Great video as always Gil. Here some information that may be useful for prepping. I own two of the chameleon Emcomm III antennas. The 1st one was up for 1.5 years in my back yard in all weather conditions. Still works good. I took that one down and rolled it up and put it in my portable HF kit paired with a G90 and lithium battery. Then I put up a new one and that one has been up and in operation for 1.5 years and is my current base antenna. Recently, I purchased a used MFJ antenna analyzer and I went home and hooked it up on the end of my coax in the shack looking out towards the antenna. I check the HF bands I use and of course the chameleon was good on those, but just out of curiosity, I checked 2 meter, 146.820 to be exact and it said I had a 1.8 SWR. So today I hooked up a TYT UV8000e HT with an inline SWR meter and made a 5 minute QSO over a local repeater and the other guy said I sounded very good. The chameleon feed point is on my back deck which is 12 feet high and the radiating wire is mostly horizontal 12 feet above the ground and tied to a tree. The counterpoise is hanging down below the feed point. My in line SWR meter showed 1.4 SWR and 3.9 watts of forward power. Good to know. Just in case.
Just installed my second emcomm III. One runs North/South, and one East/West. I have them connected to a switch that I can quickly switch between during hf nets etc. Both antennas are in an inverted L configuration to a vertical height of 32’, then horizontal. If you havent yet, use a good choke at the antenna feed point. Made a big difference in noise floor
I’ve got a couple outings on the EmComm III now as well. For QRP I don’t like having to use a tuner but it definitely gives you versatility vs. hoisting separate antenna for every band..
What are the odds that you run into another ham, who is subscribed to your channel, who also happens to have an adapter on them that you just discovered you needed. What a trip
Gil looks like you are out having fun with the radio =) Good job trying out the antennas =) Good to have friends help out with the rigs antenna connectors =) Enjoyed your outing and keep up the good work =)
Anything is better than watching (insipid) TV. Amateur radio op is just about better than anything! I just bought a Chameleon Hybrid-Micro and am using a MFJ-1979 17-ft telescopic whip. The Cha Mil-2.0 and 2.0-ext are on backorder. I can't believe how well the Hybrid-Micro works as a compromise vertical, even on 75 meters. I haven't yet tried the lower CW 80 meters band. Perhaps for ARRL Field Day this year. I also own the original Chameleon Mag loop antenna. Chameleon products rock! 73 de AE5ZX
Great video. Chameleon equipment always seems well made. I wonder if they can address the issue that you point out - drilling the holes in the winder a little bit further from the edges.
Very nice video Gil, you are right, much better than TV! This golden adapter is splendid ! You used the antenna like a windom , with the other part acting as the small leg of a dipole like an off-center fed dipole... Maybe it would be better to lay the counterpoise on the ground ? It was really nice to have it tested with the antenna analyzer. (But this time no sandwich ;-)
Just picked up one of these for base station use in an antenna restricted area. Would you say the matching box requires some type of shielding against rain if I install permanently? I'm hoping to get good results from the antenna. Thanks for the video!
Gil, I made one using a 9:1 balun and a 3D printed line winder and used some teflon wire to keep it light and use it with a BNC. The proper one is too heavy for hiking usage. The british guy has gold connectors $$$ wow!
Could you, please, make a RUclips explaining how you hook up the CHA EmComm to a PRC-320? For each of your ham antennas you could show how to hook them up your military radios. TNX, 73, Dave
Thats the sloped configuration correct? So you just hang the end wire about 20-25 ft in the air and then simply slope it to the ground? Do you run the wire parallel to the direction you want to hear, so say you want to get contacts north of your location, do you run the wire parallel to North.
Hi Gil, another amazing video! I recently started thinking about "radio for prepping", following your videos. In a SHTF situation due to war (i can't imagine other bug-out situations in EU, frankly, since we don't have many natural disasters) don't you think big powers (France included) would use huge radio jammers to block HF radio, preventing people (and spies) to talk with their enemies (home country)? What are your thoughts about it. Jamming the radio spectrum 1mhz-30mhz doesn't seem impossible using a few megawatts stations.
Hey Gil, it seems its a good antenna. nice one. And again nobody at 6M. Maybe you have to make a "dating time" with somebody at 6M, like a small contest? I think it will help you. all best to you! cu later and 73, Jan
Really nice video, as always :-) POTA activation french style :-) To be honest, I can't see the benefit of the Emcomm III against the Hybrid Micro from Chameleon. Ok the with the Hybrid Micro you have to carry 4 parts (Unun, wire, counterpoise, ground spike) compared to only 2 parts with the EmcommIII. Btw, does the Elecraft T1 handle 30 watts without problems? Thought it is only specified for 20 watts. 73s Stephan, DF6PA
@@RadioPrepper OK, lighter is a good point specially when you have to carry it and/or in an SHTF situation. Btw I ordered an KX2. After more than 10 years I will retire my FT-817 :-)
Radio Prepper KX2 is great but like you have said before it’s not as bomb proof as a 817 right? Doesn’t the KX2 have a bunch of way sand and water can get in plus it’s made from plastic with a cheap feel to it?
Gil, have you tried CW on the PRC 321 yet? I’ve been making some CW QSOs with a PRC 104 with great success. I built a narrow band pass audio filter to help pick out signals. I would like to see what your radio can do. Charlie KM4ZZ
Nice review. I still dont get it how people pay 140$ for such an antenna. I built the exact same thing for under 10$ with similar quality and smaller packsize. Hamradio is really a goldmine for business.
Too little clientele for the product, because they all have the idea to build it themselves..... This makes it pricey. Those who do not build themselves unfortunately pay the price : - / But such people have to be there too, otherwise there would be nothing left to buy for ham radio. so life is Your video was verry entertaining, thanks Gil !
Top of the morning to you Gil. Well, its my morning in Southern New Hampster at the moment. Another well produced vid with interesting and informative subject(s). Chameleon's products just ooze quality and their Ground Stake is the Frosting on the Cake. Can you comment on this aerial package's price so I don't have to Google it? Ahh. What a life. Playing Radio in the park on a sunny day with a HAM buddy and making good contacts. You have a Toy that's almost a duplicate of the '67 Ford Bronco I owned many moons ago. You have a Day Job in the South of France. Life is Good. Oh yes. And about that Laddy Friend. I hope she dosen't distract you too much from your HAM activities. After all: HAM Radio is not a Matter of Life and Death, its More Important Than That..... Regards & 'Have a Good One' Russ in NH, KA1RUW
Rats, I still have snow, you have buds on the trees. It will be about three weeks, unless it warms up fast, until I see the start of buds on trees. My latitude is roughly 45 degrees North plus I am at 2000 feet above sea level, but I'd swap in a moment if you loose your senses and desire a trade. Take care and thanks for the videos...
Radio Prepper agreed but the only problem is that it needs to be serviced about every 5 years and thats where quartz watches that dont need batteries shine in a SHTF senario.
Hi Gill There is going to be a 50Mhz Machine Generated Mode Activity Contest on Thursday 14th March between 1900 to 1955UTC, This will be immediately followed by all mode 50Mhz UK Activity Contest from 2000 to 2230UTC. The exchange for both is signal report, serial number and locator. I Know you are like me and are not too fond of contests but if you are about it may be worth trying for some 50Mhz contact's towards the end or just after the contest.
Awesome video! I bought an MFJ End Fed Half Wave QRP antenna......I need a multiband no tuner antenna ASAP so I can deal with the 30watt limit for now and build a 49:1 Transformer later. Looking forward to seeing the various configurations I can run the end fed antenna without the issues of keeping a center fed coax parallel for at least 1/4th a wave length. I don't know why End Fed's are more popular, they were popular pre-WWII and in Europe but in the US everyone is still trying to reinvent the dipole :-). Ack! I must get to bed, it is 4:45AM Eastern! 73 de K2NJO!
Hello, I wonder how you are guessing always the true impedance of your antennas, more or less. I finally got the scheme of a w3hh antenna folded to have only about 10 meters long and supporting a low height of 10m on one side and as few as 5m on the other side. As soon as I can scan this article I will put the scheme on my web site if you want, a so small antenna is rare. The only thing a little expensive is a pure resistance about 450 or 500 ohms, let say it costs in fact nothing .. The fact is too that about 25% of the power emitted is lost, but who cares ? Sincerly yours, Milos
@@RadioPrepper I have a lot of problems to put my file on my site (I use Dreamweaver but the memory "cache" doesn't aĺlow me to see if my site is really modified. Thus if you want you can send me an adress where to send this file, if you name it in a SMS, my phone call is +33682040812 (beware I don't answer to phone calls from unknown guys so use please a SMS)
BNC should be outlawed. They are horrible and add stress to the connection point. By the way in New York City’s Central Park we can not put or add anything to any tree. No wire, nothing. Else you incur a $2,500 fine. We also can’t dig into the ground, same $2,500 fine.
Great video as always Gil. Here some information that may be useful for prepping. I own two of the chameleon Emcomm III antennas. The 1st one was up for 1.5 years in my back yard in all weather conditions. Still works good. I took that one down and rolled it up and put it in my portable HF kit paired with a G90 and lithium battery. Then I put up a new one and that one has been up and in operation for 1.5 years and is my current base antenna. Recently, I purchased a used MFJ antenna analyzer and I went home and hooked it up on the end of my coax in the shack looking out towards the antenna. I check the HF bands I use and of course the chameleon was good on those, but just out of curiosity, I checked 2 meter, 146.820 to be exact and it said I had a 1.8 SWR. So today I hooked up a TYT UV8000e HT with an inline SWR meter and made a 5 minute QSO over a local repeater and the other guy said I sounded very good. The chameleon feed point is on my back deck which is 12 feet high and the radiating wire is mostly horizontal 12 feet above the ground and tied to a tree. The counterpoise is hanging down below the feed point. My in line SWR meter showed 1.4 SWR and 3.9 watts of forward power. Good to know. Just in case.
Good stuff indeed!
Yep, definitely better that TV. Thanks for the video Gil!
Just installed my second emcomm III. One runs North/South, and one East/West. I have them connected to a switch that I can quickly switch between during hf nets etc. Both antennas are in an inverted L configuration to a vertical height of 32’, then horizontal. If you havent yet, use a good choke at the antenna feed point. Made a big difference in noise floor
Finding the best, efficient, portable, easy to use, easy to store antenna is a challenge!..lol. Thanks for sharing, Gil. Love that PRC--320!
Yep, great HF rig!
I have had good luck with the end fed. I have made several for less than 30 bucks if I make my own UNUN. Thanks for sharing !
Great Video Gil, love your posts, Love CHAMELEON Products
You are a funny guy Monsieur Gil :-) „Us French always find a British guy to save the day“. 73 DK3LJ
Rule Britannia.
I’ve got a couple outings on the EmComm III now as well. For QRP I don’t like having to use a tuner but it definitely gives you versatility vs. hoisting separate antenna for every band..
That's a very nice adapter-set from Andy (@ 4:03)
Many thanks Gil very interesting and it looks warm!!
Warmer than Lille!
Great video, thanks for reviewing that antenna.
What are the odds that you run into another ham, who is subscribed to your channel, who also happens to have an adapter on them that you just discovered you needed. What a trip
Really liked the video. Thanks! 👍
Gil looks like you are out having fun with the radio =) Good job trying out the antennas =) Good to have friends help out with the rigs antenna connectors =) Enjoyed your outing and keep up the good work =)
Thanks Pat, will do!
Super Gilles! toujours un plaisir de visionner vos vidéos 73
Great video, lovely park, I have one nearby which I should use more!
Good job! Thanks for the class!
Very nice demonstration, thanks.
Anything is better than watching (insipid) TV. Amateur radio op is just about better than anything! I just bought a Chameleon Hybrid-Micro and am using a MFJ-1979 17-ft telescopic whip. The Cha Mil-2.0 and 2.0-ext are on backorder. I can't believe how well the Hybrid-Micro works as a compromise vertical, even on 75 meters. I haven't yet tried the lower CW 80 meters band. Perhaps for ARRL Field Day this year. I also own the original Chameleon Mag loop antenna. Chameleon products rock! 73 de AE5ZX
Yep, I use the Hybrid Micro all the time!
Good tranciber and antenna congratoleicions for video EA3HYL FOM CATALONIA 73s
Great video. Chameleon equipment always seems well made. I wonder if they can address the issue that you point out - drilling the holes in the winder a little bit further from the edges.
They do listen... It wouldn't surprise me...
It would be an easy mod to do yourself, I think the carabiners would need changed as well as the narrow end might be too narrow for more plastic.
You're very nice man thank you for sharing this video you're awesome😊
Very nice video Gil, you are right, much better than TV! This golden adapter is splendid ! You used the antenna like a windom , with the other part acting as the small leg of a dipole like an off-center fed dipole... Maybe it would be better to lay the counterpoise on the ground ? It was really nice to have it tested with the antenna analyzer. (But this time no sandwich ;-)
Indeed I would have left the counterpoise on the ground had I used a tall mast...
Just picked up one of these for base station use in an antenna restricted area. Would you say the matching box requires some type of shielding against rain if I install permanently? I'm hoping to get good results from the antenna. Thanks for the video!
I wouldn't bother, but why not...
Gil, I made one using a 9:1 balun and a 3D printed line winder and used some teflon wire to keep it light and use it with a BNC. The proper one is too heavy for hiking usage. The british guy has gold connectors $$$ wow!
Great. What British guy?
@@RadioPrepper i think he was in a different video where you forgot the bnc adapters
Be Safe practice Ham radio indoors
Ah yes, just plated, probably not even real gold..
Could you, please, make a RUclips explaining how you hook up the CHA EmComm to a PRC-320? For each of your ham antennas you could show how to hook them up your military radios. TNX, 73, Dave
Nothing complicated, you just put a tuner between the two. I'll think about it next time.
Thats the sloped configuration correct? So you just hang the end wire about 20-25 ft in the air and then simply slope it to the ground? Do you run the wire parallel to the direction you want to hear, so say you want to get contacts north of your location, do you run the wire parallel to North.
Sloping yes, though I would have preferred a vertical installation. Theoretically radiation takes place in the direction of the counterpoise...
Hi Gil, another amazing video!
I recently started thinking about "radio for prepping", following your videos.
In a SHTF situation due to war (i can't imagine other bug-out situations in EU, frankly, since we don't have many natural disasters) don't you think big powers (France included) would use huge radio jammers to block HF radio, preventing people (and spies) to talk with their enemies (home country)? What are your thoughts about it. Jamming the radio spectrum 1mhz-30mhz doesn't seem impossible using a few megawatts stations.
Hope you're well Gil
Thanks yes 😀
I also happened to forget that ... (censored) adapter ;)
Pretty much sure it happened at least once to all of us bringing our toys to the field.
Hey Gil, it seems its a good antenna. nice one. And again nobody at 6M. Maybe you have to make a "dating time" with somebody at 6M, like a small contest? I think it will help you.
all best to you!
cu later and 73, Jan
Yes, like a net...
Great video and good to see you make some dx qso.
Thanks
@radio prepper Any updates on the EMCOMM III portable?
Not yet...
@@RadioPrepper I did not have a great run with it at Field Day and wanted to see your set up
I've had good reports with it, but I use end-fed half-waves mostly now, though I will use it again for sure!
Gil, I wonder. What do you use for microphone? A dead guinea pig? ;-)
LOL yes! It's a Zoom H1 with a dead cat. Yes, that's how sound people call it!
Thank you for the video! ... imo all chameleon products are very overpriced :/ vy73, Dietmar, DL4HAO
Depends which ones, and I would not say "very." The Hybrid Micro for example is worth its asking price... Wire antennas, you can make your own.
Really nice video, as always :-) POTA activation french style :-) To be honest, I can't see the benefit of the Emcomm III against the Hybrid Micro from Chameleon. Ok the with the Hybrid Micro you have to carry 4 parts (Unun, wire, counterpoise, ground spike) compared to only 2 parts with the EmcommIII. Btw, does the Elecraft T1 handle 30 watts without problems? Thought it is only specified for 20 watts. 73s Stephan, DF6PA
Hi, yes, the T1 takes it. The Emcomm is lighter...
@@RadioPrepper OK, lighter is a good point specially when you have to carry it and/or in an SHTF situation. Btw I ordered an KX2. After more than 10 years I will retire my FT-817 :-)
You'll love the KX2, great rig, especially for CW!
Radio Prepper KX2 is great but like you have said before it’s not as bomb proof as a 817 right? Doesn’t the KX2 have a bunch of way sand and water can get in plus it’s made from plastic with a cheap feel to it?
Gil, have you tried CW on the PRC 321 yet? I’ve been making some CW QSOs with a PRC 104 with great success. I built a narrow band pass audio filter to help pick out signals. I would like to see what your radio can do.
Charlie KM4ZZ
Oh yes, but the 2000Hz tone bugs me..
Nice review. I still dont get it how people pay 140$ for such an antenna. I built the exact same thing for under 10$ with similar quality and smaller packsize. Hamradio is really a goldmine for business.
Well, lots of people don't want to build. It is also pretty hard to match the quality.
Too little clientele for the product, because they all have the idea to build it themselves.....
This makes it pricey.
Those who do not build themselves unfortunately pay the price : - /
But such people have to be there too, otherwise there would be nothing left to buy for ham radio.
so life is
Your video was verry entertaining, thanks Gil !
What's your favorite book or resource for a parts list and instructions to make your own of similar quality?
Hi Gil, je viens de voir que vous vendez cette antenne. Je suis intéressé. Cordialement. Alain
Bonjour, oui, paiement par Paypal.. Contactez moi par l'annonce 😀
Top of the morning to you Gil. Well, its my morning in Southern New Hampster at the moment.
Another well produced vid with interesting and informative subject(s).
Chameleon's products just ooze quality and their Ground Stake is the Frosting on the Cake. Can you comment on this aerial package's price so I don't have to Google it?
Ahh. What a life. Playing Radio in the park on a sunny day with a HAM buddy and making good contacts. You have a Toy that's almost a duplicate of the '67 Ford Bronco I owned many moons ago. You have a Day Job in the South of France. Life is Good.
Oh yes. And about that Laddy Friend. I hope she dosen't distract you too much from your HAM activities. After all:
HAM Radio is not a Matter of Life and Death, its More Important Than That.....
Regards
&
'Have a Good One'
Russ in NH, KA1RUW
Thanks Russ. I think it's $150...
Rats, I still have snow, you have buds on the trees. It will be about three weeks, unless it warms up fast, until I see the start of buds on trees. My latitude is roughly 45 degrees North plus I am at 2000 feet above sea level, but I'd swap in a moment if you loose your senses and desire a trade.
Take care and thanks for the videos...
I bet ;-) Staying here for now ;-)
Not radio related but what watch are you wearing? 73 from as soon to be ham.
Tissot Seastar. No batteries ;-)
Radio Prepper Thats awesome im using a Omega Planet Ocean but im planing on buying a G-Shock Rangeman so that i have one that dont need batteries ;)
Nothing like a good mechanical watch! I've had mine for years, would never buy anything else!
Radio Prepper agreed but the only problem is that it needs to be serviced about every 5 years and thats where quartz watches that dont need batteries shine in a SHTF senario.
Sure, but the mechanical watch doesn't care about an EMP...
what kind of radio is that
PRC-320.
Hi Gill There is going to be a 50Mhz Machine Generated Mode Activity Contest on Thursday 14th March between 1900 to 1955UTC, This will be immediately followed by all mode 50Mhz UK Activity Contest from 2000 to 2230UTC.
The exchange for both is signal report, serial number and locator.
I Know you are like me and are not too fond of contests but if you are about it may be worth trying for some 50Mhz contact's towards the end or just after the contest.
Thanks, I might listen..
I notice that you say "Winder".. as in "Wine Der". Here we say "Winder", as in "Wind Der".
In the UK?
Thanks Gil, great video, 73 G0tfd
Thanks.
Awesome video! I bought an MFJ End Fed Half Wave QRP antenna......I need a multiband no tuner antenna ASAP so I can deal with the 30watt limit for now and build a 49:1 Transformer later. Looking forward to seeing the various configurations I can run the end fed antenna without the issues of keeping a center fed coax parallel for at least 1/4th a wave length. I don't know why End Fed's are more popular, they were popular pre-WWII and in Europe but in the US everyone is still trying to reinvent the dipole :-). Ack! I must get to bed, it is 4:45AM Eastern! 73 de K2NJO!
PS: Those Spanish are in and out all the time whenever I DX! LOL. My first DX was Canary Islands on 20 meters.
49:1 is the way to go!
Hello, I wonder how you are guessing always the true impedance of your antennas, more or less.
I finally got the scheme of a w3hh antenna folded to have only about 10 meters long and supporting a low height of 10m on one side and as few as 5m on the other side. As soon as I can scan this article I will put the scheme on my web site if you want, a so small antenna is rare. The only thing a little expensive is a pure resistance about 450 or 500 ohms, let say it costs in fact nothing .. The fact is too that about 25% of the power emitted is lost, but who cares ?
Sincerly yours, Milos
Cool. Send me the link when you have it..
@@RadioPrepper I have a lot of problems to put my file on my site (I use Dreamweaver but the memory "cache" doesn't aĺlow me to see if my site is really modified.
Thus if you want you can send me an adress where to send this file, if you name it in a SMS, my phone call is +33682040812 (beware I don't answer to phone calls from unknown guys so use please a SMS)
gil@radiopreppers.com
BNC should be outlawed. They are horrible and add stress to the connection point. By the way in New York City’s Central Park we can not put or add anything to any tree. No wire, nothing. Else you incur a $2,500 fine. We also can’t dig into the ground, same $2,500 fine.
BNC is used by the military, for good reasons. I find them vastly superior for their positive locking, speed of use and reliability.
And it isn't getting better...
I like your stuff allotthanks de HS0ZOG
Salam from Indonesia YDØDLN
Thanks, very active country it seems!
yes, in my country, there are many who use or can be said to be active in radio communication, for example in the car community that I follow.
What kind of cars?
oh yes and you videos are much better than TV!
I hope you girlfriend compensate you for trashing the manual. :)
I'm sure it's neatly stached somewhere ;-)
This is a $30 antenna.
No, although you could make one that does the same thing for that price, but would not approach the build quality of the Chameleon.
Guy, let me know the important stuff. Length, height you put it, swr you got.
The next video will have more information.
ooooo you have a girlfriend..
Gust ON6KE
Learn how to install a bnc
I've installed dozens.
@@RadioPrepper I was referring to the guy that said they should make on with a bnc
Yes, I did say that.
Good video Gil colin vk2jcc
Thanks.
very nice video.
VU2ZOC
73