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| Reviews Summary for Comtek W2FMI Jerry Sevick Series Baluns |
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Reviews: 7
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $49.95 to $89.95
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Description: Design inspired by Jerry Sevick W2FMI with modern improvements from DX Engineering's R&D department.
Insulation characteristics exceed common ThermalezeŽ wire.
Unique high voltage compensating capacitors for unequalled SWR bandwidth
Typical insertion loss is less than 0.2 dB
Power handling of 3 kW continuous to 5 kW+ intermittent - depending on model
SO-239 connectors are silver plated with TeflonŽ insulation
All hardware is Stainless Steel. Studs are 1/4"
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.dxengineering.com/Products.asp?ID=369&SecID=10&DeptID=9
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write your own review of the Comtek W2FMI Jerry Sevick Series Baluns.
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AA2HA
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 17, 2012 08:06
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Great balun!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I finally got around to making a "fan" dipole (lets not get into that debate) for 80, 40, 20, and 15 as a result of the 40 meter legs. I installed the center support and both ends with rope and pulleys so the antenna could be raised and lowered easily. First, I used the Jetstream balun and ran some tests. I lowered the antenna and replace the balun with the DX Engineering, re engineered Comtek balun. The difference was drastic. Received signals were stronger and I was able to tune a vast portion of band that wasn't viable with the Jetstream. On-air tests with several hams showed a better transmit signal as well (as much as 2 S units!) Not one to be easily persuaded due to changing band conditions, etc., I once again changed over to the Jetstream balun with the same results. The Comtek balun is now permanently mounted.
The Comtek balun is more efficient, with better broad band characteristics, and a look inside shows the quality and craftsmanship one would expect from the pros DX Engineering. Sure they were a few dollars more (less than 20 bucks) but the results speak for themselves.
I used to one of those guys that said "A balun is a balun" or "Just make your own". No three words are quite as humbling as I was wrong, but am glad to profess them after using this balun.
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AA2HA
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 15, 2012 20:49
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Excellent balun
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I ordered my Comtek baluns, a 1:1 and a 4:1, from DX engineering. They shipped the same day and the baluns were here in a few days. Luckily we had a few nice days and I was able to put up a new dipole. I used the 4:1 for my first attempt at an OCF dipole. One leg is 88' the other is 190'. I had previously used a Jetstream 4:1 balun and wasn't impressed with the antenna. I replaced it with a Comtek 4:1 and the difference was drastic to say the least! This balun is 2-3 S units higher in receive and my internal tuner is now able to tune every amateur band (except 30 meters). I was only able to use the internal tuner for 2 bands with the old balun. It appears well made and and seems to handle a KW with no problem. I'll report on the 1:1 when I get my fan dipole up. It may not be the nicer DX engineering balun, but for $50 and $60 bucks, I couldn't be more pleased.
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N6WK
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 9, 2012 15:10
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GREAT
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just purchased a Comtek Balun from DX Engineering. This thing is Built to Last. Great Quality and a great Price. DX Engineering is a great place to find good buys. I also recommend their Aluminum tubing. I bought 60 feet of it and it slides together nice! Perfect for a push up mast.
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KL7BX
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 16, 2011 10:18
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Great Product, to be sure!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I recently bought a couple different ComTek Baluns, so I could build-up some HF wire antennas. Have tried several other "cheapie" inline coaxial baluns, with some fair to poor results, so I invested a bit more money into the ComTek line after doing some online research & reading of numerous reviews. I am THOROUGHLY impressed with not only the quality construction, but also the EFFECTIVENESS and USABILITY of the ComTek Baluns. I bought a 1:1 Balun and built-up a 9-band "spider" dipole to cover 80 meters thru 6 meters (excluding 60 mtrs). Was able to EASILY trim/tune the elements for resonance on all 9 bands, INCLUDING 6 meters. SWR at resonance averages between 1.3:1 to 1.4:1, with a few bands absolutely FLAT at 1:1! I can actually HEAR signals now, as compared to before! Have only had a few months of usage so far, so we'll see how well it handles sub-freezing climate thru the South Central Alaskan winter. Highly recommend this product. Will be building a large HF LOOP antenna with the 4:1 Balun that's still in the box! Can't wait to see how well IT works! Overall VERY MUCH worth the price!
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K6SBA
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 15, 2011 17:22
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Very High Quality
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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As the previous reviews stated, the DX Engineering Comtek series baluns/ununs are quality products. I needed a 1:1 unun for a ladderline to coax transition and did not have the parts on hand to build one. There are several high quality suppliers out there; Balun Designs is certainly a top contender, and I own several from that company. Upon opening the Comtek unit, I was impressed by the quality of the parts and the careful attention to construction detail. You can't go wrong with the Comtek (or Balun Designs). If you are interested in quality and durability stay away from the other suppliers, or build it yourself.
73 de K6SBA
David in Santa Barbara, CA
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W3PO
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 15, 2011 02:33
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good quality
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I needed a 1:1 balun and thought I would build it, then read the DX engineering advert on their Comtek baluns and decided to give one a try.
As the previous post I opened it upon reception to check the construction quality and was pleased with what I saw.
Obviously it is performing as advertised.
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W7VO
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 27, 2011 15:51
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"Second Best" Built Balun I've Seen, but for the money...
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just ordered one of these baluns from DX Engineering, and while it is not as nice inside as the $100+ one with the formed aluminum case and glass insulators that DX Engineering sells under their own name, for half the price is is great!
The first thing I did when I received it was take it apart to look at the quality, as I have been burned by this from other suppliers. First rate! double teflon insulation used, so no chance of shorting out. All stainless hardware in a NEMA rated box, and even weather sealing on the SO-239 connector.
Quality control sticker inside signed by the guy that built it, and the QA manager.
There are several people selling these toroidal baluns in the 4 X 4 gray NEMA boxes, but this one is the best built I've seen.
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