Back in 2014, I was operating from a contest station in Eastern Europe and made a contact with a guy from Scottsdale, AZ on 15 meters, SSB Phone. He was operating "pedestrian mobile" with an FT-817 at 3 watts and a small portable antenna similar to the one in the video. I was running a stacked array (4x8el.) of Yagis. He was at S1 on my end but I could hear him quite well. The guy was very excited and so was I.
Thanks for a nice review Eric! I have always wondered about these Chameleon Loop antenna's and how well they would perform. I have the small WONDER WAND WONDER LOOP 750 Portable Loop antenna that is good from 7-50 MHz at 10 watts. I use it on my Yaesu FT-817 mainly for monitoring and I am amazed at how well it performs to be so small. The Chameleon CHA P-loop 2.0 looks perfect for my portable needs. What a cool, compact, portable set-up!
Quick observation - Make sure to secure the RG-58 feed-line AWAY from the LMR-400 radiator. On your video, they're almost touching each other. Great video BTW. Very well explained!
@hamradioconcepts. I was just at the DX Engineering hamfest yesterday. I met the owner of COMPACtenna. He has a new multi and HF antenna that is very small, designed especially for attics and portable use. I would love for you to do a video testing this antenna. It is COMPACtenna 40M/20M/10M/6M/2M/440 Multi-Band Antenna, and is available for $299. Very intriguing. Thanks.. Tim. N8HUS.
Question: Could you place another Loop on that stand Perpendicular to the other loop and create a 4-way transmit and receive North, South, East and West at the same time? Or would that cause interference.
Fun fact - if your loop is oblong and stretched vertically, it couples better with the small (coupling) loop, which should in theory drop your SWR a bit further. If it’s oblong and stretched horizontally (drooping), you’ll get a slightly worse SWR.
I didn't hear mention of a price so I went to their website and almost had a heart attack. $40 in parts for $400 doesn't sound like much of a bargain. Especially when the design is pretty much an exact copy of an antenna a ham built and posted on the internet how he did it.
I enjoyed your presentation on the CHA P-loop 2.0, but this comment has nothing to do with ham radio. The pipe rack sitting on the chest-of-drawers in the video is the 2nd one like it that I have ever seen. The 1st one sits on the dresser next to my bed. I inherited it from my dad who had it when I was born 77 years ago this next August. Perhaps we have the only remaining 2. Loyd Rowe, KA5LXK
I’ve got the booster. It makes a big difference on efficiency. Especially 20m and shorter. But it makes 40 workable. I did a POTA activation with one using 20watts and the booster and got 41 contacts
My favorite part about being amateur is moral superior over civilian band. You wouldn't believe how many establishes I've had for make radio communicate with various DX contacts.
With just the one loop they're $399 and with the adapter to use a bit more power (60w) - $499. They also sell the basic kit should you want to build your own @ $99. Last, and not least, they run periodic sales. For example, I purchased one last week and I saved a bunch of $$$ on the $399 package. If you're interested, there is a DIY Magnetic Loop group you can join on Facebook.
I'm wondering if they have an 10 through 40 meter version of this antenna? I know I'm buying a loop, just trying to decide which one. Thanks for the video
No it was the JDSU Smartclass home version 4, trying to remember the model, it was touchscreen.. But at AT&T everyone tossed their bags and let the meter bounce around in their truck, so when I left I grabbed one and used it for my go-kit.,..
you cannot make a harmonic landing on your operating frequency go away with a tuned circuit. you can reject broadband noise and splatter, though. also, "flat" SWR refers to a low SWR maintained over a BROAD range of frequencies. not at one frequency nor plus or minus tens of kilohertz.
On clearance right now, but minus tripod, bag and power compensator: chameleonantenna.com/shop-here/ols/products/cha-p-loop-20/v/CHA-P-LOOP-2.0%20-%20CLEARANCE
Say what? People get pissy when you tune up with FM? But an unmodulated FM signal is no different than your key with it pressed down! It's a continuous sine wave! Interesting vid. Thanks. Remember also, 10 is dead. As is 15. 73 OM
Well they tore me apart on the other video with tuners... But yet, when i am making a weak contact, some douchebag wants to hold the CW key and tune for a minute and a half. i agree with what you are saying...73
While I like the idea of a small antenna, I recently went to Chameleons web site and decided I can't afford it, being retired and all. I'll do without before I spend that kind of money, I don't care how good they are.
Nothing magic about building Your own magnetic loop antenna. A coax or copper or aluminium loop, between 10 and 25 % of the wavelength. The small loop, fed by coax is 1/5 circumference of the big loop. A web calculator is here www.66pacific.com/calculators/small-transmitting-loop-antenna-calculator.aspx. One will also find the value of the capacitor (and the voltage over the cap, depending on the power used) in this calculator. Consider the plate distance, of the plate cap, there will be kilo-volts on the cap. The trick is to make all the connections with the lowest resistance possible.
Back in 2014, I was operating from a contest station in Eastern Europe and made a contact with a guy from Scottsdale, AZ on 15 meters, SSB Phone. He was operating "pedestrian mobile" with an FT-817 at 3 watts and a small portable antenna similar to the one in the video. I was running a stacked array (4x8el.) of Yagis. He was at S1 on my end but I could hear him quite well. The guy was very excited and so was I.
Of all the CHA P-Loop TH-cam explanations, this is by far the best. Well Done. Thank You. N0KRO
These are Perfect for New York City Apartments!
Chameleons are outstanding antennas! I have been using them for a number of years now! Great video! Keep up the great work!
Good video, and oh, how timely it is! My P-Loop is due to arrive mid-week and this video was a great walk-thru on setting it up. Thanks! Woody
@HamRadioConcepts I just found your page this a.m. love what you cover and how you explain everything in simple terms!
73
Thanks for a nice review Eric! I have always wondered about these Chameleon Loop antenna's and how well they would perform. I have the small WONDER WAND WONDER LOOP 750 Portable Loop antenna that is good from 7-50 MHz at 10 watts. I use it on my Yaesu FT-817 mainly for monitoring and I am amazed at how well it performs to be so small. The Chameleon CHA P-loop 2.0 looks perfect for my portable needs. What a cool, compact, portable set-up!
Quick observation - Make sure to secure the RG-58 feed-line AWAY from the LMR-400 radiator. On your video, they're almost touching each other. Great video BTW. Very well explained!
I've been looking for many HF antenna options and your video is helpful. Thanks. VK2FAED
Nice! Been doing this 26 years and always had some doubts about tiny loops... might try one in Brazil this summer de KL1IF.
@hamradioconcepts. I was just at the DX Engineering hamfest yesterday. I met the owner of COMPACtenna. He has a new multi and HF antenna that is very small, designed especially for attics and portable use. I would love for you to do a video testing this antenna. It is COMPACtenna 40M/20M/10M/6M/2M/440 Multi-Band Antenna, and is available for $299. Very intriguing. Thanks.. Tim. N8HUS.
Thank you for your video. I would put then ferrites outside of the loop. Otherwise RF will get on your coax.
Question: Could you place another Loop on that stand Perpendicular to the other loop and create a 4-way transmit and receive North, South, East and West at the same time?
Or would that cause interference.
Looking for apt/condo antenna, I'm pretty much sold on the mag loop and I like this one. Where would you put this in relation to other mag loops?
Fun fact - if your loop is oblong and stretched vertically, it couples better with the small (coupling) loop, which should in theory drop your SWR a bit further. If it’s oblong and stretched horizontally (drooping), you’ll get a slightly worse SWR.
I didn't hear mention of a price so I went to their website and almost had a heart attack. $40 in parts for $400 doesn't sound like much of a bargain. Especially when the design is pretty much an exact copy of an antenna a ham built and posted on the internet how he did it.
Expensive coax and capacitor. HiHi
not everyone has the right circumstances or ability thats the main reason why it cost so much.
This antenna is not on their website. What’s up?
Sooooo. Where did you get that JDSU bag from. LOL LOL
Ok being forced retired to small apartment. Sold but does power compensator work on the f version. I have a ft 857d kinda hate working quarter power.
Which do you think is better the Chameleon or the MFJ Loop
Paul. K1YOU
I enjoyed your presentation on the CHA P-loop 2.0, but this comment has nothing to do with ham radio. The pipe rack sitting on the chest-of-drawers in the video is the 2nd one like it that I have ever seen. The 1st one sits on the dresser next to my bed. I inherited it from my dad who had it when I was born 77 years ago this next August. Perhaps we have the only remaining 2. Loyd Rowe, KA5LXK
Is it necessary to use a RF choke with a mag loop like the one you used in the video?
Good job Eric. Thank you for the review of the loop. Nice idea for portable operation. Mike N6IMY
Did they send you the power compensator?
The radiation pattern is good for both nvis and skip. I just wish you could put more power through them.
No I picked up the booster kit instead, I dont think I have a need for the P Compensator
I’ve got the booster. It makes a big difference on efficiency. Especially 20m and shorter. But it makes 40 workable. I did a POTA activation with one using 20watts and the booster and got 41 contacts
My favorite part about being amateur is moral superior over civilian band. You wouldn't believe how many establishes I've had for make radio communicate with various DX contacts.
How much for the whole antenna that you demonstrate in this video?
With just the one loop they're $399 and with the adapter to use a bit more power (60w) - $499. They also sell the basic kit should you want to build your own @ $99. Last, and not least, they run periodic sales. For example, I purchased one last week and I saved a bunch of $$$ on the $399 package. If you're interested, there is a DIY Magnetic Loop group you can join on Facebook.
REALLY dig the intro!
I'm wondering if they have an 10 through 40 meter version of this antenna? I know I'm buying a loop, just trying to decide which one. Thanks for the video
I meant 10 through 80 meters?
@@recumbentogiro26 The CHA F-LOOP 2.0 does 10M to 80M.
Did a smart class or hst-3000 come in that JDSU bag? I am a phone guy and I thought it was funny seeing that bag on your video.
No it was the JDSU Smartclass home version 4, trying to remember the model, it was touchscreen.. But at AT&T everyone tossed their bags and let the meter bounce around in their truck, so when I left I grabbed one and used it for my go-kit.,..
would give us a link to the bag you are showing in the video. i do not read the brand. VA2SOB - CLAUDE 73
the brown canvas bag is what it comes in.. it is part of the antenna
I am talking about the other one the blue bag you put everything in it
that sounds like a Piper Aerostar over your house... ;)
I thought magnetic loops where supposed to be really quiet antennas... that does not seem to be the case on 40m...
I have serious issues with noise on 40, still havent figured out where it is coming from.
you cannot make a harmonic landing on your operating frequency go away with a tuned circuit. you can reject broadband noise and splatter, though. also, "flat" SWR refers to a low SWR maintained over a BROAD range of frequencies. not at one frequency nor plus or minus tens of kilohertz.
Great video... You have a unique way of getting your message to the 'average man'.
Michael VA6XMB
What's the battery you're using ?
Bioenno 20AH LifEPO4 battery...
Eric, that's a find intro to a neat antenna. de W8YI
On clearance right now, but minus tripod, bag and power compensator:
chameleonantenna.com/shop-here/ols/products/cha-p-loop-20/v/CHA-P-LOOP-2.0%20-%20CLEARANCE
Say what? People get pissy when you tune up with FM? But an unmodulated FM signal is no different than your key with it pressed down! It's a continuous sine wave! Interesting vid. Thanks. Remember also, 10 is dead. As is 15. 73 OM
Well they tore me apart on the other video with tuners... But yet, when i am making a weak contact, some douchebag wants to hold the CW key and tune for a minute and a half. i agree with what you are saying...73
While I like the idea of a small antenna, I recently went to Chameleons web site and decided I can't afford it, being retired and all. I'll do without before I spend that kind of money, I don't care how good they are.
Nothing magic about building Your own magnetic loop antenna. A coax or copper or aluminium loop, between 10 and 25 % of the wavelength. The small loop, fed by coax is 1/5 circumference of the big loop. A web calculator is here www.66pacific.com/calculators/small-transmitting-loop-antenna-calculator.aspx. One will also find the value of the capacitor (and the voltage over the cap, depending on the power used) in this calculator. Consider the plate distance, of the plate cap, there will be kilo-volts on the cap. The trick is to make all the connections with the lowest resistance possible.
Now that is what i call portable grab the bag and go seeing some of the Go boxes are just a laugh should be called go Crate....
Eric. awesome video. I live in a apartment and I could put it my fire escape or ped mobile to the park nearby. de WA2HZE
Turning with FM is still better than ooooooooola, ooooooooola
HAHAHAHAHA...
The intro is too long