A Kentucky Test Out: CHA-TDL
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
- Today I took the Chameleon Tactical Delta Loop (CHA-TDL) out to a parks on the air (POTA) entity and made awesome happen. Quick Setup, Quick Activation, all at 10w with the Xiegu X6100.
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Amazingly good SWR on all bands! I would have suspected it's a dummy load except that you showed contacts being made. EXCELLENT. 👍I modeled it in MMANA-GAL and the loop is quite a "cloud burner" except on 10M where it aims broadside and is bi-directional. This is all due to being so close to the ground. If you could mount it 5M (15FT) above ground, it would play very well on 20M.
Good construction but expensive IMO. Great review as always T.O. 73 OM, stay out of the hot Sun.
You're right - I would have stayed out longer, but it was a hot day!
Fantastic great SWR across all the bands
SWR being "Fantastic" across all bands comes with a lot of signal strength loss. It's physics. All broadband antennas have a lot of signal loss. All portable antennas are a compromise, this one is much more of a compromise than almost all other portable antennas. There are far better performing, compact antennas for far less money. Heck, a $50. EFHW will get you 4 bands without adjustment in a small space with far better range and signal strength, on average at least 2 to 3 "S" units better. @@wildbill1
I agree, it's a nice antenna. I've had my CHA-TDA for about 15 months and have often used it to work Evan for the HRCC Friday night nets. Sturdy, easy setup-up. I also used it for an amateur radio intro class I was presenting to some of my son's friends. They definitely though the CHA-TDA had quite the 'tacti-cool' factor. Nice video.
When I was setting up, someone stopped by and asked if I was setting up for wedding! It draws eyeballs/interest.
I put mine on a extendable tripod and used at about 12 feet above ground. It works well is but highly susceptible to windy conditions.
I tried to turn my broadside... the wind decided it didn't like it that way and put it back ;-)
I can tell you what to expect... Using SSB, and mostly FT8. I've made over 1300 QSOs as far away as South Africa, NZ, AUS, all of Europe, central Russia, most of SA, all of USA, and more to come. The TDL is over 15 ft above the ground on my upper deck. It works for HOAs well. Never been asked to take it down.
15ft up is a big help and those are great results!
Mike - Would it be possible for you to make a short RUclips video where you can show how you installed the antenna in order to keep the HOA happy? I'm curious to see how you did it!
@@Chameleon_Antenna Let me see what I can do.
Great video Steve, that antenna seems to be a good portable option. Looking for a good portable antenna now and checking out the Chameleon line up. Thank you for sharing.
It is very portable, the SS17 Whips will stick out of a normal backpack a bit, but not unmanageable.
I love that you show the SWR, this is so important and it’s very hard to find videos of the chameleon antennas where people actually show the SWR. As a fan of flat swr, I bought the MPAS Lite and felt so disappointing its performance, the SS17 is great though. I knew it wouldn’t be flat, but I didnt know that on 40meters the swr is above 4. If I watched this video before I would have bought the TDL.
73!
The math on the SS17 says resonant on 20m and decent tuner elsewhere. I used the 17' whip on 40m with an LDG tuner and made good contacts.
That looked nice and easy to deploy too.
Hey man, I just looked at it and it was up in the air and tuned! Your talents have transferred!
@@temporarilyoffline Nice! So Proud!
Great test, I think I need one
Yes you do
Great little antenna (ok, it's not so little). I picked one up last year for field day, but haven't used it lately. So many antennas, so little time.
Low SWR, works good, and a little more gain than just a wire (it's slightly directional). A lot easier to work than my MFJ "Big Ears" (MFJ-2289), which is harder to tune, but I've gone coast to coast on 20M with my G90.
The setup was very easy for how many bands you can get out of it. I'll be using it again for sure!
That’s a hell of a great setup.
Fast and multi banded!
That multiband SWR reading is almost too good to believe. I might have to order one of those CHA-TDL. BTW, hope your new full time RV lifestyle is working out. And it's been blistering hot here in East Texas, heat index over 110 fairly often. Stay cool.
As with any antenna you make one compromise or another - broadband because of some losses in the transformer vs Hi-Q and having to re-tune every few KCs.
De WB3BIT I have been using the TDL for away comms and before I put up my LWEFS at the home QTH for a couple of years. It is an awesome antenna. Carl with Chameleon told that up on a mast, "you will own the world!" Some guys run it on a mast with a rotator. Good stuff!
I would love to run this on a mast and see what it does!
@@temporarilyoffline It works really well as a vertical too. I always add a couple of 25' counterpoises at a minimum. I can see why the MPAS is so popular! Chameleon is going to be introducing new antennas and other game changing products between now and early next year. It'll be worth keeping an eye on them. All mil spec, made in America!
Wow talk about a multi band antenna ! Another great video
Thanks Sean! I was pretty impressed with 10w!
Love my TDL. Pretty danged good NVIS antenna.
I'm hearing in the comments that next up is adding some height! Now to figure out how to make that happen!
You need to check it with a DXC against CHA- TDL and a antenna switch...... big difference. Have antenna shoot out for portable antennas. Measure the signals
I agree in spirit, but the cha is designed (through relevant compromises) to be faster to deploy. The DXC is "better" for longer stays, the CHA is better for "field expedience" - in the proper light, both are the perfect antenna for the mission they were purposed for.
@@temporarilyoffline I never understood those antennas shoot out. They’re absolutely pointless as people are still thinking that one antenna is sufficient to do it all. It would be like comparing a 2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 McLaren Artura but only on speed!
Moving South, you better get ready for the heat! Don't worry unless you are going far south, July and August are the worst of it. June and early Sept can be pretty warm but usually far less humid. We make up for it with long autumns and springs!!
I plan to stay north in the summers, just have to do some paperwork South this summer... and of course it's the worst summer on record this year too 🤣
really enjoy your informational videos. Bought the CHA-TDL because of your video. Thanks and hope to work you on POTA sometime. N5WRS Corpus Christi Texas
I'll be out there! Thanks for watching!
BEAUTIFUL Antenna Setup 💯👌🍻
It sure is, thanks!
That looks awesome!
I have had POTA dreams about this one - quick easy setup, multi-band... might be my new goto!
You were in my home state. We were at Taylorsville State Park for POTA but had to shut down due to lightning. None of us wanted to find out what happens when you mix lightning and antennas. :)
I don't want to find out either, but I suspect it wouldn't matter if lightning struck that close.
Hi TO! I went back and reviewed this video yesterday. I'm doing some homebrew experimentation on a ground-mounted vertical Delta Loop using a couple of the 17' whips. I was very surprised at the flat SWR across the HF bands. I don't question your measurements, just surprised at the results. The Chameleon Hybrid matching unit appears to be a transformer with what's reported in another YT video where it was disassembled as a 4 or 5:1 wind. If you get curious about this Chameleon Delta Loop configuration, a video on identifying what the wind ratio is and the full HF band RF impedance sweep would be very informative to the nerds in your audience, lol. Live it up at Livingston, TO! 73 de K4FMH
Good luck on your build my friend! It is a 5:1 as far as I know.
@@temporarilyoffline Yea, that’s what I’m reading. I’m just doing baseline measurements with the 17’ whips and connector wire now. 73!
I have been pretty happy with it. Setup and teardown is very quick, it packs up fairly small and it works! I'll be trying it elevated soon and let you know how that works. @@Frank_K4FMH
I'm impressed too
Nice!
At 25' on their port mast, it's a remarkable antenna.
Height is might! I've tried it at 14' and it was a winner!
I'm surprised you got such good results when scanning the SWR. Are there lots of losses in the feed-line, potentially? Even the manufacturer does not claim SWRs lower than 2.0 when mounted on the ground, especially on the lower frequencies.
I was pretty surprised as well. Maybe recent rains and close to the river helped?
@@temporarilyoffline That might be helping it. Most reviews I've seen showcased it in rather dry locations..
By design, the 5:1 transformer is lossy -- about 1.5 db loss is typical. Stainless steel whips are durable, but they are relatively poor electrical conductors. Nonetheless, combining these components yields a durable, quick to deploy, wideband, moderate performance antenna. When mounted close to the ground, the TDL is a "cloud burner" at 14mHz thru 21mHz. Raise its base about 20 feet -- the clouds will thank you. At 10mHz and below, its radiation pattern resembles a ground mounted vertical antenna. The natural resonant frequency of the TDL is near 18mHz. So, replace the lossy 5:1 transformer with a low-loss 4:1, raise the base about 20 ft for a relatively high gain, bidirectional 17 meters delta loop.
Sounds interesting, I'll have to try that out in the future.
A 5:1 UNUN (Unbalanced to Unbalanced) transformer can indeed be a valuable component for certain antenna setups, but it's important to address some misconceptions and provide accurate information to prevent the spread of false claims. While the 5:1 UNUN can be useful, it might not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and its benefits depend on the specific antenna design and intended application.
Impedance Matching: The primary purpose of a 5:1 UNUN transformer is to match the impedance of the antenna to that of the transmission line. Impedance matching helps maximize the power transfer between the antenna and the transmission line, reducing signal reflections and increasing overall antenna efficiency.
Broadband Matching: One advantage of a 5:1 UNUN is that it can provide a broader bandwidth of impedance matching compared to other ratios. This can be particularly beneficial when dealing with a wide range of frequencies, such as in multi-band or wideband antenna systems.
Versatility: A 5:1 UNUN can be used with a variety of antennas, including end-fed wire antennas and vertical antennas. This versatility makes it an attractive option for hams and radio enthusiasts who want to experiment with different antenna designs and configurations.
However, it's crucial to address some false claims that might be circulating online:
Universal Solution: While a 5:1 UNUN can be a good choice in some scenarios, it's not a universal solution for all antenna problems. Antenna design is complex, and the appropriate transformer ratio depends on factors like antenna type, frequency range, feedline length, and surrounding environment.
Myth of Perfect Efficiency: Some online sources might claim that a 5:1 UNUN can eliminate all impedance mismatch and ensure perfect antenna efficiency. In reality, there are always losses in any system, and while a properly matched antenna can minimize these losses, other factors like grounding, coaxial cable quality, and radiation pattern play significant roles.
Neglecting Antenna Design: An impedance matching transformer is just one component of an antenna system. Ignoring the design and construction of the actual antenna and relying solely on a transformer to solve all issues is a misconception.
In summary, a 5:1 UNUN can indeed be a valuable tool for impedance matching and enhancing antenna performance, particularly in scenarios with wide frequency ranges or unconventional antenna designs. However, it's important to base your decisions on accurate information, consider the broader context of antenna design, and be cautious of overgeneralizations. Experimentation, learning from reputable sources, and understanding the underlying principles of antenna systems are essential for achieving successful results.
Better than a hamstick!
Not a hard measuring stick 🤣
May be so, but howany hamsticks can you buy for one of these?
Cool. I'm on your contact map. Didn't know you were QRP-ing. Also, impressive antenna SWR-wise. What wattage can it handle?
Depends on which transformer you get. I was running the "hybrid mini" Power: HYBRID MICRO-100w SSB Phone, 50w CW, 25w High Duty Cycle Digital Modes
HYBRID MINI-500w SSB Phone, 250w CW, 100w High Duty Cycle Digital Modes
Unless I am goofing around with my own experimental antennas I really love to travel with my CHA MPAS kit and TDL upgrade. The TDL is really very easy and quick to set up, like the rest of the kit. But when it's that hot and humid, POTA can quickly turn into a PITA (pain in the a**).
Did you know that you could install the CHA TDL on top of the CHA EXT mast with some guys wire like the CHA UGS?
I made my 10 and got out of there! This WI boy ain't used to the humidity anymore.
@@Chameleon_Antenna I am bringing my whole kit on vacation and I'm going to try that this weekend. Thanks for the suggestion!
The delta on my wallet would certainly put me inti a loop. The idea's cool, though, ans O already have one 17' telescopic, a spike and a coax choke, so improvising a hub and getting another rod could be a better tactical decision.
Even more so if you have a 3d printer friend!
A 3d printed hub would never hold up to the stress put on it by two 17' whips and wire between them. Especially with any kind of wind. A aluminum hub is what should be used.@@temporarilyoffline
@@johnk23705 It would certainly be a challenge. I think a couple of 3/8" mounts on a bit of angle iron, or better yet clamped to a pipe bent into an L shape - the short leg for the mounts, the long leg as a stake - could do the job for a few quid.
Two things you can be assured of when watching a Chameleon review - excellent quality and performance, and, $$$$$ 😮
It does the thing - there is some quality in those whips that I'll be showing in a future video. Also there is the made in America tax.
The Chameleon whips are some of the best on the market. Put one of their whips on a coil type antenna such as a Silver Bullet or Buddipole (also made in the USA) and you will get 2 to 3 more "S" units of radiated signal. Especially if you use the 17' whip. You will be able to work the weaker stations, not just the strong ones or at the very least, the operator on the other end is not trying to hear you in his or her noise floor. The 5 to 1 transformer (which is just two torroids mounted on a piece of tin with a few wraps of wire between them) has a great deal of loss just like every other broadband antenna. There is no way to make a single wire/element antenna that is broadband without the big losses of signal. It's either the 5 to 1 transformer or 50 ohm resistors added. If you actually need to be able to switch between all bands quickly and the large signal loss is not an issue with the stations you are trying to contact then maybe this antenna will work for you. A $50. EFHW will give you 4 bands with much stronger signal, good SWR with no adjustments and ability to hear better also. The 49 to 1 or 64 to 1 transformer on the EFHW also has some loss, but it's a small loss compared to the loss of an antenna designed as this one is. It's not that this antenna is a bad antenna. The quality is good, it's just the physics of the design that is limiting. Kinda like wanting a performance car and paying 5K more to buy a Chevy Malbu instead of a Corvette. Just makes no sense unless gas mileage is more important than performance. @@temporarilyoffline
Totally agree, most people don't grok the "broadband" vs "hi-q" - my favorite part is when they complain about both being bad... I guess there is no pleasing some people. @@johnk23705
Great video, Steve. That’s one of my favorites. 73 de Bill
Thanks for stopping by Bill!
That southern heat and humidity in mid summer is terrible. Their winters are nice though.
I forgot how bad humidity is!
It would concern me to see an antenna with VSWR being flat across the bands. Delta Loops are great antennas though.
You know the radio will be safe, so only one thing left to do, right?
@@temporarilyoffline Yes the radio needs to be “safe” but the compromise looks to large. But hey I got a file cabinet to radiate and make contacts. I have always wanted a portable delta loop and I will keep looking.
I feel those SWR readings are suspect. Ha. Were you running the full 50 foot coax when testing or a significantly shorter length? If the former, perhaps that’s contributing to the results? Maybe…
I used the 50ft coax. Worked well and I'm going to be using it again for sure.
@@temporarilyoffline Not bashing Steve. Just advising. It’s known that if a significant amount of coax is added to a perfectly or not perfectly matched antenna, then the SWR measurement will show a lower SWR and a wider bandwidth. The reason the SWR will show a lower value, and the bandwidth will show to be wider, is the added loss in the coax. As the coax is made significantly longer, then less energy will get to the antenna and less energy will return as Reflected energy or SWR. This is a old trick to make antennas look like they have a very good SWR and wide bandwidth.
@@temporarilyofflineIf you have the chance, use a less lossy coax than RG-58, a much shorter length (6ft or so), and a true analyzer. Willing to bet the results will differ.
Yeah, I didn't take it that way. You are right that its an "antenna system" and many people don't grok that. I always try to encourage people to spend more time on the air and less time worrying about perfection. You can always add more perfection, but its hard to replace missed fun. I personally struggled with getting a system just up and running in the beginning... and when I finally got over that and made contacts it all started to make more sense... a tweak here, a tweak there and I'm "worldwide" - no single antenna can do that, its all about little tiny changes to reach here or there. Thanks for the comment. @@mainetomass99
I have a 6ft length of 213 I'll use, I have a few more video ideas for this antenna, so much more to come. @@mainetomass99
I have all here to make that antenna except the secret sauce coil. Would you make a video measuring it? I can't spring 500 right now.
I'm pretty sure that's not a coil, but a 5:1 transformer. Plenty of plans online for how to make a 5:1. Let me know if you make it and how it worked for you.
Steve, you might’ve actually sold me on this!!😎😂 it’s harder to sell me on anything than it is to convince Ape that the Earth is ROUND!😂
It works really well - its a quick deploy antenna that is "ok" on all bands - better than "perfect" on one band in my book.
My TDL is my go to POTA antenna. 73 K1KAJ.
I'm feelin that too!
Just wondering because that's what I do... Have you ever compared the X6100 SWR measurement tool against a dedicated SWR tool i.e. rigexpert or vna?? Thanks T.O. I genuinely like how you keep your videos short! With ADD, I for one find that I rarely finish videos that run longer than 10 minutes before moving on.
I haven't compared it, but it's "good enough" and thanks, I have to make time for a 1hr vid... but I can watch 6 10m vids for some reason.
Agree it's good enough, I guess I was more interested to know if other devices measured flat across the whole band like the x6100 showed. Also, totally agree on the watching 6 different 10 min videos vs a 60 minute single video@@temporarilyoffline
I'll be trying it with other radios, but not in the same location, so I'm sure it will be different. @@goobercrow198
I talked to ape about this antenna a few weeks ago, I have the whips and thought about making one but the center hub is $90 by itself.
3d print one, I know you and 3d printers!
We've the CHA HUB Kit (BLEM) which comes with the 25' wire and the winder for $90! The HUB on itself is $70.
that will not stand the forces..
@@temporarilyoffline
Thump can make it happen. @@juergenw7495
Yep researching this
I need to find a good go bag for it. Easy to setup and works well - but those whips are a challenge to pack.
the TDL is straight up magic. 60-10 will give perfectly usable SWR without a tuner in most cases. Every one of my friends who do SOTA swear by them. I would have one already if they weren't so damn expensive.
I was pretty impressed and I'll be using it again!
Was this from yesterday? You popped up on my Ham Alerts
No, about. Week ago. Yesterday (and all week) I'm working on a kilo at Monte Sano State Park
I'm curious how long is the wire that goes between the two whips? Is it the same length as the whips (it's hard to tell in the video)?
I think it's 25'
@@temporarilyoffline Cool thanks!
Are you trying to spend my money Steve? I have a CaHR Artemis and a DX Commander; I want this, but do I NEED this? It seems like it might be my next antenna…
Need is such a silly word!
In before the Chameleon haters that all Say they are just Glorified Dummy Loads....
I Like Chameleon stuff. I just wish it was more Affordable. But thats the problem with American Made. The overhead is always crazy high in comparison to Stuff like MFJ...
Thank you! "GDL indeed" - People brag about how they make contacts with a dummy load until an antenna shows up that they don't understand -- then dummy loads aren't so amazing anymore ;-)
"That's not 🐇 ears" "this is rabbit ears"! Nice!
So big I had to clip 'em together to stop them from falling over!
Works great for massive rabbit ears!😂
Sure does!
Nice Steve at least it worked
Kind of a minimum expectation, amirite?
@@temporarilyoffline mine no luck at all
@@kh6qmchristophercolquhoun695 What do you mean your TDL doesn't work?
Yours didn't work? What happened?
I believe micro was DOA contacted support and gave up @@temporarilyoffline
I was the contact 2 miles down the road. This is my home park and I have made 1000+ contacts at this park. K4UOJ
Very nice!
Woah
Right!
My problem is that I want at least one of everything Chameleon makes.
Problem?
Of course the SWR is great as it is a dummy load with a stick.. but might be better then a loaded stick with only 4 radials. Would be great to not use the dummy load and have a small tuner at the base.😊
I had no trouble making contacts at 10w. Works for me and was fun!
@@temporarilyoffline didn't say they don't work ... put 500 watts on that guy and see how hot she gets. That heat directly represents loos of power to (and from) the either. But you did say you had fun and yes that what counts. Still think a tuner would get more "fun" into the sky.
@@P.SeanCoady I´d like to agree! Flat SWR means nothing. The radioation and the "x" resistance of an Antenna is important. But yes, this solution works, but it´s a cloudburner and you spend a lot of power into the balun. A tuner at the base is much more efficient. But i also agree, the fun is important :-)
@@Andy-M938 it's not a balun it's a non inductive resistor making it a very small traveling wave antenna. Or a dummy load with a stick. They have been getting popular. It's important to note that the famous rombic is also a traveling wave antenna but it's has upwards of 1,600 feet of wire.
Don't know about you but not a huge fan of a flat bottom 😂
Oh... that kind... me neither!
For SWR, the Keira Knightley version is better than the J Lo.
@bassmanjr100 this one gets it!
Noice
Indeed!
Yes, the antenna will make some contacts. The 5 to 1 transformer is very lossy. When you find an antenna that is flat (swr) across all the bands without adjustment, it's because it has a lot of loss. You are exchanging signal strength for about a 2 to 1 SWR on average across the bands. Same thing with a bad piece of coax. It too looks good at the SWR meter but performs like crap. I can see that if you have an actual need for an antenna that you don't want to adjust for SWR and signal strength does not matter, it might fit the bill. I however like the idea of putting out a strong signal and getting the best performance from my antennas. This is not the antenna for doing that. You didn't show the results as to received signal strength from this antenna. I suspect it was not all that great. Most likely 2 to 3 "S" units down from what a resonate antenna would do. Just putting up an antenna and making some contacts tells us nothing about how a antenna really performs. I can load up a coat hanger and make contacts. A EFHW or Silver Bullet/Buddipole would have smoked this antenna. At a $500. price point, you are getting ripped off if making a lot of contacts and having a decent received signal strength is important to you. Others who have tested this antenna have found it's a total cloud warmer on 40 and 80 meters. It also is not stellar on the other bands. Videos like this is a disservice to newer hams who don't understand how antennas actually work. It's far more of a specialized antenna for people who need to quickly change bands and are not concerned with distance and readability of signal for closer in contacts. If that is what you really need, this might be the antenna for you. That is not what most hams need or want. Just saying that you made some contacts and that this is a great antenna just makes you another shill for Chameleon. You're better than that and your viewers deserve better. They should get the entire story. Chameleon makes great quality antennas, but the ones with the 5 to 1 transformer (the white or black magic cylinder) are all way down on received strength on the other side and down on signal strength on your side also. If that is OK with you, spend your $500.00. Once again, failing to tell viewers that this is an antenna designed for a specialized use is not giving the entire story and that is not fair to hams without a lot of experience on antenna design and performance. P.S. Why is it you never see any youtuber use this antenna when making videos of the great contacts they are making on POTA outings and other times / The only time you see this antenna is when some youtuber is pimping it because they got one for free and want the clicks/likes and comments. I have seen exactly one you tuber use this antenna. It was for point to point, fixed stations, short haul contacts for a large desert race. This is the type of thing this design is made for.
Every ham needs to start somewhere - every antenna is a compromise. I plugged in this antenna, checked that my radio wouldn't burst into flames and made contacts. Its a win in my book on that principle. Unfortunately there are zero "perfect" commercially available antennas and a "real ham" as you put it would be required to make an antenna for every location, operating condition, band... Or you can put up a compromise antenna, make some contacts and have some fun. You are correct that this antenna provides value in its speed and versatility. I've seen many worse antennas out there.
@@temporarilyoffline This guy has been vomiting the same story all over RUclips... It's so pathetic and distasteful from a grownup "man".
@@temporarilyoffline A portable inverted delta loop antenna, like the CHA TDL (Chameleon Antenna Tactical Delta Loop), is a popular choice for portable antenna systems due to several reasons:
Portability: Portable antennas need to be easy to transport and set up in various locations. The CHA TDL is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it convenient for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or emergency communication.
Multi-band Capabilities: The inverted delta loop design allows for operation on multiple bands without requiring constant adjustment or a complex tuning process. This versatility is especially valuable for portable operations where you may not know the exact frequency bands you'll need to use.
Minimal Ground Space Requirements: The delta loop design doesn't require a lot of horizontal space compared to other antenna configurations like dipoles or full-sized verticals. This makes it suitable for setting up in areas with limited space, such as a small campsite.
Low Angle of Radiation: The inverted delta loop tends to have a lower angle of radiation, which can help improve communication over longer distances, particularly in the HF bands. This can be beneficial for portable operators who may want to establish contact with stations that are farther away.
Simplicity: The CHA TDL and similar antennas are designed for ease of setup. They often come with lightweight masts or supports that can be quickly assembled. This simplicity reduces the time and effort required to deploy the antenna in the field.
Broadside Radiation Pattern: The delta loop antenna typically exhibits a broadside radiation pattern, which means it radiates most effectively perpendicular to the plane of the loop. This can be advantageous for working stations in a specific direction.
Low Noise: Due to its low angle of radiation and the potential to be positioned away from noise sources, the inverted delta loop can exhibit lower levels of unwanted electromagnetic interference, resulting in improved signal-to-noise ratios.
Balanced Design: The loop design is inherently balanced, which can help mitigate common-mode currents and reduce issues related to RF in the shack or on the feedline.
Stealthy Operation: The compact size and relatively low profile of the inverted delta loop can make it less conspicuous, which might be important in situations where you want to avoid drawing attention to your radio activities.
Resilience: The CHA TDL and similar antennas are often constructed with durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions, making them suitable for portable operations in various weather conditions.
In summary, a portable inverted delta loop like the CHA TDL offers a combination of portability, multi-band capabilities, efficiency, and ease of setup, making it a great choice for amateur radio operators and communication enthusiasts who engage in outdoor or emergency activities.
So is a $50. End Fed Half Wave at one tenth the cost and much better performance.@@Chameleon_Antenna
@@johnk23705 The use of wire antennas like dipoles or end-fed half-wave (EFHW) antennas can be highly effective in many situations, providing efficient and reliable communication in various frequency ranges. However, there are certain scenarios where their use might not be possible or practical:
Space Constraints: Wire antennas require a certain amount of space to be erected properly. A dipole antenna, for example, requires a span of at least half the wavelength it's designed for, which can be quite large on lower frequency bands. In urban areas or locations with limited available space, it might be challenging to set up such antennas.
Zoning and Regulations: Some neighborhoods, particularly in urban areas or places with homeowner associations, might have restrictions on the type of antennas that can be erected. These restrictions can limit the height, size, and location of antennas, making it difficult to install wire antennas.
Physical Obstacles: In some cases, the surrounding terrain or buildings might obstruct the installation of wire antennas. Trees, buildings, power lines, and other structures can interfere with the optimal placement and configuration of wire antennas, affecting their performance.
Frequency Restrictions: Different wire antennas are designed for specific frequency ranges. If you need to operate on frequencies outside the design range of a particular antenna, its performance might suffer. This limitation can be particularly relevant if you need to communicate across a wide range of frequencies.
Resonance and Matching: Wire antennas like dipoles and EFHW antennas are most efficient when they are resonant at the frequency of operation. If you need to operate on frequencies where the antenna isn't resonant, you might need additional tuning devices like antenna tuners to match the impedance and achieve acceptable performance. This can complicate the setup and increase system complexity.
Environmental Factors: Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, ice, strong winds, or lightning can damage wire antennas or their supporting structures. This is especially true for temporary or portable setups, which might not be as robust as permanent installations.
Interference: In locations with high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI), wire antennas can pick up unwanted signals or noise, degrading the quality of communication. This interference can be more pronounced in urban areas with numerous electronic devices.
Safety Concerns: Erecting wire antennas, especially at heights, can pose safety risks during installation and maintenance. Working with tall structures, climbing, and securing wires could lead to accidents if proper precautions are not taken.
Limited Bandwidth: While some wire antennas can cover a broad frequency range, they might not offer the same bandwidth as more specialized antennas. This can limit your ability to work with different modes or frequencies effectively.
In summary, while wire antennas like dipoles and EFHW antennas offer many benefits, there are practical limitations that can make their use challenging or impractical in certain situations. It's important to consider factors such as available space, regulations, frequency requirements, and environmental conditions when deciding on the most suitable antenna for a specific communication setup.
I think the price tag is just a wee bit too high for my taste. I agree with @wecb640 that it sure looked like you were tuning into a dummy load.
Hard to disagree with Hollywood. There is still some more versatility to get out of this antenna, more videos to come!
We understand that cost is an important factor when considering any purchase, and we would like to take a moment to provide you with some valuable insights into what sets our products apart.
Chameleon Antenna takes immense pride in the production process of our products, particularly the CHA TDL antenna, and we believe that our commitment to quality, ethical standards, and local manufacturing makes a significant difference in the value you receive.
Here are a few key points to consider:
100% Made in the USA: Our products are designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in the United States. This not only allows us to maintain a higher degree of quality control but also supports local businesses and jobs. By purchasing a Chameleon Antenna product, you're contributing to the growth of your own economy.
Top-Quality Materials: We spare no expense when it comes to selecting the materials for our products. The CHA TDL antenna, along with all our offerings, is built using premium-grade materials that ensure durability, longevity, and optimal performance. We prioritize the longevity of your investment, offering a product that will serve you well for years to come.
Expansive CNC Machines: Our state-of-the-art manufacturing process involves the use of advanced CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. These machines ensure precision and consistency in the production of each antenna. This level of precision directly translates into enhanced performance and reliability of the CHA TDL antenna, providing you with a superior user experience.
USA Qualified Workers: Our team consists of highly skilled and qualified workers who take immense pride in their craft. By investing in local talent, we can deliver products that meet the highest standards of workmanship and attention to detail. This directly contributes to the overall quality and reliability of our products.
Ethical Considerations: While cost is certainly a factor, it's important to recognize that many products manufactured overseas may involve practices that compromise human rights and environmental standards. We are committed to responsible manufacturing, and by choosing Chameleon Antenna, you are supporting a brand that values ethical production practices and sustainability.
We understand that the market is filled with options, some of which may seem more affordable at first glance. However, we encourage you to think beyond the initial cost and consider the long-term value that comes with owning a Chameleon Antenna product. We firmly believe that investing in quality and ethical manufacturing not only benefits you as a customer but also contributes to positive change on a larger scale.