LDG RBA-4:1Balun
LDG RBA-1:1Balun
Table of Contents
Features 1
Specifications 1
Preparation 2
An important word about power levels: 2
Installation 2
Care and Maintenance 6
Technical Support 6
Warranty and Service 6
Introduction
Congratulations on selecting the LDG balun. Your LDG balun allows you to connect longwires
and antennas fed with ladder line to your LDG tuner. Two versions are available: the RBA-4:1
provides a 4:1 impedance transformation, while the RBA-1:1 has 52 ohm input and output.
LDG pioneered the automatic, wide-range switched-L tuner in 1995. From its laboratories near our
nation’s capitol, LDG continues to define the state of the art in this field with innovative automatic tuners
and related products for every amateur need. The RBA-4:1 and RBA-1:1 are valuable accessories for any
LDG tuner, extending its usefulness to virtually all types of antennas and transmission lines in amateur
use.
Features
• Compact, sturdy construction
• Standard SO-239 jack for coax input
• Twist-on binding posts for ladder line, longwire or random wire attachment
• Can be waterproofed for outdoor use
• Broadband operation; covers the entire HF spectrum from 1.8 – 30 MHz
• Handles up to 200 watts continuously
Your LDG balun performs two important functions:
1. It provides a convenient connection interface between coaxial cable and either ladder line or a
longwire antenna
2. It converts from an unbalanced source (e.g., a transmitter or tuner with coaxial output) to a balanced
transmission line (e.g., ladder line)
In addition, the RBA-1 provides a 4:1 impedance conversion permitting use of higher impedance antennas and
transmission lines.
Specifications
• Weight: 6 oz (with enclosure)
• Frequency Coverage: 1.8 to 30 MHz
• Power Range: to 200 watts
• Easy to weatherproof
• Size overall: 5 x 2.5 x 1.25 inches
• Impedance transformation 1:1 or 4:1
1
Preparation
As it comes from the factory your LDG balun is water resistant. There are neoprene seals under the SO-239
coax socket and the two binding posts. If the balun is mounted with the removable lid (back) facing down
(that is, with the writing facing up), it is reasonably water resistant. You can make it completely waterproof
and suitable for direct exposure to the weather at any mounting angle for outdoor use if you wish. Simply
apply a bead of Silicone caulking material (available at any hardware store) around the back plate seal, and
let it dry before use.
Waterproof here
An important word about power levels:
Your LDG balun is rated at 200 watts continuous power input at most. Some ham transmitters and
transceivers, and virtually all amplifiers, output well over 200 watts. Power levels significantly exceeding
specifications will definitely damage or destroy your LDG balun. If the balun fails under extreme overload,
your transmitter and tuner could also be damaged. Be sure to observe the specified power limitations.
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
Never install antennas over or near power lines. You can be seriously injured
or killed if any part of the antenna touches the power line. Always follow this
antenna safety rule: the distance to the nearest power line should be at least
twice the length of the longest antenna dimension.
Installation
You will install your LDG balun between your tuner (or transmitter/transceiver if you are not using a
tuner) and your antenna. You can attach it directly to the SO-239 output jack of your tuner or
transmitter/transceiver, or you can install it remotely at the end of any length of 52 ohm coaxial cable.
Direct connection:
You can mount your LDG balun directly to the output jack of your tuner using a male-male PL-259
adapter (not supplied). Simply attach the adapter to the balun, then attach the balun to the output jack.
Make sure the balun has adequate mechanical support, so it does not place excessive torque on the antenna
jack of your tuner or radio.
2
Loading...