With the Chameleon Hybrid-Mini (Cha Hybrid-Mini) or Micro (Cha Hybrid-Micro) there is no shortage of ways to deploy these antennas! In this video, I will show you some of the most common ways to deploy a Chameleon Antenna. This can prove extremely useful when operating portable, SOTA or if you happen to live in a restrictive HOA.
I use a homebrew 30' vertical with 10' cap hat and 120 ground radials run each to the edge of the property...
Hello Bob just wondering I have the Mini with both mil whip extension and the cap hat and the tripod. I saw you where able to connect the mini to the tripod directly as a vertical and not by the jaw mount. I was wondering where you found a adapter to screw the Cha Mini into the tri pod Thanks for the video and 73s Darin. KD8WBZ
You might be referring to the coupling nut, Mcmaster-Carr #90264A470 or try Home Depot, 3/8"-24 coupling nut. This would adapt a 3/8" male-to-3/8" male. But, remember it has to be the 3/8"-24 thread, not the more common 3/8"-16. Also, if you are trying to mount it on a standard camera tripod. Bob's CB Shop sells a 1/4-20 x 3/8-24 adapter: (TGT-ULTRA-HEX-STUD) - "Ultra" Small Hex Factory Replacement Stud, 3/8" x 24 to 1/4" x 20 Thread. This would mount a Hybrid-mini or Hybrid-micro to a tripod 1/4-20 male
I used to use Alpha Antenna products and it came with one of the kits I had. I am not sure if you can buy them separately or not. It is actually a 2 piece item. I will take a photo of it and send it to you if you like. How do you like the cap hat? I have debated on getting one. Thanks for the information!
The cap hat does ok especially on 20 meters to 80 meters. I work a lot of digital modes like PSK and JT65/JT9 and found it helpful. 160M is a different story in that the antenna set up is to short and the signal doesn't go to far. I have not had a chance to try the sloping or inverted L for 160M for the nearest trees are 150 ft away and I live in a town houses
I live in a condo, and though the trees here are very close as of last Wednesday they are also very short. I try to get the antenna as up high as my place will allow, but I am also dealing with stucco. I have some other videos that show where I mount my antenna to.
The cap hat does ok especially on 20 meters to 80 meters. I work a lot of digital modes like PSK and JT65/JT9 and found it helpful. 160M is a different story in that the antenna set up is to short and the signal doesn't go to far. I have not had a chance to try the slope
When I used my aantenna analyzer it put a 4:1 SWR on 160M but when I compared it to the manuals specs. It was where it should be fo a vertical configuration. The manual specs shows between 2.5:1 to 3:1 swr using the 60ft wire as a sloper or a inverted V but haven't had a chance to try it and analyze it. My tuner will tune the match on 160M as a vertical but since it's a short length I get out about 400 miles at best. And receiving is a little noisy to
I have used this system and the Micro version with my stations; working North America, Caribbean, Central/South Americas and MARS on all bands. I do use a counterpoise and a coupler at the base, the Micro I use with my FT-817ND which travels well and is easy to operate in hotels. I am in a condo so I string the antenna in a sloper configuration about 25 feet up to the trees. de KZ3H
I have not yet tried mine on 160M. I think I will when I am next in the high desert so as to have a low noise floor.