Chameleon Antenna - CHA F-Loop Plus 2.0-10M to 80M

Dead on arrival, The loop would not tune at all. I used a graphic antenna analyzer and it showed a dip in swr around 56Mhz of 4 and would not move. I am returning the loop.It looks well-made and real quality workmanship other than the fact it's not working.The original purchase had a D- in packing. Packing a round key items but not enough to keep form sloshing around; also, the boxes is to flimsy. the components were all bunched on one rounding the box. I had to add newspaper for additional packing on the return. I will order another and try it again.----------------------------------------- update ------------------------------ Amazon refunded promptly and the replacement is on the way. I added one star for Chameleon using Amazon (quick exchange).-------------------------------------- update -----------------The replacement had minor flaw and Chameleon sent a new unit. Great CS support.So far so good on testing

Could never get the antenna to tune. Looks good in theory.

This is the best loop out there in my opinion. I’ve researched many and this one gives you many options. I’m using it in the shack and checking into nets on 40m with my KX2.

I've owned the original F-Loop for a couple of years now. I have the basic series and the plus version. I also have the RTRR remote control. The only thing I was missing from the original version, was a little smaller breakdown size. When I saw a video of the new F-Loop 2.0 on YouTube, I immediately ordered this antenna. To achieve this smaller breakdown size, and to make the  magnetic loop easier to assemble, is the telescopic mast. This is very similar to the latest P-LOOP 2.0, and also makes the accessories compatible across both Loop antennas. What this gives me is a very versatile magnetic loop antenna, which can be configured for the different types of operations I find myself in. My F-Loop 2.0 is the plus version, but when I take it out on trips or using it from hotels I usually use it with the double coaxial Loop for 80/60/40, the single coaxial Loop for 40-10 (I don't work 10/12 meters), or the Booster kit, for more efficiency on 40-15m. Finally,  I have the power compensator allowing me to run up to 60 watts SSB through the loop.The F-LOOP 2.0 has three hardpoints on its base plate. 2x 1/4 threaded for a tripod, and 1x 3/8 untheaded hard point for other mounting options like on a balcony. I also have all of the accessories including the booster kit, the plus configuration, and the RTRR (which allows me to control it remotely). The tuning dial is located on the front panel of the magnetic loop. The only other controls are a switch on top of the housing to choose between 80 through 30 meters or 20 through 10. For those of you interested the loop also covers the 60 meter amateur band, MARS, and the 11 meters band.SWR of 1.1-1.5 is possible on all bands the loop covers. Although the telescopic mast can be used to adjust the pickup loop height on the Plus version, I have never seen any reason to use that feature, as the SWR is always low enough. The Q is quite high, which is normal on any good magnetic loop antenna.The pickup loop is a rigid design with an so-239 connector. There are a couple of different sizes depending on which main loop (outer loop) you're using. On the original version there was one pick up Loop, regardless of which outerloop you were using. Now the pickup Loop is tuned for the size and length of the main Loop.In August 2017, I used the F-Loop 2.0 in its Plus configuration to log into a WinLink gateway 2300km away to send and receive emails using Winmor through a ZLP MiniProSC audio interface. I connected with the station several times on 40 and 20 meters, despite QRM from stronger stations. I did this QRP (5w), using an FT-817ND. I've also use this Loop for casual SSB contacts while the loop was mounted in the Attic above my ham Shack using the RTRR remote control.Like all other Chameleon products, quality and attention to detail are above and beyond. It's definitely not a miracle antenna, but if you can't or don't want to be bothered putting up a full-size antenna, or if you're looking for a backup antenna to augment a full size antenna in a remote location, this is definitely worth considering for your ham radio tool box.

I bought this antenna, and finally got an ICOM 705 three weeks later. I was very excited to work some bands as I am new to HF. Very disappointed. I think I will try to even return the radio and ask the FCC to throw my General away!

Excellent antenna product. You can set this up in minutes and make contacts from 40 meters through 15meters (depending on propagation)The critical problem ( of High-q antennas) is most seem to miss is that the tuning notch for resonance is EXTREMELY touchy and the best way to get it tuned is 1. Tune the antenna for max noise on the radio receiver. 2. While transmitting low power ( say .5 to 1 watt) watch the SWR on your radio and touch up the loop’s tuning for lowest SWR 3. Turn up power to 5-10 watts and operate.Note that the notch is so deep and narrow most antenna analyzers don’t see the notch because their bandwidth setting is too wide.Use the max noise tuning and touch up with SWR….. Then put your analyzer on it with a 50 or 100KHz setting and you will see how deep the notch is.Antenna works great for what it is - fast deploy - solid regional contacts - good noise reduction and signal reception - IMHO it works much better than any portable vertical, Extremely well built and top notch quality. I have two of them a 1”solid aluminum loop and one made with LMR400 cable.For all those negative reviewers - find yourself an Elmer who has some magnetic loop antenna experiece and learn from them. This is a marvelous piece of technology but you have to understand how to operate it and have realistic expectations of what it can do. For those disappointed in the loop go get an 9:1 transformer and through up 50-70 feet of an EFLW and have at it - Best of luck and good DX. 73;s