Discover the Power of Magnetic Loop Antennas: Chameleon F-Loop 3.0

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In the proper sense, small magnetic loop antennas are not considered a compromise. With a properly sized loop, they have the efficiency of a properly mounted half wave dipole*. The Chameleon F-Loop 3.0 antenna unleashes that power with a magnetic loop design that is easy to deploy and offers a broad range of frequency support between 10 and 80 meters on the HF bands.
Chameleon CHA F-Loop 3.0 Magnetic Loop Antenna: chameleonantenna.com/shop-her...
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(*) An Overview of the Underestimated Magnetic Loop HF Antenna
Leigh Turner, VK5KLT, 2015 (accessed February 12, 2024)
www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/...
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Timestamp
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:30 Chameleon F-Loop 3.0 Magnetic Loop Antenna
00:01:02 How do magnetic loop antenna works
00:02:26 Chameleon F-Loop 3.0 Kit Options
00:04:38 Assembling the Magnetic Loop Antenna
00:07:04 Tuning your Magnetic Loop Antenna
00:08:59 Chameleon F-Loop 3 80 meter band
00:09:51 Personal Experience with the F-Loop
00:14:15 Magnetic Loops are NOT compromise antennas
00:16:35 Who are magnetic loop antennas good for
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#Hamradio #AmateurRadio #POTA #ParksOnTheAir #PortableHamRadio #qrpantenna #magneticloop #magneticloopantenna #chameleonantenna #portableantenna #floop3 #indoorantenna #hoaantenna #HFantenna

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4 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 91

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

The antenna is also directional. So each time you've a QSO then rotate the antenna slowly until you can the best RX!

@sk8crk 3 месяца назад

Cha Cha Cha

@RussellBaker 9 дней назад

I've had mine since 2015 a solid bit of kit, amazing quality. People seem genuinely surprised when you tell them you are on

@sk8crk 3 месяца назад

Cha Cha Cha... the F-loop works great with the updated tuners (LRT and ALRT) makes tuning very very easy and fast!!!! I have worked all over the world with my F-Loop and 20 watts!

@dedger100 3 месяца назад

I use mine indoors for bad weather. I have worked all over the world with my QRP rigs.

@DrKO2453 2 месяца назад

I’ve had the F Loop 2.0 for a couple of years now and I LOVE IT! I use it mostly with the aluminum loop…that antenna is a snap to put together. I do recommend to people to keep extra velcro loops as the originals are thin and sometimes break when pulled too tight I bought heavier loops from Home Depot and they work just fine. Thanks for showcasing the later version…it’s a great antenna! 73 de K2KOH

@Matthew-KN4QHQ 3 месяца назад

Thank you for the review!

@o00scorpion00o 27 дней назад

I have great success with the MFJ-935C loop tuner, its ability to handle 150 watts is a huge plus! You do have to use different loop sizes but it’s really good.

@Tank6883 3 месяца назад

Fantastic review and explanation, Michael. Thank you. 73

@rowdyron4111 3 месяца назад

Stellar presentation. Thank you!

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

It’s pretty much amazing! Micheal covered just about everything the CHA F-LOOP 3.0 is capable of! 👌👌👌

@jstoltenburg 11 дней назад

Comme toujours.

@45auto 3 месяца назад

A fine description of the pros and cons of this style of antenna. It doesn't fit my current style of operation but one never knows what life will throw their way. U-rah-rah

@vetinger Месяц назад

Great and so educational video!

@parall4x 3 месяца назад

dont have a radio or anything yet, just doing research. really appreciate this information. thank you

@allancopland1768 2 месяца назад

Save money. Put up a decent doublet.

@larrytaylor7753 3 месяца назад

Great review, Michael. This might be perfect in my HOA backyard with my KX3. You got me interested.

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

I think it would pair very well with your KX3. The nice thing is that you can leave it mostly assembled and just carry the whole unit outside, put it on a tripod, and be ready to get on the air.

@sk8crk 3 месяца назад

I have worked the world on 20 watts and the F Loop!

@jstoltenburg Месяц назад

@@KB9VBRAntennas I do wish someone would create a loop that could stand the elements in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. I'd like to put this on my patio, nail it down, add an antenna rotator, and just work from the kitchen table without having to go out in the snow.

@Jonathanlexy 3 месяца назад

I agree pretty much with your thoughts, except for a "fun" antenna.I found i it kind a pain. Loved the video.

@natep121 3 месяца назад

Looks like a great antenna, but probably only for specific situations with limited space.

@alandigiovanni5282 3 месяца назад

Hello Michael. Thank you for the excellent review of the Chameleon F Loop antenna. I think this is an excellent choice for Parks on the Air if you are operating QRP. I have a Ciro Mazzoni Baby Loop antenna which operates QRO. If you haven‘t seen this antenna, I would encourage you to check it out. It‘s a great choice for people that live in HOA communities. It is expensive but it works very well and comes with an automatic tuner. Thank you for the great videos.

@kc8wvg 3 месяца назад

I agree with you about the Ciro Mazzoni Baby-loop. I have mine on a rotor and have been very happy with my DV using 100w.

@billw8dsx939 3 месяца назад

Thank you for the detailed review. The build quality appears to be excellent on this antenna. I would be curious to see how this antenna performs with Winlink or FT8. Would you consider doing a video with this antenna in an area with a high/bad noise floor. I have yet to see anyone attempt this on YT.

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

In the video I did a comparison on FT8 between the Magnetic Loop and a 1/4 wave vertical antenna. While not highly scientific, the results between the two antennas where within 1-3 dB of each other with the mag loop being slightly stronger.

@32_bits 3 месяца назад

Another usefull video. Did you test with the all metal loop option and was this better than the LMR400 coax?

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

I did not do a side by side comparison of the coax loop and the aluminum one, but I noticed a few things with the aluminum. It was a bit easier to tune, maybe because there was a little more bandwidth. Signal reports were marginally stronger with the aluminum, but that could be due to propagation. The aluminum worked very well on 30 meters, so I'll assume the same with the 40 meter band.

@roberttroy1065 3 месяца назад

Great video. I have an F loop on order and hope to get operating soon. What headsets were you using in the car for your POTA session. I will be using it with ICOM 705. 73

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

I use the Heil BM-17 dual headset. I did a review on it a couple years ago: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qB1z2g8m090.html

@johanrosman9401 3 месяца назад

Thank you for this very helpful vieo, Michael. Enjoyed it as always. Alpha loops sells alpha mag loops that take 100 Watts. Now is that then a different construction difference or anexaggerated claim ? Thanks !

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

Not having any experience with the Alpha Loop, I went down the rabbit hole a bit to figure out how they can claim 100 watt transmit on sideband (50 watt CW and 10 watt digital). The short answer is that I couldn't find any videos or reports backing up the claim. Everyone using the loop uses it QRP. In their advertising, they say they use a 'tuned circuit' and 'faraday wrapped' coupling loop. My guess is that their capacitor has wider plate spacing that limits arcing. But that introduces other inefficiencies into the system. What I find telling in their materials is that they recommend only 10 watts digital. Since digital modes are full duty cycle (on average SSB is only 30% duty cycle), that's a better indicator of true power handling capability. They are banking on the fact that most people don't push their output to the limit on phone.

@ICEDoTDK 3 месяца назад

Great video I am also making a magnetic loop antenna and video

@sk8crk 3 месяца назад

I want to add that this is an awesome POTA antenna, it is portable, quick and easy to put up and take down, directional (so it has gain) and supports NVIS on the lower bands.... but this antenna really excels on 20 meters where many POTA operators and hunters have antenna capabilities, so if you are into POTA you might take a second look at this antenna. Cha Cha Cha

@MrStanwyck 3 месяца назад

Great video Michael. I was surprised how far you can reach with a loop antenna and 5 watts. I’ve got a question in regards to your headset. In your videos, do you have the audio going to your headset and a speaker. Or are you just using the mic on the headset? Thanks, and have a good evening. Bill, KC2KNA

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

I use a 2 channel wireless microphone to record my audio (Rode Wireless Go II). I wear one microphone for my audio and the 2nd microphone is attached to the Line Out port on the transceiver. You can a clean line out on Yaesu radios by connecting to the data port. The two channels are then mixed down and levels adjusted during editing. I have video that explains my process in detail: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tOqzZPphE7k.html

@MrStanwyck 3 месяца назад

@@KB9VBRAntennas thanks for the explanation Michael. I’ll check out that video. You had me sold on the Heil headset the first time I saw you use it. I’ve got to get the version for the Icom. Have a great day….. Bill, KC2KNA

@MultiProfessorn 3 месяца назад

Great video. Can you leave the antenna outdoors more permanently? Does it withstand exposure to rain, snow and cold temperatures?

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

No -this unit is made for portable and temporary installation and WIL NOT handle rain or snow!

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

The tuning box is not weather sealed, so it is not designed for long term outdoor use.

@joelaut12 3 месяца назад

Sounds like a really great antenna but a might bit expensive if just operating qrp. Thanks for reviewing!

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

The magnetic loop antenna like the CHA F-LOOP 3.0 is probably the only antenna on the market that will allow you to operate 40M and 80M from indoor according that you understand its restriction and the principle behind HF propagation from a loop. Its footprint is literally 3' X 3' X 12" - Try to install a 30M, 40M, 60M and 80M antenna in that footprint or on your kitchen table!

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

Possibly, some QRP rigs are dirt cheap and others are very expensive (price out an Elecraft KX3 and you know what I'm talking about). I guess it depends where on the spectrum you are.

@Salminor Месяц назад

Can this antenna be mag mounted?

@dc5723 3 месяца назад

That Heil BM17 headset, which element is that? I'm assuming you're on the Yaesu FT891.

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

Since my transceivers are Yaesu, I'm using the standard element in my BM-17 headset and not the Icom element.

@mikedetmar 3 месяца назад

Great review. I enjoy the videos! Thank you for the details in this one. I'm interested in a loop for QRP and hunting POTA. I'm trying to decide between the Chameleon and the Alex Loop. I mostly make SSB contacts on 20m at this point in my ham journey using 5w or less. I understand the basic concept of tuning a loop. Can anyone give some guidance on process for tuning when hunting POTA stations? Do you tune just outside the frequency range of the station you're hunting so you don't impede current conversations on the target frequency? Maybe use 1w when doing so? I like the idea of being able to, when necessary, to have an antenna that I can put on a tripod and not worry about putting a wire in a tree or a stake in the ground that might violate some rules of a park. Any feedback is appreciated.

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

In tuning the loop, if you are doing it by ear of with an analyzer, you can be on the frequency as the activator. If you are going to transmit, then you should be off frequency a bit in order to not intentionally interfere. In the 10 - 40 meter bands, you will have enough bandwidth in order to move 3 kHz or so away and make your adjustments.

@mikedetmar 3 месяца назад

@KB9VBRAntennas. Thank you for that. Please let me break this down and make sure I understand correctly, 1) I find the frequency of the station that I want to attempt to contact. 2) I adjust the frequency of my radio about 3kHz above or below the frequency of the POTA site. 3) I tune the loop to that frequency by a) tuning for the highest noise, and b) sending a carrier, at say 1w and adjusting the loop dial and watching the SWR on the radio. 4) Then I tune the radio to the POTA site, increase my power on the radio, and wait for the appropriate time to throw out my call. 5) Because the turning is so sharp, I will probably have to re-adjust the tuning using the loop dial to bring the SWR back to an appropriate level while I’m putting out my call. But I shouldn’t have to move the dial much to get a low SWR. Do I have that right?

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

You are basically correct. The tuning is sharp on magnetic loop, but there is enough bandwidth on the 10 - 40 meter bands in that you can move a few KC's off, make the tune, and go back to the calling station without further adjustment.

@enriqueacevedo7651 3 месяца назад

While watching the video I noticed it was snowing. Can the antenna work if it's raining outside? I don't think the tuning box can handle rain.

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

The tuning box is not weather resistant, so you will not want to expose it to the elements for long periods of time. In my case, I was able to wipe it down after using it to prevent any water penetration.

@thuff3207 3 месяца назад

I have the 2.0 and it works. I just wish it could work to 100W more power at the loses on the lower frequenices.

@carllavoie3804 3 месяца назад

You can get the CHA POWER COMPENSATOR to increase the power to about 60W SSB 30WC W.

@thuff3207 3 месяца назад

@@carllavoie3804 Yes I know and I have the power compensator. Alpha antennas have one that works to 100w but Chameleon has better build quality.

@Chameleon_Antenna 2 месяца назад

@@thuff3207 loop are made to be used QRP unless you use a remote tuner which we also have.

@viralsheddingzombie5324 3 месяца назад

How does the height above ground affect the performance of the loop?

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

The height above ground for magnetic loop isn't really important. Usually keeping the loop about 36" is sufficient. But I've operated the F-LOOP 3.0 directly installed on the floor or ground numerous times without any issues!

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

Ideal height is about one loop diameter above ground. But ground effect plays a minimal role in magnetic loop performance, so they will operate well at ground level.

@VASGENR6DJF 3 месяца назад

Good , very good!!! 73!!!!

@billmcilwee566 3 месяца назад

Omni directional verse nulls, how does the maglube compare? 73 and thanks, KF0NNQ.

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

Magnetic loops are bidirectional, the signal will be the strongest in the plane of the antenna and weakest on its face. With weaker signals off the plane, rotating the antenna will increase their strength.

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

A magnetic loop like the CHA F-LOOP 3.0 will radiate DX and NVIS simultaneously!

@EricFullwood 3 месяца назад

F-Loop is the best of the mag loops

@8thman8 Месяц назад

I bought the DIY Cha Loop 3.0 about 6 months ago. I was so excited that I could afford this at the lower price. It will not tune 30-10 meters at all. I think the switch is defective. One of the pins is loose. I contacted Chameleon and told them about the problem. They said I had to send it back to them on my dime and give them another 100 or so for them to fix it. I do realize there was no service that came with this purchase. But I could have bought an assembled unit for the extra money I'll need to spend fixing this one. I was so disappointed I put it back in the box since then. Well, I got it out and tried to see if I could do anything myself. Question: Does anyone know where to get another switch?

@davewhite7679 3 месяца назад

I've seen people sitting right next to these magloop antennas inside their house while they're using them on the air. I suppose with QRP power, it's okay, but it always looks like a potential RF exposure issue in close quarters. KZ9V

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

I did a quick exposure calculation, and at 20 watts on the 20 meter band, the required distance in an uncontrolled situation was less than 1 foot. But these antennas exploit the H fields of RF radiation and I don't know if that makes a difference in the calculations, the ARRL exposure calculator didn't allow for that variable. I guess I'll have to look into that.

@EricFullwood 3 месяца назад

Don't forget mag loops are directional and to turn off your rigs tuner.

@blomidon 3 месяца назад

I do the assembly by lying everything flat on the ground and then attach it to the tripod . VO1OK

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

That's not a bad idea. If you tripod also has a quick release plate, then mounting it would be a breeze.

@blomidon 3 месяца назад

Correct. I use a tripod similar to yours

@truckinguy92 3 месяца назад

Well I have to say this is an excellent review. I’m sure a lot of time and effort went into it. But another con you forgot to mention is its price. $500-650 not including if you want the auto tuner & power compensator. But I guess it’s an easier pill to swallow when you’re getting it for free or at minimum a deep discount for producing the review. Don’t get me wrong, Chameleon makes excellent products but this isn’t $650 excellent. So, is this something you would purchase if you had to pay full price? I’m also curious as to how much power is radiated using the power compensator if you wanted to run 60 watts.

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

I don't believe the price is a negative. If you search, you will see that the F-Loop 3.0 is priced competitively with other brands. There is a reason I don't generally talk about pricing in my reviews. First, prices change and listing a price dates the video and second, price can be a measure of value by the viewer and what might be out of the budget of some, may be an acceptable value proposition by others. Chameleon did send me this antenna unsolicited. I do not ask manufacturers or vendors for product samples. If they wish to give me something, that's on them. I also don't accept every free offer I receive. I refuse cheap handheld radios and other products that don't fit the scope of the channel. Finally, to answer your question. Last fall I purchased an F-Loop kit from Chameleon. I paid $300 for the kit. It was going to be a winter project/construction video. Before I had the chance to build the antenna, I received the fully constructed F-Loop. Instead of spending 20-25 hours building and recording the construction video, I spent 25 hours writing, shooting, editing, producing this review. I believe that was a fair exchange. I may still build my F-Loop, or I may give it away. I haven't decided yet.

@truckinguy92 3 месяца назад

@@KB9VBRAntennas wow that’s a lot of work! A big part of the reason I haven’t gotten into the whole RU-vid submission craze. My hats off to you Mike!

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

This video was a lot more involved due to the complexity of the subject. It required a lot of setups and variations in the background video. But, on average, at this quality level, I'm spending about an hour of production for every finished minute of video.

@Philip-KA4KOE 3 месяца назад

Nice vacuum variable cap would allow 100w but double the price at the very least.

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

A vacuum variable capacitor cost on itself about $1,300 brand new after that, the entire design of the loop would have to be entirely redone....

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

I saw a vacuum cap 'high power' magnetic loop at hamvention and almost choked at the price.

@guykovacs9334 3 месяца назад

Nice review cool tech, can,t see why they want $500 and up for a cap, lmr400 and some aluminium, way over priced, must have some thing to do with the name.

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

If you can make them cheaper, same quality, same performance, same material send me a PO and I’ll take 500 units. 60 days lead time! 👍

@m9ovich785 3 месяца назад

Sitting on Rib Hill is Cheating AHAHAHAHAH.... Does that work along the Lines of the old AEA isoloop ?? I still have Jr, P's N9FOL's Antenna.. Thanks Michael...

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

Rib is a great place to go for some HF fun, especially if you are using a vertical antenna. From my understanding, the Isoloop is the same style of antenna, just in a different package.

@m9ovich785 3 месяца назад

@@KB9VBRAntennas I know. Just teasing.... DId the Same in My Ainchaint CB days.

@angelscomputers 3 месяца назад

I have the Chameleon Receive Only and I am happy with it no matter the steep price. Recently was considering a loop for transmission and once again no matter those F-Loop 3.0 are expensive as hell I was about to drop the money until found the little detail that you even have to read and re-read the description because is kind of hidden and is that is 25 watts ONLY? really? or even worst 10w for CW so I bet for digital will be the same or less. So $500 plus shipping and taxes for a QRP antenna? No thanks, looking at the Alpha antennas that at least can do 100w. When Chameleon comes with a 100w loop then I may be interested if I don't have to put a second mortgage in my house to afford it.

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

lol ok

@randyab9go188 3 месяца назад

It's too small for 80 m. Marketing may say it will work at 80 but physics say too small.

@Chameleon_Antenna 3 месяца назад

The loop isn't too small to work on 80M and physics also says that it will work. Practical tests also shows that it works on 80M.

@Henfredemars Месяц назад

It’s not very efficient, but it is usable.

@jonathanhall9393 3 месяца назад

I think this one of your best videos! I also had rthe plesure of getting play with a 2.0. Every thing you said mirrors my experience exactly. 73 KE0SUM. I am in your log book.

@KB9VBRAntennas 3 месяца назад

Awesome, it's a fun antenna and I'm sure I will be showing up in future videos.