, I always carry a NanoVNA and check the SWR on my Chelegance MC-750 vertical or my EFHWs. I love seeing that nice, sharp &quot;V&quot;-shaped dip on the VNA.<br>The moment I connect my LDG 1:1 UnUn at the base of the antenna, that beautiful &quot;V&quot; disappears and turns into more of a broad &quot;U&quot; shape. The min SWR usually settles around 1.3–1.5:1, and my first instinct is, &quot;Nope! I want that perfect 1:1!&quot; So I end up removing the UnUn because it feels like it&apos;s ruining my nice resonance curve. Of course, by doing that, I also end up dealing with common-mode current and the occasional RF in the shack...especially when I&apos;m running QRO.<br>Your video finally explained what is actually happening in the real world and why the VNA trace changes when the UnUn is added. It completely changed how I look at those measurements. It was an excellent explanation and a great reminder that a perfect-looking SWR plot doesn&apos;t always tell the whole story. Thanks again for taking the time to make such educational videos. I learned something valuable today. Vy 73!

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