Palomar VS Balun Designs

[kd0fx]

I put this here because it's antenna parts. Please move if there is a more appropriate forum section.

I'm looking for a 4:1 current balun so I can throw together a coax fed OCF dipole. I really don't want to make one; for the prices I see it's easier to spend money than time - and I'll still save over purchasing a prebuilt antenna.

Trying to decide between
Palomar model CB-4-1500OCF
and
Balun Designs model 4114ocf

Anyone have experience with either company as to quality? Both specs are fine and price is close enough to each other to not matter. Who makes the better product?

 

[prcguy]

I think both companies are somewhat overpriced for what you get. I've been using commercial baluns from this company for years and they are an OEM supplier to many companies and also less expensive than many:BALUNs - Balance to Unbalanced Transformers : CWS ByteMark, largest supplier of toroids, ferrite cores, iron powder cores, MPP cores and RF cores

For low power use up to about 150w you can make a really good 4:1 for about $5, just copy the kit sold by Elecraft but buy the ferrite core elsewhere. Here is a link to the instructions:http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740061 BL1 4 to 1 Rev B.pdf
and here is the core:BN-43-7051 - Amidon
prcguy

 

[AK9R]

I've been using a Balun Designs balun on my fan dipole for a couple of years. I've had no problems with it and the ordering process was painless.

 

[GSPD]

I also have that same Balun Design you're looking at. It's been up a couple years on my Off Center Fed dipole and I've been very happy with it.

 

[kd0fx]

I actually went with the Balun Designs unit. Just need to wait for them to manufacture it I guess.

The Bytemark link was interesting, but the enclosure wasn't quite what I was looking for. The price difference wasn't enough for me to make the jump.