A Collaborative Hands-on Club Project
From bare toroids to finished baluns – on Sunday, May 17, 2026 – RARA and the Greater Beloit Amateur Radio Club (GBARC) took on a hands-on 49:1 balun build for an end-fed half-wave antenna. It was a team effort and it was great fun with 19 “builders”.
The Build Team & Pre-build Prep
While at a GBARC meeting, the topic went to “do we want to do another build project this year”, in 2025 we collaborated on a Tape Measure Antenna Build and Fox Hunt and it was great fun. Chuck WD9BB, presented an exciting idea – let’s build 49:1 Un-Uns! He presented his idea and research and was a natural organizer for the project – so off we went! All parts were identified and purchased, the team pre-drilled the boxes, planned for soldering, and testing. We were on our way! Many thanks to team members: Larry AC9GO, Dean K9FLO, Brian KD9QVB, Jimmy KC9GOL, and Greg K9GJN. Special thanks also to Larry K9KZT for securing the shelter!
Build Day
Wrapping of the toroids, mounting into the enclosure, connecting leads to the SO-239s, and soldering! Prepping for soldering was critical!
Testing
Un-Uns were tested and if they didn’t test within spec, trouble shooting and modifications were made to bring to success!
A good time was had by all and the team is already planning for next year!