WW1WW’s matching transformer for an EFHW

At PD7MAA’s BN43-202 matching transformer for an EFHW I gave an estimate of the core loss in PD7MAA’s transformer. An online expert questioned the analysis and later measurements, and proposed his own transformer design as evidence. Notably, his transformer uses #61 material and a larger binocular core, a Fair-rite 2861006802 with 2t for a nominal … Continue reading WW1WW’s matching transformer for an EFHW

Small efficient matching transformer for an EFHW

At FT82-43 matching transformer for an EFHW I wrote about the likely losses at 3.6MHz of a common design using a FT82-43 ferrite core with a 3t primary. In that case, expected efficiency (meaning PowerOut/PowerIn) of the transformer was less than 65% at 3.6MHz. I have been offered input VSWR curves for such a configuration, … Continue reading Small efficient matching transformer for an EFHW

FT82-43 matching transformer for an EFHW

A published design for an EFHW matching device from 80-10m uses the following circuit. Like almost all such ‘designs’, they are published without supporting measurements or simulations. The transformer is intended to be used with a load such that the input impedance Zin is approximately 50+j0Ω, Gin=0.02S. Analysis of a simple model of the transformer … Continue reading FT82-43 matching transformer for an EFHW

On winding configuration of EFHW matching transformers

The net abounds with articles on broadband transformers (ie untuned) for matching End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antennas to 50Ω. One of the aspects that is common to most designs is that the turns of the primary winding are wound ‘bifilar’ with the start of the secondary winding, indeed the twist pitch is often very … Continue reading On winding configuration of EFHW matching transformers

Ellington 3 x FT240-52 matching transformer for an EFHW

Ellington describes in a Youtube video his high power matching transformer for an EFHW, he rates it suited to 500W CW. Like almost all such ‘designs’, they are published without supporting measurements or simulations. The transformer is intended to be used with a load such that the input impedance Zin is approximately 50+j0Ω, Gin=0.02S. Analysis … Continue reading Ellington 3 x FT240-52 matching transformer for an EFHW

PD7MAA’s BN43-202 matching transformer for an EFHW – full measurement set

I have written some recent articles about or relevant to PD7MAA’s BN43-202 EFHW matching transformer. At about the same time a discussion started on and through that discussion, one ‘online extra expert’ stated that my analysis was bogus (dictionary meaning: not genuine, faked, a misrepresentation). This article presents detail that was not included in the … Continue reading PD7MAA’s BN43-202 matching transformer for an EFHW – full measurement set

PD7MAA’s BN43-202 matching transformer for an EFHW – measurement of a prototype

At PD7MAA’s BN43-202 matching transformer for an EFHW I gave an estimate of the core loss in PD7MAA’s transformer. This article reports measurement of a prototype built to his design.   Above is PD7MAA’s graphic for his transformer. It is a little confusing as an 11t wind will start and finish with ends as the … Continue reading PD7MAA’s BN43-202 matching transformer for an EFHW – measurement of a prototype

PD7MAA’s BN43-202 matching transformer for an EFHW

End Fed Half Waves have certainly captured the minds of QRP aficionados, and there is a steady stream of ‘designs’ appearing on the ‘net. A recent article by PD7MAA describes such a transformer using a BN43-202 balun core for up to 20W PEP from 7-29MHz. Above is PD7MAA’s graphic for his transformer. It is a … Continue reading PD7MAA’s BN43-202 matching transformer for an EFHW

The magic of the End Fed Half Wave antenna / EFHW

I have noted recently the increasing popularity of the so-called End Fed Half Wave antenna, though the term often includes harmonic operation of the antenna. It seems that at the heart of common ham understanding of this antenna system is that some kind of two terminal feed device creates a scenario with current on the … Continue reading The magic of the End Fed Half Wave antenna / EFHW