Build from the base upward: 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.
Deployment sequence
- Seat the mast base fully against the mount; fill any prohibited gap only as the guide describes.
- Attach the antenna before extending sections.
- Extend from the top down and use the friction collars to hold each section.
- Keep wire geometry clear of the carbon-fiber mast where the antenna guide requires separation.
Before raising the antenna
- Use the 3/8-24 base with a sound documented mount such as the CHA SPIKE MOUNT or CHA UCM.
- Keep the supported antenna at or below the published 1 lb mast load and account for wind and leverage.
- Use the tip ring for the wire attachment shown in the antenna guide; it is not a universal top adapter.
Before transmitting
- Confirm every mast section, clamp, mount, adapter, guy line, antenna attachment, coax route, and RF-return conductor.
- Begin RF checks at low power after the final geometry is stable.
- Record the exact configuration so a successful setup can be reproduced.
- Never deploy near power lines or in an uncontrolled fall zone.
- Lower the mast if wind, loading, slipping sections, or a moving mount makes the system unstable.
Use the current CHA CFM-16 instructions.
