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Chameleon Knowledge Base · The Complete Online HF Antenna Handbook

What Is Chordal Hop Propagation?

Learn what chordal hop propagation is and how it allows unusually long HF communication paths.

Getting Started HF Fundamentals Reviewed 2026-07-14
Short Answer: Learn what chordal hop propagation is and how it allows unusually long HF communication paths.

Explanation

Overview Chordal hop propagation is a relatively uncommon ionospheric propagation mode in which radio waves travel between ionized regions without reflecting from the Earth's surface after each hop. This mechanism can reduce ground losses and enable exceptionally long-distance HF communication. How It Works Instead of alternating between the ionosphere and the Earth's surface, radio waves are guided between ionized regions within the ionosphere over multiple hops. Advantages Reduced ground absorption. Very long communication paths. Lower cumulative propagation loss. Occurrence Chordal hop propagation is relatively rare and depends on favorable ionospheric conditions that are not fully predictable. Applied to Chameleon Products Although operators may not know when chordal hop propagation is occurring, Chameleon multiband HF antennas allow users to take advantage of unusual long-distance propagation whenever it develops. Related Articles What Is Skywave Propagation? What Is MUF? What Is the Ionosphere? What Is Gray Line Propagation? Related Products CHA LEFS Series CHA EMCOMM Series CHA MPAS 2.0

The exact result depends on the complete station: frequency, geometry, feed line, matching network, return-current path, environment, operating power, and the reference plane of any measurement. A low SWR establishes an impedance relationship at that point; it does not by itself prove efficiency, radiation pattern, compatibility, or safety.

What to Verify

  • Use the newest official product guide or primary service documentation.
  • Confirm the exact model, revision, components, configuration, and operating conditions.
  • Begin tests at low power and change one variable at a time.
  • Do not infer compatibility from connector or thread fit.

Learn Next

  • Antenna Selection: A Mission-First Decision Guide
  • Engineering Design Tradeoffs in Portable HF Antennas
  • Antenna Measurement Reference Planes
  • Understanding Common-Mode Current

Source note: Independently synthesized with reference to The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 99th edition (2022), and The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 24th edition (2019). Verify changing regulations, services, software, specifications, availability, and safety requirements against current primary sources.