Shakespeare SSB 393: The Ultimate 23’ Fiberglass Vertical for Land-Based HF Communications

SEND AN EMAIL TO ERYNNE AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS TO GET AN ACCURATE SHIPPING QUOTE : erynne@chameleonantenna.com

The Shakespeare SSB 393 is a 23-foot, high-performance fiberglass vertical antenna, originally engineered for marine single-sideband (SSB) communications. Its robust design, high power-handling capacity, and versatility make it an exceptional land-based HF solution—especially for amateur radio operators, base station setups, emergency comms, and HOA-restricted environments.

Why Choose the SSB 393 for Land Use?

1. DX-Ready Performance Across Bands

At 23 feet, the SSB 393 is electrically resonant on several HF bands:

• Functions as a near quarter-wave vertical on 20 meters—ideal for low-angle DX performance
• Performs well on higher bands with appropriate matching
• Delivers solid coverage on lower bands like 40 and 80 meters when matched correctly and paired with radials or a tuned counterpoise

2. Designed for Tough Environments

• Built from rugged, UV-resistant fiberglass
• Withstands years of outdoor exposure
• Rated for up to 1000W PEP, making it ideal for operators who run full legal limit without compromise

3. HOA-Approved Visual Profile

• Slim, vertical design easily disguises as a flagpole or utility mast
• A favorite for stealth operations in residential or HOA-regulated areas

4. Modular Add-On Compatibility via 3/8-24 Thread

The end of the second section of the SSB 393 features a standard 3/8-24 threaded connector, giving operators the ability to extend the system with popular Chameleon accessories.

Add-On Options for Increased Performance

CHA SS17 (17’ Stainless Steel Whip)

• Connects to the top of the 15.33’ base (first two sections) of the SSB 393
• Total height = 32.33 feet
• Optimized for better performance on 40 and 80 meters
• Great for compact, high-efficiency DX and POTA setups

CHA SS25 (25’ Stainless Steel Whip)

• Also threads onto the 15.33’ base of the SSB 393
• Total height = 40.33 feet
• Ideal for those operating on 80M and seeking longer electrical length for improved radiation efficiency

CHA CAP-HAT (Capacitive Hat)

• Attaches via 3/8-24 thread
• Increases electrical length of the vertical
• Lowers resonant frequency—boosting performance on 80M and improving efficiency with shorter radials
• Reduces ground losses and vertical height requirements

Flexible Mounting Options for Any Situation

The SSB 393 integrates easily with both Chameleon-specific systems and marine-grade mounts widely available on the market.

1. CHA PORTA-MAST + CHA MARINE-A

• Mount the SSB 393 on top of the portable and telescoping CHA PORTA-MAST
• Use the CHA MARINE-A to adapt the antenna’s marine base thread for mast integration
• Great for field day, emergency deployment, or portable base stations

2. CHA SURVEYOR-A + CHA MARINE-A on Surveyor Tripod

• Mounts quickly onto standard 5/8-11 surveyor tripods
• Use the CHA SURVEYOR-A adapter with the CHA MARINE-A to convert the tripod into a full-featured HF antenna support
• Compact and highly portable for SOTA/POTA or semi-permanent installs

3. Compatible Marine Mounts (Third Party)

The SSB 393 is compatible with most marine antenna mounts including:

• Ratchet mounts – Adjustable for deck or wall installations
• Rail mounts – Great for balconies and fencing
• Deck/mast mounts – Rooftop or patio installs with stability
• Heavy-duty base mounts – Long-term setups with rugged anchoring

Many of these options are widely available via retailers like Amazon.

Smart Matching: Get the Most from Your SSB 393

To make the SSB 393 perform optimally across HF bands, you’ll need an impedance matching device at the feedpoint.

4:1 UNUN (CHA UNUN/BALUN)

• Recommended when operating the SSB 393 with a radial or counterpoise system
• Brings the antenna impedance closer to 50 ohms for most radios
• Best for balanced efficiency across mid-to-high HF bands

9:1 UNUN (End-Fed Configuration)

• If using the SSB 393 in a monopole or end-fed configuration, a 9:1 UNUN is ideal
• Transforms high-impedance to manageable levels for internal or external tuners
• Enables wide-band, multi-frequency operations with a single radiator

Conclusion: One of the Most Powerful Vertical HF Options for Land Use

The Shakespeare SSB 393 isn’t just a marine SSB antenna—it’s an elite, multi-purpose HF vertical for land-based operators who need power, stealth, and durability. With compatibility across the Chameleon Antenna ecosystem, marine-grade mounts, and portable tripod setups, it becomes a modular powerhouse adaptable to every operator’s needs—from casual DXers to serious emergency communicators.

Whether you’re looking to set up a stealth vertical at home or a rugged field antenna in the wild, the SSB 393 + Chameleon system is your ideal toolkit for serious HF operation.

SEND AN EMAIL TO ERYNNE AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS TO GET AN ACCURATE SHIPPING QUOTE : erynne@chameleonantenna.com