Comparing the Chameleon Antenna CHA SS17 and the Ali Express BD7IBI Collapsible Vertical HF Antenna
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- Опубліковано 8 жов 2024
- I do a quick review of the Chameleon Antenna CHA SS17 and the Ali Express BD7IBI Collapsible Vertical HF Antenna and provide information so you can decide which you should own and use.
Here is one of several stores on Ali Express which sell the BD7IBI -- I have no affiliation and cannot guarantee any part of your interaction with Ali Express. You can search BD7IBI directly on the Ali Express site rather than use the link:
www.aliexpress...
Here is where you get the adapter from M10 to 3/8 X 24:
snakeclamp.com...
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#HOAHam #ChameleonSS17 #BD7IBI #HOAAntenna #HamRadio
HI Bob, I watched this and your Single Ground Radial System for ALL Your Portable Antennas: POTA, SOTA, Back Yard Portable videos. I purchased the Ali Express BD7IBI, thread adapter, antenna mount, 20 ga radial wire, clamps and ring adapters. I modified a camera tripod to put it all together. I was able to get low SWR on 20, 17, 15, and 10 meter.
Took it out today for a Park activation. I'm in Connecticut and received signal reports from Calgary, Alaska, Russia, Spain and France, as well as 150 US contacts at today's POTA. Very happy with the results. I POTA with a friend that has the Chameleon 17' whip and the BB7IBI has performed as well or better than the Chameleon, for a 3rd of the price.
Thank you for putting the equipment links in the videos!
Jim V, given how much you've picked up that I have recommended, I sure am glad it works well for you, otherwise, I'd have some splainin to do. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I own both the Chinese whip and the Chameleon, and have used both successfully over the past few years in my portable setups. They both have held up very well. I prefer the Chinese whip because it is lighter and retracts to smaller size. But you cannot go wrong with either one. Thank you for an intelligent and insightful comparison of these whip antennas.
Thanks for the positive feedback Stephen. You are right, they are both great options. I've started using the BD7IBI just to see if I can stress or break the more economical version. So far, its holding up.
@@HOAHamRadio Always a pleasure to watch informative, thoughtful, unbiased and analytical videos such as yours - Steve, AB2EW
I’ve spent WEEKS looking for this adapter, hallelujah for you! Gosh what a relief …. Gotta wonder why this is so hard to find when it’s what they have standardized themselves on
I hear you, my search took a while as well. Glad you connected with my video.
I have the CHA TDL with two of those whips and both of them have separated (spins inside now and can pull out from it) from the part that screws in because they must only be glued or something, not the quality I expected from Chameleon. (I have only used it 4-5 times). It is still usable but just irritating that it was not solidly fused with the base. I may grab a couple of these BD7IBIs just because of their cost but the Chameleon whip itself is definitely more sturdy so with any kind of more than a breeze wind the Chameleon will remain stiffer for sure. Great review, thanks for posting!!
PrepHam, I have two of the original from Chameleon and haven't had any issues; I heard others have. I think they have since done a design change and resolved it. If that glitch is indeed fixed, its the best antenna out there.
I the MFJ 17' SS whip and it looks identical to the Chameleon, I also have the Ali antenna with that exact same adapter. For me perfmance is similar and the Ali set up is much le$$... guess which I prefer? Great job with the video as always HOA!
I have a 50 / 50 chance here don't I? I actually just picked up the MFJ-1979 a few weeks ago. We are fortunate to have so many great options. If I took everything in the closet and placed it all on shelves, people would be stopping by to ask what time the HOA Ham store opened. Of course, none of it is for sale!
Hi Matey I have used the M10 aerial on and off portable for over a year. Top section is very thin and bends easily so I tend not to use it. As I make my own bottom loading coils I find the M10 thread ideal as plenty of M10 couplers are cheap and easily available. I never use a ground stake but a Selfie lighting tripod as in my videos. I do use ground wires laying on the ground. Each ground wires 5metres long. Get great results. Swr tuning is sliding section of the aerial as loading coils do not have taps. For more info if you are interested you will find it all in my playlist. Cheers from Mick/George in the UK 🇬🇧
Thanks for all the feedback friend, useful information here. The set up you describe will achieve great SWR and perform!
Fantastic and detailed comparison. I had been curious about this antenna after some threads on QRZ. I've been using the MFJ-1979 whip for quite a few years with good success. The threads are slightly worn after hundreds of uses, but it still works fine. Thanks again for great review.
Appreciate the positive feedback. The MFJ-1979 is one of my favorites!
When it comes to tactical equipment I will us a term we would use in the military, “Ruggedized”. I have found that if it can happen it probably will happen. I will go with chameleon antenna.
Couldn't agree with you more Lawrence; I'm right there with you.... The CHA-SS17 is with me when it matters. Thanks for watching.
After watching your video, I decided to order just one BD7IBI. The shipping was very quick.
Rather than ordering the adapter, I opted to use a 10mm 1.5 tap on the CB antenna mount (Nut portion). Worked like a charm! fits perfect and tightens hard. There's absolutely no wiggle on the antenna. BTW only tap half ways down. This way you'll have 10mm on one end 3/8 on the other.
Thank you for the informative video.
Thanks for watching and the pro tip on taping the thread option
Curious- are u saying you re-tapped the threads so the BD7IBI could screw in? What is the 1.5 referring to? Semi new to all this DIY’er mod stuff so thx for the advice
@@DawnPatrol-ce5rk Negative, I purchased a mirror CB mount (Amazon) the kind that truckers use. Except rather than mounting it on a mirror I put it on a metal stake (Home Depot large Galvanized nail) sold individually. What I tapped, was the treads on the CB mount where you screw the antenna, NOT on the BD7IBI. The 1.5 refers to the spacing between the treads on the 10mm tap.
Note..
I already owned a metric Tap and Die set. Therefore, is was the best alternative for me. Purchasing the tap and its holder might cost more than the adapter from SAE to metric.
I bought 2 of the BD7IBI whips to use as a rotatable dipole using a MFJ ham stick dipole center. Currently have them set up for 10m and they work great. I have no illusions about them being as good quality wise as the Chameleon whips but for what I was wanting to do I was able to get 2 for less than the price of one. I will say they are better than I was expecting for cheap Chinese units. If treated with reasonable care they should last me a long time. You are right about the Snake Clamp adapters, they are the way to go!
Thanks for the feedback and for watching Jeremy. I agree, they are better quality than I expected! That is not always the case, but it is this time.
I have two SS-17's and the MFJ-1979. Surprisingly, both SS-17's have a problem with some of the sections collapsing on each other after repeated use. I have to use a thin self-fusing tape to keep those sections in place. I have used the MFJ-1979 heavily and, while the top section is slightly bent, it has been a champ. As far as the BD7IBI? I may have to give it a try.
Always love feedback like this and hearing how gear is working for other people. Thanks for watching and sharing.
I am glad you found the BD7IBI, I will use these to make (what some call) a lazy loop. I have the Cha Delta Loop and will replicate that with these two whip (minus the hybrid mini) and use all 4 whips and connect them by clipping a wire (thinking about making 20' wire) to the whips with the BU-45c from Digi key (same one from your radial video but copper), making a square or rectangle. I didn't want to spend the extra money on buying 2 more SS17 for this experiment. Thanks again for your research.
That sounds interesting. I would be interested in hearing how it turns out and performs for you.
Thanks for the video! this is the first of yours I have watched. I am going to get one.
I'll keep watching more of your videos, but what is the easiest way to mount it? I see you posted a link to a clamp on mount, which I assume I can use with a tripod. Any other recommendations, maybe for something that just uses a ground stake? I've only used wire vertical antennas on tree branches so far.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. Here are vids on two options, one bargain basement (which works just fine) and one a little nicer in appearance. ua-cam.com/video/SKAppwKg26o/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/n9-JrsfDJqA/v-deo.html
A few months ago I bought the Ali-x cheapy with the intention of using it with an ex-mil manpack. So far, not a bit of bother, but if (when) it breaks, I'll replace it with the Chameleon 17. I didn't know of the better-made one until today.
All kinds of ham gear out there at all price points...its fantastic to have so many options.
Thank you for bringing this alternative to our attention. The SS17's crimp is still just one, though back a bit. The use case for me is as paired horizontal dipoles. I have seen how much the SS7 bows in the horizontal orientation, how much does the BD7 bow in comparison? That crimp style of the SS17 could make it more rigid, but it might be theory instead of practice.
I was scratching my head on that crimp even as the words were coming out of my mouth...that makes sense. I have the gear to make horizontal dipoles using both sets, and now I'm going to have to try it. My hunch is the BD7IBI will flex much more given how thin the diameter gets near the tip.
@@HOAHamRadio I am investigating mounts for push up masts that would allow the horizontal dipoles made like this (or Ham Sticks) to be placed right at the top of the masts. However, one of my MFJs has failed (top 2 sections crimp failed) so if the BD7 has a better crimp style, it would help.
Don, I'm sure the BD7 will fail you in this regard due to how narrow the diameter is towards the end. Perhaps the MFJ-1979 is a better option. I'd love to here more about this antenna on mast idea you are brewing.
@@HOAHamRadio ua-cam.com/video/UibL3DSKbMg/v-deo.html That video should give you an idea of what we are working on. The Carbon Fiber Mast is not required but a push up mast is.
Great idea! I think the carbon fiber mast with those "latches" might be necessary to hold this up. Collapsible mast might do just that, collapse.
Thanks for the video, I found it very helpful. About a month ago I decided to purchase one of these antennas and without a second thought I opted for the BD7IBI. Why, because all up the price to me here in NZ is NZD$32 freight included. The SS17 is NZD$114 to purchase, but then the shipping is quoted at NZD$94......total NZD$208 or USD$127. Shipping out of the US often costs us more than the purchase price. Why is that when the Chinese can ship the item for next to nothing? It is a shame, as US products are losing sales, not becaue of quality but due to the exorbitant shipping costs. Cheers ZL2VTH
Thanks for watching and commenting Phil, and I'm glad this works out for you. Same issue here, shipping for me from China through Aliexpress is low, really low. Then I try to order something one state over and get hammered on shipping. Doesn't make sense. Hope the BD7IBI works great for you.
Great video. how hard was it to adjust both to make them resonant? I assume you don’t need a tuner on 20 m?
No tuner needed 6 through 20, just adjust the length of the collapsible whip. I use an analyzer to find resonance, as I slowly extend, or collapse to the need band.
set up the Chameleon SS17 Portable antenna outside tonight :) ... best contact was R6JC in Vladikavkaz , Russia .... 5344 miles on FT8 20 meters using 50 watts ..... had 3 radials each 16 ft long ... worked South America and Europe .. also used it on 40 meters with the Wolf River 40 meter coil .. worked USA and Europe also .... :) ... de N2JNZ
The SS17 is one of my favorites. Nice contacts!
Thanks for the video. Did you have any radials down?
That was so long ago I really don't remember. Typically, I put 1 to 3 radials down, 16 1/2 feet long.
great review. I live in a 4th floor condo with a 23ft balcony. would I be able to use either one of these.
Being able to use any antenna depends of many more factors than if it will work? Safety is the primary concern. You have to consider if the antenna will be indoors or outside, watts being output, RF exposure for yourself and others who may not be in the same condo unit as you, etc....
Good comparison. I hope ham would make more videos like this, we have to spread the news about cheaper gear to fight the extremely abusive prices of ham radio equipment
Thanks for the positive feedback. I try to pass on what I discover and think others could benefit from.
Just when I was considering the purchase of the _AliExpress_ clone instead of the *_SS17_* (sounds like a Soviet-era ICBM 😀), _Chameleon_ ups their game with an *_SS25,_* the SS17’s bigger *(25 foot)* brother. I’m waiting for someone to review that. (Last time I checked, it was ~$100 on Chameleon’s website.)
It sounds like it would work well with one of the many loading coils available: _Wolf River, Mad Dog, even Chameleon._ Back to the _SS17,_ a fatter conductor generally affords *wider bandwidth.*
*73 de AF6AS in **_“DM13”_** land*
Wait no more my fried, HOA Ham has your back... ua-cam.com/video/kRiV-RaMDdA/v-deo.html
Chameleon states that the SS-17 is 27in collapsed but in your video, you show it to be 24in? Can you confirm the actual collapsed size?
Tip to end of stud, I have 24 5/8"
I’m a SIG fan myself!
While not everyone likes it, I'm a big fan of the double action to single action...especially IWB near important personal gear.
I make nothing from the differences in the signal report on A/B testing because both are going to be 1/4 wave ground plane verticals with exactly the same amount of gain and any variability between antennas is to do with changing conditions. The only difference performance wise between the two will be the Chameleon will have a very slightly wider bandwidth due to the telescoping sections being larger diameter.
Spot on observations; appreciate the feedback Conor.
More material seems to be stronger but from a technical point of view the Chinese one has more taper and because of that, it will last bigger deflection while the chameleon one should break much sooner. You can think whatever you want, the same way as many try to overspeeding on the road, but not a single person break laws of physics.
Teodor, I hadn't thought of it like that. Thanks for the perspective.
@@HOAHamRadio I would choose MFJ every time for light wind conditions as a stiffer whip won't cause QSB at all.
Thank you sir! Do these antenna have any tendency to untelescope (sections slide back down)?
I only use this for short term back yard portable or POTA; I have not seen any issue with the BD7IBI sliding down.
Hi Bob..very good review and comparison. Really informative 🎉
Thanks for the view and comment; appreciate you stopping by the channel
Were you using radials on these tests? Or only the coax field line?
Will, I had one radial on it; since I was focused on the spike, I didn't pay attention to the radials. I am, however, working on a radial video that should come out soon. I'll focus on what length to use, and how to do a quick disconnect for convenience.
@@HOAHamRadio thanks for the review. I just happened to be using my MFJ 17 ft whip last night in my backyard doing experimenting attached to my bike. I used four 16 ft. radials and had a near 1:1 SWR with it on the CW portion of the band. Looking forward to your radial video. 73
question here ... what are the power rating for each mode on the SS17 ?? ... can't seem to find the info anywhere ... thanks !!! de N2JNZ
Never thought of that since I'm 100 watts without an amp; did you check the Chameleon site? If its not listed in their description, they do offer email support.
@@HOAHamRadio I called the company and they stated no restrictions on power :O ... they stated if the SWR becomes higher drop back the power on things will be fine .... the only worry they had is if you were using a linear amp ... otherwise 100 watts is ok .... yea !!!
Very helpful. Thank you.
You are quite welcome; thanks for stopping by for a look.
What is the bench you are using outdoors
Its pricy, but its phenomenal. Have had it for 10 years and used it on the construction site to hold table / miter saws. Holds a lot of weight and sets up / breaks down in seconds.
Great introduction good to know thanks👍
Always a pleasure to share with my fellow hams!
@@HOAHamRadio i love to try them you may laugh i used to 102 inch whips as a rotatable dipole it worked great you would have to use a tuner i talked all over seas with them whips👍💯⚛
Thanks for the video.just subscribed 😊
Thanks for the sub Andy. Hope you find the channel content helpful.
Thank you.
Hope you found it useful.
I went with a £20 one from eBay seems durable enough.
eBay ham gear! Fantastic!
@@HOAHamRadioworked a treat.
Will this antenna work for the cb radio band???
Yes Mike, it will. You would get it resonant by making the antenna shorter; i.e., collapsing some of the sections.