Which should you choose? The Chelegance MC 750 or the Chameleon MPAS Lite?

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  • Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
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    Thanks for watching!
    73,
    Thomas
    K4SWL
    Chapters:
    Intro 0:00:00
    Not a performance review: 0:04:28
    Similarities: 0:05:00
    Resonance: 0:07:38
    Note about Wolf River Coils: 0:12:40
    Benefits of MC-750: 0:15:15
    Benefits of MPAS Lite: 0:16:31
    Advantage of Chameleon Modular System: 0:18:49
    Summary - Which to choose?: 0:22:53
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 120

  • @Chameleon_Antenna
    @Chameleon_Antenna Рік тому +12

    Telescopic Whip Length can be optimized for no-tuner operation on 20-6 meters when using a 25 foot Counterpoise Wire:
    Average SWR 1.5:1
    • 20-17m - Whip Length 17 ft (all sections fully extended)
    • 15-10m - Whip Length 12 ft (top three sections down / not extended)

  • @MikeFikes
    @MikeFikes Рік тому +5

    Thanks for such a thorough review. You certainly need no editing IMHO; your enthusiasm and knowledge makes these videos a joy to watch.

  • @k.howard5927
    @k.howard5927 Рік тому +1

    Always enjoy the content being posted. Thanks for these very informative and helpful videos.

  • @JonathanKayne
    @JonathanKayne Рік тому +5

    The MC-750 is one of my favorite antenna systems in my arsenal! I really like the fact that i can run 100 watts so that on the few occasions I feel like going QRO I can still operate the antenna. Not to mention i can easily sling it over my shoulder and travel to a pota spot on my bike when i feel so inclined.

  • @MrTommy001
    @MrTommy001 Місяць тому +1

    I just bought the MC-750 and I LOVE it. I tried it out in the backyard today with my Yaesu 710 and my portable battery. I set it up for 20 meters, which I knew was active. It took about 15 minutes for my first setup because I hooked up my antenna analyzer to see how accurate the designated place on the antenna whip was. It was as close to spot-on as you can get. I was on the air shortly thereafter and made contact in less than five minutes. I can't wait to get out to a local park and get on the air away from home. A DX Engineering sales guy suggested this antenna and I'm glad I took his advice. Thank you for your comprehensive review.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  26 днів тому

      The MC-750 is my favorite vertical. Great choice!

  • @Brighamdoc
    @Brighamdoc Рік тому

    As always great review and thanks for your work. It’s always fun to watch you operate.

  • @daniellbrinneman
    @daniellbrinneman Рік тому +1

    Thank you, Thomas, for answering my question!

  • @stampdealer
    @stampdealer Рік тому

    As a newbie doing antenna research (my weakest area of knowledge), this is a super-helpful video, Thomas, thank you!

  • @newsjunkie3000
    @newsjunkie3000 Рік тому +3

    Wow, Thomas! Thanks so much for this timely video. I am learning CW now with the goal of doing POTA. I just ordered my first radio, QCX Mini, and now researching antennas.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому +1

      With a QCX Mini, since it's mono band, you might find that it's much less expensive to simply build a mono-band wire antenna or an end-fed half wave based on your chosen band. Good luck on your CW journey! You've got this!

  • @w2aew
    @w2aew Рік тому +2

    Really nice comparison. I currently have a 1st generation SuperAntenna MP-1 with an MFJ 10' whip. It does work well, but I like the idea of having less coil and a longer whip like these two have. Hmmmmm.....

  • @billcosgrave6232
    @billcosgrave6232 Рік тому +4

    The MC-750 is quickly becoming my favorite vertical antenna. I recently used it for a team POTA activation over the holiday and once again it worked beautifully during very crowded conditions. One of the great things about this is antenna is its ease of setup and portability. Yes, I may buy another one as a spare.

    • @joseneves2822
      @joseneves2822 11 місяців тому

      Also have the MC-750 - very fast assembly
      Can you tell what the maximum wind speed it supports will be? Mine has already withstood winds up to 36 Km/h
      Many thanks / 73
      CR7BDO

    • @billcosgrave6232
      @billcosgrave6232 11 місяців тому

      @@joseneves2822 I don't know what kind of wind loading it can take but mine has been very reliable and I have had a great deal of success with it.

  • @Lastaii
    @Lastaii Рік тому +3

    I've been using the MPAS Lite for nearly a couple of years now, and the random wire configuration at 40m is absolutely brutal. It's all NVIS, but I've activated parks during terrible propagation conditions, and 40m local contacts saved my butt :)

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому

      NVIS can save the day when prop is poor! Great point!

  • @WG7D
    @WG7D 11 місяців тому +1

    Great comparison review! Thanks! 73,WG7D

  • @adam-g7crq
    @adam-g7crq Рік тому +4

    Hi Thomas, I've recently got the mc-750 and tripod and as you say it performs the same as most of the 17 foot portable antenna systems, the one thing I really like with the 750 is having the band etched on the telescopic whipp and it's reasonably spot on, the only thing I don't like is that the screw fitting is M10 and not 3/8 24 UNF I've just made an adapter from M10 to 3/8 so I can use my slide winder loading coil or MFJ-63 coil to extend its range.

  • @dxporker
    @dxporker Рік тому +1

    Well done TW, I went with the 750 simply because I’ve have so many antennas and the simplicity of it. My WRC isn’t preforming as I had hoped so we will see what the MC does.

  • @nvrumi
    @nvrumi Рік тому +3

    Thanks for a nice comparative review, Tom.
    I have not used the MC-750 (don't have one). But I have extensive experience with the MPAS 2.0 with many deployments of that system for POTA activations.
    The Chameleon system comes highly recommended. It is expensive. It is well made. It is well supported. It has a lot of options for deployment, which is an advantage if you're involved in EMCOMM.
    I also have the WRC system, which I purchased not long after I received my license (four-years ago). Like you, I rarely use it because it is "fiddly." It is not band agile. When I deploy a station, I'm usually time-limited and want to get the activation done and get moving again.
    I recently purchased the WRC Sporty Forty matching transformer and already have the 17ft whip. I deployed this antenna at a POTA site, but couldn't get it tuned and finally put it away to deal with later and used the MPAS to get the activation done. (I still haven't fiddled with the WRC...) Maybe this has merit.
    Last winter I did a number of activations using my Yaesu FT-897D and the MPAS, with the station in my 4Runner (too cold and snowy to be outside). I found that the time from stopping the rig to running the radio was about 10 minutes total. Recovery was about the same. I did not have to exit the 4Runner to adjust the antenna.
    Point of interest: The bottom of the matching unit is 3/8x24 threads. The ring terminal is 3/8". You can mount the counterpoise to the bottom of the matching unit and not fiddle with another screw that could easily be lost in the field.
    For an EMCOMM deployment, having the option of setting up a NVIS HF antenna is essential. The MPAS 2.0 system provides for that through a random wire or delta loop.
    As you say, the choice of antenna is up to every operator's goals. I like having options. "The mission determines the loadout."

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому

      Excellent comments! Thank you, David!

  • @davidtrotter7488
    @davidtrotter7488 Рік тому +1

    Hi Thomas, I hope you are well.
    Thank you for your wonderful video, its much appreciated.
    I just bought the Anker speaker to use with my QCX Mini this weekend while camping. Its the first time CW out in the field so looking forward to it. The speaker seems great and much better than an old Nokia speaker I had with no volume control.
    Take care and best 73s
    de David M0XLS

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому

      I am loving my Anker speaker as well! Thank you!

  • @eljam8138
    @eljam8138 6 місяців тому

    new sub here ! Thank you for the great video btw. I am going with the Chelegance as it costs almost half here in Sweden ! Keep up the the great work !

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  5 місяців тому

      It's a great antenna. You'll love it!

  • @rabbit6914
    @rabbit6914 Рік тому +4

    Agree that the MPAS Lite is quick to set up, is well made, and keeps on working after numerous outings. The UCM clamp, also from Chameleon, is a great addition, as it allows one to attach the vertical element to a picnic table, or to a board across the bed of a pickup truck, or in various other useful places.

    • @EssexCountyPhoto
      @EssexCountyPhoto Місяць тому

      The UCM clamp is a piece of garbage that bends as soon as you tighten it more than 3/4 of a turn...
      ...
      And when you politely ask the manufacturer if there might have been some quality control issues on a certain batch, he blames you without apologies or any exchange/refund offer, quoting the idiotic "it's used by the military"...
      ...
      Absolute joke.

    • @rabbit6914
      @rabbit6914 Місяць тому

      @@EssexCountyPhoto . For me the UCM clamp has been strong, rugged, and versatile. Sorry you have had problems. As you said, perhaps a bad batch.

    • @EssexCountyPhoto
      @EssexCountyPhoto Місяць тому

      @@rabbit6914 ... I can assure you I did contact them in a very polite and civil manner, I've used my MPAS antenna for a few years with no problems whatsoever, even bought their Cap-Hat recently... But the clamp does bend horribly! Perhaps I should record a short video...

    • @rabbit6914
      @rabbit6914 Місяць тому

      @@EssexCountyPhoto Certainly something wrong with your clamp. Mine does not do that, and yours should not either.

  • @AD6DMDennis
    @AD6DMDennis Рік тому +1

    The MC-750 looks cool, especially with those resonance markings.

  • @tcort
    @tcort Рік тому +10

    You forgot to mention that the Chelegance MC 750 is mistaken for a gun more often than the Chameleon MPAS Lite.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому +10

      🤣 I reckon I proved that point, right?

    • @thogevoll
      @thogevoll Рік тому

      Yeah, but only by stupid people.

  • @spacemedic545
    @spacemedic545 3 місяці тому +1

    My MC 750 is awesome. I got rid of all my other antennas and the MC 750 is my main go to.

  • @adventureswithsteve2981
    @adventureswithsteve2981 9 місяців тому +1

    I have a similar antenna based on PAC-12 called JPC -12 , difference is it uses M10 thread's, I also added a nice ground mounting disk that has 16 butterfly bolts to mount radial wires with eyelet connectors. Plastic coated stainless steel washing line is what I use , you can get 50m for less than £10

  • @BLACKHEAT1028
    @BLACKHEAT1028 3 місяці тому +1

    I have the MPAS 2.0 and the TDL but I might just buy their whip to check it out

  • @bearwolf34
    @bearwolf34 Рік тому +1

    Have the mpas lite micro..sure wish would have got the mini to run more power. Still testing the antenna. Will see how it compares to the Rez ranger 80 soon.

  • @peterhardy5071
    @peterhardy5071 Рік тому +1

    I own both of these and the Chelegance is hands down my favorite. The MC 750 is very high quality, easy to tune and very well packaged. I got tired of DX Engineering moving the projected shipping date so I cancelled and ordered directly from JNC Radio. Same price and two weeks from order to delivery.

    • @sidkaplan7592
      @sidkaplan7592 Рік тому

      I too am tired of waiting on DX Engineering. Did you have to pay an import duty on the JNC MC-750 or was it delivered directly to you? Thinking of doing the same. Thanks for your help.

    • @peterhardy5071
      @peterhardy5071 Рік тому

      @@sidkaplan7592 delivered to me directly, no import fees. They charge shipping but it still comes out the same price as buying it from DX with free shipping.

  • @dangermandave67
    @dangermandave67 6 місяців тому

    Great video. I've been using a 17 ft whip on a Super Antenna tripod with a bunch of radials for SOTA. I'm debating whether it's worth the added weight of a loading coil for the sake of adding 40m capability. The bare bones setup I have is fine for 10m, 12m, 15m, 17m and 20m. Since I mainly use a vertical on summits where there isn't enough space to run a EFHW or dipole, weight is usually an issue as well when tackling those kinds of summits. Driving in a ground stake usually isn't possible on rocky summits in Utah and neighboring states. Do both of these systems work with a tripod like the Super Antenna one?

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  5 місяців тому

      Yes. Chameleon even has a very portable tripod you can use. Chelegance has a folding tripod as well (it's a bit heavier, but effective).

  • @Mechanics.Life80
    @Mechanics.Life80 Рік тому +2

    Great video as always!! Please do a review on the Ranger 80 from REZ. Only seen a couple of videos on it. Would love to hear your opinions.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому

      I am arranging a loan of that antenna right now, in fact!

  • @johnpeterson7264
    @johnpeterson7264 Рік тому

    Greetings from the southern New Jersey !
    Question - I see a few of these “spike into the ground” mounted verticals advocated for use with a single counterpoise or perhaps 4 radials
    Would there be benefit to instead mounting the vertical some 5-6 feet above ground as might be done with a tripod or light stand ?

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому +1

      That would certainly work too! Having the vertical a little higher would likely yield even better performance.

  • @juleslorusso1324
    @juleslorusso1324 5 місяців тому +1

    If you mark the whip extensions on the MPAS Lite, does this make it a resonant antenna to help reduce the losses in s-units while transmitting? Also, the coil on the MC-750, required for 80m, does that coil need to be removed for 40-10m operation?

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  5 місяців тому

      So, yes. You can sort out the whip lengths for the MPAS lite. It will still have the base coil in the mix (unlike the MC-750 which is straight-up resonant 20M and up) but very effective. Both are excellent choices for POTA/SOTA. Yes, I believe the 80M coil should be removed for resonance on the 40M band (which requires the 40M coil.

  • @TridentMissileTech
    @TridentMissileTech Рік тому +1

    Finally decided to buy the mc750 a couple weeks ago and they were out of stock. I chose that one because it is resonate. That is the biggest reason for me.
    I will check DX engineering

    • @Chameleon_Antenna
      @Chameleon_Antenna Рік тому +2

      Telescopic Whip Length can be optimized for no-tuner operation on 20-6 meters when using a 25 foot Counterpoise Wire:
      Average SWR 1.5:1
      • 20-17m - Whip Length 17 ft (all sections fully extended)
      • 15-10m - Whip Length 12 ft (top three sections down / not extended)

  • @oldsoldier181
    @oldsoldier181 Рік тому +1

    So, I have been using the MPAS for almost a year now, POTA and while camping/overlanding. I bought the 2.0, and the additional components for the TDL, and these reside in my truck, permanently. I have a LOT of faith in Chameleon products, and highly recommend them. Yes, they are expensive. But, if you are like me, and want a one antenna to do the work, that you can simply throw in a vehicle, and leave it there until you need it-go for the Chameleon. Money well spent.

    • @Chameleon_Antenna
      @Chameleon_Antenna Рік тому +3

      Telescopic Whip Length can be optimized for no-tuner operation on 20-6 meters when using a 25 foot Counterpoise Wire:
      Average SWR 1.5:1
      • 20-17m - Whip Length 17 ft (all sections fully extended)
      • 15-10m - Whip Length 12 ft (top three sections down / not extended)

  • @keithlloyd5280
    @keithlloyd5280 6 місяців тому

    How does the MC-750 compare to the Super Antenna MP-1 and the MPAS -Light? That would be interesting maybe put the Cat amongst the Pidgeons....

  • @theheresiarch3740
    @theheresiarch3740 Рік тому +1

    Have you ever used the DXCommander Expedition antenna? I really want one but it's pretty expensive so I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому +1

      No, I haven't tried it yet. I might at some point, though.

  • @OregonOrcadian
    @OregonOrcadian Рік тому +1

    Great discussion, Thomas. Thanks. Remember that the MPAS Lite comes with 50 ft of top quality coax with a built in ferrite balun on one end. Thus, adding just a line to hoist it up, you are 100 % ready to deploy a wire antenna with coax shield counterpoise. And I totally agree about Chameleon customer support. Second to none. 73. K7YIC

  • @ai5dd
    @ai5dd Рік тому +2

    I have the MPAS Lite from a CHA Delta Loop I own so I don’t want to spend anymore money. My choice is obvious :)

  • @sidkaplan7592
    @sidkaplan7592 Рік тому

    Thomas, thank you so much for your review of the Chelegance MC-750 and stand. Could not get one from DX Engineering so ordered directly from Chelegance and it was here in four days from China. Excellent service from them and fast responses to questions.. Also, your review of the Xiegu x6100 caused me to get that too! Expensive to follow your channel😂 Thanks for all your reviews and videos. Just wanted you to know that your information and style is very much appreciated. 73 W6SDK

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  11 місяців тому +1

      Thank you so much for sharing your kind message. :)

  • @truckinguy92
    @truckinguy92 16 днів тому

    I really didn’t want to, but I took advantage of Chameleon’s 20% 4th of July sale and purchased the full MPAS 2.0 antenna system. As well as their capacity hat, 4 wire orange counterpoise kit, & TDL loop hub kit. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be a mistake as I’ve heard mixed reviews from lots of different sources. Some say it’s too lossy and some swear by it. Most UA-cam reviews I take with a grain of salt. Most are given these systems for free or on loan from the manufacturer. The ones that get it for free of course are going to say nothing to little bad about it. The ones that get it on loan appear to be a little more honest but in the end who really knows. Then there’s people that give their take on it because either way they have nothing to gain or lose and are usually the most honest.
    I love to experiment with antennas, it’s a lot of fun. Eats up a lot POTA time though. 😊 I’m going to compare the MPAS vs a plain 17’ whip with radials for ground mounting and elevated with an elevated counterpoise. I will document all of it on paper and hopefully be able to submit it somewhere. Whether it be on Facebook, QRZ, or anywhere else it may be useful. I may even compare it with 100 watts and QRP 10 watts. Not sure how soon it will be as it’s been hot as Haitis here in NJ lately. Wish me luck 😊!

  • @thogevoll
    @thogevoll Рік тому +3

    I happen to have the MC-750. It works great for me.
    As far as the using the Camelion counterpoise as a random wire goes an MC-750 owner can add whatever length of wire they want for a whole lot less than the difference in price.
    BTW DX Engineering has a huge mark-up over their costs for products. For example just comparing the retail price DX charges 39 pcnt more for the MC-750.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому

      So I think the difference is that Chelegance mut charge shipping and it's about $50. The price ends up being fairly close to that of DX Engineering.

  • @samstlm
    @samstlm 7 місяців тому +1

    As an old guy...and new Ham that was very interesting and informing. Since I have a Buddistick Pro I'm ready to go with the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 (higher power option). Like you pointed out I'm attracted to the multi-configuration set ups the Chameleon offers. Plus, in South Dakota there are POTA sites that do not allow poking anything into the ground out of respect for Native designated important sites. In that case the Buddistick is a good option. Like my Elmer said, when you have 2 antennas you have one, when you have one antenna you have none! Thank you, if you have any other invites for me please share. Cheers!

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  7 місяців тому

      I agree! You always need an antenna option that is low-impact and self-supporting. Thanks!

  • @1polonium210
    @1polonium210 8 місяців тому +1

    The "goto" antennas in my "arsenal" are the MC-750 and the TN07 MyGoTo. The MC-750 is a bit more portable than the TN07, but I give both antennas 9+ out of 10.

  • @alandigiovanni5282
    @alandigiovanni5282 Рік тому +2

    Hello Thomas, Have you tried using a pool cue case for storing the MPAS Lite? They make soft cases for pool cues that should work quite well. Thanks for the interesting videos. 73, Alan KA4LTC

  • @johnarrow3354
    @johnarrow3354 Рік тому +1

    The angled mount screws on the bottom of the Chameleon unit, rather than the top. Good video, though.

  • @JeffCowan
    @JeffCowan Рік тому +3

    Are your summits rocky? I can't see using a spike out here in the west. Wondering about the alternatives. Wolf river tripod?

    • @nvrumi
      @nvrumi Рік тому +2

      The Chameleon matching unit is 3/8x24 threads, so it will fit into the WRC base. In instances where I did not want to drive a stake (or couldn't), I have use the WRC tripod with the Chameleon matching unit and whip.
      Be aware that the ground side of the matching unit will be isolated from the WRC tripod, so you'll have to affix the counterpoise to the base of the matching unit for a complete antenna system.

    • @JeffCowan
      @JeffCowan Рік тому +1

      @@nvrumi Thank you. Sounds like the way to go. 73.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому

      I'm lucky in that most of the summits I activate here have some spaces where spikes can be used in the ground. Some are rocky, though, but have trees, so I use the trees. Out west? Yeah, I'd go for something self-supporting.

  • @PerryKB8AYQ
    @PerryKB8AYQ 2 місяці тому

    Could a user pick up an MC 750 telescopic whip and use it on the MPAS to get the benefit of the etched bands when extending the whip.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Місяць тому +1

      Great question. I'm not sure if the threads would match (perhaps someone knows), but I don't think you'd accomplish your goal. The MPAS Lite uses a transformer (this is what's inside the Hybrid Mini or Micro). The MC-750 is a straight up quarter wave antenna with no transformer. This would likely mean that the resonant points on the whip would not match the Lite.

    • @PerryKB8AYQ
      @PerryKB8AYQ Місяць тому

      Thanks for the answer. Guess the solution could be to etch your own guide.

  • @truckinguy92
    @truckinguy92 Рік тому +1

    Another great video Tom and thank you for the comparison . I know it’s comparing 🍎 to 🍊 but I’m curious how theses compare to EFHW sloper/inverted V. I’ve never tried the inverted V configuration. Operating QRP is tough as it is without using a super lossy antenna, which I feel these are. Resonance doesn’t always go hand in hand with performance. After all a 50 ohm dummy load is resonant but not very efficient. Although when the bands are good enough I’ve heard stories of people making contacts on even dummy loads. 😂

    • @rabbit6914
      @rabbit6914 Рік тому +1

      For me an EFHW works better, probably because it has been up higher and is longer. Maybe similar to the M-lite in its inverted vee configuration. But the MPAS lite also works well and has allowed a lot of QSOs. A big difference is in the set-up time, Setting up an EFHW takes me 30min or more and it uses more space in the park, while the M-lite is 5 or 10 min. M-lite also is more spatially compact. . All in all I like the EFHW better, but often my real choice, considering the set-up time and sometimes other park visitors, is M-lite or nothing at all. I don't have an MC 750, but it looks attractive for the same reasons, so I look forward to trying one when I can. ..Roger N4GF

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому +2

      Wire antennas like an EFHW, when properly deployed, likely give you better performance in most situations (possible exception is when you have superb ground conductivity--say on the coast of the ocean or sea). The great think about verticals like this is their ease of use, quick deployment, and the fact they can work when you lack a good support for a wire antenna.

    • @truckinguy92
      @truckinguy92 Рік тому

      @@rabbit6914 I’m like you it usually takes me a 1/2 hour to set up and tear down the EFHW (1 hour total). But the advantage is not having to retune to change bands. My tuner in my KX3/KXPA100 gets me the non-resonant bands 60, 17, & 12m I’ve never tried the MPAS, MC750 or similar. I do have a BuddiStick and it’s a slight bit quicker than the EFHW, but the time you save is eaten back up by changing bands. I’ve also done the low tripod/ground spike setup with multiple radials and it’s also at least a 1/2 hour setup.
      Looking at the posted SWR curves for the likes of the MPAS is just too much of a loss, especially on the lower bands. 3:1 = 25% reflected/lost power that’s quite a bit to lose when you’re operating 5-10 watts SSB. I would love to try the MPAS but not at its $600 price point. The MC750 is quite a bit more palatable price wise, but I try to stay away from the cut rate Chinese stuff, radios & antennas.

  • @1polonium210
    @1polonium210 Місяць тому

    Fyi, I recommend that you get the tripod designed for the MC 750. I am not a fan of ground spikes, especially in areas where soils are thin and hard.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  26 днів тому

      I have and use that tripod. It's excellent!

  • @marcinmichigan2772
    @marcinmichigan2772 9 місяців тому

    Are the MC-750 threaded components compatible with US "standard" of 3/8x24 ??

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  9 місяців тому

      You might check with Jesse at Chelegance or at DX Engineering. I'm not certain.

    • @aguilaneth
      @aguilaneth 2 місяці тому

      Nope, to my knowledge they are 10mm for the MC 750 but there are adapters for that

  • @Francois_Dupont
    @Francois_Dupont 4 місяці тому +3

    check out the MA-12

    • @aguilaneth
      @aguilaneth 2 місяці тому +2

      Chelegance just gets these antenna's from the manufacturer of the MA12 it's all about branding nothing more, the MA12 is the same quality but a bit cheaper 😊

  • @n3ljs399
    @n3ljs399 Рік тому

    CHA TDL (Tactical Delta Loop) when describing this antenna. The spike gets threaded into the CHA TDL HUB. CHA HYBRID-MICRO/MINI gets threaded into the top of the CHA TDL HUB. The way you were holding it had me second guessing my installation ( @ 19:44). It is a great antenna system. I use it all the time. Probably will end up with MC-750. I buy antennas like you buy bags.......lol

    • @Chameleon_Antenna
      @Chameleon_Antenna Рік тому +1

      Telescopic Whip Length can be optimized for no-tuner operation on 20-6 meters when using a 25 foot Counterpoise Wire:
      Average SWR 1.5:1
      • 20-17m - Whip Length 17 ft (all sections fully extended)
      • 15-10m - Whip Length 12 ft (top three sections down / not extended)

    • @n3ljs399
      @n3ljs399 Рік тому

      @@Chameleon_Antenna.... At 19:44 of Thomas's video. Is that proper way to build a CHA TDL? If so I have been doing it wrong......TNX

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому +1

      No--I was doing that incorrectly in this video. If I was actually setting it up, I would have realized that. The matching unit goes on one side of the TDL fitting, not at the base.

  • @mikesmithg0rfd356
    @mikesmithg0rfd356 Рік тому +1

    what is the thread pitch on the mc750 whip ? please

  • @EricD-hv6iu
    @EricD-hv6iu Рік тому +1

    I just received my MC-750 yesterday, direct from Chelegance. Does anyone know the purpose of the small, black adapter included?

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому +1

      The 40 meter coil?

    • @EricD-hv6iu
      @EricD-hv6iu Рік тому

      @@ThomasK4SWL Not the coil, but apparently a tripod adapter of some sort; a small, black anodized, knurled knob about 1/2" in diameter.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  Рік тому

      @@EricD-hv6iu Perhaps that is the tripod adapter for the Chelegance Tripod?

    • @EricD-hv6iu
      @EricD-hv6iu Рік тому

      @@ThomasK4SWL I thought at first, maybe. But the adapter for their tripod is chrome. I just finished checking SWR levels on all bands with my RigExpert and am very pleased.

  • @W1ZY
    @W1ZY 3 місяці тому +2

    *Remember: the moment you use an antenna tuner (or a loading coil), you lose.* This is the only telescoping-vertical video I have seen so far on UA-cam where the creator even mentions the most important step in tuning these contraptions; namely, _physically adjusting the length of the whip._ If you watch the other videos, you will see nobody even thinks about doing this as they mansplain their way through "using the product", so to speak. In this video, the creator does it because he likes the Chinese manufacturer having _wisely_ labelled the 1/4 WL points on the telescoping whip. If they didn't, the creator may have just pulled the whip out to its full length, and mansplained that his "antenna tuner" will take care of the rest. Or that when fully extended, the antenna tuner enables you to hop from band-to-band. Both of which being bad advice if you want to make POTA contacts using QRP. That's the first of several reasons why most of the UA-cam creators "reviewing" these contraptions don't make many contacts if they document operation in their videos.
    The second error being made on the UA-cam "reviews" of these contraptions is when the creator connects the RigBlaster or NANO VNA _on the far end of the feedline when "making measurements"._ When combined with the third error being made, which is obsessing with minimizing the SWR _rather than reactance,_ the the aerial's operation is doomed before RF is ever applied to it. The analogy in the music industry is to tune an instrument incorrectly in a UA-cam video telling viewers you can take care of it in post. The correct way is to attach the measuring instrument through a short piece of coax to the feedpoint of the vertical, and adjust its length to minimize its reactive component. Forget about the SWR because if you laid out 120 1/2 wl radials out around one of these contraptions, at resonance it would show a feedpoint impedance of 36 Ohms _with zero reactance,_ which resolves to an SWR of 1.3 to 1. That represents maximum efficiency for that type of antenna. Maximum power radiated. After that, you have to simply figure out how to achieve the impedance match _at the base of the vertical_ to 50 Ohms. Most amazingly, in several videos the creators inform the viewers to _remove radials_ in order to "get a better SWR match", apparently per instructions of the manufacturer.
    The Chameleon manufacturer reminds me of any DoD contractor producing something of high quality at an exorbitant price which does not work "to spec". Criticisms of UA-cam videos do not extend to this one, which is the best I've seen thus far. For more information about verticals, go to qrz.com/db/w1zy or w1zy.substack.com. 73s.

    • @truckinguy92
      @truckinguy92 16 днів тому

      I skimmed through your page, very impressive. With that said this deals with portable operating and with it comes compromises.

    • @W1ZY
      @W1ZY 16 днів тому +1

      @@truckinguy92 All the more reason to eliminate all losses.

    • @truckinguy92
      @truckinguy92 16 днів тому

      @@W1ZY what I meant is these portable setups are only temporary. All of what you said is 100% correct. But it takes time to do all of that and most of the time these are short activations where most want to get their 10 or so contacts, pack up and head home or wherever it is they’re going next. Also what you describe may change from activation to activation as the ground doesn’t stay the same every time. I plan to read more into your pages eventually.

    • @W1ZY
      @W1ZY 15 днів тому

      @@truckinguy92 For those knocking off 10 contacts, they might as well operate mobile from parked cars while eating their QuarterPounders w/ cheese and SuperSized Fries. For anything more than that requiring them to step outside of their cars, I wouldn't want any of these UA-cam POTA appliance operators in charge of Comms after the upcoming Thermonuclear War.

  • @adventuresofbobandlana4939
    @adventuresofbobandlana4939 7 місяців тому +1

    Another great review Thomas! N7KHH

  • @Philip-KA4KOE
    @Philip-KA4KOE 4 місяці тому +1

    I don't edit mine either and limit to 3 minutes.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  4 місяці тому

      I should probably shorten mine! :) They get awfully long.

  • @philippehaake6123
    @philippehaake6123 Рік тому

    Sorry but the little piece of aluminium is not on the top of the coil..... 73 qro HB9GUR

  • @KD9ZHF
    @KD9ZHF 7 місяців тому +1

    Where do keep all this gear? Do you have a trailer that you drag around on your SUV or a warehouse?😂

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  7 місяців тому +1

      😆 Good question! I keep my vertical antennas in our utility room most of the time. The others are small wore antenna and they are stored either in packs, or in an antenna box I have in the shack. The radios? Well--there are a lot of them, but they're small. They all live in the shack or in packs.

  • @johnkaelberer237
    @johnkaelberer237 10 місяців тому

    The Chameleon antenna is not a resonate antenna. It has a 5 to1 transformer that makes it a broad banded antenna. Typically, you will lose approx. Two Full "S" units in transmit strength over a resonate antenna such as the MC 750, which is a resonate antenna and has no transformer. The performance will not be identical. It's not that the Chameleon is a bad antenna, it's just the physics. A broad Band antenna will always have a lower output in exchange for not having to tune it. The loss is in heat in the 5 to 1 transformer. It's lossy. The Chameleon usually won't be as sensitive to very weak signals either. The other advantage to a resonate antenna such as the MC-750 is that you can get a lower SWR and not have the need of a tuner and the loss from the higher SWR and tuner. Most people who have any of the Chameleon antennas with the 5 to 1 transformer are happy because they are making contacts and don't realize that they are leaving two "S" units on the table. This is true no matter what configuration you run the antenna in. If just making some quick contacts is what you are after, you can do this with the Chameleon. If you want to make the most possible contacts and hear weak signals with this style of antenna, the MC-750 is the one you will want. Both are very quick to set up and take down. At it's price point, the MC-750 would be my first choice. Were I looking to only work 20 meters and up, I'd save even more money and just make my own stake mount and use a 17' whip with radials. Even better. Ham radio does not need to be expensive and spending more does not always insure better performance.

    • @ThomasK4SWL
      @ThomasK4SWL  10 місяців тому +1

      You have a good point. Thank you!

    • @keithlloyd5280
      @keithlloyd5280 6 місяців тому +1

      Well said I totally agree with your statement that the 17' SS Tele Whip on top of the 5:1 UNUN is somewhat deaf compared to say a Simple 9:1 W3DZZ 67 foot element with 17 foot counterpoise. I do like those marking on the Tele Whip on the MC-750. 73 de M0KLL

  • @slappomatthew
    @slappomatthew 5 місяців тому

    Imo the price difference doesn’t justify buying a Chinese antenna over the American made chameleon. The Mac-750 should be sub $200usd even 150

    • @aguilaneth
      @aguilaneth 2 місяці тому

      Why? because a american made product is better? I'm not convinced it is

    • @truckinguy92
      @truckinguy92 16 днів тому

      @@aguilanethno because the American made product keeps jobs in America.

    • @aguilaneth
      @aguilaneth 16 днів тому

      @@truckinguy92 and your wallet slimmer