CHAMELEON ANTENNA TD 2.0 Instructions manual

Updated: 8/15/2022

Tactical Dipole 2.0

(CHA TD 2.0)

Operator’s Manual

Nevada - USA

WWW.CHAMELEONANTENNA.COM

VERSATILE – DEPENDABLE – STEALTH – BUILT TO LAST

CHA TD 2.0 Page 2

Table of Contents

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................3

HF Propagation ...............................................................................................................................3

Parts of the Antenna .......................................................................................................................5

Terminating Resistor Unit Assembly .................................................................................................8

Antenna Configurations ..................................................................................................................9

Terminated Sloping “V” / Inverted “V”..........................................................................................9

Terminated Sloping Wire ........................................................................................................... 13

Modular Antenna Configurations ................................................................................................... 17

Recovery Procedure ...................................................................................................................... 21

Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................... 21

Optional Components ................................................................................................................... 22

Field Installation and Repair Kit...................................................................................................... 22

Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 22

Chameleon AntennaTM Products ................................................................................................... 28

References ................................................................................................................................... 29

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.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 3

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.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 4

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.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 5

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)

CHA TD 2.0 Page 6

Plate 3. Antenna and Counterpoise Wire Details.

G. Counterpoise Wire (25 ft, Quantity 2)

Optional High-Performance Antenna /
Counterpoise Wires available from
Chameleon AntennaTM (100 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.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 7

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

CHA TD 2.0 Page 8

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.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 9

Antenna Configurations

Using the supplied components, the CHA TD 2.0 can be deployed into more than a dozen operationally
useful antenna configurations. The two primary antenna configurations described in this manual are the
Terminated Sloping “V” / 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. Additional

antenna configurations are discussed in the “Modular Antenna Configurations” section.

Terminated Sloping “V” / Inverted “V”

The CHA TD 2.0 Terminated Sloping / Inverted “V” antenna, see figure (1), is a broadband medium to
long range HF antenna. This Sloping “V” antenna is sometimes called a “V Beam” or “Travelling Wave”
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. The inset of figure
(1) shows an overhead view of the Sloping “V” configuration. Opening angles of 50° to 180° can be
used. Larger opening angles increase performance on lower frequencies and smaller angles on higher
frequencies. Table 2 shows the optimum opening angle for each amateur radio service band. An
opening angle of 90° will provide good overall HF performance. The special case of an opening angle of
180° makes this antenna an Inverted “V”. The Inverted “V” antenna, when raised to 25 feet requires
around 110 feet of space.

Table 2. Sloping “V” Opening Angle.

The Inverted “V” is bidirectional, broadside to
the antenna, but bringing the ends of the

Inverted “V” antenna towards each other to
form a “V” (when seen from above) changes it
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” – significantly increasing the
gain of the antenna (field tests showed around
a 1 to 2 S-Unit difference).
Employing the optional High-Performance Wire
kit as either antenna or counterpoise wires will
also increase the gain, see figure (2). Based
upon the antenna model, simply using the high­performance wire kit in place of the standard
counterpoise wires increases the gain below 14
MHz an average of 2.6 dB, while still making the
antenna easy to deploy, since the counterpose
wires may be ran in any convenient direction
and do not have to be straight.
All variations of the Sloping “V” / Inverted “V”
antenna can also be installed without the
terminated resistors. This can improve the
performance of the antenna but may require
the use of a tuner on most bands.

Band (m) Opening Angle (deg)

6 50
10 70
12 75
15 80
17 85
20 90
30 100
40 110
60 120
80 130

160 150

CHA TD 2.0 Page 10

Figure 2. Gain versus Frequency for Various Antenna Wire/Counterpoise Lengths (90o opening).

`

CHA TD 2.0 Page 11

Figure 1. Terminated Sloping / Inverted “V” Configurations.

To deploy the Terminated Sloping / 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 Sloping / 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).

CHA TD 2.0 Page 12

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. Secure one end of a Short Mini-Paracord (V)

to the Suspension Point (O) of a
Terminating Resistor Units using a Bowline
or similar knot. Repeat for the other Short
Mini-Paracord and Terminating Resistor
Unit.

19. Extend the Antenna Wires to their full

length so they are not quite taut.

20. Drive a Tent Stakes (T) into the ground

around one foot beyond the length of the
extended Antenna Wires.

21. Secure the free ends of the Mini-Paracords

to the Tent Stakes using a Round Turn and
two Half Hitches or similar knot.

22. Extend the Counterpoise Wire (G) on the

ground in any convenient direction.

23. Perform an operational test.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 13

Plate 8. Inverted “V” Antenna Connection Details.

Terminated Sloping Wire

The CHA TD 2.0 Terminated Sloping Wire antenna, see figure (3), 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 excelle nt
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.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 14

Figure 3. 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
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.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 15

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.

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. Perform an operational test.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 16

Plate 9. Sloping Wire Antenna Connection Details.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 17

Modular Antenna Configurations

The two primary antenna configurations described in this manual are the Terminated Sloping “V” /
Inverted “V” and the Terminated Sloping Wire configurations, but The CHA TD 2.0 is a modularly

designed wire antenna system. This modular design enables the CHA TD 2.0 to be configured into more
than a dozen and a half operationally useful antenna configurations using existing components and the
optional High Performance Wire kit. Table 3 shows other modular antenna configurations and
variations not previously described. Refer to the installation procedures for the Sloping “V” / Inverted
“V” or Sloping Wire Antennas for CHA TD 2.0 component connection details.

Antenna Configuration

Variant

Antenna

Wires

Counterpoise

Wires

Resistors

Supports
Required

References

Terminated Sloping “V”

Long Counterpoise

2 / 60 ft

2 / 108 ft

2

1

Figure 1

Long Antenna

2 / 108 ft

2 / 25 ft

2

1

Figure 1,
Note 5

Terminated End-Fed Inverted “V”

-

1 / 108 ft

2 / 25 ft

1

1

Figure 1,
Note 1,5

End-Fed Inverted “V”

-

1 / 108 ft

1 / 25 ft

0

1

Figure 4,
Note 1,2,5

Off-Center Fed Dipole

Medium

1 / 25 ft
1 / 60 ft

0 0 1

Figure 5

Long

1 / 60 ft

1 /108 ft

0 0 1

Figure 5,
Note 5

Terminated Horizontal Dipole

Medium

2 / 60 ft

2 / 25 ft

2

3

Figure 6

Long

2 /108 ft

2 / 25 ft

2

3

Figure 6,
Note 5

Horizontal Dipole

Short

2 / 25 ft

0 0 3

Figure 6,
Note 3

Medium

2 / 60 ft

0 0 3

Figure 6,
Note 3

Long

2 / 108 ft

0 0 3

Figure 6,
Note 3,5

Terminated Inverted “L”

Medium

1 / 60 ft

1 / 25 ft

1

2

Figure 7

Long

1 / 108 ft

1 /25 ft

1

2

Figure 7,
Note 5

Inverted “L”

Medium

1 / 60 ft

0 0 2

Figure 7,
Note 1,2

Long

1 / 108 ft

0 0 2

Figure 7,
Note 1,2,5

Horizontal Wire

Short

1 / 25 ft

0 0 2

Figure 8,
Note 4

Medium

1 / 60 ft

0 0 2

Figure 8

Long

1 / 108 ft

0 0 2

Figure 8,
Note 5

Delta Loop

-

1 /108 ft

0 0 2

Figure 9,
Note 5

Table 3. Tactical Dipole Modular Antenna Configurations.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 18

Figure 4. Terminated End-Fed Inverted “V” Antenna.

Figure 5. Off-Center Fed Dipole Antenna.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 19

Figure 6. Terminated Horizontal Dipole Antenna.

Figure 7. Terminated Inverted “L” Antenna.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 20

Figure 8. Horizontal Wire Antenna.

Figure 9. Delta Loop Antenna.

Notes:

1. Use floating Insulating Ring (L) and a Long Mini-Paracord (W) to suspend the center.

2. Do not use the Resistor and Counterpoise Wire at the far end of the Antenna Wire.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 21

3. Do not use the Resistors or Counterpoise Wires at the end of the Antenna Wires.

4. This configuration is ideal for hasty deployment and man-pack operation.

5. This configuration requires optional High Performance Wire kit.

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.

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.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 22

Optional Components

• High-Performance Wire Kit. This kit contains two 108 ft wires and line winders, which can be

used as either antenna wires or counterpoise wires to improve antenna performance and
enable installation of the CHA TD 2.0 in more than a dozen operationally useful configurations.

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 (10).

• Length: 170 ft (maximum), 60 ft (minimum), 110 ft (typical).

• Space Required: 163 feet (maximum), 55 feet (minimum).

• Weight: 4.2 lbs.

• Color: Gray/Black/Green.

• Personnel Requirements and Setup Time: one trained operator, approximately 10 minutes.

• Figures (11) through (19) show Far Field plots for the various CHA TD 2.0 configurations.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 23

Figure 10. Measured SWR.

Figure 11. Terminated Inverted “V”, 3.7 MHz.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 24

Figure 12. Terminated Inverted “V”, 7.1 MHz.

Figure 13. Terminated Inverted “V”, 14.1 MHz.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 25

Figure 14. Terminated Sloping “V” (90° Opening), 7.1 MHz.

Figure 15. Terminated Sloping “V” (90° Opening), 10.1 MHz.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 26

Figure 16. Terminated Sloping “V” (90° Opening), 14.1 MHz.

Figure 17. Terminated Sloping Wire, 3.7 MHz.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 27

Figure 18. Terminated Sloping Wire, 7.1 MHz.

Figure 19. Terminated Sloping Wire, 14.1 MHz.

CHA TD 2.0 Page 28

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.

Chameleon Antenna

TM

products are available from these great dealers:

HRO

DX ENGINEERING

GIGAPARTS

WIMO

MOONRAKER

RADIOWORLD UK

R&L ELECTRONICS

ML&S MARTIN LYNCH

PILEUPDX

LUTZ-ELECTRONICS

RADIOWORLD CANADA

GPS CENTRAL

PASSION-RADIO.COM

CHA TD 2.0 Page 29

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.