dbc254 wrote:
Everyone makes fun of newbies buying ready-built dipoles on eBay, but
nobody can direct you to where to buy baluns? Searched hi and lo
online, and what I found, was more expensive than buying a ready-made
dipole! I'd like to buy a balun, and attach my own cut-to-length
wire, but can't find cheap baluns ANYWHERE.

Where are you Elmers buying your baluns?

Here are diagrams of one type of balun which will server you well:

http://assemblywizard.fr33webhost.com/balun1.jpg

http://assemblywizard.fr33webhost.com/balun2.jpg

You will need to pick the proper material you need for the core, and
compute the turns necessary for the freqs in question (lowest freq will
determine these), there are abundant design pages on the web ... google
is your friend.

Regards,
JS

Half-a-Brain-McCain'n Insane; So Lawdy Mama, It Looks Like Obama!