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Do I need a balun with a G5RV Jr?
Recommendation. A balun or choke should NOT be used on a G5RV wire dipole. This is why the originator recommended against using a choke or balun at the transition between the ladder line and the coax. Some G5RV antenna manufacturer instructions say to use a 10-turn coax coil choke or balun at the antenna feedpoint.
How high should a G5RV JR be?
Otherwise, a basic antenna tuner will work just fine. In ideal circumstances this 51 ft long antenna should be placed at height of around 16� – however, few hams have ideal circumstances and this antenna can still be a solid performer at much lower heights or in an inverted-V formation.
How long is a G5RV JR antenna?
Standard G5RV antennas are 31 meters (102 feet) long, excluding feedline and matching section length, and can be used on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. A half-length G5RV (51 feet long) can be used on 40, 20, 15, and 10 and is known as the G5RV Junior.
How long is the ladder line on a G5RV?
The length of the ladder line should be close to 1/2 wave on 20m for a true G5RV using a 102 ft. flat-top, such as you are building. The length is important, as it acts as an impedance reflector on 20m, and a transformer on other bands.
What band is G5RV?
Based on models and air testing the G5RV performs quite well as a 5-band antenna. Those bands include 80, 40, 20, 15, and 12 meters. The antenna will NOT work as well as a dipole on any other HF band. By adding a relay and a ground system the G5RV can be made to work quite well as a “T” antenna on 160 meters.
What kind of coaxial cable does a G5RV Jr use?
The G5RV Jr.’s have a 16 ft. ladder-line matching section ending in an SO-239 connector for a coaxial feed line. They are balanced antennas fed with a balanced 450 ohm line that terminates in an SO-239 connector. Because they’re fed with an unbalanced coaxial cable, it’s a good idea to use a 1:1 choke balun at the coax to the feed-point connection.
How big is a G5RV center fed antenna?
The G5RV, with its special feeder arrangement (ladder line), is a multi-band center-fed antenna capable of very efficient operation on all HF bands. Specifically designed dimensions allow it to be installed in gardens and other open spaces to accommodate a reasonably-straight run of 31.1m (102 ft) for the “flat-top” standard model.
Can a MFJ G5RV be used as an antenna tuner?
The MFJ G5RVs’ instructions include details on the employment of a very simple air-wound, do-it-yourself coaxial cable balun. These G5RV antennas are great multi-band antennas. When they are used with an antenna tuner, you can operate all bands between 40 Meters and 10 Meters, including all WARC bands!
What kind of RF fitting do I need for a G5RV?
An RF fitting to match the antenna output of your tuner will be needed these are usually PL259 , N type, or BNC connectors. Some articles about the G5RV say you can use any length of coax you choose.