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| Reviews Summary for Chameleon V3 Antenna 2-160M QRP-250W |
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Reviews: 3
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $370
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Description: The Chameleon V3 Antenna is the ultimate portable HF/VHF/UHF antenna. Un-assembled the V3 is about 30 ½ ” long and fits in any suitcases, backpacks or handbags. Once assembled the antenna measures about 13’ long and cover 160M to 512 MHz including MARS/CAP, Marine frequencies and much more. The V3 is the ultimate portable antenna for emergency, first responders, emergency preparedness, EMCOMM and NVIS communications. Deployment back-pack available for an additional $30.
CHAMELEON V3 HF/VHF/UHF ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency:
160M to 6M, 2M, 1.25M, 70CM + MARS/CAP
Power:
250 W SSB
RF Connection:
PL-259
Input Impedance:
50 Ω
VSWR:
Subject to Ground-plane
Pattern:
Omni directional
Polarization:
Linear vertical
Height:
30 ½ ” Un-mounted & 13’ Mounted
Weight:
7lb.
Mounting Configuration:
3/8-24 Thread Mount
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Product is in production.
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More info: http://www.chameleonantennas.com
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write your own review of the Chameleon V3 Antenna 2-160M QRP-250W.
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KF5HBU
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 19, 2011 13:17
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Portable Base Antenna Shoot-Out
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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6 months ago I set out to determine what the best HF Portable Base antenna could offer:
I setup the following antennas:
1) Buddipole Portable Dipole/Vertical
2) Chameleon V3 Antenna 2-160M QRP-250W
3) TransWorld Antennas TW2010 Traveler HF Portable Vertical Antenna
I used a rating scale of 1 through 10, with 1 being Poor and 10 being Excellent. I have also made notes as to why each was rated in the following categories.
The categories that I rated the antennas in are:
A) Longevity: How the antenna lasts before breaking beyond any reasonable repair
B) QRP Performance: As anything can transmit a signal at 100 watts, I decided QRP would be a good thing to use in the tests
C) Ease of Use: How easy is it to setup, take down, tune (if it needed tuning at all)
D) Versatility: How many bands does is work on and portability (size/weight when broken down)
For those who like to read the last page of a book, the winner of the 6 month long antenna shoot-out is the Chameleon V3 Antenna 2-160M QRP-250W.
For those who want to know more, read on!
1) Buddipole Portable Dipole/Vertical
A) Longevity: 2 - Within a week the whip on the buddipole had broken.
B) QRP Performance: 6 - QRP performance was average as might be expected from a shortened antenna.
C) Ease of Use: 7 - Changing the clip on the coild of the antenna each time I changed bands is the major drawback when using the Buddipole. The SWR was also effected by anything that got within 10 feet of the antenna. Was just as easy to setup as any of the other antennas.
D) Versatility: 6.5 - Breaks down into a small package. Covered the bands it was designed to cover, but not nearly as many as the winner of the shootout.
2) Chameleon V3 Antenna 2-160M QRP-250W
A) Longevity: 10 - Heavy duty stainless steel whip, 2 high impact base sections, brass used throughout, it's still up outside after 6 months.
B) QRP Performance: 8.5 - A much longer antenna than one initially is lead to beleive. Although just 13 foot tall, the V3 also utilizes foud 25 foot wires as part of the radiating elements. Results in the best portable QRP experience imaginable.
C) Ease of Use: 7 - The antenna is built in such a way that it forces you to put it together in only one way, the right way.
D) Versatility: 10 - Breaks down into a small package. Covers all of the bands that nearly every operator could ever use.
3) TransWorld Antennas TW2010 Traveler HF Portable Vertical Antenna
A) Longevity: 7 - It was two months before I had the first unrepairable issue, the black knob that is used to tighten one of the moving parts broke. After six months of use the "Permanent Mounting Assembly" is pretty loose.
B) QRP Performance: 8 - Good QRP performance.
C) Ease of Use: 7 - The antenna is easy to setup and forces you into pretty much one setup routine.
D) Versatility: 5 - Gets high marks for breaking down into a small package, but just operating on just 10 & 20 meters doesn't fit the modern day rig.
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N2CRT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 18, 2011 17:35
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Fantastic Package
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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My main rig is an FT-897D with the Yaesu FC-30 tuner attached. It is loaded with both A and B batteries (W4RT) for use on the go. After much research, I decided upon the v3 in the "go kit" form. The carry case is done quite well and makes it a breeze to store. The setup with the tripod and premade radials is quick and easy. There are many portable antenna choices out there, and while others certainly both suit the both ham world and have many fans, I couldn't be more happy with the v3.
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N0TES
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 22, 2011 08:22
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2-160 Meters without a tuner and superior performance!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I put my V3 antenna together in about 5 minutes and am now able to work the world on all HF bands without a tuner on only 5 watts!
Here is the SWR on 2-160 Meters without a tuner:
http://www.chameleonantennas.com/V3-SWR.html
You can see the demonstration of the V3 here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxR0udT9LwY
I have also been using the repeater that is 40 miles from my QTH without any problems.
I would highly recommend the V3 Deployment Bag.
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