Chameleon Antenna Antenna Spoke Base Series User manual

Portable Dipole
Antenna Spoke Base Series
User Guide
Nevada - USA
WWW.CHAMELEONANTENNA.COM
VERSATILE –DEPENDABLE –STEALTH –BUILT TO LAST

Antenna Spoke Base Series Page 2
Table of Contents
Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................3
CHA Antenna Spoke Base Series Antenna Description.............................................................................3
Parts of the CHA Antenna Spoke Base Series ...........................................................................................3
Assembling the CHA SPIDER ASBTM...........................................................................................................5
Assembling the CHA QUAD ONE...............................................................................................................6
Tuning Tips When Using the Antenna Spoke Base Series.........................................................................9
Selection of Antennas for the Antenna Spoke Base Series.......................................................................9
Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................................10
Specifications ..........................................................................................................................................10
Warranty.................................................................................................................................................11
Accessories..............................................................................................................................................11
Chameleon AntennaTM Products............................................................................................................11
References ..............................................................................................................................................12
WARNING! Never mount this, or any other antenna near power lines or utility wires! Any materials:
ladders, ropes, or feedlines that contact power lines can conduct voltages that kill. Never trust insulation to protect
you. Stay away from all power lines.
WARNING! Never operate this antenna where people could be subjected to high levels of RF exposure,
especially above 10 watts or above 14 MHz. Never use this antenna near RF sensitive medical devices, such as
pacemakers.
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.
!
!

Antenna Spoke Base Series Page 3
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing and using one of the Chameleon AntennaTM Portable Dipole Antenna Spoke Base Series
portable dipole mounts, which include the two-dipole CHA QUAD ONE and the four-dipole CHA SPIDER ASBTM
(mounts sold individually). Almost any pair of your High Frequency (HF) and 6 meter mobile antennas (like the
popular HamStick-style mobile whips) with a standard 3/8” x 24 stud mount will work with these mounts. The
Portable Dipole Antenna Spoke Base Series, shown in plate (1), are innovative antenna mounting systems, designed
to be the most versatile, high performance, and rugged portable antenna mounting systems available.
Plate 1. Portable Dipole Antenna Base Series.
The mounts are ideal for all types of portable use and
are especially suited for a Recreational Vehicle (RV),
apartment, condominium, HOA, or inside an attic -
anywhere you have limited space or restrictions
against permanent antennas. It would also be useful
as a backup base station antenna or for EMCOMM.
The CHA SPIDER ASBTM and CHA QUAD ONE mounts
are made from die-cast aluminum cases, using lap
joint construction, to provide excellent protection
against dust and rain and shielding from
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) / Radio
Frequency Interference (RFI). They both come with
the Easy-Up CHA UMB-U-Bolt Base, which attaches to
antenna masts (not included) up to 1 3/4” diameter.
The CHA UMB-U-Bolt Base is made from a massive
aluminum extrusion and has all stainless-steel
hardware.
Antennas and antenna accessories built by
Chameleon AntennaTM are versatile, dependable,
stealthy, and built to last. Please read this user guide
so that you may maximize the utility you obtain from
your Portable Dipole Antenna Spoke Base.
CHA Antenna Spoke Base Series Antenna Description
The CHA SPIDER ASBTM is an octagon-shaped Antenna Spoke Base designed to allow mounting of four dipole
antennas that use the standard 3/8” x 24 stud antenna base, such as the popular HamStick-style mobile whips,
permitting four-band operation without band switching. The CHA QUAD ONE is similar to the CHA SPIDER ASBTM,
except it is has a square-shape Antenna Spoke Base that permits mounting of two dipole antennas. Using the
included Easy-Up CHA UMB-U-Bolt Base, the CHA Antenna Spoke Base Series attaches to antenna masts up to 1
3/4” in diameter.
Parts of the CHA Antenna Spoke Base Series
The CHA Antenna Spoke Base Series are comprised of the following components, see plate (2) for the CHA SPIDER
ASBTM and plate (5) for the CHA QUAD ONE.
a. Antenna Spoke Base. The Antenna Spoke Base is the center of the CHA SPIDER ASBTM and CHA QUAD
ONE Antenna Systems and has eight or four 3/8” x 24 couplings, respectively, used to mount four or two
pairs of HamStick-style mobile whip antennas.
b. Base Mounting Holes. The four threaded Base Mounting Holes align with the Bracket Mounting Holes (k)
to attach the U-Bolt Base (d).
c. UHF Socket. The UHF Socket (SO-239) is used to attach a coaxial cable to the Antenna Spoke Base (a).

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Plate 2. CHA Spider Antenna Spoke Base.
Pair 1 - 4. Couplings. The eight (four pairs) of 3/8” threaded Couplings are used to attach any whip
antenna with a 3/8” x 24 stud mount to the Antenna Spoke Base. Each pair is marked with a color during
final assembly, usually they are: Blue (pair 1), Green (pair 2), Yellow (pair 3), and Red (pair 4) for the CHA
SPIDER ASBTM or Red (pair 1) and Yellow (pair 2) for the CHA QUAD ONE. The labelling in Plates (2) and (5)
and the colored labels on the actual Antenna Spoke Base may not be identical on all units. The purpose of
the labelling is to demonstrate that antennas for the same frequency band should be installed on
Couplings that are on opposite sides of the Antenna Spoke Base. The order of placement for each pair of
antennas is immaterial, as long as antennas for a frequency band are opposite each other (i.e., blue-to-
blue, green-to-green, etc.). An example is shown in the assembly procedures.
d. U-Bolt Base. The U-Bolt Base (CHA UMB-U-Bolt Base) enables the Antenna Spoke Base to be attached to
an antenna mast.
e. Large U-Bolt. The Large U-Bolts (quantity 2) are used to hold the U-Bolt Base (d) on an antenna mast up
to 1 3/4” in diameter. There are two nuts attached.
f. Small U-Bolt. The Small U-Bolts (quantity 2) are used to hold the U-Bolt Base on an antenna mast up to 1
3/8” in diameter. There are two nuts attached.
g. Hex Bolts. The Hex Bolts are used to attach the U-Bolt Base to the Antenna Spoke Base.
h. Washers. The four Washers are used to back the nuts used on the U-Bolts.
i. Large U-Bolt Holes. The Large U-Bolt Holes, two on top and two on the bottom of the U-Bolt Base, are
used for the Large U-Bolts (e).
j. Small U-Bolt Holes. The Small U-Bolt Holes, two under the Large U-Bolt Holes (i) on the top of the U-Bolt
Base and two above the bottom Large U-Bolt Holes, are used for the Small U-Bolts (f).
k. Bracket Mounting Holes. The Bracket Mounting Holes align with the Base Mounting Holes (b) to attach
the Antenna Spoke Base.
l. Not used.
m. Unused Holes.These holes are not normally used. They could be used to attach guy lines, secure a drip-
loop in the coaxial cable, or attach an accessory.

Antenna Spoke Base Series Page 5
Assembling the CHA SPIDER ASBTM
Assembly of the CHA SPIDER ASBTM is quick and easy using our Easy-Up design –just perform the following steps.
1. Position the U-Bolt Base (d) on the bottom of the Antenna Spoke Base (a) and align the Bracket Mounting
Holes (k) with the Base Mounting Holes (b). The edge opposite the ”L” corner of the U-Bolt Base should
be facing the UHF Socket (c), as shown in plate (3).
2. Attach the U-Bolt Base to the Antenna Spoke Base using four Hex Bolts (g). Tighten with a 5/32” hex
wrench, but do not over-tighten.
3. If your antenna mast is less than or equal to 1 3/8” diameter, insert the two Small U-bolts (f) through the
Small U-Bolt Holes (j) of the U-Bolt Bracket.
4. If your antenna mast is greater than 1 3/8” and less than or equal to 1 3/4”, insert the two Large U-Bolts
(e) through the Large U-Bolt Holes (i) of the U-Bolt Bracket.
5. Place one Washer (h) over each threaded end of the U-Bolts, as shown in the inset of plate (3).
6. Screw one Nut over each threaded end of the U-Bolts, as shown in the inset of plate (3). Leave loose.
Plate 3. CHA SPIDER ASBTM Assembly.
7. Insert the antenna mast through the two U-
Bolts. Leave a gap between the top of the
mast and the base of the U-Bolt Base, as
shown in plate (4), to avoid the heads of Hex
Bolts (g).
8. Evenly tighten the Nuts on the U-Bolts so
that the mast is held securely. Do not
deform the mast by over-tightening the U-
Bolt Nuts.
9. Attach the coaxial cable (not supplied, but
available as an accessory) to the UHF Socket
(c).
Plate 4. Mast Assembly.

Antenna Spoke Base Series Page 6
If you can safely and easily reach the Antenna Spoke Assembly with the antenna mast raised, it may be easier
to attach the antenna whips after the antenna mast is raised. If so, reverse the order of the next two steps.
10. Attach the antenna whips to the Antenna Spoke Base by threading the antenna 3/8” x 24 stud into the
Coupling. You must attach each pair of antennas for a frequency band to
11. the colored/numbered Couplings that are opposites, as shown in plate (2). For example, the 40m pair of
whips would be attached to the Couplings marked with Blue (pair 1). The 20m pair would be attached to
the Couplings marked with Green (pair 2), the 17m pair to the Yellow (pair 3) Couplings, and the 10m pair
to the Red (pair 4) Couplings, as shown in figure (1).
Figure 1. Example CHA SPIDER ASBTM Antenna Whip Attachment (viewed from below).
12. Raise the antenna mast.
13. Install non-conducting guy lines (not supplied, but available as an accessory), if necessary.
The assembled and erected portable dipole should look similar to the CHA QUAD ONE pictured in plate (7).
14. Perform operational check and tune the antenna whips, as necessary (see Tuning Tips).
Assembling the CHA QUAD ONE
Assembly of the CHA QUAD ONE is quick and easy using our Easy-Up design –just perform the following steps.
1. Position the U-Bolt Base (d) on the bottom of the Antenna Spoke Base (a) and align the Bracket Mounting
Holes (k) with the Base Mounting Holes (b). The edge opposite the ”L” corner of the U-Bolt Base should
be facing the UHF Socket (c), as shown in plate (6).
2. Attach the U-Bolt Base to the Antenna Spoke Base using four Hex Bolts (g). Tighten with a 5/32” hex
wrench, but do not over-tighten.
3. If your antenna mast is less than or equal to 1 3/8” diameter, insert the two Small U-bolts (f) through the
Small U-Bolt Holes (j) of the U-Bolt Bracket.

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4. If your antenna mast is greater than 1 3/8” and less than or equal to 1 3/4”, insert the two Large U-Bolts
(e) through the Large U-Bolt Holes (i) of the U-Bolt Bracket.
5. Place one Washer (h) over each threaded end of the U-Bolts, as shown in plate (6).
6. Screw one Nut over each threaded end of the U-Bolts, as shown in plate (6). Leave loose.
7. Insert the antenna mast through the two U-Bolts. Leave a gap between the top of the mast and the base
of the U-Bolt Base, as shown in plate (4), to avoid the heads of Hex Bolts (g).
Plate 5. CHA QUAD ONE Antenna Spoke Base.
8. Evenly tighten the Nuts on the U-Bolts so that the mast is held securely. Do not deform the mast by over-
tightening the U-Bolt Nuts.
9. Attach the coaxial cable (not supplied, but available as an accessory) to the UHF Socket (c).
Plate 6. CHA QUAD ONE Antenna Spoke Base Assembly.
If you can safely and easily reach the Antenna Spoke Assembly with the antenna mast raised, it may be easier
to attach the antenna whips after the antenna mast is raised. If so, reverse the order of the next two steps.

Antenna Spoke Base Series Page 8
10. Attach the antenna whips to the Antenna Spoke Base by threading the antenna 3/8” x 24 stud into the
Coupling. You must attach each pair of antennas for a frequency band to the colored/numbered Couplings
that are opposites, as shown in plate (4). For example, the 40m pair of whips would be attached to the
Couplings marked with Red (pair 1) and the 20m pair would be attached to the Couplings marked with
Yellow (pair 2), as shown in figure (2).
Figure 2. Example CHA QUAD ONE Antenna Whip Attachment (viewed from below).
11. Raise the antenna mast.
12. Install non-conducting guy lines (not supplied, but available as an accessory), if necessary.
The assembled and erected portable dipole should look like the one pictured in plate (7).
13. Perform operational check and tune the antenna whips, as necessary (see Tuning Tips).
Plate 7. Assembled and Erected Antenna Spoke Base Portable Dipole.

Antenna Spoke Base Series Page 9
Tuning Tips When Using the Antenna Spoke Base Series
A pair of HamStick-style antennas is a shortened halfwave dipole. When multiple pairs of dipoles are installed on
the Antenna Spoke Base, it becomes a type of fan dipole. This type of antenna works because the impedance at
resonance for any of the dipoles is around 50 Ohms, but for the other non-resonant dipoles it is very high. There
will still be a small amount of interactions with the other bands, usually causing the antennas to resonate at a
somewhat lower frequency and have a slightly reduced bandwidth than they would, if used separately. One case
that may cause more significant interaction are antennas for bands that are close to the third harmonic of a lower
frequency band being used, such as using 40 meter and 15 meter antennas together. Table (1) shows the band
combinations that should be avoided. Also, do not use two pairs of antennas for the same band.
Table 1. Band Combinations Not to be Used Together.
When tuning the installed antennas, start with the lowest frequency band and work upward. Using the example in
figure (1), tune the 40 meter dipole for resonance, then 20 meters, then 17 meters, and finally 10 meters. You should
adjust both whips the same length for each band pair. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s tuning instructions
provided with the antenna.
Note: the generic HamStick-style mobile antennas used during testing of the Antenna Spoke Base were very long.
With the stainless-steel whip fully extended, the 40 meter antenna resonated at 6650 KHz and had a 2.0:1 bandwidth
of 60 KHz. The initial SWR at 7200 KHz was 16:1. The stainless-steel whip had to be inserted 12 inches into the
fiberglass base to shorten the antenna enough to resonate in the lower part of 40 meter ham band. When pushed
in around 13 inches, the whip began interfering with the loading coil in the fiberglass base, as indicated by an
increased SWR at resonance. The shorten the antenna further, it would have been necessary to physically trim the
base of stainless-steel whip. The minimum SWR achieved (at resonance) was 1.5:1. The 20 meter pair we tested
exhibited similar characteristics, initially resonating at 13,070 KHz with a 2.0:1 bandwidth of 240 KHz.
Selection of Antennas for the Antenna Spoke Base Series
The mobile antennas do not come with the Antenna Spoke Base Series. Several manufacturers make HamStick-style
mobile whips and almost any monoband mobile antenna with a 3/8” x 24 stud mount can also be used. Two of the
more readily available choices are shown below and are provided as examples of the style of antenna intended to
be used with the Antenna Spoke Base Series. Chameleon AntennaTM does not endorse any particular product or
warrant their performance. They are available from the quality retailers that also sell Chameleon AntennaTM
products.
1. MFJ 16__T Ham-tennaTM series monoband HF mobile antennas (fill in the band for the model number).
Available from 75 to 6 meters. See www.hamradio.com, www.gigaparts.com, www.randl.com, and
www.dxengineering.com.
WHEN
USING
DO NOT
USE
80m 30m
60m 20m
40m 15m
30m 10m
17m 6m

Antenna Spoke Base Series Page 10
2. Workman WHF__ series monoband HF mobile antennas (fill in the band for the model number). Available
from 75 to 6 meters. See www.randl.com.
Troubleshooting
Most problems experienced when installing the Antenna Spoke Base are likely to be caused by mis-tuned
HamStick-style whips. Perform the following procedure to isolate the problem.
1. Remove all but the lowest frequency pair of antennas.
2. Connect a Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) Power Meter and check SWR.
3. If the SWR is less than infinity (less than full deflection on the meter), it is likely this is a tuning problem. Note:
during testing of the Antenna Spoke Base, a mis-tuned pair of antennas had an SWR of 16:1. Go to step 9.
Continuity Troubleshooting.
4. If SWR is close to infinity (close to full deflection on the meter), ensure the UHF Connector Plugs are securely
tightened. Recheck SWR.
5. If the SWR is still close to infinity, inspect and check or replace the coaxial cable. Most problems causing
extremely high SWR are caused by the coaxial cables and connectors. Recheck SWR.
6. If the SWR is still close to infinity, try another pair of antennas. Recheck SWR.
7. If the SWR is still close to infinity, disconnect the coaxial cable from the Antenna Spoke Base. Use a Multi-
Meter to check for a short in the Antenna Spoke Base by placing one lead on the outside of the UHF Socket (c)
and the other lead in the center of the UHF Socket. It should have an infinite resistance. If it has any value
other than an infinite resistance reading (within the accuracy of the meter), replace the Antenna Spoke Base.
8. Use a Multi-Meter to check for continuity in the Antenna Spoke Base by placing one lead in the center of the
UHF Socket and the other lead on any of the Couplings. Keep track of the Couplings you are testing. Four of
the Couplings, one from each pair, as shown in plate (2), should have zero resistance. The other four
Couplings (the ones on the opposite side), should have infinite resistance. Move the Multi-Meter lead from
the center of the UHF Socket to the outside of the UHF Socket and remeasure the four that had infinite
resistance. They should now have zero resistance. If any of the Couplings have unexpected values (not close
to zero or infinity - within the accuracy of the meter), replace the Antenna Spoke Base.
Tuning Troubleshooting.
9. HamStick-style antennas have a narrow bandwidth. Using low power, sweep across the band of the antenna
installed and see if it is resonant anywhere in the band. If the SWR is lowest below the desired operating
frequency, the antenna is too long. Shorten the antenna by collapsing the whips the same length on both
antennas. Lengthen the antenna if the frequency with the lowest SWR is above the desired operating
frequency. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for tuning the antenna. Note: it may be necessary
to use an antenna analyzer for this step.
10. Re-check the SWR. If still too high on the desired operating frequency and lower below or above, repeat step
9. An SWR less than 2.0:1 can be considered acceptable. If the SWR is 2.0:1 or greater after tuning, one of the
pair of antennas for that frequency band may be defective. Replace the defective antenna and repeat step 9.
11. Once the lowest frequency band pair of antennas has an acceptable SWR, you can install the next set and
repeat step 9 for the new frequency band until all sets of antennas have been installed and tuned.
12. If still not operating correctly, contact Chameleon Antenna for technical support. Explain to them the steps
you have already taken to isolate the problem.
Specifications
•Frequency Range: 3.5 to 54.0 MHz, depending upon the installed user-supplied antennas.
•Number of Bands: CHA Spider ASBTM –four bands. CHA QUAD ONE –two bands.

Antenna Spoke Base Series Page 11
•Power Handling: 1 KW SSB, depending upon the lowest rated installed user-supplied antenna. For
example, if the lowest rated antenna is 250 W (which is typical of HamStick-style antennas), then that is
maximum power that can be used.
•Space Required: Typically, less than 17 feet in diameter, depending upon the lengths of the installed user-
supplied antennas.
•RF Connection: UHF Socket (SO-239)
•Personnel Requirements and Setup Time: one operator, less than 10 minutes (after initial tuning).
Warranty
The Chameleon CHA QUAD ONE and CHA SPIDER ASBTM are warranted to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. To obtain warranty service, return all
components of the system to Chameleon Antenna at your expense. Chameleon Antenna will repair or replace
defective components and return the system to you at no charge. We encourage you to call us for technical
support before returning the antenna system. This warranty excludes components that have been damaged or
modified by the customer.
Accessories
The following accessories are available for purchase from Chameleon AntennaTM. Please contact us at
[e-mail] for current prices and availability or see our website
www.chameleonantenna.com.
•Guying System. The Universal Guying System (CHA UGS) is recommended to stabilize the erected
Antenna Spoke Base Series.
•Coaxial Cable Assembly. The CHA 50’ COAX CABLE with integrated RFI Choke is perfect for use as the
feedline to the Antenna Spoke Base Series.
Recommended non-supplied accessories:
•5/32” Allen Wrench.
•7/16” Combination Wrench.
•Antenna Mast.
•SWR Power Meter or Antenna Analyzer.
•Multi-Meter.
Chameleon AntennaTM Products
The following are a few of the quality products available for purchase from Chameleon AntennaTM.Many other
antenna products are also available. Go to www.chameleonantenna.com for ordering and more information.
CHA MPAS 2.0 –The Modular Portable Antenna
System (MPAS 2.0) is a concept allowing the radio
operator to configure and deploy the antenna system
in a variety of configurations. It covers 1.8 to 54.0
MHz and comes in a military-style backpack.
CHA F-LOOP 2.0 and CHA P-Loop 2.0 –The CHA F-
LOOP 2.0 Magnetic Loop Antenna is only 36” in
diameter and covers 3.5 to 29.7 MHz. The CHA P-
Loop 2.0 is less than 34” and covers 7.0 to 29.7 MHz.
Both loops were designed with portability, ease of use
simplicity, ruggedness and high performance in mind.
They are perfect for apartment balconies.
CHA EMCOMM III –The EMCOMM III Portable
antenna is a portable High Frequency (HF) antenna

Antenna Spoke Base Series Page 12
specially designed for short to long range portable
and man-pack HF communications. The EMCOMM III
Portable antenna is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and
both tent and Recreational Vehicle (RV) camping. It
would also be ideal as a backup emergency HF
antenna.
CHA TD Tactical Dipole LITE - The CHA TD LITE
(Tactical Dipole LITE) is a HF broadband antenna
specially designed for portable HF communication
where rapid deployment and simplicity of operation
is essential but compactness is essential. The antenna
will operate at all frequencies in the 1.8-54 MHz band
without any adjustment with most modern external
antenna tuners. No masts or guying are required.
CHA TD Tactical Dipole - The CHA TD (Tactical Dipole)
Antenna has been designed as an add-on for the CHA
HYBRID - MINI / MICRO. The CHA TD is a HF
broadband antenna specially designed for portable
HF communication where rapid deployment and
simplicity of operation is essential. The antenna will
operate at all frequencies in the 1.8-30 MHz band
without any adjustment with most modern internal
antenna tuners. It is ideal for use in conjunction with
modern, digitally configured, HF communication
transceivers where features such as ALE and
frequency hopping require true broadband capability.
References
1. Silver, H. Ward (editor), 2013, 2014 ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 91st Edition, American Radio
Relay League, Newington, CT.