Rich, coax can be a consideration when loking at multi-band tuning. There
are a number of books out threre with the formulae.

As to baluns, you might not even need one. Many hams mistakenly include
baluns automatically in ther antennas, and introduce problems. I would
suggest you try a dipole with no baluns, and only add one if you discover
TVI or RFI problems.

- KI6PR
El Rancho R.F., CA

"Rich" wrote
Hello all. I'm thinking about a wire antenna ... even thinking about
buying a pre-made 40-10m (short) antenna ... I have about 40' to play
with on the 11th floor balcony facing due west (USAF member stationed
in Ankara, Turkey). I also have a tuner that I've never used. I
think I'm primarily interested in primarily 10, 20 and 40 ... and
perhaps 12, 15, 17 and 30? I'd love to work Europe and possibly back
to the states if possible (barefoot).

I happened across an ad for Van Gorden Engineering baluns &
insulators, Hi-Q 1:1 or Hi-Q 4:1 Baluns. I have no clue as to how to
choose one beyond knowing they connect coax to a dipole. Is coax
length important?

Can anyone explain how I'd choose and install a balun given my desire?
1:1 or 4:1 impedance ratio?

Finally, can anyone suggest an off-the-shelf antenna based on their
experiences with it?

Thanks!
Rich
(Please don't reply via e-mail ... deed address)