Yes, your reception will improve. You have a mismatched impedience
now. Yes, you need a balun transformer. Around $5 at any hardware
store, or Radio Shack. If the old cable is deteriorating, it's time
to replace it. The balun comes with about 4 inches of flat cable that
goes to the 2 antenna nuts, then the coax screws to it and goes to the
tv stuff in the house.

Just do it. It's no big deal to do as long as you can get on the roof
and to the antenna. Total cost is the balun, some electrical tape,
and whatever coax you need. Then tape the coax to the mast with
electrical tape. You dont need standoffs for coax.

(Be sure to wire brush the rust off the antenna nuts and coat them
with automotive grease.

Mark



On 8 Feb 2006 21:53:31 -0800, "jg" wrote:

I have done some reading about balun transformers and how I can connect
my existing flat antena cable to 75 ohm cable.

However, my questions is this... what if I replace the 30 year old flat
cable all the way to the antenna. Will this yield better reception?
(It is pretty good as it is.) The exiting flat cable is starting to
fall apart at some places. Currently I just have it directly wired to
my coax cable (just before it enters the house) with out any type of
transformer. The coax is properly grounded (to the circuit breaker
box.)

So my questions are these:

1. How do I connect the coax directly to the antenna? Or should I?
Do I still need a balun transformer?
2. If I need a balun transformer, does anyone know of a heavy duty
outdoor one? (Or should I build my own.)
3. Will reception improve?

Thanx to all who reply.

jg