CHA F-LOOP 2.0
Page 3
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing and using the Chameleon Antenna
TM
High Frequency (HF) Portable Loop Antenna 2.0
(CHA F-LOOP 2.0) or (CHA F-LOOP 2.0 TOTAL).
The unique craftsmanship of the CHA F-LOOP 2.0 distinguishes itself
from the competition. You are now part of the magnetic loop HF antenna craze that is sweeping the amateur radio
community. Easily deployable HF magnetic loop antennas, also called small transmitting loops, have been
routinely used for many years in professional defense, military, diplomatic, and shipboard HF communication links,
where robust and reliable general coverage radio communication is deemed mandatory. These antennas have
only recently become commercially available for amateur radio. You will be amazed by the performance of this
antenna.
The real practical advantage of the small loop, compared to a short vertical whip tuned against earth or a
full-sized vertical antenna,
is the loop’s freedom from dependence on a ground plane and earth for achieving
efficient operation; this unique characteristic has profound significance for small restricted space antenna
operation. In comparison, the bottom of a vertically oriented the loop does not need to more than a loop diameter
above ground making it very easy to site in a restricted space location. There is no significant improvement in
performance when a small loop is raised to great heights; all that matters is the loop is substantially clear of
objects in the immediate area and towards the desired direction of radiation. Field trials of the CHA F-LOOP 2.0
demonstrated that an inside magnetic loop antenna was only around one to two S-units lower, on both transmit
and receive, than an outside full-size quarter wave vertical antenna. Remarkable for an antenna that is only less
than three foot in diameter and covers 3.5 MHz to 29.7 MHz (80
–
10 meter ham bands)! The magnetic loop is
different than typical antennas because it emphasizes the magnetic part of the radio wave (H field) rather than the
electric part (E field) of the radio wave. It also has a high Q resonance of 17 KHz on 40 meters, providing immunity
from interference outside the bandpass. The CHA F-LOOP 2.0 Antenna was designed with weight, portability,
versatility and cost in mind and is ideal for RV/camping, hotels, apartments, condominiums, homeowner
’
s
associations, deed restrictions and CCRs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions), Shortwave Listening (SWL) and
other places where it is not feasible to erect a multi-band wire or vertical antenna.
The CHA F-LOOP 2.0, see plate (1), is comprised of a
three-foot diameter flexible radiator loop, a coupling
loop, a specially designed tuning unit, telescoping
mast, and coaxial feedline
–
all of which fit in the
supplied military-style MOLLE bag. The CHA F-LOOP
2.0 TOTAL includes a four-foot diameter booster
flexible loop and larger coupling loop that improve
efficiency in the 40 - 15 meter bands.
The CHA F-LOOP 2.0 does
n’
t require a ground-plane
and doesn’t need to be mounted
up high. Do not
use an antenna tuner or coupler, as it may cause you
to mistune the antenna. Antennas built by
Chameleon Antenna
TM
are versatile, dependable,
stealthy, and built to last. Please read this
operator’s manual
so that you may maximize the
utility you obtain from your CHA F-LOOP 2.0
antenna.
Plate 1. Complete CHA F-LOOP 2.0 Antenna.
HF Propagation
HF radio provides relatively inexpensive and reliable local, regional, national, and international voice and data
communication capability. It is especially suitable for undeveloped areas where normal telecommunications are
