Ask Michael, KB9VBR: Chameleon SS25 25 foot whip antenna

[@JeremyHoller-n7o]

The comment about putting the Wolf River coil between the extensions and the whip sounds a lot like the design of the Chelegance JPC-12. I have the Chelegance 17ft whip along with the JPC-12 system, I'll have to try that.

[@randyab9go188]

My local ham radio store is out of 17' and had never had the 25'. I try to buy locally and avoid the larger mail order stores if possible. Keep the $$ local. No supply, no buy.

[@W7LDT]

You can order straight from Chameleon and avoid the big online stores.

[@markusberg2770]

Your reference to support a local American company is appreciated. The quality of Chameleon products is uniquely different than anything made in Asia. Even their SS25 has a unique expansion pin at the base, that is not found in other similar style antennas. I purchased two and gave one to a fellow ham who also depends on reliable equipment during times of disaster. 73 de KO4CES

[@MrThisIsMeToo]

@@markusberg2770 If you think all of Chameleon's products are made in USA I have a bridge to sell ya. Guarantee ya this 25' is not.

[@idostuff-nf9pc]

Dave, What are your thoughts about the 25' (or the 17+MPAS extension) using your elevated radials like a previous video. I'm not in a position to try that yet.. but want to. Now with the thought of the 25', I'm even more interested in trying. once I get the parts.

[@frankwc0o]

The 17 foot one is nice a sturdy, but a bit floppy. Wonder how the 25 foot one is.

[@forgetyourlife]

Other videos show it as pretty bendy. 100$ gone in a flash if not perfectly managed.

[@W7LDT]

I am guessing a 25’ whip will need some form of guying?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

On its own, it will be stable enough to not need a guy. If you add the 8 foot mil-ext to it, it will certainly need to be guyed. I purchased a 25 foot whip recently and am planning to take it out this weekend, we'll see how it works.

[@joe-kb9rcr]

​@KB9VBRAntennas Michael, That sounds like another video in the making. I'm looking forward to watching it.

[@timg5tm941]

100 bucks!

[@randyab9go188]

Don't criticize their pricing. Chameleon and HOA Ham will be on here jumping you on how you do not appreciate premium quality goods. They did me on HOA Ham. 😲

[@timg5tm941]

@@randyab9go188yeah I hear you! Quality products? Hmmmm… years ago I bought one of their so called mil whips which failed to maintain a good connection between sections. Junked it within a couple of weeks.

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

@@randyab9go188 lol

[@turinskiboy]

A fair comment. I chose to purchase one with Aussie dollars and wonder if many or any other VK's would, given that creating a 25-foot radiator can be improvised in other ways. The antenna fits into my portable carry bag along with the other essentials and is quick to set up. I've tried making a contact on 20 metres using 10 watts and was told by an EA station I could be heard but my signal wasn't strong enough for a QSO, as conditions weren't ideal, and he did hear me, so that is a positive. Also, after seeing a recent presentation from Coastal Waves and wires on using a 20.5 foot vertical, I can see some interesting configuration possibilities. Compared to the 17-foot version, the fear of damage by strong wind may be an issue, so fingers are crossed that with care, it will be a long-lasting accessory.

[@timg5tm941]

@@Chameleon_Antennadon’t you mean CHA LOL 🤣