Ladder Line and SWR. Post 1921.
If you can't see the video, please insert this title URL into your browser search box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KUJPcRIUDE. In our previous post, Stan Gibilisco (W1GV) explained the pros and cons of a coax-fed multiband HF dipole antenna. Even with an antenna transmatch (i.e. "tuner") in line, high antenna SWR for all bands, except the one cut specifically for the design frequency, will lead to poor efficiency and power loss. According to Stan, one way to keep feed line losses to a minimum would be to use a balanced feeder (ladder line, TV window line, or homebrew 600 ohm balanced line) with your HF dipole antenna. Design your dipole for the lowest frequency of use, use balanced line to feed the antenna, and use a balanced antenna "tuner" to keep line losses and SWR low. In this video, Stan explains the theory, operation, and use of ladder line, as well as where and when to use it. If you can have only one HF antenna, feed it with balanced t...