Chameleon MPAS 2.0 Antenna Review: Vertical Configuration

This is a multi part review. This portion shows the set up and use of the MPAS 2.0 antenna in the vertical configuration. Pardon the wind noise, it was getting chilly and windy.
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[@hamradiotube]

Making some nice contacts. That antenna is sweet! Maybe one day I will be able to add it to my arsenal.

[@K5ATA]

It is a nice antenna, to be sure.... especially when you don't have a good spot to throw a line over a tree for a wire antenna. Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@forgetyourlife]

I sold my MPAS. Quick set up but pales compared to a dipole or an endfed in the field. I had the capacitance hat as well. The hype for this expensive antenna is far to great.

[@K5ATA]

I agree, it is an expensive kit. I do love my endfed... the one from KM4ACK is phenomenal. I like the Chameleon because I don't have to have a tripod, a tree, etc. I certainly see some situations where this would be very much an added bonus. That's why I carry a collection in the camper :) Thanks for watching!

[@twohandsandaradio]

@forget_your_life $20 fishing pole and a strand of wire with a counterpoise. Give yourself a $520 raise. LOL

[@jimpiper5297]

One of the configurations for the MPAS >is< an end-fed array. I went to the MPAS from a Buddipole that was a real PITA for me to set up and get on the air with. I think one needs to look at the usage goals. If one is setting up a Field Day installation, then taking the time to hang dipoles might be better suited to one's task. If, on the other hand, array flexibility, band coverage and portability plus rapid deployment in support of disaster responses tasking, then the MPAS IMHO is an excellent way to go. Yes, it is priced higher than other systems intended for a similar purposes but, as many KZbin comparison videos will attest, it appears to be head-and-shoulders above the competition for quality. Performance In my humble experience playing on the HF bands, there are a lot of factors that contribute to performance, not the least of which are the sunspot gods. On a hamout (ham camp out) with some buddies, I was challenged to compare the performance of two 40M NVIS configurations, my AS-2259 clone (an inverted V) and a horizontal dipole. The feed points for both were at about 15' and the terrain was rocky ground and nearly co-located. The distant test station was some 400 miles away also running an NVIS dipole. One might expect better performance with the horizontal dipole. Nope! I got 2 S units more on my AS-2259. But, it's all PFM (pure f*cking magic) as most of us know. ;-)

[@o00scorpion00o]

A dipole or EFHW in the field can be tough to setup without trees or carrying around a mast like a spiderbeam. I've been there done that and the MPAS 2.0 is by far the easiest and fastest to set up. However, depending on what someone wants, NVIS or DX ? then the EFHW or Dipole will offer better local coverage which is especially useful for QRP power. I got the MPAS 2.0+ CAP HAT and now use 4 radial's, SWR with single radials on 40 m was around 1.8 but with the extra radials it jumped to 2.8 but I noticed an improvement on 40m, I read that if the SWR climbs with more radials then the ground losses are being reduced and my coax run is short so loss over the coax shouldn't be a big issue. But anyway, I love chasing DX with simple setups and I use the MPAS 2.0 as my setup in my sitting room for when I don't want to go to the shack especially in Winter when it's much colder, I use it with the FT-891 and notice how quiet the MPAS is compared to my wire antennas, the wire antennas are better for NVIS but the MPAS 2.0 really brings in the DX much clearer and I've got from here in Ireland to North/South America as far as Argentina, Chile and even to Australia especially on 20m Summer evenings UTC. It works so well I decided to leave it up permanently on the front lawn and take it down only for portable use and use NOALOX on the aluminium bits to stop corrosion. The MPAS also makes a great SWL Antenna.

[@doc145]

@@twohandsandaradioagree. It doesn’t get easier and cheaper than that! It’s a 1/4 wave vertical at the end of the day.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

#MNHR Team replay for the win. Great looking antenna. Would love to get one, however that price hurts the wallet.

[@K5ATA]

We all have to have a little Team Replay in our lives! Thanks for watching!

[@leesops710]

Yes the $$$ hurts but in the long run it will pay off.

[@daveN2MXX]

Great video! I wish someone would do an experiment to show the transmission losses involved in using a non resonant (like this) vs a resonant antenna.

[@K5ATA]

Good idea... Thanks for watching!

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Chameleon makes great antennas. I have the TD Lite as my main HF antenna. The 2.0 ig expensive but very versatile.

[@K5ATA]

Agreed. It is a high quality set up, but it comes at a high quality price. Personally, I love that thing. Thanks for watching!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Steve, Nice demo. Hope the child units condition has improved. Try to stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@K5ATA]

Her condition has improved, mine and Cyndi's not so much. We seem to have shared the COVID among all of us. haha. Thanks for watching!

[@TheAnnoDomini]

Typical Chameleon antenna... Hears just fine but nobody can hear your callsign! I wonder why???

[@Tank6883]

Nice video and solid contacts. It really seems to be a versatile antenna. Looking forward to the sloper config. 73.

[@K5ATA]

Thanks for watching! Next week for the Sloper video to drop!

[@turtlekoff1]

Hello Steve. I have the 7300, the Bioenno 12 Ah battery as well and the Chameleon MPAS 2.0. Works great for me here in Florida! The SWR on the lower Freq's (40) not so good but awesome on 20. Easy up, Easy down and great for field operations. Nice review Sir ! 73 de N4WRW Rick

[@K5ATA]

I agree. I hated having to send this antenna back! Thanks for watching!

[@billcrow5403]

Great video. How long does it take to put that antenna up? I’ve gotten spoiled with quick setups lol

[@K5ATA]

Minutes... like maybe 3-4 tops. Sticking the spike in the ground is the longest part of the process. Thanks for watching!

[@briantrask8173]

What do you like for a power source when you are portable with that 7300?

[@SmokeSignalsRF]

I needed to see this antenna in the field, since we we both run similar field ops. Nice job

[@K5ATA]

Thanks, Izzo! I wish I got to keep this one!

[@mook4314]

Without a tuner on 10 meter band ,what is be like over this ?

[@jimpiper5297]

I think it noteworthy and a credit to Chameleon Antennas that, rather than re-invent the wheel, the Mil-whip is virtually identical to the Mil AT-271/PRC save for the use of shock cord inside the Chameleon version and a synthetic cord secured to a coil spring in the base element in the AT-271. Noted that you put out the 25' counterpoise wire. Though I haven't tried mine over various types of ground, I recently set mine up as a 21' vertical (I add in a couple of Buddipole 22" extensions) on the spike into moist ground on a 40' cliff overlooking the Pacific. Initially ran the counterpoise out and found my VSWR through the roof on 40M and could not adjust it to a length to bring it down. Removed the wire and the VSWR was easily less that 2.0:1. I'da advise the use of an antenna analyzer and tuner in all configurations. For the curious, ref my N6MED QRZ page for my setup.

[@K5ATA]

Thanks for the info, Jim! 73

[@JLSULev]

Thinking about getting one. Did you buy from Chameleon direct? Good video.

[@K5ATA]

Actually this one was a loaner from a friend. I had it for a few months until we met up again. I wish I still had it, great antenna!

[@gsansoucie]

I have the original version and mix in components from other kits like arms from my Buddipole kits. Also, I made a bracket to mount this to on top of my hiking pole guyed in, the Mil Whips work much better when elevated a bit. Elevated counterpoise helps a lot too. The only issue is that the Mil Whips don’t break down to a packable size, I have to strap them to the outside of my backpack.

[@K5ATA]

Interesting ideas... thanks for sharing, and thanks for watching!

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Great video, thank you. Hopefully Santa (my savings...) will bring an IC-705 next Christmas... Would you use one of the Icom ATU's to work with this particular antenna? Everything would fit on my motorcycle, it would be... perfect! Thank you for your time. Best regards, Manny - M7EPB - UK

[@K5ATA]

I actually just got the ah-705 tuner. Look for some videos soon! Thanks for watching

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

@@K5ATA ...Awesome!!! Thanks! 👍🏻

[@o00scorpion00o]

A dipole or EFHW in the field can be tough to setup without trees or carrying around a mast like a spiderbeam. I've been there done that and the MPAS 2.0 is by far the easiest and fastest to set up. However, depending on what someone wants, NVIS or DX ? then the EFHW or Dipole will offer better local coverage which is especially useful for QRP power. I got the MPAS 2.0+ CAP HAT and now use 4 radial's, SWR with single radials on 40 m was around 1.8 but with the extra radials it jumped to 2.8 but I noticed an improvement on 40m, I read that if the SWR climbs with more radials then the ground losses are being reduced and my coax run is short so loss over the coax shouldn't be a big issue. But anyway, I love chasing DX with simple setups and I use the MPAS 2.0 as my setup in my sitting room for when I don't want to go to the shack especially in Winter when it's much colder, I use it with the FT-891 and notice how quiet the MPAS is compared to my wire antennas, the wire antennas are better for NVIS but the MPAS 2.0 really brings in the DX much clearer and I've got from here in Ireland to North/South America as far as Argentina, Chile and even to Australia especially on 20m Summer evenings UTC. It works so well I decided to leave it up permanently on the front lawn and take it down only for portable use and use NOALOX on the aluminium bits to stop corrosion. The MPAS also makes a great SWL Antenna.

[@twohandsandaradio]

$549. I can't get beyond the price.

[@K5ATA]

I agree... I love the antenna, but the price is... well... pricey. Best I can figure is that match must cost a bit to make?

[@twohandsandaradio]

@@K5ATA dunno...would be interesting if one could tear into it and see exactly what makes it tick.

[@frankwc0o]

Do you need an antenna tuner for this antenna? Or can you tune it without one? Thx

[@MrHeliorabelo]

Wow awesome reports with this antenna! Thanks for sharing your experience!!👍

[@jeffb4854]

Did you have a chance to try the MPAS Lite setup? Any thoughts?

[@turtlecreek4633]

whatever or something or whatever included maybe - nuts

[@philnyc]

How tall is the overall lenghth of this antenna?