Ape Answers 004: Antenna Chokes Explained
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- Having trouble with RF interference or signal quality in your ham radio setup? In this video, we explain what antenna chokes are, how they work, and why they’re essential for reducing radio frequency interference (RFI) and improving your antenna’s performance. Whether you're dealing with common-mode currents or simply looking to fine-tune your antenna system, this guide will help you get the most out of your setup.
Ape Answers is a short format video series where we answer Ham Radio related questions from viewers. We cover questions that were asked on my videos to get you that answers you are looking for. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, we've got you covered with detailed explanations and solutions to common issues. Tune in to get your questions answered!
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Can't say it enough. Love the format!
Thanks Big John 👍
GREAT, great content! And the illustrations were 👌. 73!
Thanks Brent 👍
Thank you so much The Smokin Ape! I really enjoy your videos! ☺️Your the Best!
Well thank you Mary, glad you enjoy the videos 👍
The ape is smokin once again. New to amateur radio (General) and love the content. I've learned a lot and appreciate your presentations.
THanks Doug, glad they are helpful 👍
Good Job Ape!
Thanks Chuck 👍
Thanks for the content. A recent conversation on the Lab599 forum deals with the importance of a choke to protect the sensitive audio chip used on the TX-500, which is the QRP radio i use most often. Just one more reason to always use a choke at the radio.
I need to find that forum, I have the 599… love that radio 👍
@@TheSmokinApe I have one too - there seems to be two problems; one in damaging the balanced output of the audio chip by grounding one end in home-brew headphones / audio circuits (can't remember the part number of the chip off the top of my head but it has been discontinued AFAIK) and secondly transmitting on 17m with I think a bad match. I always use a choke with mine.
@@rjy8960 I’ve heard about the audio chip. I do mostly digital which means it’s not a “problem” but it is a problem 😡
It’s good to see correct answer and noting else. Good job and thank you.
Thanks Thuff, glad you liked it 👍
Good stuff! Keep 'em coming!
Thanks SF, glad you like them 👍
ABC always Be Chokin
You damn right LC 👍
Smartest ape I know! Keep up the great content bro.
Thank you Hollywood, much appreciated 👍
Thanks Ape
Thanks for watching BA 👍
Thanks for another good one, Ape. Here's a question for consideration in a future video. What are your recommendations or best practices for choking on a mobile install for VHF/UHF?
Hey Mike, I’ll add it to the list 👍
Another great example on how to do it Ape! Perfect length to keep my interest and not wanting to have a nap. Well got to go… nap time. 💤
Haha, awesome Mudz. Thanks for watching 👍
So, I got this new vertical antenna it's a 22' telescoping one made by Diamond Antennas (BB7A) it apparently does not use a counterpoise, nor does it require radials, I believe the coax cable is acting as the counterpoise as they were clear that you need at least 50' of good quality coax. I bought ABR Industries RG8X and one of those in line chokes they sell that is heat shrink wrapped around a set of ferrite beads. Will the choke at the feed point interfere with the coax/counterpoise or is it harmless to the counterpoise effect of the coax? Thanks for these good training videos!
So, antenna companies will say a counterpoise isn't needed and to use the coax. A true counterpoise is cpactive and an Earth gound like coax shields is resistive; it does make a difference. If your setup works and you are happy with it, keep using it. If you have problems or want to experiement, add a counterpoise and see what happens.
@@TheSmokinApe I will do just that, I had an MFJ 20M hamstick style vertical and I assembled a set of eight 5M/17' radials, now that antenna was disappointing, but I will reuse the radials that are "clip on" attached (as depicted in one of your earlier training videos), and I also may have some spare wire in my "stuff box" to maybe try a counterpoise? But just to be sure I understand, that in line ABR choke will not hurt if all I have is the coax alone right? (Definitely want to always be choking) Seems to be working OK, the way Diamond instructed to use it; but it is compromised given its size. Deploying 8 radials isn't difficult, but it is a little bit of a nuisance if I am in a hurry to get going. Also, final question: I don't see any place to attach more than 4 of them near the antenna itself, so can I just clip them to the metal stake that supports the antenna, is that good enough? Thanks Ape!
I’d keep the choke on there and yes, clipping to the metal support should work 👍
Common mode chokes can sometimes produce amazing results when you did not think you needed them. FWIW using a DXCommander my received noise level dropped by 4 s-points on a few bands with the addition of a common mode choke at the shack. The antenna has plenty of radials and the soil here is very conductive, it is easy to overlook that the safety ground can introduce RF noise directly to the chassis of the radio. Without a common-mode choke this RF can reach the antenna and degrade your receive.
Great info G0FVT, thank you 👍
Hey Ape, nice series you have going on here. I have one for you, I picked up a box of toroids(~20-30) from a sale and I am wanting to know how I can test these to differentiate their make up and deploy these for proper use? None of them were labeled....
I have this on my list, but its a long list 🤨
Liking "Ape Answers" good work. How long until we get to Vna's and Oscilloscopes? And no, it's not just because I bought a new Oscilloscope.. okay fine, it's cause I just bought an oscilloscope.
lol, maybe I can bump it on the list…
I know it wasn't part of your topic, but with any end fed antenna, I would also add an earth ground at the antenna base to bleed off wind/snow static and help shunt a nearby lightning strike to ground. 73
Great point Tom 👍
Good video Ape
Thanks Thump 👍
What are some good quality chokes?
I make all mine and have a few videos in my choke playlist showing how, it’s very easy. I believe ABR industries is making some good ones these days 👍
Really appreciate this video. I have been using 50' ABR coax with an integrated choke at the feedline for my verticals. Looks as though I should add another choke just before the transceiver/tuner. I will be setting up the DX Commander Signature 9 soon and will incorporate chokes as well. Thanks for the video! Kellye K1SOE
Hey Kellye, I would add one to both ends of the coax 👍
@@TheSmokinApe i am adding snap on ferrite beads. Is that sufficient?
@@KellyeEversole they work, good luck with the project 👍
You left out a diagram for people with remote tuners at the antenna...
I have an ldg rt100 would you put the choke before or after the tuner?
I took a very Quick Look at the manual for that tuner and I didn’t see anything in the diagrams. I would put it between the tuner and the antenna. I’d also put one after the radio and before the coax.
That's what I was thinking but wasn't sure...
Thanks for the confirmation!
Keep up the excellent work!!!
N9HT/Ed
Excellent topic! "Ugly" chokes not good below 20m. Need at least 80 uh IMhO. Thanks!
Thanks Watt 👍
Does a choke incur losses? For example, would multiple chokes be lossier than 1 choke? 2 chokes vs 10 chokes to prove it?
Usually negligible loss, most are just a metre or so of coax wrapped around a suitable core or cores.
They can introduce minimal loss, I’ve tested it on videos before but I can’t remember which.
QUICK WATER WATER IM CHOCKING 😂😂
Howdy Cornbread 👍
What if I know that I don't have an issue with commode sheep currants?
Then I’d suggest taking some fiber and trying to relax…
@@TheSmokinApe I need a license to be able to operate on fibrous frequencies.
I'm on FB trying to find a common mode current meter. A lot of people have the RF ammeters but I haven't found any common mode current meters yet. I can't seem to search for them on Google.
Great. I just our pro teams do not see this. Houston. Choke City!
lol, thanks for watching Dominic 👍
Choke early, choke often.
Right. Thanks for watching Jeff 👍
the ABC of ham radio. ABR industries makes some great chokes with good coax . made on FT 240 -31 core and shrink wrapped . can get the ends you want. PL-259 to SO-239 is a great one. some use coax as counter poise when portable. that works but either way you can get common mode current getting into radio. so all ways choke at radio/tuner side. and do not forget to choke DC power leads to radio . even a snap ferrite type 31 in mic cord is good idea as well. any wire can pick up RF or transmit RF. solar panel choke that. all them little buss bars in the cells pick up RF and can TX RF from a MPPT charge controller which you choke both in and out power leads. so if your always be complaining about RF noise and common mode problems is because you need to always be choking. not going to hurt using chokes. common mode current can give false SWR reading. best investment I made in radio is ferrite . 73's
ABR is making some great cables. And thinking outside the coax!
They have shop in Houston, so I try to support local good business es
Yes, ABR does it right. Fantastic company 👍
@@TheSmokinApe ❤ They listen to the needs of HAMS ! they have coax chokes now with T 240 big cores. RG 400 coax ! and you choose ends ! I like PL-259 to SO 239 at antenna . them SO-239 for coax harder to find. Loved when you had ABR on the you tube coffee and ham radio . ABR thinks out side the coax ! Chokes ,protective covering. 😀
@@robertmeyer4744 yeah, they are pretty awesome
So even with a deep cycle LiFePO4 battery I still need to choke the DC leads? I thought that batteries were considered "clean" power unlike power supplies. Well, I do have a CMC choke just before the tuner, but now I got get another Mix 31 for the battery too. Thanks for the info!