CHA WWC-34 (WHEEL WINDER 34')
Using a 34-foot counterpoise, like the CHA WWC-34 (Wheel Winder 34') from Chameleon Antenna, alongside a short loaded HF coil antenna, such as the CHA MCC (Multi Configuration Coil), allows an operator to achieve effective tuning in the field across the 10M to 40M bands. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how this works:
What is a Counterpoise?
A counterpoise is a crucial part of antenna systems that don't rely on a traditional ground plane. It acts as an artificial ground, helping to balance the antenna system and improving overall efficiency, especially when operating portable antennas like the CHA MCC. The 34-foot counterpoise is an optimal length for multiple HF bands, particularly for enhancing low-frequency bands like 40M and 20M.
Why the 34-Foot Length?
The 34-foot counterpoise is selected for its versatility and effective resonance across a wide range of HF bands. When combined with a loaded coil antenna like the CHA MCC, it allows the antenna to radiate efficiently on lower frequency bands, including 40 meters (7 MHz). The length is a compromise between portability and performance, long enough to help radiate effectively, but still manageable for field use.
How the CHA MCC Antenna Works
The CHA MCC is a short, multi-configuration coil antenna designed to be versatile for field deployment. It uses loading coils to electrically lengthen the antenna on lower frequency bands, allowing a physically shorter antenna to function well on frequencies where a full-length antenna would be impractically large. The coils provide inductance, which compensates for the short radiator.
Without a counterpoise or proper grounding, the antenna's performance would be diminished, especially on lower bands like 40M. That’s where the 34-foot counterpoise comes in.
Tuning the CHA MCC from 10M to 40M with a 34-Foot Counterpoise
1. Deploying the Counterpoise:
- The 34-foot counterpoise (wound on the CHA WWC-34 Wheel Winder) is rolled out on the ground. This provides the necessary artificial ground for the antenna to work efficiently.
- Ensure the counterpoise is fully extended and as straight as possible to avoid unnecessary inductance or detuning from bends.
2. Connecting the Counterpoise:
- Attach the end of the counterpoise wire to the ground or counterpoise connection on the base of the CHA MCC antenna.
- This connection provides a return path for the RF current, balancing the antenna system and allowing it to radiate more efficiently.
3. Tuning for Different Bands:
- The CHA MCC uses a coil system to tune to different frequencies. The length of the counterpoise helps shift the resonance of the antenna system to the desired frequency range.
- For 40 meters (7 MHz):
- The 34-foot counterpoise helps balance the short radiator (antenna) on this lower frequency, where the wavelength is around 140 feet. The loading coil is adjusted by changing the tap or length of wire to increase inductance.
- For 20 meters (14 MHz):
- The 34-foot counterpoise still provides enough effective ground to allow tuning of the CHA MCC using the coil for this higher frequency.
- For 10 meters (28 MHz):
- The higher you go in frequency, the less critical the counterpoise becomes for tuning efficiency, but the 34-foot counterpoise still helps by offering a low-resistance ground path, allowing the short-loaded coil to function effectively with minimal adjustment.
4. Adjusting the Coil for Resonance:
- To tune the antenna across different bands (10M, 20M, 40M), adjust the position of the coil tap or adjust the length of the radiator wire on the CHA MCC to match the desired operating frequency.
- Use a portable antenna analyzer to check the SWR (standing wave ratio) and fine-tune for the lowest SWR. The counterpoise will help stabilize the system, improving efficiency and ensuring the CHA MCC radiates effectively.
5. Portable Field Use:
- The compact design of the CHA WWC-34 allows the operator to quickly roll up and store the counterpoise wire for transportation.
- In the field, where grounding may not be ideal (rocky or non-conductive surfaces), having this 34-foot counterpoise provides a reliable, consistent ground plane, allowing for quick deployment and efficient operation of the CHA MCC.
Summary of Benefits:
- The 34-foot counterpoise ensures proper grounding, enhancing the efficiency of the CHA MCC antenna, especially on lower frequencies like 40M.
- It simplifies tuning, allowing operators to achieve low SWR more easily when combined with the CHA MCC’s loading coil adjustments.
- The CHA WWC-34 Wheel Winder makes the counterpoise easy to deploy, store, and transport, essential for portable operations such as POTA (Parks On The Air) and SOTA (Summits On The Air).
This setup allows operators to cover a broad frequency range (10M to 40M) with a compact, portable antenna system that can be quickly tuned and adjusted in the field using minimal equipment.
The system consists of:
1 X 34' WIRE (20 Gauge Tinned Copper PTFE (Teflon) (-70°C to 150°C))
1 X SMALL WHEEL WINDER
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