Hello neighbour! As I've said previously, these types of videos are heartbreaking, but certainly necessary! The result should be better informed buyers, and a better product from Alpha in the future. Time will tell! Outstanding video! Thanks for sharing.
Rob Fern I would certainly like to think so but after all the discussions I've had over the past few days with Alpha, it is my opinion that they are looking to change as little as possible about production, quality, and materials. Steve told me the Recon is an entirely new product, and that the EZM will continue to be sold with some "improvements". But they can say anything they want because people are stupid, and want to think the best about other peoples intentions. As we see in this video the hybrid micro uses screws so that the user can open it and see what's inside. The. EZM is sealed shut with PVC cement, with the intention of no one ever seeing inside. Look at the images found on the Alpha website. There are no good images! They're all fuzzy, and low-res. because they don't want you to see what you're going to get before you already have it in your hands. Hence the "you can return it in 90 days for any reason for a refund as long as it's unopened" policy! I'm sorry Rob. My belief is they thought they could buy another "sponsored video reviewer", but I didn't play along since I don't roll that way. I've totally lost confidence in Alpha!
+SurvivalTech Nord Wait wait wait wait a minute..... Are you trying to tell us that Alpha Antenna tried to "buy you" the same way that crooked politicians are buying votes to review their product??
+Al Hard certainly not, but it started to feel that way after some of Steves accusations! Look pls keep it respectful. I eon't sucked into the he said she said. I just want quality gear for the community.
+SurvivalTech Nord Brother, I am not ever going to buy from them again. Ever. Like Steinhest, I am disappointed with Alpha. I will go over to eham and give them a review. it will be close to yours now that the "thrill" of getting the antenna has worn off when I first made my video. My 5 ft whip mount that I ordered when I placed the order, broke the other day and I have not even got a chance to mount it on my truck! I will make a video of it to continue to ensure the community is aware of poor quality. The VBM channel has been quiet. I wonder why......
Absolutely right!! Alpha has been manufacturing garbage since day 1. Everything they do is a cheap version of whatever Chameleon Antenna have been manufacturing for years! Chameleon are often posting pictures of the their manufacturing here if you really want to see quality: facebook.com/ChameleonAntenna/
Yes, it does work pretty well. I use it as a temporary antenna and I always use the counterpoise wire. I work mostly CW and have worked many stations on 20 and 10 meters. I never run any power, usually QRP, but work most stations I call. I never leave it out overnight nor operate in the rain, but it does OK for a small vertical. I have not tried it on 40. Of course a good tuner is a must.
As I have told STN, the construction of the two very similar units electrically is eye opening. Thanks for opening them and sharing. Sad you distroyed the one unit. ..wait you can reconstruct it from the home improvement store....
Thank you for this excellent video. I'm considering the CHA-F Loop: good to know that the rest of their line is top notch quality. VBN's great reviews- one after another, were a red flag. This video is great info for those who will listen.
Thanks for the information. I had seen Survival TechNord's series on the two antenna systems and it was good to see someone else confirm his review. Shame you had to take yours apart to find out the build quality, but I know others - including myself one day I am sure, will appreciate your demonstration.
+Mike Wood STN is a good guy! His videos are really good! :-) . Yes in one way it was not fun to destroy it.. but it did not preform as it should so the loss was already there when i payed for it.. I am going to buy a antenna tester and compare the two antennas and maby something i make myself.. it will be interesting to see the test report.
Wow! This is without a doubt the best comparison I have seen. The differences are staggering. It seems as though Chameleon has engineered every part specifically for their antenna match, where the Alpha looks entirely home brewed, and poorly home brewed at that. As a fairly new Ham I am extremely grateful for your sacrifice. Not many people would tear down what is essentially a $100 part. I suppose that is why there was no information about it until now. I was actually sold on the Alpha EZ Military until I saw your last video. This video however is a definite eye opener, and is certainly a tremendous benefit to the Ham community. I wouldn't be surprised to see some sort of lawsuit come from this. It seems to me that Alpha has completely misrepresented their product and have absolutely taken advantage of dozens if not hundreds of trusting Hams like myself. I want to thank you for keeping me from making what looks to be a terrible mistake. Keep up the good work! 73's, Chris K4CGB
+Chris B. Thanks! :) Regarding lawsuits, what are you going to sue for? it is an antenna and it works, but it not that well made. I don't think there is a case there, but the customer should be informed and make a decision with that information.
Excellent video... I also was preparing to buy an Alpha but your video made obvious beyond a doubt the error the purchase would have been. Good work Sir.
I know this video is 8 years old, but I really appreciate your video. I've always wondered about the construction of my chameleon antennas and how they rate compared to others. I just was never able to afford to sacrifice my operating antenna.
As a new ham, I am constantly learning from others like you, Gil - The Radioprepper, and Julian of OH8STN. This review has me sold on Chameleon. Thx & 73!
They are both trash whips using loss as a tuning option, just make a 26 mix 4:1 current balun and slap it inside a pvc pipe and some 3/8-24 hardware and you will be at the same level for $20
Thanks for the hard work in destroying to baluns in order for us to gain insight into what we are paying for. Pretty obvious as to what the right choice is for the military and ham radio user
+John Leonardelli thanks! :) i don't think ether of the antennas are mill spec, but the Chameleon is closest to it.. In a military setting i would expect potting and different materials.. and maybe a different design since they tend to operate at different and narrower bands, not jumping all over the place like we do.. But that said, the alpha is not something that even would be considered in a military trial.. they would not allow it to enter after looking at the documentation and construction... The Chameleon could be a option for the military if you put some o-rings on it or just potted it.. I am not saying i would like Chameleon to start potting their antenna, i like to be able to repair my own stuff. O-rings don't hurt, but would drive up the price and i have not seen that i need it yet and just to compare the whips.. Chameleon's whip feels solid and stiff and slides nicely together.. alphas feels like a tent pole.. so i don't think alpha are close to trials for the military yet ;-) Chameleon on the other hand, i could see something like this actually being used for light weight recon and that sort of stuff. but not issued to gorilla hands that bend and brake stuff for a living :P
I'd love to see the inside of the new stainless steel Alpha Match to see if they improved the inside as much as the outside. If the old plastic antennas we're 1/3 the price, it wouldn't be as bad.
I wanted to get on the air as quick as i could (even though I intend to make my own antenna's and experiement a bunch next year) and have been really happy so far with my Chameleon EMCOMM II I picked up based on it not needing a tuner and being able to mount it just outside the window of my "shack" (spare bedroom). I have plenty of room for big antennas but probably still wouldn't have one up yet (I bought everything over thanksgiving holiday) so again, I'm glad I got the EMCOMM. Once I install a better antenna setup I'll packup the EMCOMM and use it for portable stuff since it's quite small and would make a great portable setup.
both the transformers are 5:1 types used in the Comet CHB250.. do a search on google for chb250 clone and you'll find how to make them... can be quite lossy.. but work - sort of....... some have said its like a dummy load with s bit of wire hanging off it for the comet... cost me NZ$30 in parts to make transformer in PCV pipe, used for a few years as a wspr antenna....
I really do not know where Alpha got the idea to use the military label on the Alpha Antenna. Anybody knows? I'd like for Alpha to step up and clarify this. After my video on their kit, Alpha posted on how to test for conductivity. Steve (from Alpha Ant) even emailed me to my own personal email asking me to redo/post a vid on properly check conductivity. Shortly after, their post wast removed by them. It seems to me that with more videos surfacing on the web, they are trying to remain quiet. To me, remaining quiet can be perceived in many way. Good or bad. Thanks for the video Steinhest. The more I watch this video, the more disheartened I am starting to feel. Alpha's unit looks like a home-brew made version AKA sloppy craftsmanship. Does anyone know the specs on that ferrite block that Chameleon uses? Overall, Alpha's unit NEEDS a lot of fine tuning. I do not mind a company making a profit but the price on the kit is beyond overpriced.
I've been taking screenshots of everything from alpha. Steve has these seriously emotional outbursts, then comes back a day or two later and says "oh it's my OCD". He won't even apologise!. After my eHam review, Alpha antenna updated their website with excuses explaining the bad quality. Now they're saying the whip design is based on a sewer man cover. Perhaps the sewer is correct. They're really taking advantage of less experienced amateur radio operators, by using buzzwords like tactical, Military, NVIS, emcomm, base camp, portable, ... while blatantly lying in their marketing material. -Alpha antenna is all about a fast buck, at all costs, no matter who they hurt. Alpha Antenna is the Baofeng of the American Ham Antenna industry!
N2LRB Actually, are you suggesting that as a small business owner, one should not be held accountable or liable for publishing misleading marketing about a product? Are you also saying customers should not inform the public about inconsistencies between the products documentation, compared to actual build quality?
N2LRB I certainly do not! I'm just a customer who has been cheated too many times by "miracle" antennas promising the world! I was invited to do a comparison of products, then published an honest report of my findings, and experience with the company. Nobody forced the company to make thier claims, send gear for review, ... Honestly, I even told them before I published that I found serious issues with the gear. I worked with them to document the problems, only to be misled. None of this was any surprise for the company! Anyway, By now you've seen the other videos from independent youtubers. One must find a way to reconcile the confirmation of my findings for themselves! Then do so without giving the company a pass for being a small business, having low marketing budget, ... Alexloop doesn't do it! Neither Chameleon or Buddipole. They also don't claim to sell systems to the military, or use stock military images on their website. With all that said please stop lurking me! It's kind of creepy!
I am suggesting that companies can not be held 1. to your sense of perfection and 2. that Alpha Antenna has no evil intent. It's just the way he makes his products. Did you invest in his company and tell him any different? I just find your views a little too proud for their own good. It's easy to put down others. Please...start your own company and lets see what you come up with.
The first HF antenna I got was a AlphaAntenna Promaster 1080 and it uses the exact same unun found in the Comet CHA250b... The only different part of the antenna is how the wire antenna is added with a counterpoise, they claim it act similarly like a off centered dipole... the core base of the antenna regardless is the unun which is exactly the same as the commercial antennas... I think many antennas are based on that copied system... I think the only other vertical with a matching unit that uses a different matching is the Diamond BB7V, there is a bank of resistors with a tiny core transformer, way different than the CHA250b. Still they are lossy matching units that render the antenna not performing really well. Again, those unun in your video are copyed from the Comet CHA25b design.
Mostly because of your video, I bought a Chameleon CHA MIL unit. It works great! Finally, (the way I have it mounted on my apartment balcony railing), I can get on every band a General Can and simply use the auto tuner in my HF transceiver! KD8EFQ/73! The alpha antenna sucks.
Great solid review again, and shows quality workmanship by Chameleon, again you get what you pay for. Imitation devices always lack quality at some point, and it has been proven in a few videos. Stop the comparisons, I think not. Buyers should be aware, then they make the choice they wish. Bravo Zulu on a great video. I too am a very happy Chameleon product owner and have never looked back on my choice.
+VE3FAL1_Fred Fred ... looks like a great review .... as pictures and performance is real world method .... I did and still do "Homebrew" .... but for myself and friends .... as I came from Commercial tech to Ham Band only =) Let the truth stand 8-)
Wow thanks for sharing, very timely as I am on the verge of deciding if whether Alpha or Chameleon. However for 2018 Alpha has changed some of the product line do you think they have improved?
Question, is the black body of the Hybrid Micro plastic or metal? I would think stray capacitance would be picked up from the body if it was a metal body. Every unun I have looked at is always in a plastic box. This got me thinking when I saw your very good video on the comparison. I would be very interested in your comments as I am constructing my unun .cheers vk2jcc
Thanks, I know it's been a while since the video was posted, but nice job. The, is it Alpha antenna transformer assembly, can at least be salvaged as parts but the Chameleon is quite nice.
Alpha, sadly, isn't the only company trying to 'latch' onto the whole military thing. There are a lot of 'Milspec' and 'Military' product claims with no actual connections or use by military. And 'Milspec' only means a product is built to the military's specifications, but that means nothing about quality; its just the specs used by the military for standardization. And remember, the military is 'those guys' that lean towards 'lowest bidder', so military quality doesn't mean BEST quality. Alpha's 'military' sales page, has NO products, NO means for 'military' to make a purchase and NO real content other then to 'look' official. But they still continue to use 'military' pictures on their website. With the CHA MPAS being nearly the same 'package' as the Alpha 'EzMilitary' (short of the lack of a carrying bag with the MPAS) the difference in pricing is clearly demonstrated in this comparison. Chameleon chosing to have specifically designed parts vs Alpha's choice of 'off the shelf Home Depot' parts (matching units only) doesn't explain to me WHY the Alpha is only $65 cheaper. With the exception of the ferrite beads in the Alpha, everything in the Alpha Match can be had for
Well, I did like you, I almost bought a alpha because of all I read... Somehow, chameleon systems came up and I went for this! A bit pricier, but it seemed better thought through, and seeing your video now, I'm happy I went that way ;) Thanks for this vid man! Awesome!
Unfortunately I did not see this video in time, and bought the Alpha antenna. I am not at all pleased with it's construction and performance. I definitely feel like I got ripped off. Since I threw my money away on that piece of junk, it will be some time before I can get a better antenna. It does work, but not well. As for the military thing, I have no idea where that came from. I have been in the military, and they don't use junk like that. This thing is so flimsy I expect it to break at any time. I have no idea why it gets so many great reviews. If it cost $100 I might find it acceptable. I am using it with an Icom IC-718 and an LDG IT-100 autotuner. It seems to tune better on the 20 meter band than anywhere else. I definitely consider this to be a home made antenna, and certainly not worth what it cost.
i am sorry you also got fooled by this.. i know how exactly how it feels! it made me so mad i cut mine open. maybe you could use the Alpha match and a wire (like the chameleon mpas has) and that would not be expensive. i would read the mpas manual for hints on that. a normal piece of wire, and a eye terminal + some strain protection and you are good to go. you see the problem could be the tent pole not making good contact, and going with a wire could bypass and solve that. heck, even sanding the joints on the mill whip could improve it (as long as the cord is tight) good luck to you, and let the rest of the world know how you feel, write reviews and share this video.
Thank you so much for this video! I have a "real" military whip antenna at home... a friend of a friend knows someone who has a friend who has lost it in the field while doing a military training. It just magically showed up in my room... strange enough ;) I will test this Whip and give you a heads up on what "military" is ;) 73 DJ6KR
I use type 33 beads. Newark has the toroid cores that you stack, #98k8793. You'll need six. In lieu of copper pipe or tubing, you can tight spiral wind bare copper #14 or 16 solid. Works for me. eddieson
@@johnstumm3155 Thanks for info! You are correct, the 33 beads are better. I am still wondering what torrid is used in the hybrid micro as I cannot find the binocular type in a 33 mix only a 43 and am wondering if maybe the micro uses a 43 mix?
Honestly. Yeah, the Alpha seems like its "Mil-Spec". Lol. (Mil-Spec = Built by lowest bidder) ... Yes, i know that's not true for all military items, and there are some good Military Specifications, but thought it would be a funny line. But the Chameleon design seems to be better.
Ok, that makes sense! Now I know why Videos By Mike disables his comments! I would say that when somebody who raves about a shit antenna and then leaves no way for people to express an opinion (like you are doing here) is equally dishonest! Thank you for a real and honest review, sir !
I agree.. :-) And owners/workers of an antenna companies should also say that they have a connection and bias towards that company when commenting on videos.. i like transparency when talking about products:-)
Are you going to show the Alpha bad manufacturing piece by piece? I'm asking because people are referring to the cheap landscape cable used for the transmitting wire and radials, the cheap tent stakes, the bad screw with the press fit nut at the base of the EZM whip and the cheap fishing rod bag (with the glued logo on it). I'm not sure if everyone saw that in detailed pictures how bad the whole thing is... Thank you for your work!!
+steinhest Do you plan to review your unit on eham.net like STN did by including a link of your video too? I think the community will really appreciate visual facts about the antenna...
That's disgusting! I mean seriously people lay out good money for a product they expect to be built properly and what alpha put out was pure rubbish, the type of thing anyone could build for a few bucks in a few hours of messing around and still do a better job. Im not saying the parts they chose are bad (well maybe the wire could have been better) but its the construction that is just nasty. I see alpha has upgraded the look of the balun/unun what ever it is and I hope they took note and steped up their QC.
Please, stop this competition between this two excellent products. Buy the one you consider the right for you, and that's it. Finished. I have the alpha ez military antenna, and work perfect.
+mdmyers7206 That is absolutely true. I review all the videos in youtube looking for different opinions. but in my case, i'm check the continuity of the Alpha Antenna wip, and continuity is good. But.... I recognize that the Chamaleon,with its metal base and its longest wip elements, it is more rigid and is superior in quality manufacturing
+Eugenio Guarente You bought a tent pole, a tent stake, landscape wire, pvc fittings, some nuts/bolt and some copper pipe. Put them together and you have a wonderful product known as a mil-stick, alpha match and emcomm wire kit. Alpha should sell is parts as a kit and let the D-I-Y type people put it together as an option.
+Steven Hull Hey! You and I think alike! LOL. If Alpha sold it as a kit, hell yeah. I would make it a lot better. I plan on building one myself sometime in the future.
+Eugenio Guarente The guy from survival tech nord who made the video series posted a review on eham.net not so long ago... www.eham.net/reviews/review/141159 You should all consider doing the same thing and let the world know what you think.
martin rasell - Hi, i don’t want to spend money on Alpha. I asume they have done some upgrades to the 2.0, but it would only be the quality of the parts, and not the working principle of the antenna. On a diffrent note. I have just ordered a large vacuum capasitor and i am about to start project « covert 150watt magnetic loop» If i am lucky DHL won’t break it and i will have it befor easter :-)
Those antennas are trash. It's better a 25 feet wire antenna with 9:1 unun for qrp. I tried those antennas types, for me those antennas don't work. I once used a mfj 1820 t for my surprise was better than an alpha antenna.
this is all bollocks. If u put them on a car or in a field side to side there will be no difference in performance between them. they both compromise antennas anyway so what all the fuss about . And why would you want to strip them in a firs place. if it works - live the shit alone .
Hello neighbour!
As I've said previously, these types of videos are heartbreaking, but certainly necessary! The result should be better informed buyers, and a better product from Alpha in the future.
Time will tell!
Outstanding video!
Thanks for sharing.
+SurvivalTech Nord One can only hope that Alpha will surprise us with a redefined unit...
Rob Fern I would certainly like to think so but after all the discussions I've had over the past few days with Alpha, it is my opinion that they are looking to change as little as possible about production, quality, and materials. Steve told me the Recon is an entirely new product, and that the EZM will continue to be sold with some "improvements". But they can say anything they want because people are stupid, and want to think the best about other peoples intentions.
As we see in this video the hybrid micro uses screws so that the user can open it and see what's inside. The. EZM is sealed shut with PVC cement, with the intention of no one ever seeing inside. Look at the images found on the Alpha website. There are no good images! They're all fuzzy, and low-res. because they don't want you to see what you're going to get before you already have it in your hands. Hence the "you can return it in 90 days for any reason for a refund as long as it's unopened" policy!
I'm sorry Rob. My belief is they thought they could buy another "sponsored video reviewer", but I didn't play along since I don't roll that way. I've totally lost confidence in Alpha!
+SurvivalTech Nord Wait wait wait wait a minute..... Are you trying to tell us that Alpha Antenna tried to "buy you" the same way that crooked politicians are buying votes to review their product??
+Al Hard certainly not, but it started to feel that way after some of Steves accusations! Look pls keep it respectful. I eon't sucked into the he said she said. I just want quality gear for the community.
+SurvivalTech Nord Brother, I am not ever going to buy from them again. Ever. Like Steinhest, I am disappointed with Alpha. I will go over to eham and give them a review. it will be close to yours now that the "thrill" of getting the antenna has worn off when I first made my video. My 5 ft whip mount that I ordered when I placed the order, broke the other day and I have not even got a chance to mount it on my truck! I will make a video of it to continue to ensure the community is aware of poor quality.
The VBM channel has been quiet. I wonder why......
I've noticed the same deficiencies with Alpha's products. Built "on the cheap" but priced like mil-spec.
Absolutely right!! Alpha has been manufacturing garbage since day 1. Everything they do is a cheap version of whatever Chameleon Antenna have been manufacturing for years! Chameleon are often posting pictures of the their manufacturing here if you really want to see quality: facebook.com/ChameleonAntenna/
I own both antennas and think this review is very helpful to the ham community. Thank you for your efforts. 73
+David Edger David, how does your Alpha perform? Does it get out?
Yes, it does work pretty well. I use it as a temporary antenna and I always use the counterpoise wire. I work mostly CW and have worked many stations on 20 and 10 meters. I never run any power, usually QRP, but work most stations I call. I never leave it out overnight nor operate in the rain, but it does OK for a small vertical. I have not tried it on 40. Of course a good tuner is a must.
As I have told STN, the construction of the two very similar units electrically is eye opening. Thanks for opening them and sharing. Sad you distroyed the one unit. ..wait you can reconstruct it from the home improvement store....
+lloyd mitchell hehe yes i could, but i am going to cnc machine something for it i think.. when i get the time
Thank you for showing the build quality between this antennas.
+Tim Huffaker you are welcome :) i was so suprised when i got my EZ that i just had to say something about it.
Thank you for this excellent video. I'm considering the CHA-F Loop: good to know that the rest of their line is top notch quality.
VBN's great reviews- one after another, were a red flag. This video is great info for those who will listen.
Thanks for the information. I had seen Survival TechNord's series on the two antenna systems and it was good to see someone else confirm his review. Shame you had to take yours apart to find out the build quality, but I know others - including myself one day I am sure, will appreciate your demonstration.
+Mike Wood STN is a good guy! His videos are really good! :-) .
Yes in one way it was not fun to destroy it.. but it did not preform as it should so the loss was already there when i payed for it..
I am going to buy a antenna tester and compare the two antennas and maby something i make myself.. it will be interesting to see the test report.
Wow! This is without a doubt the best comparison I have seen. The differences are staggering. It seems as though Chameleon has engineered every part specifically for their antenna match, where the Alpha looks entirely home brewed, and poorly home brewed at that. As a fairly new Ham I am extremely grateful for your sacrifice. Not many people would tear down what is essentially a $100 part. I suppose that is why there was no information about it until now. I was actually sold on the Alpha EZ Military until I saw your last video. This video however is a definite eye opener, and is certainly a tremendous benefit to the Ham community. I wouldn't be surprised to see some sort of lawsuit come from this. It seems to me that Alpha has completely misrepresented their product and have absolutely taken advantage of dozens if not hundreds of trusting Hams like myself. I want to thank you for keeping me from making what looks to be a terrible mistake. Keep up the good work!
73's,
Chris
K4CGB
+Chris B.
Thanks! :)
Regarding lawsuits, what are you going to sue for? it is an antenna and it works, but it not that well made.
I don't think there is a case there, but the customer should be informed and make a decision with that information.
Excellent video... I also was preparing to buy an Alpha but your video made obvious beyond a doubt the error the purchase would have been. Good work Sir.
I know this video is 8 years old, but I really appreciate your video. I've always wondered about the construction of my chameleon antennas and how they rate compared to others. I just was never able to afford to sacrifice my operating antenna.
As a new ham, I am constantly learning from others like you, Gil - The Radioprepper, and Julian of OH8STN. This review has me sold on Chameleon. Thx & 73!
They are both trash whips using loss as a tuning option, just make a 26 mix 4:1 current balun and slap it inside a pvc pipe and some 3/8-24 hardware and you will be at the same level for $20
Just ordered a chameleon emcomm iii this past week. Going to be my HF antenna for the SDRplay RSP1A. Use a discone for the sdr local frequencies
Thanks for the hard work in destroying to baluns in order for us to gain insight into what we are paying for. Pretty obvious as to what the right choice is for the military and ham radio user
+John Leonardelli
thanks! :) i don't think ether of the antennas are mill spec, but the Chameleon is closest to it..
In a military setting i would expect potting and different materials.. and maybe a different design since they tend to operate at different and narrower bands, not jumping all over the place like we do..
But that said, the alpha is not something that even would be considered in a military trial.. they would not allow it to enter after looking at the documentation and construction...
The Chameleon could be a option for the military if you put some o-rings on it or just potted it..
I am not saying i would like Chameleon to start potting their antenna, i like to be able to repair my own stuff.
O-rings don't hurt, but would drive up the price and i have not seen that i need it yet
and just to compare the whips.. Chameleon's whip feels solid and stiff and slides nicely together.. alphas feels like a tent pole.. so i don't think alpha are close to trials for the military yet ;-)
Chameleon on the other hand, i could see something like this actually being used for light weight recon and that sort of stuff. but not issued to gorilla hands that bend and brake stuff for a living :P
Many thanks for sacrificing your antennas to reveal hidden construction!!! 73, bill
I'd love to see the inside of the new stainless steel Alpha Match to see if they improved the inside as much as the outside.
If the old plastic antennas we're 1/3 the price, it wouldn't be as bad.
I wanted to get on the air as quick as i could (even though I intend to make my own antenna's and experiement a bunch next year) and have been really happy so far with my Chameleon EMCOMM II I picked up based on it not needing a tuner and being able to mount it just outside the window of my "shack" (spare bedroom). I have plenty of room for big antennas but probably still wouldn't have one up yet (I bought everything over thanksgiving holiday) so again, I'm glad I got the EMCOMM. Once I install a better antenna setup I'll packup the EMCOMM and use it for portable stuff since it's quite small and would make a great portable setup.
both the transformers are 5:1 types used in the Comet CHB250.. do a search on google for chb250 clone and you'll find how to make them... can be quite lossy.. but work - sort of....... some have said its like a dummy load with s bit of wire hanging off it for the comet... cost me NZ$30 in parts to make transformer in PCV pipe, used for a few years as a wspr antenna....
There's a reason Mike doesn't allow comments on his videos. Now you know why! That's pretty crappy work. Thanks for the video!
And Mike only does testing on 20 meters with all of those antennas even though the antenna claims 10 through 80 meter operation.
Chameleon make a first grade product that is worth the price. Top service as well
I really do not know where Alpha got the idea to use the military label on the Alpha Antenna. Anybody knows? I'd like for Alpha to step up and clarify this. After my video on their kit, Alpha posted on how to test for conductivity. Steve (from Alpha Ant) even emailed me to my own personal email asking me to redo/post a vid on properly check conductivity. Shortly after, their post wast removed by them. It seems to me that with more videos surfacing on the web, they are trying to remain quiet.
To me, remaining quiet can be perceived in many way. Good or bad.
Thanks for the video Steinhest. The more I watch this video, the more disheartened I am starting to feel. Alpha's unit looks like a home-brew made version AKA sloppy craftsmanship.
Does anyone know the specs on that ferrite block that Chameleon uses?
Overall, Alpha's unit NEEDS a lot of fine tuning. I do not mind a company making a profit but the price on the kit is beyond overpriced.
I've been taking screenshots of everything from alpha. Steve has these seriously emotional outbursts, then comes back a day or two later and says "oh it's my OCD". He won't even apologise!. After my eHam review, Alpha antenna updated their website with excuses explaining the bad quality. Now they're saying the whip design is based on a sewer man cover. Perhaps the sewer is correct. They're really taking advantage of less experienced amateur radio operators, by using buzzwords like tactical, Military, NVIS, emcomm, base camp, portable, ... while blatantly lying in their marketing material.
-Alpha antenna is all about a fast buck, at all costs, no matter who they hurt. Alpha Antenna is the Baofeng of the American Ham Antenna industry!
Do you own an antenna company?
N2LRB Actually, are you suggesting that as a small business owner, one should not be held accountable or liable for publishing misleading marketing about a product? Are you also saying customers should not inform the public about inconsistencies between the products documentation, compared to actual build quality?
N2LRB I certainly do not! I'm just a customer who has been cheated too many times by "miracle" antennas promising the world! I was invited to do a comparison of products, then published an honest report of my findings, and experience with the company. Nobody forced the company to make thier claims, send gear for review, ... Honestly, I even told them before I published that I found serious issues with the gear. I worked with them to document the problems, only to be misled. None of this was any surprise for the company!
Anyway, By now you've seen the other videos from independent youtubers. One must find a way to reconcile the confirmation of my findings for themselves! Then do so without giving the company a pass for being a small business, having low marketing budget, ... Alexloop doesn't do it! Neither Chameleon or Buddipole. They also don't claim to sell systems to the military, or use stock military images on their website.
With all that said please stop lurking me! It's kind of creepy!
I am suggesting that companies can not be held 1. to your sense of perfection and 2. that Alpha Antenna has no evil intent. It's just the way he makes his products. Did you invest in his company and tell him any different? I just find your views a little too proud for their own good. It's easy to put down others. Please...start your own company and lets see what you come up with.
The first HF antenna I got was a AlphaAntenna Promaster 1080 and it uses the exact same unun found in the Comet CHA250b... The only different part of the antenna is how the wire antenna is added with a counterpoise, they claim it act similarly like a off centered dipole... the core base of the antenna regardless is the unun which is exactly the same as the commercial antennas... I think many antennas are based on that copied system... I think the only other vertical with a matching unit that uses a different matching is the Diamond BB7V, there is a bank of resistors with a tiny core transformer, way different than the CHA250b. Still they are lossy matching units that render the antenna not performing really well. Again, those unun in your video are copyed from the Comet CHA25b design.
Mostly because of your video, I bought a Chameleon CHA MIL unit. It works great! Finally, (the way I have it mounted on my apartment balcony railing), I can get on every band a General Can and simply use the auto tuner in my HF transceiver!
KD8EFQ/73!
The alpha antenna sucks.
Great solid review again, and shows quality workmanship by Chameleon, again you get what you pay for. Imitation devices always lack quality at some point, and it has been proven in a few videos. Stop the comparisons, I think not. Buyers should be aware, then they make the choice they wish. Bravo Zulu on a great video. I too am a very happy Chameleon product owner and have never looked back on my choice.
+VE3FAL1_Fred thanks! :)
+VE3FAL1_Fred Fred ... looks like a great review .... as pictures and performance is real world method .... I did and still do "Homebrew" .... but for myself and friends .... as I came from Commercial tech to Ham Band only =) Let the truth stand 8-)
Wow thanks for sharing, very timely as I am on the verge of deciding if whether Alpha or Chameleon. However for 2018 Alpha has changed some of the product line do you think they have improved?
Oh - are you talking about the following: ruclips.net/video/QYewdpPH0PU/видео.html
I'm only a casual SW listener, but thinking of ordering the Alpha which is on sale right now. I'll go with Chameleon.
Question, is the black body of the Hybrid Micro plastic or metal?
I would think stray capacitance would be picked up from the body if it was a metal body. Every unun I have looked at is always in a plastic box. This got me thinking when I saw your very good video on the comparison. I would be very interested in your comments as I am constructing my unun .cheers vk2jcc
Thanks, I know it's been a while since the video was posted, but nice job. The, is it Alpha antenna transformer assembly, can at least be salvaged as parts but the Chameleon is quite nice.
Alpha, sadly, isn't the only company trying to 'latch' onto the whole military thing. There are a lot of 'Milspec' and 'Military' product claims with no actual connections or use by military. And 'Milspec' only means a product is built to the military's specifications, but that means nothing about quality; its just the specs used by the military for standardization. And remember, the military is 'those guys' that lean towards 'lowest bidder', so military quality doesn't mean BEST quality.
Alpha's 'military' sales page, has NO products, NO means for 'military' to make a purchase and NO real content other then to 'look' official. But they still continue to use 'military' pictures on their website.
With the CHA MPAS being nearly the same 'package' as the Alpha 'EzMilitary' (short of the lack of a carrying bag with the MPAS) the difference in pricing is clearly demonstrated in this comparison. Chameleon chosing to have specifically designed parts vs Alpha's choice of 'off the shelf Home Depot' parts (matching units only) doesn't explain to me WHY the Alpha is only $65 cheaper. With the exception of the ferrite beads in the Alpha, everything in the Alpha Match can be had for
Steinhest can you measure the dimensions of the binocular core of the mpas please?
Well, I did like you, I almost bought a alpha because of all I read... Somehow, chameleon systems came up and I went for this! A bit pricier, but it seemed better thought through, and seeing your video now, I'm happy I went that way ;)
Thanks for this vid man! Awesome!
you are welcome! :)
good thing you went with the chameleon :)
Unfortunately I did not see this video in time, and bought the Alpha antenna. I am not at all pleased with it's construction and performance. I definitely feel like I got ripped off. Since I threw my money away on that piece of junk, it will be some time before I can get a better antenna. It does work, but not well. As for the military thing, I have no idea where that came from. I have been in the military, and they don't use junk like that. This thing is so flimsy I expect it to break at any time. I have no idea why it gets so many great reviews. If it cost $100 I might find it acceptable. I am using it with an Icom IC-718 and an LDG IT-100 autotuner. It seems to tune better on the 20 meter band than anywhere else. I definitely consider this to be a home made antenna, and certainly not worth what it cost.
i am sorry you also got fooled by this.. i know how exactly how it feels! it made me so mad i cut mine open.
maybe you could use the Alpha match and a wire (like the chameleon mpas has) and that would not be expensive.
i would read the mpas manual for hints on that.
a normal piece of wire, and a eye terminal + some strain protection and you are good to go.
you see the problem could be the tent pole not making good contact, and going with a wire could bypass and solve that.
heck, even sanding the joints on the mill whip could improve it (as long as the cord is tight)
good luck to you, and let the rest of the world know how you feel, write reviews and share this video.
Thank you so much for this video!
I have a "real" military whip antenna at home... a friend of a friend knows someone who has a friend who has lost it in the field while doing a military training. It just magically showed up in my room... strange enough ;)
I will test this Whip and give you a heads up on what "military" is ;)
73
DJ6KR
+Konrad Ritter
hehe nice one! looking forward to that video. :)
Great video looked and made such a transformer.
Thanks for the video.
R9FF 73!
Thank you very much for this excellent video : )
Does anyone know what type torrid material the hybrid micro uses? I know the Ecom II uses type 31.
I use type 33 beads. Newark has the toroid cores that you stack, #98k8793. You'll need six. In lieu of copper pipe or tubing, you can tight spiral wind bare copper #14 or 16 solid. Works for me. eddieson
@@johnstumm3155 Thanks for info! You are correct, the 33 beads are better. I am still wondering what torrid is used in the hybrid micro as I cannot find the binocular type in a 33 mix only a 43 and am wondering if maybe the micro uses a 43 mix?
Thanks to this video..I learn a lot!
Honestly. Yeah, the Alpha seems like its "Mil-Spec". Lol.
(Mil-Spec = Built by lowest bidder)
... Yes, i know that's not true for all military items, and there are some good Military Specifications, but thought it would be a funny line. But the Chameleon design seems to be better.
I'm going to come off as mean here. This just feels like more of a "hit piece" than an unbiased review. It was really subjective.
Ok, that makes sense! Now I know why Videos By Mike disables his comments! I would say that when somebody who raves about a shit antenna and then leaves no way for people to express an opinion (like you are doing here) is equally dishonest! Thank you for a real and honest review, sir !
i got the chameleon MPAS and love it.
can send me the way that they wound that cord through the copper pipes?
Do you plan to make a video demonstration with your Chameleon Antenna soon?
I think people need to be transparent and say if they own an antenna company when they a competitors equipment.
I agree.. :-) And owners/workers of an antenna companies should also say that they have a connection and bias towards that company when commenting on videos.. i like transparency when talking about products:-)
+N2LRB Are you suggesting one of the makers of the negative videos is an owner of an antenna company?
great video thanks to the author, always wanted to see what TRANS did not understand a bit what's the ratio?
can you sent me a schematic off the wiring on the "military" ?
WoW that alpha match is like some thing i made on my spare time to just get some thig up till i had some thing nicer... Tarable...
I wish I had seen this a week ago.
I wish that more people would drop reviews like the following on Alpha Antenna products: www.eham.net/reviews/review/141159
Are you going to show the Alpha bad manufacturing piece by piece? I'm asking because people are referring to the cheap landscape cable used for the transmitting wire and radials, the cheap tent stakes, the bad screw with the press fit nut at the base of the EZM whip and the cheap fishing rod bag (with the glued logo on it). I'm not sure if everyone saw that in detailed pictures how bad the whole thing is...
Thank you for your work!!
+Super Great Observer You are welcome =) ... i guess i could make a video with more details if you guys want it?
+steinhest Do you plan to review your unit on eham.net like STN did by including a link of your video too? I think the community will really appreciate visual facts about the antenna...
+Super Great Observer I don't know, i have made my videos, and other people are sprading the word.. i think my opinion is out there now.. :)
thank you for your efforts, you helped me make a decision. 73, david kk4zuu
That's disgusting! I mean seriously people lay out good money for a product they expect to be built properly and what alpha put out was pure rubbish, the type of thing anyone could build for a few bucks in a few hours of messing around and still do a better job. Im not saying the parts they chose are bad (well maybe the wire could have been better) but its the construction that is just nasty. I see alpha has upgraded the look of the balun/unun what ever it is and I hope they took note and steped up their QC.
Please, stop this competition between this two excellent products. Buy the one you consider the right for you, and that's it. Finished. I have the alpha ez military antenna, and work perfect.
+mdmyers7206 That is absolutely true. I review all the videos in youtube looking for different opinions. but in my case, i'm check the continuity of the Alpha Antenna wip, and continuity is good. But.... I recognize that the Chamaleon,with its metal base and its longest wip elements, it is more rigid and is superior in quality manufacturing
+Eugenio Guarente You bought a tent pole, a tent stake, landscape wire, pvc fittings, some nuts/bolt and some copper pipe. Put them together and you have a wonderful product known as a mil-stick, alpha match and emcomm wire kit. Alpha should sell is parts as a kit and let the D-I-Y type people put it together as an option.
+Steven Hull ... Damn !!!
+Steven Hull Hey! You and I think alike! LOL. If Alpha sold it as a kit, hell yeah. I would make it a lot better. I plan on building one myself sometime in the future.
+Eugenio Guarente The guy from survival tech nord who made the video series posted a review on eham.net not so long ago...
www.eham.net/reviews/review/141159
You should all consider doing the same thing and let the world know what you think.
Do a teardown of the new alpha military 2.0 please
martin rasell -
Hi, i don’t want to spend money on Alpha. I asume they have done some upgrades to the 2.0, but it would only be the quality of the parts, and not the working principle of the antenna.
On a diffrent note.
I have just ordered a large vacuum capasitor and i am about to start project « covert 150watt magnetic loop»
If i am lucky DHL won’t break it and i will have it befor easter :-)
I have one works extremely well well upgraded
martin rasell - ok. Good for you man. But I would not buy from them again... fool me once.
Those antennas are trash. It's better a 25 feet wire antenna with 9:1 unun for qrp. I tried those antennas types, for me those antennas don't work. I once used a mfj 1820 t for my surprise was better than an alpha antenna.
Thumbs down on the review. Several of the arguments you made against the Alpha product applies to the Micro too.
I bought the Alpha match & " mil whip" ...total junk , absolute crap , overpriced garbage...will NEVER buy from Alpha again .
this is all bollocks. If u put them on a car or in a field side to side there will be no difference in performance between them. they both compromise antennas anyway so what all the fuss about . And why would you want to strip them in a firs place. if it works - live the shit alone .
You must be blind and stupid...