Inspect before retuning: The CHA CFM-16 creates useful temporary height without turning a portable station into a tower project. It extends to 16 ft 5 in, collapses to 17 in, weighs 18.9 oz, and is designed to support a documented wire-antenna layout from a compact field kit.
After every deployment
- Lower from the bottom section upward.
- Wipe away dirt and moisture before collapsing and storing.
- Inspect the 3/8-24 stud, tip ring, section surfaces, and collars after every field session.
- Use only the maintenance products and methods named in the current guide.
When something moves or the SWR changes
- Stop transmitting and make the structure safe.
- Inspect the base and work upward through every loaded interface.
- Correct mechanical movement, moisture, damage, and feed-line strain before changing antenna tuning.
- Rebuild the documented geometry and restart at low power.
Do not return to service
- Lower the mast if wind, loading, slipping sections, or a moving mount makes the system unstable.
- Do not exceed the 1 lb published load or add side loads the guide does not authorize.
- Keep people, pets, vehicles, and public paths outside the wire, line, and mast footprint.
Use the current CHA CFM-16 instructions.
