I noticed that Summitsource.com has 2 models of Channel Master baluns. One is model 0089, the other is model 94444. From the description, the latter is lower loss. Anyone have any experience comparing these two models? I cannot find the model 94444 (or 9444?) anywhere else.

Steinkebunch

Do all baluns check this way? I mean continuity between the leads. I was thinking something was wrong with the ones I have.
Using an analog meter ? On my digital, one to the center reads 0 ohms and one is a hair higher. Same thing on the outside, except vice versa.

Using an analog meter ? On my digital, one to the center reads 0 ohms and one is a hair higher. Same thing on the outside, except vice versa.

On analog and digital, I am showing a dead short on both baluns I have. Phillups brand from Wal-Mart.

I am showing a dead short on both baluns I have
I kind of expect that, given that most baluns consist of a wire-wound transformer internally. That is, a single loop of wire between the two 300ohm inputs, which is coiled around a ferrite substance. And another coil or two for the coax end. There are even photos (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=885475&postcount=138) posted of this, earlier in this very thread.

:)

I just received three Channel Master baluns from Solid Signal. Each came in a plastic sleeve with a label on it that read "0089/94444." Wondering if it's just a product number change for the same product, or whether they're interchangeable.

Does anyone know where can I buy these channel master Baluns here in Toronto. Is there any delaer selling these here.

Thanks

FYI: Most (all?) Baluns have low DC resistance between the 300-ohm leads.

However, be advised that Channel Master Baluns were the only ones I've tested
that ALSO had low DC resistance on 75-ohm coax connection (center and shield).
Normally this isn't a problem....except when a Preamp is removed from the system
without also removing its Power Insertion Module...which may or may not tolerate it.

However, be advised that Channel Master Baluns were the only ones I've tested
that ALSO had low DC resistance on 75-ohm coax connection (center and shield).

You can add the Radio Shack indoor balun I have in my hand to that list. It has .2 ohms center to shield.

You can add the Radio Shack indoor balun I have in my hand to that list. It has .2 ohms center to shield.

These 2 Phillups brand baluns are showing .0 ohms digital and pegs my analog meter showing full continuity. Guess I need to scrap them! :confused:

What started out as a simple project is starting to give me a headache.

Guess I need to scrap them!

No ! Test them. When you get a good one (not saying those two arent good) youll know it, and then you can use it to compare to others.

What started out as a simple project is starting to give me a headache.

Thats just the folds forming in your brain from the additonal learning. Nothing to worry about, heh.

These 2 Phillups brand baluns
I like the way you spelled that, reminds me of Phill Ups or Fill Ups or Full Ups, heh. 3X greater speed on their quad shield cable, indeed. Only in the Star Trek universe, heh.

These 2 Phillups brand baluns are showing .0 ohms digital and pegs my analog meter showing full continuity. Guess I need to scrap them!
NO!!!

They're likely just transformers inside (as in, "matching transformer"), which means they can have near zero ohms DC resistance there. At radio frequencies, they'll behave entirely differently.

So, yes, like 300ohm suggests.. simply try them, one at a time, and sort out any that behave significantly worse than others.

Cheers

Thanks for all the help. I now understand.

Guess I didn't know what I thought I knew all along. :o

Here is an example of the circuit of one balun, so you can see why youre getting the readings.

http://homepage.mac.com/kenwetzel/Low_Loss_Balun_files/image001.jpg

Most Baluns (except Channel Master and Indoor R-S mentioned above) do NOT have
DC connection between 75-ohm coax center pin and shield, meaning most also have
a DC blocking capacitor.

I like the way you spelled that, reminds me of Phill Ups or Fill Ups or Full Ups, heh. 3X greater speed on their quad shield cable, indeed. Only in the Star Trek universe, heh.

Lol...Not a typo...just plain mis-spelled it. :) (Phillips)

Another question:
If I need to add wire to the balun leads, will this change anything? Do I need to use twin lead, or will any type wire work?

I want to mount the balun to the pvc going up the middle of the antenna. As is, the leads will be stressed after I remove the lugs to solder to phase line.

Another question:
If I need to add wire to the balun leads, will this change anything? Do I need to use twin lead, or will any type wire work?
You mean because the balun leads wont reach ? In that case, I would use short sections of wire about the same size as the element.

What do you guys thing of this Homemade design:

http://homepage.mac.com/kenwetzel/Low_Loss_Balun.htm

I know that someone mentioned it before but did someone try the desgin?


Intravino

You mean because the balun leads wont reach ? In that case, I would use short sections of wire about the same size as the element.

My phase lines are 10 gauge solid copper. So I need to solder about an inch of 10 gauge stranded back toward the center pole where I am going to mount the balun? This would make the added wire at a 90 degree angle to the phase lines. This will be ok?

My phase lines are 10 gauge solid copper. So I need to solder about an inch of 10 gauge stranded back toward the center pole where I am going to mount the balun? This would make the added wire at a 90 degree angle to the phase lines. This will be ok?
Oh, youre going backwards to the mast. In that case I would use twin lead but other wire would work too, if you tweak its spacing by observing what is happening on your tv set.

Oh, youre going backwards to the mast. In that case I would use twin lead but other wire would work too

Exactly....the mast will be centered between the elements and reflector. Just wanted to make sure the length didn't change the balun properties.

I noticed that Summitsource.com has 2 models of Channel Master baluns. One is model 0089, the other is model 94444. From the description, the latter is lower loss. Anyone have any experience comparing these two models? I cannot find the model 94444 (or 9444?) anywhere else.

"Steinkebunch" answering to your above question I just received an email from Channel Master from their trchnical support advisor "Ron" and according to him CM0089 and CM 9444 BALUNS are exactly same product. Apparently the new ones are coming with the latter as product no.