Chameleon EmComm III Portable End Fed Ham Radio Antenna Review
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- Опубліковано 1 кві 2020
- The Chameleon is a reliable End Fed Half Wave HF antenna. I recommend it for its portability and reliability. This antenna is in my radio go-kit when I don't know what I will have to deal with in the field. www.chameleonantenna.com/
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Clearly it worked. Found you because of MR and now I have my license.
Josh you're the best you really are you come a long way brother such a great video in all the little niches and things you're doing explaining and adding things to it awesome😊
I appreciate that!
Thank you for this video. I am making my own antenna and had a question about the loom and attachments to it. Your video was shot in such a way that I was able to see the answer to my question. You rule!!!! Thanks again.
Thanks man for the straight up review. Good stuff as usual! The one advantage I see with the elastic wrap being secured at one end: Your probably not going to lose it.
Great review. Looks like a well-built, multi-purpose antenna.
Hey Josh love to know your videos being sick really good brother you bring out a lot of good stuff for amateur radio
Love your videos I first got interested in ham with the modern rogue video you did I just got my license!
Untie the knot. Cut a notch like the other end. Put an overhand knot back in and put the band in your pocket till time to wrap up. From KI7PCX.
I have the Emcomm III Port for a few months now and, for at least right now, it's my only HF antenna. I live in a HOA with very restrictive rules against any antennas. I put this antenna up as a sloper when I want to operate HF and pull it back in when I'm done. It takes me about 10 min to put up and pull down. FWIW, I don't have any issues with the elastic band, I've worked out a technique in the way I hold the winder in one hand and wind either wire with the other, I have no problem with trapping the elastic band in the wire. And I've done this literally many dozens of times. I've also attached second elastic band (it has the holes and slots for it already, hmm) to hold the counter poise separately to make life a litter easier. I'm a big fan of this antenna, I highly recommend it.
Hey Josh the chameleon antennas are nice thank you for sharing happy covid-19
I finally got tired waiting for the chameleon LEFS to come into stock ANYWHERE and picked up the EMCOMMIII. Pleased with the performance. As you said in this video a bit bulky for what I was looking for, but I squandered all the time I had available to build my version of the LEFS so I swung by Gigaparts and bought one. Glad I did. Now I can build a LEFS when I have a bit of time. ;)
So close to 100,000 subscribers!
For what it is, this is a great hf antenna. It got me into Bulgaria from the US with 85W. Easy to put up and, when needed, take down quickly. Very compact if you need to take it on a trip.
Awesome! Ham-Challenge Time! Can you MAKE a Chameleon Em-Comm CHA-III Portable as good as theirs and for less than it costs to buy one? What do we improve about the design when we build? Lets see a BUILD Show!
Replace the bungie cord with Velcro strap. Nice video Last weekend I visited the guys at Chameleon Antennas
in Sparks Nevada. I got a tour and history of the company from John, saw some of the things they were on.
I purchased the EMCOMM II. Haven't had a chance to set it up. Thanks again for your review videos. 73's KF6EWO
Put mine in the sloper configuration. Only one band (40 m) had a 3.0 SWR. Everything else was 2.0 or lower. I even tested it on 2meters and it had an acceptable SWR. In my new shack I am going to use the base model. This is an excellent antenna. Great customer service from the company too.
How’s the antenna performing for a base setup?
I love this antenna for mobile operations!
OUTSTANDING!!! Thank-You, !!!
Good Video as Always Josh N2FIX
Great video! I am also an avid kite flyer, and the dual and quad kite lines use the same design winders with the small bungee cord. A trick is to cup the cord in the palm of the same hand that is holding the winder. If that is still not working, take it off and use a rubber band.
I appreciate his effort to put the video together, but he has his information all wrong. It is not and end fed half wave antenna! At 73 feet, it would be a half wave around 6.5 mhz which isn't a ham band. These guys doing these videos need to do their homework and give true information instead of just assuming. Any ham should know what length of wire it would take to qualify for a "HALF WAVE" ! It's a 9:1 unun feeding a random wire that requires a tuner. An end fed half wave would be fed with a 49:1 transformer and for 80 meters would be 134 feet long and would not need a tuner. Lets put an effort into getting accurate information out there guys !
I agree it is a good antenna, better than the EmComm II, I had both. The winder for the EmComm IIIP needs redesigned. Chameleon makes good stuff.
I've become a fan of the 49:1 end fed and have built a few. My main antenna is one and I built a tiny QRP one that uses the sotabeam wire I use it with 25 feet of RG-174. Total weight with a Sotabeams wire winder coax is just over 10 ounces.
Great minds think alike. I run strictly QRP and pretty much run 40-10, so I did follow (anticipate?) your rec for a smaller antenna. A club member builds these and I use them on Field Day and contests with great success. Nice review nonetheless. :) de WC3T
Thank you for this video. We had a lot of rain a few days ago, and a tree fell on my G5RV and broke my wire. I am looking for a new antenna that is discreet and works well. I may have to give this a shot, although I know this is not a permanent installation antenna. I am not sure yet, but I appreciate the video.Thank you for your views.
It can be installed for permanent uses if you want.
Josh, awesome video...as usual. Lose the small bungie and just get a velcro strap (the kind used for electrical cords) and once the wires are wound up...secure it and there you go. Just don't lose your velcro strap :P
cheers,.. Josh,.. nice, i have 2 end feds, n think is a great option,.. 73
I have an 9:1 UNUN 20' endfed in my QRP pack, I also carry dipoles for 20/40m , but the endfed has saved me sometimes where support points has been limited, sure it only does 6-40m (80m if I add another 11' of wire) but that's the bands I usually use QRP anyway.
Also, there seems to be contests every weekend I have time to do QRP, so an antenna that does 17m is a good compliment if the other bands are to crowded for QRP.
Another antenna I think you should look into is a fan--dipole, you can build one yourself for a dollar if you have some cable in the junkbox, they are tricky to get resonant, but once there, you have as many band as you added dipoles for (15m works on the 40m dipole with a tuner so no need to add that)
A couple of notes after watching the video:
I actually like the Chamaeleon winders. I simply hold the elastic band in the same hand that I’m grasping the winder with. This allows me to quickly roll up the line every time. I even purchased some additional winders for other lines I had.
The wire is teflon coated and resist stretching. It also has a wide Temperature operating range if you play in extreme environments.
73’ + 25" Copper Clad KEVLAR PTFE (Teflon) (-70°C to 150°C)
Same technique here, just palm it and wind.
God tips! I like the winders too!
My comment was more on the unwinding.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse God tips are best!
Makes sense not a bad idea for 100W.
Another suggestion for coiling is to over-under the wire. It isn't much different in end results to figure-8 wrapping in that it changes the memory. Essentially both over-under coiling and figure-8 wrapping allow the wire to lay flat. It's an old high rigging method for ropes, and used a lot in the entertainment industry for power and audio cables. :)
Hey Josh you're doing a lot of videos on the chameleon antenna I have you on this new one too pretty cool brother ❤️🙏
Thank's for the review! As I understand I don't need any type of choke because of RFI?
Like number 700, thanks for filming
The handles/strings on my stunt kite have the same wrapping thingy with the elastic cord sometimes getting in the way when wrapping it back up. I just put the elastic along the edge of the winder frame that I hold, so it's tucked in my hand and doesn't get in the way when winding the strings.
A simple redesign of the loom plate could still hold the transformer box and allow for a helical wind. Maybe you could have one 3d printed?
I was the 1,000th like. Great video Josh! 73 de N4EJM
I'm thinking that I need one of these. I know they are made just a few miles from me! I need to go in there and check them out! that is, when I can leave the house again!
good video josh its ste your mate from liverpool england lol no josh i have just bought an 49.1 end fed 39m long from a company called UK ANTENNAS its for 80m 10m without a tuner yes without a tuner seen the reviews and they are good well great so can,t wait to try it when it comes tomorrow ill let you know how i get on with it or if you can,t wait go to youtube and put in 49.1 end fed from UK ANTENNAS and see for yourself 73 stay safe and enjoy your radio 73 from m7byf
I wanna have some fun with an SDR, like you showed when visiting the Rouge guys. What do i need? That EmCom, an RSPdx from SDRPlay and the software ?
It has a 5:1 transformer. I couldn't help myself I had to open the case up and nose around. It has the same transformer as the cha hybrid micro
How many turns on the primary and how many turns on the secondary? Any other components (like a capacitor)?
Simple fix, move the "bungee" from the corner to the middle tab, between the main wire and the counterpoise. That way it will not interfere with either, right?
Too funny - I was rewrapping mine right before I watched this video and had the same complaint.
I have a Chameleon TD Lite. I know that Chameleon doesn't make any bad antennas.
So would this be fine as my regular antenna at home? I know it's a swiss army-type solution, but I may have issues with erecting a large stationary antenna (HOA, of course), so an effective all- band that can go up and come down easily is appealing.
How would you compare the Chameleon Hybrid Micro with the 60' wire to the Chameleon EmComm III Portable?
This wasn't on my short list until I got a $200 Amazon gift card. Previously I was looking at the Pactenna 20/40 EFHW and the MyAntennas 80m-10m. The Pactenna had the size and power specs for use with my FT-857D for portable ops in the compact wire winder form factor I was looking for. The MyAntennas has tradition EFHW configuration with separate 49:1 UNUN and is extremely efficient in terms of measured insertion loss.
However, neither antenna is sold on Amazon.
You review calls this an EFHW. At what amateur freq. does 73' end up being a half wavelength? Also, EFHF generally do very poorly below their half wavelength frequency.
The Cha Emcomm iii must be a randon wire antenna that generally is not quite as efficient as EFHW antennas at the half wavelength and up. The upside of random wire antennas is with sufficient counterpoise wires they will work reasonably well below their "halfwave" length.
I will probably buy this antenna based on size and frequency agility as I plan on working 80m-10m, often NVIS 80m & 40m.
I doubt I will find many head to head "AB" test and reveiw of random wire vs EFHW antennas as the efficiencies will always favor the EFHW on the halfwave length and higher harmonically related bands.
But this is for Ecomm use.
It may qualify for OCFD with 4:1 instead of 9:1 UNUN.
Maybe just use a couple hair bands. I keep some in my photo gear bag and they are very useful.
Looking for a part 90, 50-100 watt mobile radio and backpack antenna for Search and rescue.
What do you guys recommend?
FYI I don't know much of anything about radios.
I just got an EFHW with a common mode choke. I am assuming that will allow me to choose how much of the coax shield I actually want to use as a counterpoise and still keep RF out of the chassis of my transceiver.
Hypothetically, yes. You may need to play around with lengths though.
I have this and it works good 10-80 but 160 is a push..Whats weird is the Emcom Base is rated 10-80 yet it has 55 more feet of wire and therefor does 160 pretty good.
forgetyourlife thanks!
Been watching Brian since the TechTV days.
Don't get all california'd by hanging out with them haha. no, but really.
So Josh, which set-up would be more effective for coast to coast communications... the slope set-up or the inverted V? I'm in NC.
Thanks!
Likely the slopper, especially if you can get it WAY up in the air.
This is the Chameleon 9:1 balun with a counterpoise. many 9:1 antennas will benefit from a counterpoise in place of the shield of the coax doing the job.
I don't think it is, since it doesn't require an ATU.
Hi Josh,
About that elastic band, the end where it is attached through the hole how about taking a hacksaw and cutting down to the hole to make a notch. Now the elastic band can be easily removed. Just make sure the notch is no wider than the elastic material. 73 WB3BJU
Seems like a nicely manufactured antenna! But there must've been some misunderstanding in the review or something, for you write in the description this is an End Fed Halve Wave antenna and you say in your comment that you think the transformer is 49:1. Given the length of this model ("Portable" ) is 73' , the Halve Wave resonant frequency of this antenna should then be somewhere near 6.41 MHz! Doesn't make any sense, I think , is it? The manufacturer though states this antenna is a broad-range ( 160-6 m) antenna. So it only could be , IMHO, a RANDOM WIRE type antenna fed via the 9:1 transformer to achieve this goal. The 73' length is one of those "good" length numbers preventing the antenna of being a halve wave on any used frequency thus not having extremely high impedance on these frequencies. There are many more "good lengths" for a Random Wire antenna, and this type of antenna works good but I know from my own practice the antenna tuner is required then in most cases. It's a practical and smart solution allowing for covering the variety of frequencies from MARS to SATERN and Ham Radio. But It's a pitty that the company itself failed in its 17 page manual to clearly and openly state what kind of antenna it is and what kind of impedance transformer has been used leaving no room for possible misinterpretations. This is just my 2 pence contribution to the knowledge-base and I might be wrong:). Thanks for the video! 73! Linas LY2H
Couldn't agree more -- transparency is important, and I would prefer that the manufacturer state what components are used. It's similar to health supplement companies including "proprietary blends" that render it difficult to know what you're using.
I've watched this video at least half a dozen times. Finally pulled the trigger and bought the antenna. Not sure what I was waiting for!
How does it work?
@@dennisschultz1175 As expected. It's great. My go-to portable when I'm not concerned about weight.
@@leeharrell67 I have an MPAS 2.0 which can ben run sloper. Is this the same thing essentially? Is this considered an end fed half wave?
@@dennisschultz1175 The MPAS is a great antenna system! This is not a sloper, it's an EFHW.
So it’s a windom then good choice 👍
Im just this weekend going through your videos.... to get licensed watching this video and hearing you talk? Will I ever understand all this🤦🏻♂️ the language sounds like uzbekistan to me🤷🏻♂️ honestly am I over my head? Btw took the practice test and scored 95 first try after the online study I started yesterday! Still wondering if I will understand what it all means when I start to apply it in the future???
Yep, you’ll get it, it will just take a little time.
How does this compare to the ecom III base?
Can this antenna be used on 6 meters with a tuner? I understand the EMCOM-II can. I am looking for a new antenna. The one I have now, I cannot tune the SWRs to a safe level to transmit. 6 meters is just a band I have surfed. No contacts yet. Thank you! KD4MAN
Josh, would you recommend this antenna as a permanent installation? Is it durable enough to handle winters in a northern climate, for example?
Yes it will.
It would indeed. Chameleon also offers a base station antenna I reviewed last year that might be a good choice for home too.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Excellent. I will look for that review. I appreciate the comeback.
Try a s hook on the band then put in your pocket till you need to wrap it up .
that magnet thing is connected to your radio?
Tie the bungee on the other side so you can hold it in the same hand as the one holding the unit.
I own one. :)
Would this configuration be included in the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 Portable
The CHA MPAS 2.0 offers the options to create a CHA EMCOMM III P with the provided wires + verticals.
Bold move. I’m still an anti-EFHW guy. I would have gone with a doublet/zepp/ocfd to totally avoid all the common mode issues common with end feds. I’m surprised the EC III is only good for 50w CW, but it does look like a great antenna.
I used to run a random wire 9:1 when portable. That had all kinds of issues. The efhw is much improved over that design imo. The inclusion of the radial really helps the emcom portable.
Try a 49:1 transformer, half wave antenna, not a 9:1 unun. I have a 4010 that I made and love it.
Hey guys, I can see why Josh would take the EFHW with his 891. He probably didn't want to lug a tuner with him on that trip and setup correctly it should be usable on most bands. I used a 8010 for a while and it worked pretty good once I grounded it ( it didn't like a lot of power without). Wow a 891 with a 100 watt tuner like the KX2/3 would be awesome lol. The 50 watt part I can see looks like a small single toroid and heat dissipation is the problem, I would watch SWR at 50 doing FT8. Most guys will use larger and 2-3 toroids for CW and digital modes. Good info Josh thanks for the video!
Yep Chuck! You nailed it. No tuner needed.
Says the guy that didnt inspect his chimney 1st off. ;)
New Technician here (WV1MAL) ... I hike a ton in the mountains of West Virginia. Is this something that would be good to take and have in case I need to reach out 2m band? I have an Anytone 878... would I be able to get an adapter to fit it?
This is an HF spectrum antenna.
If you could only choose one antenna for a hand held, which one would you choose?
Abreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Couldn’t get this thing under 3.5 SWR for field day on any of the HF bands. Anyone else have similar issue or just me? Tried slope, inverted V and NViS.
Manufacturer says to use a tuner with this antenna.
Can it be used for QRP? Maybe with a KX2? Asking for a friend. 😎
Answered in the video. Thanks.
That elastic tie is a deal breaker. I am out... buying one right now.
Lol
End the Fed? I'm already in!
Between the 2 would you go with this or the base version?
Depends. Do you need to be portable or fixed at one location? Base is more for a permanent setup.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I would like the option of easily moving the antenna. The longer length of the base version would be more challenging to fit it in the space I have which is why I would consider the portable option. I'm just not sure of the performance differences or if one would be more requiring of an external tuner than the other. Not sure if one or both are using a 49:1 in the matching unit. Thanks.
Been following your channel for quite a while and have another question on DSTAR if you don't mind.
Do I need a transmatch if I use this with a radio without a transmatch?
It should not need one based on how you set it up.
I have the same antenna and it works well. However, I noticed after using it a few times the insulation was wearing away at the tension relief clamp and the wire was slightly crimped. When I reached out to Chameleon, I asked about a warranty and they just recommended using liquid electrical tape to cover the exposed wire. It would have been nice if they were willing to stand behind their product and at least replace the damaged wire since the antenna was only a month old.
this vs the emcomm 2 or LEFS?
I’d go LEFS. I have a video on that too.
Can this antenna be used for a hand held
Probably not. This antenna is for 10M - 160M. Handhelds are usually 2m/70cm. Look up the Ed Fong DBJ-2 antenna on eBay. You can throw it up in a tree as well. Also, it's cheaper.
Ue a Bongo Tie instead of hr black cord
Can you hook this antenna to a handheld?
Most likely not. This antenna is for 10M - 160M. Most handhelds are 2m/70cm. If you want something to throw up in a tree for handhelds, look up the Ed Fong antenna on eBay. The DBJ-2 is great for throwing up in a tree. Bonus, it's a lto cheaper.
I'd cut that hair band crap off and get a couple "ranger bands" - or just strips of tyre inner tube. I guess they have it attached like that so you don't loose it, which is going to be the next thing that happens else...
Probably be a good idea to mention that you need a tuner with an antenna like this one. 73
Not necessarily - look at the SWR chart on the user guide at PAGE 14. Depending of your installation types - no tuner needed! www.dropbox.com/s/1zb8ii2jc2fxdwt/CHA%20EMCOMM%20III%20PORTABLE.pdf?dl=0
It depends on how you have it setup. Often you don’t need a tuner.
Remove the hair band thing and get a Velcro strap!
Good idea.
Great information Thank You for the video.
What i didn't like: Real men really can wear hairties in real life.
Good point.
who needs an emergency HF antenna? When you're 2 contacts short of DXCC and your Yagi tower falls over?
Solution: Scratch the hair band & use a velcro strap instead. Once you remove the strap, put it in your pocket. Problem solved.
Woohoo I am numberr 💯! Who will give me a thumbs up?
With 73' of wire and a counterpoise, it's probably not an End Fed Half Wave. EFHW antennas are resonant. And that brings me to why I don't like Chameleon Antennas. The dearth of actual technical information about their products is frustrating. I don't doubt the antenna "works," but without actual technical information, there's no way to evaluate its suitability for any given purpose.
there is nothing stopping you from modelling and analyzing the 73' + 25' wire geometry with software like 4nec2
139 bucks for a piece of wire... hmmm. I am more into building my own wire antennas, but to each their own... :)
But then he cant shill. God forbid you actually build something and actually understand how it works instead of regurgitating information.
Geez Trevor. I’ve made videos on building wire antennas and ununs. Some people don’t want to do that though.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse It is ALWAYS amazing me to read comments like those from MOLD & STUDENT. People have no understanding of manufacturing cost vs material used vs Engineering
For example: The wire that is used in ALL Chameleon Antenna products is a PROPRIETARY wire that we specifically designed for their antenna needs. It's a Copper Clad KEVLAR PTFE (Teflon) (-70°C to 150°C) wire. That wire is made right here in the USA specifically and JUST for Chameleon Antenna - [PTFE High Temperature Stranded Wire for high temperature use having good flexibility. For use where abrasion resistance is required. Recommended for mission critical applications such as: aviation, commercial, racing. Reinforced with abrasion resistant mineral fillers.] bulkwire.com/ptfe-high-temperature-stranded-wire
The cost of that wire (WITHOUT the KEVLAR reinforcement) is about $0.90 to about $1.00 per feet. So in order for a company to offer that wire quality at a reduced cost, they'll need to purchase for $35,000 to $50,000+ of wire per year to reduce the price to about $0.40 to $0.50 per foot.
It's the same thing with their winders, transformers, enclosures, isolation rings, etc...
@@HamRadioCrashCourse yeah I should probably chill out my bad
There are so many videos and blogs on how to build your own. Some of us like to build things. Some just like to get on the air and communicate. This hobby has something for everyone. This is a HOBBY and the words”hobby” means different things to different folks.
Enjoyed the video and have learned something today. It was worth getting up this morning.
Dave K8WPE since 1960.
I'm a dude.
I have long hair.
All hail the hippie hair band.
Or you have long hair... Says my bald ass
So, what your really saying is K8MRD is really a woman? LOL,,,, good video. But you need to stop, it makes me want to spend money. Cheers.
I've used this antenna and it's just garbage - no gain, high SWR. If you are going to need a tuner then why not just throw a wire into a tree and save some money and it will work a lot better than this thing.
I didn’t have high swr. 🤷🏼♀️
It's not a half wave antenna unless you are working 6.5 mhz which isn't a ham band! Come on folks - get it right, it's a random wire that requires a tuner! An end fed half wave is fed with a 49:1 transformer and requires no tuner and for 80 meters, the wire would have to be around 134 feet long, so it is not a half wave on 160 which would be twice that amount!. It's most likely one of the popular (for what reason I don't know) 9:1 unun's in the magic box. Need to do more technical info about the antenna, instead of just rambling on. Tell us things like what the swr is on each band without a tuner. I can use just a hunk of wire the same length with a tuner and not use the secret balun and it will be more efficient for a lot less money! Save your money folks!
A ham who buys a wire antenna is not a ham.
Sorry. I don’t support dumb gatekeeping in ham radio. Enjoy your radio. Don’t piss on others.
This ham buys wire antennas from the club member in his club who sells them to earn money for his avocation. (Mic drop)