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| Reviews Summary for CHAMELEON V1 HF Multiband Antenna |
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Reviews: 17
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Average rating: 4.7/5
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MSRP: $170
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Description: The CHAMELEON V1 HF Multiband Antenna™ is a revolutionary antenna that stands at a mere 8.5 feet tall and contains a unique trap coil design. This antenna is ideally designed for mobile, portable or base station purposes were limited space is a concern.
This antenna is a lightweight antenna system with 11 BANDS of capability including: 6m, 10m, 11m (Citizens Band), 12m, 15m, 17m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 60m & 80m. The CHAMELEON V1 HF Multiband Antenna™ can also operate on the 70cm, 1.25m & 2m BANDS (144Mhz to 500Mhz) but is primarily a HF antenna.
Unlike other multiband antennas, the CHAMELEON V1 HF Multiband Antenna™ requires no changing of switches, jumpers, coils, etc. Our simple screw together two-part system makes the CHAMELEON V1 HF Multiband Antenna™ easy to manage and store.
The CHAMELEON V1 HF Multiband Antenna™ is a Super-Flexible Whip. This advantage allows the antenna to withstand extreme shock from obstructions without breakage or failing.
To function properly this antenna REQUIRES A TUNER (RECOMMENDED) OR A 9:1 BALUN.
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More info: http://chameleonantenna.com/
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write your own review of the CHAMELEON V1 HF Multiband Antenna.
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KE5ZGX
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 16, 2010 20:36
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Good antenna for the money
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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At first I was disappointed in this antenna. I was mainly trying to use it on 75 meters which wasn't working out. Then i started playing around on 40 and 20 meters this weekend i made 30 or so contacts from coast to coast with signal reports of 5/9 to 5/5. I have been very surprised by the results. I use it mobile mounted on the tire carrier connected to a TS-50 and LDG KT100 tuner. I will admit this is the only mobile HF antenna i have used so I don't really have another mobile to compare it to.
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NR3R
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 13, 2010 17:46
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great antenna
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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My experience with the Chameleon V1 antenna is wonderful. It is a very well made product. I received the antenna just before field day 2009 and used it then. The set up I used was the recommended with the optional tripod and radial wire. Tuning was terrific with my AT-897 auto tuner for the FT897D. Both SSB and CW I worked everyone I tried. It now lives in my back yard as a semi permanent/portable. Setting up at home I use the MFJ-1901 metal base without any radials and goes up in mere seconds. Mowing the lawn is hard with radials, so I don’t use them. Using the MFJ-1901 the antenna tunes great on all bands even as low as 80 meters with zilch SWR. I use the supplied 9:1 balun and my auto and manual tuners. The antenna rivals my “all band” wire dipole up 40 feet. Not to mention the tech support. I had an email answer to a question from Alexander within a half hour.
I would certainly recommend this antenna without any hesitation and I am sorry I didn’t find it sooner.
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ROB1955
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 6, 2009 13:53
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Amazing little package - I own 3 Chameleon V1 Antennas!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I own 3 chameleon v1 antennas (home – truck & portable) since February 2009 and I simply love them! The chameleon v1 is extremely simple to setup, especially for a portable station. A v1 portable station can be setup within 5 minutes. This is VERY impressive! The quality of construction is first-rate. This is a professional-quality piece of equipment.
Before buying this, I thought that I'd need a tuner to tune the antenna, but it turns out that tweaking the antenna without one is very straightforward, easy and super fast! This antenna works exactly as advertised – you don’t need a tuner to use it. For a portable station, the unun 9:1, the counterpoise(s) and a good ground is only what you really need. For sure that if you really want to enjoy all bands a tuner is required.
For my portable station I use a FT-817 + 50’ coax cable and I use the LDG-817 to tune on 80M and on 6M as well. During camping the LDG-817 can be very useful because the v1 needs a good ground to obtain a low SWR. So when the ground is not too good I carry some extra counterpoises and I use the LDG-817 tuner. Everything works great! Here are some SWR that I had a month ago with only the unun 9:1 installed:
40M 1.1
20M 1.4
17M 2.4
15M 2.0
12M 1.9
10M 2.0
AA10V (the previous review) was right. The chameleon v1 is a very robust antenna. I’ve lost the count of how many times the antenna hits the ground because of excessive wind or just because I trip over the coax cable. The antenna looks still brand new and works flawlessly!
Once again the antenna works exactly as advertised and even more because on my base station the antenna v1 worked very well on Air Force MARS frequencies (3.3Mhz, 4.5Mhz & 7.6 MHz). So for those who can’t tune the antenna on 80M I would say that something is wrong with your settings and/or equipments! So double check everything and experiment with the v1.
Overall, this is a great piece of gear and perfect for portable and limited-space operations.
73
Rob
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AA1OV
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 31, 2009 12:35
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I've seen it with my own eyes
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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OK so I have had 3 FT817s & 3 Super Antenna MP-1s. They all worked good for a QRP, portable, gotta feed the "hooked on Ham habit" fever. My only real complaint was every time a breeze came along, it would blow over the MP-1 on my camera tripod and ding up the collapsible whip , and in many cases destroy it. It was IMHO the weak point of the MP-1. I decided to replace the MP-1 with the Chameleon V1.
The antenna arrived in short order, well packed & undamaged. It took all of 5 minutes to read the instructions & set it up on my camera tripod. As I was walking back to the rig a breeze blew it over....
Look Ma, NO DAMAGE! I righted it, walked back to the FT817, tuned it with the LDG 817 autotuner and was off making contacts. Switching bands is now a snap. No manual screwdriver tuning, running back & forth to the antenna etc, just change bands hit the tuner button and we're off to the races.
I am pleased with the performance of the compromise type antenna as it will never replace a full size dipole at 40'. But for down & dirty QRP and portable ops fun, the Chameleon V1 cant be beat
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N5EKC
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 10, 2009 19:58
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great HF antenna
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently purchased a used Chameleon V1 HF antenna at a hamfest. The previous owner did not give me very much information. I brought the antenna home and mounted it on my Buddipole 16 foot mast without the balun as I was unsure which way to orient the balun. I used the antenna with a Yaseau FT-897D and Palstar AT1KP tuner. The antenna worked great right away. It was easy to tune on all bands. Within 20 to 30 minutes I made contacts in AZ, PA, and AL and got 59 reports on all contacts. After these contacts the antenna appears to work as well if not better than my Buddipole with a whole lot less hassle changing bands. I also contacted Alexander by e-mail to ask some questions and received a response within an hour. The antenna appeared to be in new condition when I purchased it and looks to be a quality product. After Alexander gave me the information on proper orientation of the balun I placed it in the antenna configuration and was able to feed straight through my tuner on all bands except 75m. If all of the companies business is conducted with the timeliness and courtesy I experienced they should do well.
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K2JHU
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Rating: 4/5
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Oct 9, 2009 10:33
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Good for the money...
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I got mine about 3 months ago mainly for portable use as I live in a very restricted community. I live between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of Florida. From the end of our dock and the ocean parks is where I do most of my portable work. When I first got the antenna it was impossible to get it to load up. After a number of e-mails back and forth with Alexander we determined I had a bad balun. Within a few days the new one arrived and now It tunes up however I do have to use both the balun and my T1 auto tuner. I get good reports portable. I don't get it up high even at home where it is only 6-8 feet above ground due to our antenna police. I have also had luck mounting it on a small tripod. I want to thank Alexander for all of the help in resolving my 1st problem.
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WA7VTD
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 12, 2009 09:31
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A Good Whip Design, At Last!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The Chameleon V1 was purchased off e-Bay at a discount price ($110) from the manufacturer, after perusing the manufacturer's web site (where it was then offered retail for $150).
The Chameleon V1 is an approximately six-foot tall, two-piece, helically wound, fiberglass whip joinable at the center by heavy-duty brass 3/8" x 24 male and female fittings on the two pieces. The radiating wire is wound on the fiberglass so as to load, and effectively create traps for, the various amateur bands from 80-10M plus 2 meters. It's recommended that the entire antenna be used on 40M & 75/80M, while using the lower section only on 20M-10M -- although some users (myself included) obtained a good match and good results on all bands from 80M through 10M using the entire length of the antenna; i.e., with both sections screwed together.
I did not try the Chameleon V1 on any frequency above the 10 meter band.
I have used many different types of mobile HF antenna setups over the last 35 years, including a home brew helically wound whip, Hamsticks, a Sidekick, an SGC-230 and 102-inch whip, Hustler, and ATAS.
I had a somewhat challenging situation with my 1990 Nissan Axxess, which is a rather small vehicle. It is manual transmission, so I did not want to have to fiddle with a rocker switch as required for a screwdriver-type antenna, and did not want to crowd the cockpit with extra items such as a Turbo Tuner. I wanted multi-band QSY without stopping and exiting the vehicle, and desired something that would load more efficiently than a stainless steel whip or the out-of-ham-band 8 & 12 MHz-resonant type of stick marketed (at a hefty price, to boot) for the SGC-230. Although the SCG-230/stainless whip combination worked well in some other mobile installations and on a portable tripod setup, it would not perform well in the configuration necessary for this vehicle, and efficiency below 20 meters left much to be desired in any event.
I had been looking for, and considering trying to home brew, a helical mobile antenna designed to resonate on several ham bands, when I came across the Chameleon V1 and decided to invest $110 to give it a try, since the manufacturer promised satisfaction or full refund or replacement.
I run the Icom 706 Mark II G in the Axxess. I mounted the AH-4 remote antenna coupler on the small trailer hitch that is permanently welded and bolted to a steel framework as standard equipment on the AWD Axxess, a vehicle that was sold in the US market for one year, only.
As supplied, the Chameleon V1 comes with a C-clamp, small mounting plate and 9:1 unun.
For my purposes, I set aside the unun and C-clamp and mounted one pre-drilled end of a stainless steel antenna mounting plate (approximately 3/8" thick, 10" long, 3" wide) under the hitch ball, and the Chameleon V1 to the other pre-drilled hole at the opposite end of the antenna bracket, replacing the 3/8" x 24 bottom stud with an SO-238-type 3/8" x 24 connector and protective screw-cap from my connector "junkbox."
I next soldered terminal rings on either end of a a short No. 10 solid copper wire and connected it between the "hot" terminal of the AH-4 and the bottom lug of the antenna mount. A 1/2"-wide tinned, braided grounding strap (prefabricated with terminal rings on either end, obtained from HRO) was run from the ground lug of the AH-4 to a bolt underneath the vehicle fastening the hitch assembly to the vehicle body. After running the coax and control cable from the AH-4 to the IC-706MkIIG, it was time to give the system a try.
Simply pressing the "Tune" button on the 706 put it into tuning mode and it declared a "match" with very minimal SWR (a couple of small bars signifying perhaps 1.3:1) in the middle of 40M phone. The same result was achieved at both ends of the band, phone and CW, and likewise on the other HF bands 30-10 (I did not try 60M).
75/80M is usually the troublesome band, so I saved it for last. Although it took the AH-4 a couple of tries, it nonetheless "matched" to the 75 meter band at about 3850 kHz with barely any hesitation. Once it had done so, it instantly tuned throughout the 75/80M band. Realizing that this did not necessarily indicate a good antenna, but rather could mean that it was a great dummy load, I put out a CQ. To my surprise and delight, I was answered by a Maryland station who gave me a 5X5. This was quite satisfying after not being able to get a good match there using the SGC-230 and stainless whip. The AH-4 also worked well on 75/80M with a 75/8-M Hamstick (well, one would hope so!) and would couple to that Hamstick on 40-10, but not very efficiently as to anything above 75/80M.
The next day, I checked-in mobile into the Noontime Net on 7268.5; NCS W6FHZ in Reno gave me a "Very strong signal today!!" 5 x 9 report. That evening, I was easily heard by NCS for the Oregon Emergency Net on 3980 kHz; I am used to having to be relayed into that net when mobiling.
The antenna continued to work very well for the next six months. One design deficiency, however, is that the very sturdy -- and relatively heavy compared to the fiberglass whip -- center coupler holding the two sections of the whip together, renders the antenna quite unstable in the air blow-by produced when the vehicle is in motion. The antenna will bend back as much as about 75-80 degrees and also whip from side to side. Use of a base spring is recommended. I found that it must be a very heavy duty base spring (e.g., the $80 one available at HRO) in order to hold the bottom half of the antenna vertical while the vehicle is in motion, while still protecting the antenna from damage from overhead limbs, etc. Use of a less heavy-duty base spring will permit the bottom section of the antenna to lean back nearly 45 degrees while the top section bends back to almost 90 degrees relative to the roadway, when the vehicle is in forward motion at appreciable speed. I solved this problem with a kind of bungee cord that has caribiners on each end and that is about 10 inches long in the relaxed state. I clipped one caribiner to the back rail of the roofrack on the Nissan Access, and slipped the other caribiner over the Chameleon V1 down to the level of the top of the joint connecting the two antenna halves. This worked quite well.
I also took to bending the antenna forward and hooking the tip under as recessed spot on a plastic bracket located about two-thirds of the way toward the front end of the the roofrack, which would place the antenna in a curved forward shape, when entering a parking structure or even while traveling at high speed; when operated this way, it produced nice NVIS on 40 and 75/80- meters.
Unfortunately, that eventually proved too stressful for the antenna and it cracked just above the center joint.
I emailed Alexander (manufacturer) requesting the price for replacement of the top section only. To my surprise, he immediately replied that a replacement was being shipped the next business day at no charge beyond $12 postage I could send via Pay-Pal. I suggested that an adjustable center coupler be offered for joining the two sections, that would have a thumbscrew allowing the user to place the antenna top section at various user-selected angles.
Alexander also indicated that he would send me, free of charge, a prototype of the new V2 version of the Chameleon, which is only about 4.5 feet tall and promises coverage from 3.0-500 MHz, seeking only my honest evaluation. I agreed to do such a beta test, and likely will post a review here at such time, if ever, as that antenna may be offered retail.
This review is objective and is not influenced by Alexander's provision of a replacement top section at no charge, though I do deem that worth mentioning again (even though this section is not for reviewing vendors) because such strong customer support is so rare these days.
CONCLUSION: Despite the "Achilles' heel" of the Chameleon V1 (wind resistance deficiency)having been found, I highly recommend this antenna to the HF mobileer. Reinforcing the center joint with a few layers of electrician's tape or such, would adequately shore up that weak link.
MSRP: $170.
Google "Chameleon HF antenna" for a link to the manufacturer's pages.
73 de Kevin WA7VTD
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TGILLAN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 13, 2009 15:15
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Excellent product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Carl & Alexander,
Thanks for taking the time to ship the V1, even though you are preparing for vacation.
The antenna arrived well packed and without damage. Inspection on the components revealed
a product well constructed and without any tears or pin holes in the covering. The heat shrink
extended far enough so that when the elements were tightened, a good weather seal was created. I did however seal all joints with duct seal, just to be sure.AND the end was completely sealed by a heat shrunk cap.
The Chameleon is mounted atop a Max-Gain Systems 43 foot nested fiberglass mast using tie-wraps, and the counterpoise runs alongside the mast, terminating about 6 feet above the ground. I’m feeding the V1 with 50 feet of Radio Shack RG-58 (soon to be changed to 213, or better), with the last 10 feet coiled as a choke. The operating equipment is a vintage Kenwood TS-530S Hybrid thru a Distronix active Wattmeter, LDG AT100-Pro tuner to the Chameleon V1 system.
Initial observations (using the questionable coax)
First and most noticeable was the very much lower noise level. I’m able to QSO with SSB stations that were in the weeds with my 40m dipole. Second: The stations that previously reported my signal as ‘light’ and barely readable now report good signal and audio, taking into account propagation, QSB, and QRM. The best comment I received today was “there’s nothing wrong with your rig or antenna, it’s the band”.
When the band is quiet, the Chameleon is quiet, unlike my wire antennae.
When tuning the Chameleon both the Wattmeter and the LDG AT100pro power and SWR figures agree, so I have what I consider a valid cross check. Unfortunately I do not yet own a Rig-Expert, but I will. The first few times I tuned, I honestly thought either I broke something, or the Chameleon had failed. Want to guess at the reason??
THE SWR WAS SO LOW, I THOUGHT THE METER WAS FAILED, OR WORSE, the V1 was defective. I was so used to high SWR (3:1 minimum) with the wire antennae, when the Chameleon registered 1.2:1 on 7245kc, I really thought something had failed. Then the RST’s started coming in, prompting me to try 80m, and 20m. Whatever the frequency, I have been able to match below 2.5:1, and that was on 80m.
As you see from the photos included, I live in an antenna restricted development. As you may or may not see in the photos, the CHAMELEON lives up to the name. Unless you know the V1 is there, or just happen to be looking up at the blue sky as you drive by, the CHAMELEON tends to disappear. Mounted on the mast, the base of the V1 is about 10 feet above the roof line and so far no complaints. I imagine I’ll have to lower eventually.
Tom Gillan, K4GIV
Savannah, Ga
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KJ4CSI
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 2, 2009 03:35
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Great Mobile antenna!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have been running this for a few weeks on a Land Rover Discovery II with a FT-857D and tuning it with an FC-40.
Although I haven't had a chance to make contacts on HF it has no problems receiving on those bands. I have been hearing hams from as far away as Europe, Mexico and S. America.
What I have done is worked some 2 meter simplex and duplex with it with excellent results.
I am now testing a smaller version for Alex since I spend a lot of time in the mountains and needed a smaller antenna for in the brush and I have to say the results are the same, excellent!
The FC-40 has no problems tuning either antenna.
I even put quick disconnects on them so I can change from mobile to stationary.
Alex has been great to work with.
If you need a rugged antenna for running mobile I recommend these two.
73's
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KE2EP
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Rating: 5/5
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May 25, 2009 18:01
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Works with minimal install
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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FINALLY got to use antenna. I am on vacation in a camper at Cordell Hull Lake Park - an army corps of engineers RV park.
My setup is an SGC SG-2020 QRP 20 watt ig. I also use an Elecraft T1 tiny tuner that works great and only needs 2 AA batteries for a LOT of use. The setup did not allow me to use the radials in my campsite. I lashed the antenna - mounted on 4 feet of water pipe with gorilla tape to a pole at the site = elevation about 9 feet. Tuneup was fine using the balun and my little tuner = a nice match everywhere. I had 20 watts into this really quickie setup and the results were joy for me. I am by Nashville Tenn, spoke to New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, and Canada. I was not a solid copy all the time but did get legal contacts with exchange of location, rig, sig reports, etc. I answered the CQ's that I heard and got a response 1/4 of the time - mostly worked midday on 40 meters ssb but some also on 20 meters. The little elecraft t1 is the perfect addition to this most wonderful antenna especially for a little qrp station where every millewatt counts. I plan to compare to a standard dipole next trip - but most RV sites just dont want or allow wires hanging all over the place = so your Chameleon is perfect for RV use. Thank you for making a quality product that really works under the worst of possible conditions.
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