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Reviews For: Unadilla W2AU Wire Balun

Category: Antenna parts, accessories, incl. baluns, hardware, etc.

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Review Summary For : Unadilla W2AU Wire Balun
Reviews: 18MSRP: 26.50
Description:
The W2AU is the preferred Balun of Amateurs worldwide. W2AU's operate at 1.1:1 or less VSWR from 1.8 to 40 mHz, and handle powers up to 2 KW PEP (at SWRs of less than 3:1). W2AU Baluns are transformer designs with ferrite cores to provide 95% minimum coupling efficiency. Each has a built-in lightning arrestor, hang up hook, and 600 lbs of pull-apart strength in a weatherized, rugged package using only stainless steel hardware and quality materials. Two models are available. The 1:1 matches 50(75) ohms unbalanced coax to 50(75) balanced dipoles. The 4:1 matches 50(75) ohm unbalanced coax to 200(300) ohm folded dipoles.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.unadilla.com/w2awire.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00182.9
KC0GSB Rating: 2010-03-28
Work Fine Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I use two of these on a 20M inverted V and a 40M sloping V beam. I have never had a problem. They also have withstood Mother Nature very well. I have thrown 1500W at them without missing a beat. No problems here, so I gave them a 5.
W8AAZ Rating: 2009-03-19
Worked for me for years Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Those people having troubles, you are soldering the wires to the tabs, right? Dang I am suprised at the squaks on this one. I started using this and some of their traps to make a 75-40 vee back in the 70's and it worked fantastic. I have used these on several occasions with dipoles or vees no probs. I am using one right now to transition coax to window line fed dipole for a tuner and everything is copasetic. I will not claim they are the best or anything. Just that I bought them because I am sorta cheap and have had no issues. Then again I do not live seaside, or in the desert, or a rain forest. So they all must not be bad. Not testing their power limits, either.
K4LD Rating: 2009-01-06
Never Again Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My experience with Unadilla was one I would never wish upon anyone.
After finding the some QC control issues with my balun and a few other problems, I thought I would call and talk to a rep or builder.
I called customer service and was welcomed with a nice "Call back in an hour, I'm just going out the door to lunch. CLICK!" We obviously know where their priorities are.
Don't think you can get away with a cheap balun, call up DX engineering and pay for quality, instead of a lunch.
N3PKC Rating: 2008-10-26
Just a current balun Time Owned: more than 12 months.
You get what you pay for. These won't do anything more or less than any other decent 1:1 current balun. I think people expect a lot from these because I've owned several of both 1:1 & 4:1, used them for their intended purpose, and they worked fine. For example, connect an equal quarter wavelength of stranded copper wire to each side of the 1:1 version, connect it to coax, install it correctly, and it should have a near perfect match with SWR bandwidth dependent on the band. I guess it's too easy to overlook proper antenna system grounding, installing the antenna in proximity to metal objects, or failing to ensure the drain hole is positioned correctly. Another mistake I've made myself is using a 4:1 to match an OCF dipole right to coax, which can work, but has the potential for failure. These work best for making a transition from ladder line to coax. These are just some thoughts. For the price I've been very happy with Unadila, especially when compared to the Van Gorden for five bucks less.
NM2K Rating: 2008-10-14
Worked as advertised Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I used the 1:1 version on my Mini Products HQ-1 for several years. No problem whatsoever. Just make sure the drain hole is at the lowest point possible.

I just ordered a 4:1 to use inside the shack at the end of my Van Gordon All Bander's 450 ohm twinlead feedline, then a jumper from the balun to my LDG-1000 autotuner. I hope this works as well as my last setup. Will let you know if I have a balun problem.
CHRISGM Rating: 2008-08-01
Now in the bottom of a box Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Had two on seperate antennas. On one this was the manufacturer's recommended balun! Lousy preformance, can't believe HRO sells them. Replaced with DX engineering baluns, all is now right in my world.
W4BGN Rating: 2008-07-31
FULL OF WATER Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The balun became full of water after one rainstorm. Yes, my coax was sealed, but the water had to come in from the top or sides. There is no damage to the balun such as cracks, etc...

I think it's just very poor craftsmanship!!!

If you buy 1 of these, be prepared to have your SWR and tuners act crazy!!!
VK5ZDB Rating: 2008-04-10
Waste of Money Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Claims a VSWR of 1.1:1. I checked the 4:1 balun with a 200 ohm load on the output. Didn't get 1.1:1 VSWR ANYWHERE between 1.8MHz and 40MHz. The best was around 1.4:1 at 14MHz. 28MHz was 2.8:1 !