CHA F-LOOP 3.0
Page
3
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing and using the Chameleon Antenna
TM
High Frequency (HF) Portable Loop
Antenna 3.0 (CHA F-LOOP 3.0). The unique craftsmanship of the CHA F-LOOP 3.0 distinguishes itself from
the competition. You are now part of the magnetic loop HF antenna craze that is sweeping the amateur
radio community. The CHA F-LOOP 3.0 is available in three models:
1.
CHA F-LOOP BASIC 3.0
–
Standard and extended length flexible magnetic loop antenna covering
2.8
–
29.7 MHz (80 through 10 meter amateur bands);
2.
CHA F-LOOP 3.0 PLUS
–
Same as BASIC model, but also includes a super high-efficiency two-piece
rigid aluminum radiator loop;
3.
CHA F-LOOP 3.0 TOTAL
–
Same as BASIC model, but also includes a larger 48 inch diameter booster
flexible loop and coupling loop to improve performance from 4.0 - 23.1 MHz (40 through 15 meter
amateur bands).
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 be more than a loop diameter above ground making it very
easy to install in a restricted 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 oriented towards the desired direction of radiation.
Field trials of the CHA F-LOOP 3.0 (BASIC model
shown in plate [1]), 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 less
than three foot in diameter and covers the 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 (bandwidth of 17 KHz on 40 meters)
providing immunity from interference outside
the bandpass. The CHA F-LOOP 3.0 Antenna was
designed with weight, portability, versatility and
Plate 1. CHA F-LOOP 3.0 BASIC.
