[Towertalk] Hy-Gain balun question

[n0tt1@juno.com]

> The BN-86 balun, however, is a question. I hate to butcher it to 
> open 
> it, but it is in question. 

One can test the balun with a antenna analyzer and if it's bad then
go ahead and open it up...it can be opened without breaking the
plastic if you're carefull...at least mine was.  It's been awhile but
I think I clamped mine in a vise, then used a sharp utility
knife and a small hammer to "tap" the knife along the seams. 

What I found inside my TH-7 Hy-Gain balun was that the "ground" 
connections on the coax connector were made
with a cheap steel rivot (and maybe the "grounding" lug too!!) 
all which which rusted badly...soldered the balun wire to a new
solder lug, then I used a brass screw to make the mechcanical
connection to the coax connector....then I soldered the whole
connection together for good measure.  I sealed up the case with
some silicone caulking, leaving a small area to let out any
condensate....never a problem since.

73,
Charlie, N0TT

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