Common Issues and Their Solutions

Do You Recognize Yourself in These Scenarios?

Installed a new antenna on the tower. After some time, I started experiencing unstable and high VSWR. I suspected a faulty antenna, but after investigation, I discovered that my BALUN had taken in water, causing the problem.

Not with an RF.Guru BALUN. Our BALUNs are IP66-rated, completely waterproof, and all-weather resistant, equipped with a compression vent to prevent moisture buildup.

Bought a linear amplifier rated for 1000 watts. My antenna and commercial BALUN are both rated for 2000 watts. After some time, my amplifier switched into protection mode. Investigation revealed that my VSWR had increased, and I had to take down my antenna. The windings inside my BALUN had arced and burned.

Not with an RF.Guru BALUN. Our BALUNs are rated conservatively and built with Teflon-type wiring, which does not burn or melt. They are also designed to withstand high RF voltages, ensuring reliable long-term performance.

Due to my antenna swaying in the wind, something inside my BALUN has loosened. I hear a rattling sound inside the housing, and my VSWR fluctuates intermittently.

Not with an RF.Guru BALUN. All internal components are mechanically stabilized, preventing movement and ensuring long-term reliability.

I installed a new antenna and, as recommended, used a BALUN. However, I’m still experiencing RF interference issues.

Not with an RF.Guru BALUN. Our BALUNs operate on the current-forcing principle, effectively minimizing RF currents flowing on the outer shield of the coaxial cable. This prevents unwanted radiation and ensures an optimal antenna radiation pattern.

I was told that an antenna works fine without a BALUN, so I decided to save some money and omit it. Now, my transceiver chassis is RF “hot,” and I get burns when touching my metal microphone parts.

This won’t happen with an RF.Guru BALUN. Our current BALUNs effectively suppress common-mode currents, preventing RF buildup on your equipment.

My shack is on the first floor, and I struggle to achieve a proper RF ground. I followed best practices and installed a current BALUN, but I still experience RF interference and feedback.

An additional Line Isolator installed at the tower base or where the coaxial cable enters the shack will help. Combined with RF grounding of the coaxial outer shield, this forms a highly efficient second-order common-mode filter.

I experience high noise levels on receive.

The high common-mode choke impedance of RF.Guru current BALUNs and Line Isolators significantly suppresses conducted noise, preventing it from traveling back along the coaxial outer shield and contaminating the received signal.