Amazing Performance: Chameleon Tactical Delta Loop Antenna Revisited

I made something similar. I used two CB whips, a Cameleon on one end, wire, mueller clips and a Wolf River Ottophone Y, and WR coil on other whip (tunes antenna). I got a low SWR on several bands. I called it my Franken-tenna.

heard you on 20m pota today while i was at a park, i tried getting through the pileup for 15 minutes but wasn't able to this time. my 3rd pota activation, wouldn't have happened without the help from your videos. i'll get that qso with you one day! thanks for the great videos! 73

The CHA delta loop consists of two 17 foot telescoping whips, a mystery transformer and some wire. Two 17 foot telescoping whips could make up a 1/2 wave dipole on 20 meters, and be adjusted for any band of higher frequency in the HF spectrum and low VHF. Two of these whips can be had from MFJ for much less than the $400 that CHA is asking for the delta. The thing to remember with antennas is this golden rule: Anything that is not antenna wire, antenna aluminum or antenna whip is loss to some degree. This includes the coax, twin lead, tuner, and most certainly traps, baluns, and "mystery" transformers. The objective is to minimize or manage the loss by making smart decisions with these parts. The other golden rule goes like this: Antennas can operate continuously over a wide frequency range (so not resonant or multi-resonant on discreet frequencies) either because 1) they are one of the variations of a log periodic design 2) they are one of the variations of a cone, conical, biconical, fractal design 3) they have a tuned circuit that is variable (tuned either by a microprocessor or operator) 4) because they have resistance either across the feed point or from the ends to ground. #1 and #2 are usually relatively large antennas and you see them typically at military, government and commercial sites. #3 and #4 are typically what we must consider when going portable, or operating with modest conditions. The CHA Loop can only be #4. You claim, now that the sunspot cycle is peaking that "this antenna is a performer". Now that the sun spot cycle is peaking, almost everything works! One has to ask, would you have done as well, or better with a simple dipole or something like a buddy-pole. Would the two 17 foot telescoping whips configured as a simple dipole without the mystery transformer done as well or better? Would the simple wire dipole or telescoping whip dipole done better than the CHA loop a few years ago when the sunspot cycle wasn't peaking? If the answer is yes, then the CHA loop really its not that good is it?

A wire delta loop requires more setup time, a telescopic mast or tree. A vee dipole made with two telescopic whips, a Wolf River Coil and a piece of wire with alligator clips is an option but remember, you have to go and change the tap on the coil when changing bands. For Parks on the Air, no big deal, you change bands as soon as you complete the necessary contacts on each band. The Chameleon TDL is a different concept, more focused on emergency communications, fast setup, no coil tapping, etc. It is a field expedient ( tactical ) antenna. MFJ sells the Big Ears ( 2289 ) which uses two 17 feet telescopic whips, one loading coil and a V shaped center support. It sells for $249 but like most MFJ products, it's a bit fragile. MFJ whips break easily if not handled with care. Chameleon whips are much more rugged. You get what you pay for. Just my two cents. Thank you Michael for the follow up video and overall impressions. 73's

I have this antenna. I was outside in the rain, now and wind (OK) for months. It still looks and works like new. It has always worked well on all bands (with a Xigue G90) for POTA and home use. I've just suck it in the ground.

But with a $30 4:1, 40m of wire and the mast you already have… This antenna is obscenely overpriced.

I like mine, for sure....made a contact on 17 in Slovenia while the TDL was secured to the top of the ladder on my camper (gulf coast location). I've also had some medium range QSOs on 40 (out to 800-900 miles). I wish I had a radio buddy 250 to 450 miles away so I could experiment with NVIS. Expensive antenna...but I'm glad it's in my kit. Notable, the TDL can be set up on the ground spike in just a couple of minutes.

Great review Michael. I’m just waiting on my second CHA SS17 to arrive so I can assemble the TDL antenna on top of the Chameleon 12 foot fiberglass mast I have. Have a good evening….. Bill KC2KNA

Glad you did this. I have also had mine put away for a while. I have two 12' tall - when extended - light stands for stage lighting I want to use the TDL up and see if it performs better than stuck in the dirt! Thanks, Mike

It performs so well It has become my goto antenna

I use this setup alot -- even with the CHA MAST here in Minnesota and have gotten great reports. I found 40 meters for me, was better when elevated on the mast as compared to the ground. 73's Don

I had a park to park with you that day (K-0896 to K-1447). The interesting part is that I was using a Chameleon TDL connected to an FT-891 also. K4GDS

The good thing about the TDL, you can reconfigure the antenna to a standard vertical and get all the DX you want.( just add more counterpoise wire or add radials)

Great video Mike,looks like people actually wait for you to call qrz instead of all jumping in when you do pota.am going to do my first park in couple of weeks time,nervous but looking forward to it .73 mate from 🇬

Yes, a youtuber did a test of the Chameleon 5 to 1 transformer. "Survivalcomms" Chameleon Snake Oill video. As you well know, broadband antennas are very lossy. Your first test of the Chameleon was correct and is what to be expected from the Chameleon when the cycle is not near its peak. Overpriced and under performing.

Try this antenna with a second tripod and delta loop config as a reflector. Spaced accordingly for band. I’ll bet you get a 5-6 db+ gain. I made a 1 wave link loop antenna for 10 meters back in the 80’s that gave me +10 db in Europe. Lost it in a derecho storm. Itching to re create it now. Thanks for the great videos. 73.

Good information about the antenna.

What about grounding the antenna ? If you have any antenna on tripods, is it necessary to ground ? I know radials aren’t needed … thanks !! 73 from Costa Rica

Were you just intermittently logging that park...LOL. Great reviews!!!

Congrats Michael, you just proved that when the solar conditions are great, you can make decent contacts with a highly compromised antenna. When the conditions are good, you can make decent contacts with almost anything. The TDL antenna starts with losing at least 6 db in the 5 to 1 transformer and then on 20 meters looses even more with the SWR over 2 to 1. Most tactical work is done at 20 meters and lower, not higher. At $400.00 plus, I just don't see any reason to buy this antenna. There are so many other antennas that will do far better for much less money. Just think how much better your contact map would have looked like with a really good $50. to $200. antenna.