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CHAMELEON ANTENNA
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TD-2
Instructions manual
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CHAMELEON ANTENNA TD-2 Instructions manual

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Page 1
Tactical Dipole 2.0
(CHA TD 2.0)
Operator’s Manual
Nevada - USA
WWW.CHAMELEONANTENNA.COM
VERSATILE – DEPENDABLE – STEALTH – BUILT TO LAST
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Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 3
HF Propagation .................................................................................................................................... 3
Parts of the Antenna ............................................................................................................................ 5
Antenna Assembly ............................................................................................................................... 8
Antenna Configurations ....................................................................................................................... 9
Terminated Inverted “V” .................................................................................................................. 9
Terminated Sloping Wire ............................................................................................................... 12
Recovery Procedure .......................................................................................................................... 14
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 15
Field Installation and Repair Kit.......................................................................................................... 15
Specifications .................................................................................................................................... 15
Chameleon AntennaTM Products ....................................................................................................... 20
References ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Be aware of overhead power lines when you are deploying the CHA TD 2.0. You could be
electrocuted if the antenna gets near or contacts overhead power lines.
Photographs and diagrams in this manual may vary slightly from current production units due to manufacturing changes that do not affect the form, fit, or function of the product.
All information on this product and the product itself is the property of and is proprietary to Chameleon AntennaTM. Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing and using the Chameleon Antenna
TM
Tactical Dipole 2.0 (CHA TD 2.0) antenna. The CHA TD 2.0, shown in plate (1), is a broadband High Frequency (HF) antenna specially designed for short to long range portable and man-pack HF communication, where portability and rapid deployment are essential. The TD 2.0 is 30% lighter and simpler to setup and takedown than the original Tactical Dipole and incorporates product improvements based on experience gained through several years of rigorous field use in a wide variety of operational environments. The antenna will operate from 1.8 - 54 MHz without any adjustment and an antenna tuner or coupler is usually not required. To enhance transportability of the antenna, a versatile and durable military-style duffel bag / backpack is included.
The CHA TD 2.0 is ideal for military, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS), Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) / Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), and amateur radio operators (hams) involved in field communication and disaster preparedness. The CHA TD 2.0 is configurable to facilitate Near-Vertical Incident Sky wave (NVIS) communication and its broadband design supports Automatic Link Establishment (ALE), frequency-hopping, and spread-spectrum modes. The CHA TD 2.0 can be deployed by the operator in the field in approximately 10 minutes, using almost any available support, with no masts or guying required.
Plate 1. Chameleon AntennaTM Tactical Dipole 2.0.
Antennas built by Chameleon Antenna
TM
are versatile, dependable, stealthy, and built to last. Please read this operator’s manual so that you may maximize the utility you obtain from your CHA TD 2.0.
HF Propagation
HF radio provides relatively inexpensive and reliable local, regional, national, and international voice and data communication capability. It is especially suitable for undeveloped areas where normal telecommunications are not available, too costly or scarce, or where the commercial telecommunications infrastructure has been damaged by a natural disaster or military conflict.
Although HF radio is a reasonably reliable method of communication, HF radio waves propagate through a complex and constantly changing environment and are affected by weather, terrain, latitude, time of day, season, and the 11-year solar cycle. A detailed explanation of the theory of HF radio wave propagation is beyond the scope of this operator’s manual, but an understanding of the basic principles will help the operator decide what frequency and which of the CHA TD 2.0’s configurations will support their communication requirements.
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HF radio waves propagate from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna using two methods: ground waves and sky waves. Ground waves are composed of direct waves and surface waves. Direct waves travel directly from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna when they are within the radio line-of­sight. Typically, this distance is 8 to 14 miles for field stations. Surface waves follow the curvature of the Earth beyond the radio
horizon. They are usable, during the day and under optimal conditions, up to around 90 miles, see table (1).
Frequency
Distance
Frequency
Distance
2 MHz
88 miles
14 MHz
33 miles
4 MHz
62 miles
18MHz
29 miles
7 MHz
47 miles
24 MHz
25 miles
10 MHz
39 miles
30 MHz
23 miles
Table 1. Maximum Surface Wave Range by Frequency.
Sky waves are the primary method of HF radio wave propagation. HF radio waves on a frequency below the critical frequency (found by an ionosonde) are reflected off one of the layers of the ionosphere and back to Earth between 300 and 2,500 miles, depending upon the frequency and ionospheric conditions. HF radio waves can then be reflected from the Earth to the ionosphere again during multihop propagation for longer range communication. The most important thing for the operator to understand about HF radio wave propagation is the concept of Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF), Lowest Usable Frequency (LUF), and Optimal Working Frequency (OWF). The MUF is the frequency for which successful communications between two points is predicted on 50% of the days of in a month. The LUF is the frequency below which successful communications are lost due to ionospheric loses. The OWF, which is somewhere between the LUF and around 80% of the MUF, is the range of frequencies which can be used for reliable communication. If the LUF is above the MUF, HF sky wave propagation is unlikely to occur.
The HF part of the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum is usually filled with communications activity and an experienced operator can often determine where the MUF is, and with less certainty, the LUF by listening to where activity ends. The operator can then pick a frequency in the OWF and attempt to establish contact. Another method is using HF propagation prediction software, such as the Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program (VOACAP), which is available at no cost to download or use online at www.voacap.com. The operator enters the location of the two stations and the program show a wheel with the predicted percentage of success based on frequency and time. ALE, which is the standard for interoperable HF communications, is an automated method of finding a frequency in the OWF and establishing and maintaining a communications link.
Even under optimal conditions, there is a gap between where ground waves end (around 40 to 90 miles) and the sky wave returns to Earth on the first hop (around 300 miles). NVIS propagation can be used to fill this gap. The frequency selected must be below the critical frequency, so NVIS is can normally only be used on frequencies from around 2 to 10 MHz. Frequencies of 2 – 4 MHz are typical at night and 4 – 8 MHz during the day.
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Parts of the Antenna
The CHA TD 2.0 is comprised of the components shown in plates (2)-(5). The letter references are used to identify components in the detailed assembly instructions.
Plate 2. Matching Transformer Unit Details.
A. Matching Transformer Unit B. Suspension Eyebolt C. Top Counterpoise Connection D. Antenna Connection (“A”)
E. Bottom Counterpoise Connection
(electrically same as C)
F. UHF Socket (SO-239)
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Plate 3. Antenna and Counterpoise Wire Details.
G. Counterpoise Wire (25 ft, Quantity 2) H. Antenna Wire (60 ft, Quantity 2) I. Terminal Lug
J. Carabiner (Quantity 6) K. End Loop L. Insulating Ring
Plate 4. Terminating Resistor Unit Details.
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M. Terminating Resistor Unit (Quantity 2) N. Resistor Connectors O. Suspension Point P. Strain Relief Point
Q. Shock Cord R. Antenna Wire Winding Notch S. Counterpoise Wire Winding Notch
Plate 5. Miscellaneous Components Details.
T. Tent Stakes (Quantity 4) U. Throw Bag V. Short Mini-Paracord (Quantity 2) W. Long Mini-Paracord
X. Coaxial Cable Y. UHF Plug (PL-259) Z. Mini-Line Winder
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Terminating Resistor Unit Assembly
Before first use of the CHA TD 2.0, perform the following procedure to assemble the Terminating Resistor Units, Antenna Wires, and Counterpoise Wires to enable rapid field deployment.
Refer to plate (6) for assembly details.
1. Carefully cut the zip tie holding a
Counterpoise Wire (G) roll together.
2. Install a Carabiner (J) in the Loop (K) which
is on the end of the Counterpoise Wire that has also has a Terminal Lug (I).
3. Attach the Carabiner to the Strain Relief
Point (P) of a Terminating Resistor Unit (M) that is on the opposite end from the Suspension Point (O).
4. Connect the Terminal Lug to the Resistor
Connector (N) on the side of the Terminating Resistor Unit, as shown in plate (6). Tighten the wing nut finger tight.
Plate 6. Terminating Resistor Connection Details.
5. Carefully cut the zip tie holding an Antenna
Wire (H) roll together.
6. Install a Carabiner on an Insulating Ring (L)
at one end of the Antenna Wire.
7. Attach the Carabiner to the Strain Relief
Point of the Terminating Resistor Unit that
is on the same end of the Line Winder as the Suspension Point.
8. Connect the Terminal Lug to the Resistor
Connector on the side of the Terminating Resistor Unit, as shown in plate (6). Tighten the wing nut finger tight.
9. Wind the Counterpoises Wires onto the
Line Winders between the Counterpoise Wire Winding Notches (S).
10. Wind the Antenna Wires onto the Line
Winders using the Antenna Wire Winding Notches (R) and secure with Shock Cord (Q).
The completed assembly should look like that pictured in plate (7).
11. Repeat steps (1) – (10) for the other set.
12. Tie one end of the Long Mini-Paracord (W)
to the Throw Bag (U) using a Fisherman’s
Knot or similar knot.
13. Wind Long Mini-Paracord onto Mini-Line
Winder (Z)
14. Place all CHA TD 2.0 components into the
Duffel Bag for storage and to be ready for rapid deployment.
Plate 7. Wires Wound on Line Winder.
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Antenna Configurations
Using the supplied components, the CHA TD 2.0 can be deployed into a number of operationally useful antenna configurations. The two primary antenna configurations described in this manual are the
Terminated Inverted “V” and the Terminated Sloping Wire configurations. Note: a floating Insulator Ring is included on both Antenna Wires to enable other antenna configurations that require elevation of the Antenna Wire somewhere along the wire, such as an Inverted “L” antenna.
Terminated Inverted “V”
The CHA TD 2.0 Terminated Inverted “V” antenna, see figure (1), is a broadband medium to long range HF antenna. It provides good medium range sky wave propagation on all frequencies and long-range sky wave propagation above 10 MHz. It will also provide NVIS capability below 10 MHz. Below 10 MHz, the antenna is bidirectional broadside to the antenna. Above 10 MHz, the pattern contains multiple lobes. Bringing the ends of the antenna towards each other to form a “V”, when seen from above, converts the Inverted “V” into a Sloping “V” antenna. This will cause the directivity of the antenna to go from bidirectional to more unidirectional favoring the opening of the “V” on all but the lowest frequencies. An opening angle of 90° will provide good overall performance, but opening angles between 180° and 60° can be used. Larger opening angles increase performance on lower frequencies and smaller angles on higher frequencies.
The Terminated Inverted “V” antenna, when raised to 25 feet, and with both the Antenna Wire and
Counterpoise Wire elevated, requires 163 feet of space. If needed, the Counterpoise Wire can be laid on the ground, reducing the space required to around 110 feet.
Figure 1. Terminated Inverted V Configuration.
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To deploy the Terminated Inverted “V” antenna, perform the following procedure.
Site Selection and Preparation.
1. Perform Terminating Resistor Unit
Assembly procedure, if needed.
2. Select a site to deploy the CHA TD 2.0
Terminated Inverted “V” antenna, see figure (1). The best site should have a tree or other support that would enable the Matching Transformer Unit (A) to be raised to a height of around 25 feet. If a tall
support is unavailable, any convenient object, such as a fence post or the top of a vehicle, may be used as a field expedient support with reduced performance.
3. Remove the CHA TD 2.0 components from
the Duffel Bag.
4. Unwind the Antenna Wires (H) from the
Terminating Resistor Units (M), extending them in the general direction of where they will be located when the antenna is raised.
5. Unwind the Counterpoise Wires (G) from
the Terminating Resistor Units, extending them in the general direction of where they will be located when the antenna is raised.
Assemble the Matching Transformer Unit. Refer to plate (8) for connection details.
6. Install a Carabiner on the Insulating Ring at
the free end of an Antenna Wire.
7. Attach the Carabiner to the Suspension
Eyebolt (B) on top of the Matching Transformer Unit (A).
8. Connect the Terminal Lug at the end of the
Antenna Wire to the Antenna Connection (D).
9. Install a Carabiner on the Insulating Ring at
the free end of the other Antenna Wire.
10. Attach the Carabiner to the Suspension
Eyebolt.
11. Connect the Terminal Lug at the end of the
Antenna Wire to the Top Counterpoise
Connection (C). The completed assemblies
should look like that picture in plate (8).
Raise the Antenna
12. Use the Throw Bag (U) to toss one end of
the Long Mini-Paracord over a tree branch or other convenient support. Secure the free end of the Long Mini-Paracord to the support.
13. Untie the Throw Bag from the Long Mini-
Paracord and temporarily put it in your pocket.
14. Tie the Long Mini-Paracord to the
Suspension Eyebolt on top of the Matching Transformer Unit using a Bowline or similar knot.
15. Connect a UHF Plug (Y) at one end of the
Coaxial Cable (X) to the UHF Socket (F) on the bottom of the Matching Transformer Unit.
16. Untie the free end of the Long Mini-
Paracord from the support and pull the Matching Transformer Unit to the desired height.
17. Secure the end of the Long Mini-Paracord
to the support using a Round Turn and two Half Hitches, or similar knot.
18. Extend the Antenna Wires to their full
length.
19. Extend the Counterpoise Wires to their full
lengths.
The Counterpoise Wires may be placed on the ground to save space. Use the Short Mini­Paracords (V) to tie the Terminating Resistor Units to the Tent Stakes and tension the Antenna Wires.
20. Place a Tent Stakes (T) through the Loop (K)
at the end of each of the Counterpoise Wires and pull the Antenna and Counterpoise Wires such that they are not quite taut.
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21. Drive the Tent Stakes into the ground at
that point.
22. Rewind Long Mini-Paracord onto Mini-Line
Winder (Z).
23. Return unused components to the Duffel
Bag and perform an operational test.
Plate 8. Inverted “V” Antenna Connection Details.
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Terminated Sloping Wire
The CHA TD 2.0 Sloping Wire antenna, see figure (2), is a broadband short to medium range HF antenna. It is designed to provide acceptable ground wave and sky wave propagation. This configuration is predominately omnidirectional on lower frequencies, becoming more unidirectional towards the low end of the antenna as the frequency increases. Positioning of the ground Counterpoise Wire also produces directivity towards the end of the Counterpoise Wire on higher frequencies. The Terminated Sloping Wire requires one support, is a good general-purpose antenna, and is excellent for hasty deployment - when there is insufficient time or space for deployment of the Terminated Inverted “V” antenna. It should be raised to a height of around 25 feet for best performance. When raised to 25 feet, the Terminated Sloping Wire antenna requires 55 feet of space for installation.
One Terminating Resistor Unit and one Antenna Wire are not used in this configuration.
Figure 2. Terminated Sloping Wire.
To erect the Terminated Sloping Wire antenna, perform the following procedure.
Site Selection and Preparation.
1. Perform Terminating Resistor Unit
Assembly procedure, if needed.
2. Select a site to deploy the CHA TD 2.0
Sloping Wire antenna, see figure (2). The best site should have a tree or other support that would enable the Terminating
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Resistor Unit (M) to be at a height of around 25 feet. If a tall support is
unavailable, any convenient object, such as a fence post or the top of a vehicle, may be used as a field expedient support with reduced performance.
3. Remove the CHA TD 2.0 components from
the Duffel Bag.
Disconnect Unused Terminating Resistor Unit.
4. Unwind the Counterpoise Wire (G) from
one of the Terminating Resistor Units.
5. Disconnect the Terminal Lug (I) at the end
of the Counterpoise Wire from the Resistor Connector (N) of the Terminating Resistor Unit.
6. Unfasten the Carabiner (J) at the end of the
Counterpoise Wire from the Strain Relief Point (P) on the Terminating Resistor Unit.
7. Leave the Counterpoise Wire on the ground
for now and return the Terminating Resistor Unit to the Duffel Bag.
8. Unwind the Antenna Wire (H) from the
other Terminating Resistor Unit, extending it in the general direction of where it will be located when the antenna is raised.
9. Unwind the Counterpoise Wire from the
Terminating Resistor Unit.
Raise the Antenna
10. Use the Throw Bag (U) to toss one end of
the Long Mini-Paracord over a tree branch or other convenient support. Secure the free end of the Long Mini-Paracord to the support.
11. Untie the Throw Bag from the Long Mini-
Paracord and temporarily put it in your pocket.
12. Tie the Long Mini-Paracord to the
Suspension Point (O) at one end of the Terminating Resistor Unit using a Bowline or similar knot.
13. Untie the Mini-Paracord from the support
and pull the Mini-Terminating Resistor Unit up to the desired height.
14. Secure the end of the Mini-Paracord to the
support using a Round Turn and two Half­Hitches or similar knot.
15. Extend the Antenna Wire to its full length.
Connect the Matching Transformer
16. Attach the Carabiner at the low end of the
Antenna Wire to the Suspension Eyebolt on top the Matching Transformer.
17. Tie a Short Mini-Paracord (V) to the
Suspension Eyebolt (B) on top of the Matching Transformer.
18. Drive a Tent Stake (T) into the ground
around two feet beyond the end of the Antenna Wire.
19. Using a Round Turn and two Half Hitches or
similar knot, tie the free end of the Short Mini-Paracord to the Tent Stake, such that the Antenna Wire is not quite taut.
20. Connect the Terminal Lug at the end of the
Antenna Wire to the Antenna Connection (D) on top of the Matching Transformer Unit.
21. Attach the Carabiner, at the end of the
Counterpoise Wire from step (7), to the Suspension Eyebolt on top of the Matching Transformer.
22. Connect the Terminal Lug, at the end of the
Counterpoise Wire to the Bottom Counterpoise Connection (E) on the bottom of the Matching Transformer Unit. The
connections should look like those pictured in plate (9).
23. Extend the Counterpoise Wire on the
ground to its full length along the direction of the antenna or in the direction of intended communications. The end of the
Counterpoise Wire may be staked to the ground using a Tent Stake, if needed.
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24. Connect a UHF Plug (Y) at one end of the
Coaxial Cable (X) to the UHF Socket (F) on the bottom of the Matching Transformer Unit.
25. Rewind Long Mini-Paracord onto Mini-Line
Winder (Z).
26. Return any unused components to the
Duffel Bag and perform an operational test.
Plate 9. Sloping Wire Antenna Connection Details.
Recovery Procedure
To recover the CHA TD 2.0, perform the following steps:
1. Disconnect the Coaxial Cable from the Radio Set.
2. Lower the antenna to the ground.
3. Disconnect the Coaxial Cable from the Matching Transformer Unit.
4. Carefully roll (do not twist) the Coaxial Cable.
5. Untie the Mini-Paracord from the Matching Transformer Unit or Terminating Resistor Unit, if used.
6. Neatly roll up the Mini-Paracord onto the Mini-Paracord Line Winder.
7. If the Sloping Wire antenna configuration was deployed, reattach the Counterpoise Wire to the
Terminating Resistor Unit to enable rapid future deployment of the antenna.
8. Wind the Antenna Wires and Counterpoise Wires onto their Terminating Resistor Unit Line Winders
and secure with attached Shock Cord.
9. Pull the Tent Stakes from the ground.
10. Remove dirt from antenna components and inspect them for signs of wear.
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11. Replace all antenna components into the Duffel Bag.
Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Terminal Lugs on the Matching Transformer and Terminating Resistor Units are securely
connected.
2. Inspect Antenna and Counterpoise Wires for breakage or signs of strain.
3. Ensure UHF Plugs are securely tightened.
4. Inspect Coaxial Cable assembly for cuts in insulation or exposed shielding. Replace if damaged.
5. If still not operational, connect a Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) Power Meter and check SWR.
6. If SWR is greater than 6:1, replace Coaxial Cable assembly. Most problems with antenna systems are
caused by the coaxial cables and connectors.
7. If still not operational, contact Chameleon AntennaTM for technical support. Be sure to provide the
specific indications of the problem (e.g., “My antenna tuner can’t find a match when tuning up and I don’t hear anything while receiving.”. Also, provide details, such as antenna configuration, frequency, and what steps you have taken to troubleshoot the problem.
Field Installation and Repair Kit
The following components are not supplied, but are recommended to be obtained for use as a field installation and repair kit.
1. One Leatherman Squirt PS4.
2. One Gerber Infinity Ultra Task flashlight.
3. One Texsport plastic tent stake mallet.
4. Two 1.57” stainless steel carabiners.
5. Two #8 stainless steel wing nuts.
6. Two #8 stainless steel split washers.
7. Two 16-14 #8 spade lugs.
Specifications
• Frequency: 1.8 MHz through 54.0 MHz continuous (including all Amateur Radio Service bands
160m to 6m). An antenna tuner or coupler is usually not required.
• Power: 100 W continuous duty cycle (AM, FM, RTTY, and all digital modes), 250W CW, and
500W PEP SSB Telephony.
• Water Resistant equivalent to IPX-4 (not laboratory tested)
• RF Connection: UHF Plug (PL-259).
• SWR: Typically, less than 2.0:1, subject to frequency and configuration, see figure (3).
• Length: 170 ft (maximum), 60 ft (minimum).
• Space Required: 163 feet (maximum), 55 feet (minimum).
• Weight: 4.2 lbs.
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• Color: Gray/Black.
• Personnel Requirements and Setup Time: one trained operator, approximately 10 minutes.
• Figures (4) through (10) show Far Field plots for the various CHA TD 2.0 configurations.
Figure 3. Measured SWR.
Figure 4. Terminated Inverted “V”, 3.7 MHz.
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Figure 5. Terminated Inverted “V”, 7.1 MHz.
Figure 6. Terminated Inverted “V”, 14.1 MHz.
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Figure 7. Terminated Sloping “V” (110° Opening), 14.1 MHz.
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Figure 8. Terminated Sloping Wire, 3.7 MHz.
Figure 9. Terminated Sloping Wire, 7.1 MHz.
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Figure 10. Terminated Sloping Wire, 14.1 MHz.
Chameleon AntennaTM Products
Please go to http://chameleonantenna.com for information about additional quality antenna products available for purchase from Chameleon AntennaTM – The Portable Antenna Pioneer.
Page 21
References
1. Silver, H. Ward (editor), 2013, 2014 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 91st Edition,
American Radio Relay League, Newington, CT.
2. 1987, Tactical Single-Channel Radio Communications Techniques (FM 24-18), Department of the
Army, Washington, DC.
3. Turkes, Gurkan, 1990, Tactical HF Field Expedient Antenna Performance Volume I Thesis, U.S. Naval
Post Graduate School, Monterey, CA.
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