25 foot PORTA-MAST from CHAMELEON | K7SW Ham Radio

[@hamradiowithkevin]

For simple semi-permanent or portable ham radio antenna setup, this is one of the best Mast systems that i have come across. You will see more of this mast in future videos

[@dennisschultz1175]

What rotator did you use on this?

[@BasicFilmmaker]

"I know my wife is going to love that." LOL!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

More true than you know. Thanks Kev.

[@KD9ZHF]

@@hamradiowithkevin oh, you must be new if you still have a wife.... LOL.

[@JeffSkymaster]

Another Inexpensive option is my twist lock 25ft $100 flag pole, Have been using it for years at home and portable KJ7JYJ. No ladder required because the sections are within reach!

[@BretBerger]

White 2012 Town and Country minivan was most versatile vehicle I ever owned.

[@steher]

Excellent review! I'm glad that you went through all the available options as well. You answered all of my questions before I could ask them. Thanks!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Very welcome

[@thebnbaldwin]

I just ordered the 15' HD from my friend Carl's company, Chameleon Antennas. I love their products, first class, mil-spec, great performance!

[@judd_s5643]

First time to your channel and I must say I’m extremely impressed, very professional and informative.

[@abe677]

Great video. Paced well. Nice edit.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Much appreciated!

[@mrfarts5176]

Not sure I would trust this guy though...

[@thebnbaldwin]

Chameleon is made in the USA, excellent quality products! Carl is a genuinely great guy.

[@aaronlindemann2669]

Fantastic video! Very clean edits. It's smooth and easy to follow the information from beginning to end. I can tell you put a lot of energy into it. Thanks. I became a portable mast junky last year.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Aaron , I am glad you enjoyed. 👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

That is a heck of a mast! Awesome video Kevin 👍

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Ape 💪

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

I like the locking mechanism on that mash. Seems much better than friction twist lock.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Agreed, I certainly prefer having a mechanical lock for heavy items atop a mast. In my experience, friction locks with guy ropes can put great downward pressure. I have had friction locks fail on me in the past so I understand. Every mast system has a purpose and thankfully there are options.

[@ManuelGoicolea]

Love the video, the information, the place and the filmmaking! Great video!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Manu 💪

[@charlesstephens3660]

Nice video. BTW, there are 3 different sizes of hitch receivers.

[@thomasjehn4529]

How in the world does someone 'dislike' (down vote) an informational video?? Very informative, will add this to my considerations for getting some hight. Thumbs up on the information and production quality.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thank you 👍

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

Jealous, envious and sad ham...

[@kennethblackwell1137]

That's a highly strong capable setup...well done.

[@backcountryamateurradio]

Wow that is a cool mast. One thing I like about your review of this is the inclusion of accessories that make like a little easier and saves us some frustration: bring a ladder and get a hitch tightener. Heck, I didn't even know about hitch tighteners.... This mast is impressive, just way outside my price range. Great video as always, pleasure to watch. - Eric

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Eric, certainly not a SOTA mast, definitely a "get'er done" mast. Thanks for the kind words my friend.

[@princearthur4946]

Excellent presentation!

[@MrStanwyck]

Great video. Thanks for showing all the different ways to secure the mast. Bill, KC2KNA

[@HamRadio2]

Subscribed

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Jason !

[@paulaubuchon2336]

Going to order mine for use with my just received Cha Cdl...

[@paulaubuchon2336]

Paul K1YOU

[@paulaubuchon2336]

Ordered it waiting for shipping confirmation.. Paul K1YOU

[@af4od02]

Real nice. Thanks for the video.

[@bdhd206]

Another excellent portable focused video. Any of these methods are elegant alternatives to my 5-gallon paint bucket with a cemented 4" PVC pipe. I've considered a receiver hitch technique before but losing access to the liftgate is a HUGE compromise. I'm subscribed, thanks! 73

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Checkout my receiver hitch videos👍

[@temporarilyoffline]

That's a nice system!

[@frankwc0o]

Did you have problems placing the mast topper on? The screw holes don't match.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Feank, I would guess that plastic inside could be interfering. It should work, if not, make sure to contact support@ chameleonantenna.com. It would be a great place to start.

[@Bluescout612]

Looks like if you use the extended mount show in another video on a pickup you could use the tail gate instead of the ladder. Another great video you have earned another subscriber KI7SSO

[@Michael-ri2eh]

Thank so much for posting.. ha pun inted I really enjoyed the article 🎉🎉 keep up the great work

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thank you

[@ki4clz]

Hitch tightener, is also known as a "window clamp" if you're looking for options

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Yes, thank you !

[@Photomanguru]

Very well done, thank you!

[@chrissieracki2959]

Wow. That would be great for field day.

[@joeg7849]

Nice video. I was looking a mast like this. Gonna have to get one.

[@markcarleton6647]

Thanks for sharing this. This looks like a great product. I ordered the 15’ HD version. I would have preferred the taller masts. After reviewing the specs, the 20’ and 25’ models are too big to fit in my car (Subaru Forester) or Side by Side (Kawasaki Teryx) even when fully collapsed.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Good choice!

[@IZ0MTW]

Hi and thanks for your presentation of the product. You make videos in a very professional way. One thing I noticed regarding the rotator. I believe you measured the current on the 115V outlet so that .15A on a 12V dc will be much more. 73s Diego

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thank you diego, yes you are correct, roughly 10 times the amp draw more with DC current

[@TH-1207]

I think it would be good if the 2"x2" tube of the hitch mount for the mast was long enough do you could open your back hatch without having to take it all down to get to stuff in the back of your vehicle.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Excellent idea

[@Inkling777]

There's a simple fix. Simply make the hitch mount extend out further from the car. They might even make it so it rotates to the side so it could be extended and the antennas mounted on the ground and then pivoted up.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Very cool.

[@Bill-HRT]

Thanks for sharing this! As always, Great video, Kevin! 73 de Bill

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Very welcome Bill

[@rn3kk]

Красава! Тоже делаю такую мачиту для своего джипа "нива"

[@cwqrpportable]

Another great video Kevin, thanks so much. Question............ at the 2:18 mark you refer to an SNK (?) adapter. Can you tell us more about where you sourced that? Also, curious to know more about your particular rotator......

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Yes and yes, thanks CW. Check out my Video for the SnK Adapter i recently uploaded, in the description I have an email address link to contact Stan. IF that does not work, let me know. The RCA Rotator I picked up was from Lowes at the time. Last year they had a close out and I grabbed 2 of them. If they are still available, perhaps I could make a video about it with more information. I hope that is helpful, thanks for being a supporter of the channel for so long 👍

[@cwqrpportable]

@@hamradiowithkevin Thanks for all that information; somehow I missed that video..... I've sourced it and watched it. Perfect! Thanks so much, really appreciate you sharing your talents with us.

[@andrewfiertek5937]

Great video Kevin. I looked at this mast on Chameleon’s website but wasn’t sure if was the best thing since it is aluminum so I just took delivery on a Max-Gain fiberglass push up mast MK-6HD but have yet to put it together. I’m hoping this won’t be too flexible fully extended (purchased guy rings too) but will be making a hitch mount similar to the one you have. One of the only reasons I went with Max-Gain is that the fiberglass won’t react with the antenna I also hope I can mount a moxon and or VHF yagi for POTA/SOTA or just portable ops.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Andrew, I have also looked at Max gain masts, they look very solid, I may purchase one for 38 feet I have a need for that type of mast. I don't think you can go wrong with a good mast. As you have found good products are not cheap. Thanks for sharing

[@45auto]

My Wrangler doesn't have a roof rack and there isn't room for a six foot ladder on the inside. I'm sure the system works fine once it is up but definitely it takes up a lot of room for a portable system.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Hey 45 Auto, I know what you mean. I really want to take this out on my Jeep too. I will let you know if i come up with a solution that is usable. With tall tires like you and I might have on our Jeeps, it would be easy to just stand on the back of the jeep with the tailgate open. You have just given me an idea. Thanks for the reminder, that would be a good video to make.💪

[@davidjackson6498]

What happens when your all set up and need in your tailgate ?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

You use the wheel mount. Drive on it and you are ready to go

[@seeharvester]

I found you! Disregard my other comment on your other video. Question: Will this thing handle a little 2 element 10 meter beam? (Homemade from plans in the ARRL Antenna book.)

[@hamradiowithkevin]

I beleive it will, I have plans to do the same thing as you, double-check the Chameleon website user guide to make sure the wind load rating

[@Inkling777]

I checked. No wind loading on the web page. They need to add that. @@hamradiowithkevin

[@timbookedtwo2375]

Cool and pricey mast, but my in-house finance minister says "nyet."

[@HighDesertAdventurer]

Great information!! I'm looking for my 1st HF mobile rig and what's out there for antenas and mounts. I really like that mast. Thanks again! K7HDA - 73

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Glad it was helpful, if you want to understand more about what goes on with different HF Bands and you have some computer savvy, look into an SDR dongle for your computer. You can listen around and get a feel for what it is all about on HF and it is a lot cheaper. Not only that, you will continue to use that tool for many other purposes as you get going in the hobby. 73

[@HighDesertAdventurer]

@@hamradiowithkevin I'll check that dongle out. Thanks!

[@BobGarrett66]

Very nice setup Kevin. I really like the rotator and how easy it was to mount to the mast. I'd like to find one at a decent price. I've seen a few that cost almost as much as my first car.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks Bob, as you know there are many options to choose from at different costs with pros and cons for each. I think it comes down to how each of us operates and value we put on our gear. 73

[@TR6Telos]

Good show, I am not as strong as I used to be after the covid jab, almost killed me.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

That's called an Armstrong Rotor....by hand.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

100%

[@Rusted_Link]

How has the RCA held up?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

So far so good When iuse it, just takes time to setup

[@Rusted_Link]

@@hamradiowithkevin I'm going to get one based on your recommendation. LOL I enjoyed your LEFS - 8010 video. and the MPAS video. The MPAS is what a buddy has and he acts as if it's the cats meow. I think he's just butt hurt from all the money he spent and then had to buy a tuner.

[@Coyotes_Locos]

How well does this work in a semi-permanent or permanent installation?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

The advantage is you can easily lower the mast whenever you need to. Wind, storms, need for portable use. I use the mast primarily for portable work, Chameleon has told me that YES semi permanent use is a way to use this mast.

[@cwqrpportable]

Hi again Kevin, hope you're well. Can you please tell me what the inside diameter of the hole is on the wheel mount? I'm looking to purchase one from Chameleon but want to make sure it will accomodate the largest fiberglass mast I use. My largest fiberglass mast is a Spiderbeam HD 40' with an outside diameter of 2.16". No problem if you don't have that info available, I can contact Chameleon. Thanks es 73 Brent

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Brent, I measured the inside diameter and it is 3 3/8" with the sleeve.Without the sleeve, the inside diameter is 3". I hope that helps 73 👍

[@cwqrpportable]

@@hamradiowithkevin Thanks very much, that does help! Does that wheel mount come with that removeable nylon sleeve, or is it optional? I have an F150 with a receiver so I could purchase either the hitch mount or the wheel mount. Do you think one of these mounts is a little more stable than the other (after having installed that gizmo on the hitch mount that you bought from Harbor Freight)?

[@jandcb5689]

What powered rotator do you use?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

This is an RCA rotator I found at lowes. They are also sold on Amazon

[@VA3OSO]

$400+ ... what a deal! /s

[@k2icc]

Can that be set long term or permanent?

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Yes

[@frankwc0o]

Just got the 15foot mast, it's much easier to manage.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

You're going to like that mast and how well it works.

[@frankwc0o]

@@hamradiowithkevin So far you are right. The mast is solid, something that I've been looking for - for some time. At HRO they have a cut-out of this, but they don't see them - thus you don't get so see what it can do. I'm deciding if I should use the plastic sleeve they sell and put it in a 5 gallon bucket and center that sleeve for the mast and add quick cement. Then I would have to wire guide the mast, I would think that should work.

[@hamradiowithkevin]

If you are going to guy the mast, it defeats the purpose because the mast is supposed to be self-supporting with a proper base mount. The drive on mount is super slick. It is fast and works on every vehicle.

[@dengen3944]

Nice video and good information thanks Kevin keep up the good work 73 ve2ny

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Thanks 👍

[@jamesgoodrich8355]

I shouldn't have watched this!😳 And you know why!

[@ChaplainDaveSparks]

Man, I get *_”sticker shock”_* every time I shop for ham gear! Even the *USED* items are expensive! I’m sure that Chameleon products are worth it *IF* you have the money, as in _”buy once, cry once”_ .. Still, I sometimes wish there were an equivalent of _Harbor Freight_ for ham gear. I put together my initial _”survival kit”_ from Harbor Freight items. Gradually, I upgraded to better quality items and kept my _budget_ items as backups. *73 de AF6AS in **_“DM13”_** land*