[TenTec] installing ladder line

[Dr. Gerald N. Johnson]

Trouble with introducing a balun is that sometimes ladder line is used 
to allow a wide tuning range and so there can be a wild set of 
impedances and SWR on the ladder line that the balun can't handle from 
160 through 10m. One time tuning a tuner with a balun attached, I found 
I had tuned the balun so that the tuning and input SWR didn't change 
with the ladder line disconnected. That's not healthy for the balun or 
for getting a signal radiated.

73, Jerry, K0CQ

On 11/9/2010 3:03 AM, Jim WA9YSD wrote:
> You have to do what you have to do.  Keep the ladder line space with 1 1/2 or
> more with a small  piece of PVC.
>
> If the obstruction is metal house siding I would try to find a different route
> cause it may detune the antenna.
>
> If your not instant on running ladder line, cut the line and use a 4:1 current
> balun at some point and run coax the rest of the way.
>
> Stay on course, fight a good fight, and keep the faith.  Jim K9TF/WA9YSD
>
>