[TowerTalk] BN-86

[Dick Green WC1M]

When I had a TH-7, I replaced the BN-86 with the BN-4000. The latter worked
fine for high-power contesting for years. The replacement was induced by a
mechanical failure of the BN-86 that was unrelated to transmission power
(the balun exploded when the coax on my tubular crankup snagged -- a long
story.)

I recently tried to replace a BN-86 or BN-4000 (can't remember which) on a
friend's TH-7 with a Cal-AV FB-1 choke balun. It didn't work -- the SWR was
too high and inconsistent across the band. Neither of us understood why this
didn't work. As far as I know, the BN-86 and BN-4000 are 1:1 baluns, right?

73, Dick WC1M

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Carl [mailto:cfwb at cox.net] 
> Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 10:09 AM
> To: Lee Buller; Bernard
> Cc: TowerTalk Reflector
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] BN-86
> 
> 
> I think the BN4000 current balun is a good replacement for 
> the BN86 if it's still made.
> 
> 73,
> Carl  K8AV
> 
> 
> 
> > I haved done this on a TH6DXX just four years ago.  Lets 
> just say the 
> > BN86 will fail when using full output of an amplifier for
> long periods of time.  I have seen one burned up in my life.  
> What I did was to put a RadioWorks 4 KW balun on my TH6DXX 
> and works just fine.  I used a couple of hose clamps to 
> attach it to the boom.  IT has bee up four years and haven't 
> any problems.  The only problem I have is the end caps get 
> brittle and water gets into the traps.  Have to replace them 
> every 4-5 years.
> 
> 
> > Bernard <wtrone at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> > I am going to replace the BN-86 on my TH7 this Spring. I am 
> wondering 
> > if anyone has bought a BN-86 since MFJ took over the
> Hy-Gain operation? If so, what do you think of the quality of 
> the balun?
> >
> > Anyone have any ideas for a "quality" balun to replace the BN-86.
> >
> > 73
> >
> > Bernard, WA4OEJ
> 
> 
>