Chameleon EmComm II Amateur Ham Radio Antenna Review: Simple & Effective - GIVEAWAY!

[@MuddRats]

You sir are the reason i have recently began my journey into ham and gmrs here in southern Ontario Canada. Keep the knowledge coming. I am soaking this channel up. You have a great way of explaining things.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thanks forw atching Matt! I'm glad it helps!!!

[@thomasstandley6309]

The SWR of the Emcomm II varies hugely depending on what method you use to set it up and obviously the height. I've set it up as an inverted V at 43 feet, a sloper at 32 feet, a sloper at 28 feet, and some other configurations. It takes some experimentations and an antenna analyzer to get an idea of where the best SWR for a given band. So if you're using it as a portable it is best to experiment a bit before you leave home or do a long term setup at home. The one thing I have not tried is the inverted L which is described in the instructions as somewhat directional. You definitely need to use a counterpoise or ground the thing even through it is only "suggested" in the instructions.

[@jhlewis10]

If you are using a long run of coax for use in your shack the counterpoise hurts the swr. 80m was over 3.0. Removed it and I am close to 1. You are right you have to experiment.

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

The EmComm II was the first antenna I ever bought. Used it for the first year or two.

[@don_n5skt]

I have one of these antennas and have had good luck with it. I did replace with the DX Commander. After, I redeployed it in a different direction and found it to be fantastic at a good height. Worked best over 25'.

[@crbraue]

This is my current antenna... paired with my FT-450 I have worked stations from both coasts of the continent from northern Colorado, and listen to stations from South America. Thanks for a great channel! HRCC is the main influence that got me into the hobby!

[@jimpiper5297]

NVIS heights: best 1/8-1/4 wavelength up.

[@jojopri22]

Thats is a great way of helping someone to have that type of antenna specially on Pandemic time and most people are on a tight budget. Keep it up and thanks for the Video, 73!

[@George-bb9yi]

This is great news, and I hope that more manufacturers follow suite. I am amazed at the general lack of innovation amongst radio manufacturers. They seem to be tone deaf not only to the needs of the prepper community (production end of the Yaesu VX-8DR and Kenwood TH-D74 radios without direct replacement), but how do they justify not including ethernet, WiFi, USB C, and DVI/Display Port on any base station costing over $1K ? A $250 HDTV has more communications technology.

[@jamesmountjoy283]

I like Chameleon a lot. I won an emcomm iii base at a hamfest a while back. It is up 20 ft at the highest point and goes in an odd Z shape with the end 30 ft or so going along the fence at 5-6 ft high. Shouldn't really work but I have managed WAS, WAC, and about 65 DXCC so far. Crazy to me though is that I have confirmed 80 meter contacts in Alaska, Hawaii, and British VI. I am in norcal. Don't know why, but the darn thing just works!

[@Joe_HamRadioGuy]

I have one of them it's a good little antenna. I've even used it as an indoor dipole in an apartment for low power ft8 it worked just fine.

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

Cool, An antenna for us old guys on a tight budget.

[@DonzLockz]

I'll have to look it up and see how I can orient it in the yard. I am looking at a permanent one for home and ordered the CaHRtenna for the field. Looking at the Xeigu 6100 and a tuner to get me going. Thnx for the video Josh. :)

[@ericsrussell]

I’m stoked to see how this works for you long term!

[@steelboymi]

I've had base ed 132ft wire for couple months...have been happy but needs a wider range tuner for 160m than my FT991A has

[@peterclifford8305]

If you are going to use a tuner, use a random wire. (Such as 21.6 meters) - There is a basic rule in amateur radio, you don't tune coax, and you don't tune a balun! - As soon as you said to use a tuner with this antenna, I hit the exit button!!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You hit the exit button? Or the comment button?

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Josh good to see you buddy tell Jason I said hi I'm just getting back in the radio again I just got burned out for quite a while but I'm looking at the chameleon antennas it's wonderful you're doing the video on this particular antenna I appreciate it and I watched you do the Delta loop which I thought was very interesting yeah Josh I'm going to sit and watch this video go slow so I can really capture exactly how to run this antenna thank you so much for your video God bless and take care buddy 👍👍👍👍

[@kd4kzz]

Another great video. Thanks for all you do for Amateur Radio. And another giveaway!

[@silvermanicattack8190]

Damn wish i knew this awesome language.newbie who is completely overwhelmed for now.thank you

[@mindcraftpoly8869]

Ya, speaking Latin...

[@pale_2111]

I'd like to try it with my IC-705. Got an MFJ 1982MP EFHW and the AL-705 magnetic loop. The EFHW has practically no SWR on 12, 20 and 40m, which is great because I don't have a tuner yet. Definitely like to see a video with the ecomm antenna on the 705.

[@garyh8315]

Well done to the Mrs. Looking forward to the comedy duo in action

[@srleitch75]

Nice. May have to go one of these for my new xiegu

[@bronsular]

Thanks for the generous giveaway!

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

I am currently moving to a home on a city lot here in Chicago which is 25' x 125' and have been researching ways that I can put something up to get on at least 80m and this might be the ticket. I think something like this is now on my list of things to check out. Great video as always 73! WQ9F

[@thomasstandley6309]

I have a postage size zero lot line house in Texas. Found it works best here as an inverted V (43 feet up). You'll need to try some different setups to get the best SWR and it helps a bunch to have an antenna analyzer. NK5J.

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

@@thomasstandley6309 I'll have to experiment with it, that is good to know about the Inv. V. I've got a garage at the back of the lot and a 40' tree in the front of the lot that I can play with along with the house that has a 2nd story, so it will be some trial and error for sure. Thanks again!

[@Val-DM1TX]

Hi Josh. I want to use about 40 meters of wire in a sloper configuration. Would it be better than the included wire ? Thanks 73 de DM1TX

[@oncomics1128]

I use this antenna and it is darn good--with a tuner

[@Blue-Collar-Radio]

I've had my eye on that antenna for a while. Awesome you're doing a giveaway! Good luck to me 🤣 73!

[@samc921]

Was going to pull the trigger on one of these or the TD LITE later today. I guess I'll wait to see what you have to say before I make the purchase....:)

[@Fantastiko13]

This is probably a silly question…. What gauge ground wire did you use to connect it to the ground rod at min 6 of the video? Is that solid? Stranded?

[@spencerhumpherys170]

Great shirt Josh! I have that same one.

[@KT4RAM]

Man I could use that this weekend. My dipole crashed to the ground the other day and now I can't get it back to good. My LDG AT-600PROII is pissed off at me now making it work so hard to tune it now. 😁 Maybe later i could use it for doing POTA in some parks in the area. Thanks Josh for all these informative updates. Please send beer. Preferably a good Hefeweizen 👍 73 KT4RAM

[@HollyArms1]

I just ordered an IC 705, and I have no idea what antenna to get. I'll have to get one of these to try out.

[@6.5mm_is_the_best_mm]

Did you ever review that Alinco DR-735T? I am waiting for mine to get here from HRO Cali. Looks like a really good 50w, full duplex, dual volume, dual squelch for those who don't need/want digital.

[@aldenjoneskc1jwr138]

Congrats Laya

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Hi, I've been running an EMCOMM II in a sloper configuration from the 2nd story eve of my home down to a shed in the back yard. Perfect length for the backyard space I have, and virtually invisible in our HOA neighborhood. I've gotten great result out of it, driven by a Flex 3000 SDR HF radio. Recently, when having our roof replaced, the roofers accidently snapped the 60' antenna wire in half. I'm trying to find if I can just order a new replacement wire (the top transformer is fine), or if perhaps there is a newer system with similar/better performance characteristics in the same form factor.

[@jstrunck]

I like my Emcomm II for sure!

[@JoeAshElOjo]

great vid! thanks for the opportunity to win one

[@brentmillsop6355]

These good for ocean travel or Island life?

[@sheepdawg6946]

This is on my to get list shortly

[@gregmve6gcm]

Very cool!! That would make a great addition to my go box. Thanks for the great review. 73 from VE6GCM

[@narendraswamy3216]

Could you comment on the microphone setup you use for radio and podcasting? microphones, connectors, use the same for both, etc?

[@stevegriffin3609]

Great video Josh with that Chamaeleon antenna. And congratulation on your wife getting her ham license that’s fantastic. WD5ENH Steve

[@granitebuilt5836]

Other than power rating, are there any advantages or disadvantages of going with the emcomm iii portable?

[@thed8229]

Awesomeness I already bought this for my first HF install! Going live Sunday. Thanks for making me feel good about buying it. K0ATV

[@robertlazar3539]

What a great little antenna hopefully il get lucky

[@ColoRadio6996]

Thanks again Josh

[@Dusty_Ham]

What a nifty antenna, thank you for the giveaway! Cheers.

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Josh I watched your video is really good I actually wanted to watch you put it together but you just show parts of it but I understand you're doing a video what do you think about that versus the Delta loop let me know in the comments below I would appreciate it and great seeing you again your best friend from Atlanta Georgia

[@Brianflys]

Would like to see a comparison between this and the Chameleon Hybrid Mini. I have that one and understand from the documentation it is also waterproof. Using it NViS at 12 feet with the end fed 60' wire and counterpoise and a G90. Hope this can be a "permanent" install at my house ans maybe the Emcomm II and a go kit.

[@carllavoie3804]

The MINI and the EMCOMM II have the exact some internal. So if you aren't looking at using vertical whip then go with the EMCOMM II.

[@nb2494]

Would you run this over the emcomm 3 base? I also have a smaller lot.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Not for a smaller lot. The base has a longer antenna.

[@pieterdutoit9642]

Hi Josh nice just do cost a lot of $$$ to get in to ZL (New Zealand ) taxes and freight !!!!

[@davejensen8119]

In your video, you talk about the "sloper" configuration with the Emcomm choke/balun at the top, in the tree, and the line feeding out of it at an angle down to near the ground. But in their instructions, they show a sloper as having their unit at the Ground level and then the slope goes up into the tree. Which would work best?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Try both and you tell me! 👍

[@snappytom1013]

Unrelated, I would like to know if there is software for my PC/Laptop, or a kit that will record and timestamp radio traffic on at closed privet UHF radio system. We are a Security company in Las Vegas. Just spitballing an idea. Would love the input. Thank you

[@wesley20991]

I’m fairly new to this, would this antenna need to be grounded like a rod in the ground or is the counterpoise enough?

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

A counterpoise will be enough. Ground your radio and tuner to earth in the house.

[@fastfred529]

Thought about that antenna.

[@christophersmith1155]

would it be better to have the radiating wire going straight up verticaly for omnidirectional use ?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Sure. Try it out and let us know.

[@dovergerald1579]

I have the same antenna but can't get it to work very well, primarily try it is a nvis antenna. Curious, what length counterpoise did you use for 80m?

[@carllavoie3804]

Remember to get an efficient NVIS COMM - both stations MUST have a NVIS antenna installation!

[@MarkWarrick]

I have seen a diagram where the feed point is near the ground with the upper radiating wire extending to the top of a mast and a counterpoise running along the ground directly underneath the radiator. What is the advantage of moving the feed point to the top of the mast?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The claim from Chameleon is in that high feed point slopper configuration it performs better. It’s one of those things you might need to try. To know for sure.

[@MarkWarrick]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I tried the opposite first time using it and first time owning an HF radio and was able to make a contact in Japan from Newport Beach on 15 M so I do believe it works. It seems more logical to have that heavy transformer near the ground vs hanging up high. Thanks for the reply! KM6ZPO

[@tglenn3121]

Do you have any suggestion of the best config for operating with this on 160m?

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

The antenna will have to be installed as high as possible in a sloper or flat top configuration and add about counterpoise of about 60' or so for better performance.

[@GTGallop]

Still struggling to get my EmComm IIII Base to work. It’s got great RX but TX has issues.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

What are the issues?

[@stridermt2k]

Secret word? Ahh!

[@jhlewis10]

I have this in my attic at about 30 feet with the element going out a vent into some trees. With 100 feet of LMR 400 I was getting high swr on 80m when using the counterpoise. I removed the counterpoise and swr is now flat on 80.

[@shawnp6653]

I was looking at this and thinking of putting it n my attic - HOA, no trees, etc... Did you have any issues, like RFI, with no counterpoise or ground? 73 de ki5gx

[@jhlewis10]

@@shawnp6653 RFI, with my ocfd running my attic was bad. My security system would alert. 99% of this is outside my attic. I just need to tweak counterpoise length for best swr maybe. I do get some common mode current.

[@shawnp6653]

@@jhlewis10 Thanks for the reply - hope you get things sorted. Just looking at options -- used a fan dipole here, it was great for turning on the touch lamps in the bedroom while XYL was sleeping ;)

[@pablotwa1]

So far it's proven to be an improved dummy load especially when compared side to side with my G5RV lite..I followed all recommendations, instructions, manual to no avail (I'll make a video of the stark difference in reception gain between the two antennas soon)... Will keep experimenting but I don't think things will improve- 73 es QRV WA6RSV

[@f250ford2004]

Can it be used as an indoor antenna?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Any antenna can be used as an indoor antenna if you try hard enough.

[@Therealdavemason]

I can’t wait to win this!

[@SteelWolf13]

Are you saying it is or isnt a 9:1 unun? Hard to make out.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Not a 9:1.

[@SteelWolf13]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse nice i still have an old Cham-V1 whip. Might upgrade.

[@SteelWolf13]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse You have a chameleon affiliated code or kickback url for sponsors?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I don’t. Just a fan of their products!

[@kylerossouw8697]

What an awesome antenna. Thanks for a great channel. ZS6KA.

[@mattwatson123]

Check your links the ones I clicked aren’t working

[@Martin-io4wc]

No, I am not going to set up yet another ‘ap’ just to enter a contest. Martin, WD9ABG.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s an online form. 🙄

[@ratherbewargaming3753]

Very nice!

[@RoadRage810]

Thank you for the giveaway. I need a stealthy antenna for my current location due to my HOA where we are living now and Covid shut my work down so buying something new is a no go. 73 KD8WJD

[@nickytorrens5486]

Where do I get it? Nobody has them for sale, sell me one of yours.

[@Chameleon_Antenna]

We sell them on our website! They've a NEW enclosure.

[@hollerrange7928]

just got mine last friday thank for ever thing u do this is KI5OXQ

[@richardjohnson9869]

Could you do 11 meter radio on that antenna?

[@ToppKatt7]

Yes works well on 11

[@manoffaith2501]

I have one of these that I use as a permanent installation. I have it set up as a sloper and it works surprising well across all the bands with an external tuner. 73 KE8NQL.

[@davejensen8119]

May I ask where you put the Choke Balun, was it at the top in the tree, or at the bottom, with the slope going up into a tree? I ask because this Video discusses it being at top, but drawing in Emcomm box shows it a foot about ground and wire going up to top of tree.

[@mech6756]

How to access the giveaway??!! 🤔

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Link in description.

[@mech6756]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I'm listening to the podcast 😊 Thnx Josh

[@mikeym1875]

Leah the land.

[@thinmizzy365]

Shamelon? Uh...break for Hart

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hah!

[@AllanBProductions]

How do we participate?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The video isn’t live yet. But the link in the description is.

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice...........

[@GarthWheeler]

wow looks very good de garth zs5gmw

[@reinerhohn472]

Just another Unboxing-Video. Absolutly no technichen background!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

They can’t all be technical. What would you have preferred to see on this sealed to the world unun?

[@marklucena2022]

:)

[@ManOfParts74]

Awesome content as usual