In plain language: In an end-fed antenna, the counterpoise and outside of the coax can both carry return current; controlling their roles is part of the antenna design.
Why this matters in a Chameleon system
If the intended return is missing or ineffective, current finds the feed-line shield, tuner chassis, support, station wiring, or nearby metal instead.
Build or diagnose it this way
- Use the guide’s counterpoise and choke arrangement.
- Keep feed-line routing repeatable.
- Check whether moving coax changes SWR or noise.
- Treat safety bonding, lightning protection, earth ground, and RF return as separate jobs.
Wrong turns to avoid
- Calling a ground rod the missing half of every end-fed antenna.
- Assuming 1:1 SWR proves the coax is quiet.
- Changing counterpoise, choke, and antenna length together.
Source boundary
ARRL antenna-system practice and current Chameleon end-fed guides. Product revisions can change supplied parts and limits; the current product guide controls.
