[TenTec] Balanced Tuners

[w6wqc@dslextreme.com (Alfred Lorona)]

One extremely easy way to check current balance in the two wires of an open
wire feedline which is used with balanced tuners is the following.

Connect two pieces of about 12 inches of wire to a twist-on holder for a
type 43 light bulb. Attach an alligator clip to the far end of each wire.
Make two such assemblies.

Connect one light bulb to each feedline wire. Start with connecting the two
alligator clips close together and gradually increasing the spacing along
the feedline until they start to glow with transmitted power.  Make sure the
spacing is equal on both feedline wires.

You may have to increase the length of the connecting wires to the light
bulbs or alternately, change the transmitted power in the feedline until you
get a good indication.

It is easiest to judge equal intensity if the bulbs just start to glow.

CAUTION: Turn OFF the carrier when adjusting the clips along the wires!

Intensity of each light bulb indicates current in the feedline. If both
bulbs light equally then you have a good balanced feedline with equal
currents in each leg.

It's an old 1930's trick before the days of RG-8 and when RF meters were too
expensive for most hams.

73. Al, w6wqc