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CHA CFM
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CHA CFM

Chameleon Antenna

CHA CFM

Sale price $185.00

Size
Size guide

83 in stock

Overall rating: 4.902439 / 5 from 41 reviews.

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Reviews

Another winner of a product

"WHAT A MAST! I love this thing. The sturdy base and stud mount lets it do things most collapsible masts can only dream of. It folds up to a super portable size and is very sturdy. Be sure you expand and collapse it carefully though. The walls are thin and while it’s strong when extended, you don’t want to accidentally damage them getting there. My favorite deployment for it is with the LEFS8010. You have to put the wire end up the mast and the feed point on the ground - the mast can’t hold the heavy toroid and the coax weight but that’s ok, and a trade off worth making."

— Jon S. (5/5)

Excellent product very well made works perfectly.

"Love it!, works great. Quick to put up very nicely made as usual with all the stuff I buy from elite antenna. ."

— perry c. (5/5)

CHA CFM

"Wow! This is one great Carbon Fiber Mast. Fits into my Chameleon shoulder bag. Excellent design on the base section. Very sturdy. As always, excellent machined construction. Thank for making excellent modular products that work together."

— David B. (5/5)

CHA CFM 34

"This is exactly what I needed and fits seamlessly into my other CHA antenna. Previously I had used other manufacturers but they were not as well build or durable as this. Very happy."

— Jeff W. (5/5)

Get this mast!!

"I combo this with my CHA LEFS Feather EFHW and it's PERFECT!! I am so impressed with the build quality of the CHA CFM and ease with which it sets up! Solves the problem of having to toss things into trees. . . . . or have a tree in the first place! You won't regret the purchase!!"

— E Q. (5/5)

CHA CFM

"Super easy and compact"

— Richard R. (5/5)

Amazing mast!

"The CHA CFM does not disappoint! Straight out of the box and online in less than just a couple minutes with my favorite EFHW antenna. Extremely easy to use and withstood thirty mile wind gusts on its first outing!"

— micah h. (5/5)

Three stars because the one

"Three stars because the one that was sent to me was used and the ring / eyelet that mounts to the top section was installed by someone so tight that I’m not able to remove it. That being said, it's lightweight and very packable. A big improvement would be a more permanent cap. The cap it comes with is friction fit and will / can come off while carrying it. Happened to me twice. All things considered, I do recommend, just keep an eye on the cap."

— Edward C. (3/5)

Excellent addition!

"Excellent addition to my kit! This carbon fiber mast is so easy to setup and use with my other Chameleon antenna products."

— Timothy M. (5/5)

Love my antenna systems

"i love my hole system i have to 2. 0 and i been buy stuff to expand it"

— jack g. (5/5)

Q&A

CFM · Masts & Infrastructure

A portable mast, tripod, guying, or infrastructure product that supports a documented antenna load.

Why operators make room for it

Bring useful antenna height to the exact place you want to operate

A good wire antenna is only useful when the operator can put it at a useful height. The CHA CFM family solves that problem with lightweight telescoping carbon-fiber masts that travel with the station, deploy quickly, and remove the need to depend on a convenient tree, permanent tower, or building. Instead of choosing a radio site around whatever support happens to be available, the operator can choose the site for radio reasons and bring the support structure along.

The CHA CFM-16 extends to approximately 16 feet 5 inches, collapses to about 17 inches, and weighs roughly 18.9 ounces. The CHA CFM-34 extends to approximately 34 feet 7 inches, collapses to about 23 1/2 inches, and weighs roughly 2 pounds 9 ounces. Both use a 3/8-24 base stud for documented mounting on the CHA SPIKE MOUNT or CHA UCM and are designed as highly portable, generally self-supporting masts within their published load and site limits.

The current guide shows exactly why these masts belong in an antenna kit. They can support documented wire configurations from MPAS 2.0 and MPAS Lite, EMCOMM III PORTABLE, EMCOMM II V2, EMCOMM III BASE, LEFS 8010, LEFS 4010, OCF40, AZ-1, and AZ-2 families. Depending on the antenna, the mast may lift an end, a center point, or a lightweight feed point; heavier matching units remain at ground level when the guide requires it. The guide also illustrates Lazy-L, sloping-wire, inverted-V, EFHW, and dipole arrangements so a new buyer can see the mast doing real antenna work rather than standing alone as a tube.

For an HOA operator, that portability is a major advantage. A compact CFM can remain stored when the antenna is not in use, then be moved to the part of the property that offers the best temporary deployment and taken down again after operating. That can provide useful height and placement that a small permanent support, restricted mounting point, or compromised fixed location cannot offer. It is a practical way to pursue better temporary performance without pretending the mast itself changes the antenna's electrical behavior.

Choose the CFM-16 when minimum packed size and a lower support point are the priority. Choose the CFM-34 when the wire configuration benefits from substantially more height and the extra packed length remains acceptable. In both cases, the payoff is deployment freedom: one reusable mast can support several documented Chameleon wire antennas as the operator's interests and field kit grow.

Quick product reference

Key Specifications

Product type
Masts & Infrastructure
Primary role
A portable mast, tripod, guying, or infrastructure product that supports a documented antenna load.
Color
black
Available size
  • CHA CFM-16
  • CHA CFM-34
Weight Limit
1 lbs
Length (Extended)
34 ft. 7 in
Length (Collapsed)
23 ½ in
Sections
20
Weight
2 lbs. 9 oz
Diameter (Base)
1 13/16 in
Diameter
(tip): 7/32 in
Base
3/8-24 Stud
Tip
¾ in. Ring CHA CFM-16 CFM
RF role
Mechanical support; supported antenna determines frequency and power

Operator decision support

Plan the complete setup

See what this product is best suited for, what the documented setup needs, and the boundaries to confirm before deployment.

Best for

Portable operating often begins with one practical question: what will safely hold the antenna where it needs to be?

What else you need

Select the approved base, sleeve, tripod, stake, or mount for the support and terrain.

Compatible with
  • Portable wire antennas when the mast supports the middle or an end of the wire rather than the feedpoint
  • CHA AZ-1 in Sloping Wire or End-Fed Inverted-V configurations
  • CHA AZ-2 Linked Dipole in its documented mast-supported configuration
Limitations
  • Maximum antenna load: 1 lb (0.45 kg)
  • Keep the mast and attached antenna away from power lines and utility wires
  • Do not overtighten mast sections or mounting hardware, and do not use tools to tighten them
Expansion options
  • Spike Mount
  • Universal Clamp Mount

What an operator can do

  • Raise documented wire antennas or approved elevated systems within the support's load, height, wind, and guying limits.
  • Select the approved base, sleeve, tripod, stake, or mount for the support and terrain.
  • Keep conductive supports and every attached antenna safely away from power lines.

Complete product details

CHA CFM-34 & CHA CFM-16 — Portable Carbon Fiber Masts

Portable 3K Twill Carbon Fiber Masts

Lightweight. Stealthy. Self-Supporting. Built for the Field.

Introducing the next generation of portable carbon fiber masts from Chameleon Antenna.

The CHA CFM-16 and CHA CFM-34 are premium self-supporting telescopic masts designed specifically for amateur radio operators, emergency communicators, military users, and outdoor enthusiasts who need maximum portability without sacrificing strength.

Whether you’re activating a POTA park, operating from a mountain summit, deploying an EMCOMM station, or setting up where trees simply don’t exist, the CHA CFM provides a rugged, lightweight support system for your wire antennas.

Unlike ordinary carbon fiber masts, the new generation CHA CFM series is manufactured entirely from premium 3K Twill Carbon Fiber. This advanced woven construction provides superior durability, improved resistance to splitting and cracking, and better load distribution throughout the mast sections.

The result is a stronger, more reliable mast designed to withstand the demands of real-world field operations.

NEW IMPROVEMENTS

The latest generation CHA CFM-34 incorporates several significant upgrades:

• Premium 3K Twill Carbon Fiber construction throughout the entire mast
• Improved durability and resistance to splitting caused by excessive antenna tension
• Rounded section edges eliminate the sharp corners found on previous versions
• Reduced risk of pinching or cutting fingers during deployment and recovery
• Integrated top ring permanently attached to the mast
• No more lost or forgotten top rings in the field

UNIQUE CHAMELEON DESIGN

A feature that sets the CHA CFM series apart is the integrated stainless steel 3/8-24 base stud, allowing direct compatibility with Chameleon Antenna mounting systems including:

• CHA SPIKE MOUNT
• CHA UCM (Universal Clamp Mount)
• Other compatible 3/8-24 mounting systems

To the best of our knowledge, the CHA CFM series is the only portable amateur radio mast combining a stainless steel 3/8-24 mounting stud with full 3K Twill Carbon Fiber construction.

KEY FEATURES

• Self-Supporting Design — No guying required for normal operation
• Premium 3K Twill Carbon Fiber Construction
• Integrated Stainless Steel 3/8-24 Base Stud
• Ultra-Lightweight and Compact
• Stealth Black Finish
• Corrosion Resistant
• Fast Deployment
• Designed for Amateur Radio and EMCOMM Applications

IDEAL FOR

• Parks on the Air (POTA)
• Summits on the Air (SOTA)
• EMCOMM
• Field Day
• Military Communications
• Preparedness
• Backpacking
• Camping
• RV Travel
• HOA-Friendly Portable Operations

CHA CFM-34 Specifications

• Weight Limit: 1 lb
• Extended Length: 34 ft 7 in
• Collapsed Length: 23 ½ in
• Sections: 20
• Weight: 2 lbs 9 oz
• Base Diameter: 1 13/16 in
• Tip Diameter: 7/32 in
• Base: Stainless Steel 3/8-24 Stud
• Color: Stealth Black
• Construction: Full 3K Twill Carbon Fiber

CHA CFM-16 Specifications

• Weight Limit: 1 lb
• Extended Length: 16 ft 5 in
• Collapsed Length: 17 in
• Sections: 14
• Weight: 18.9 oz
• Base Diameter: 1 5/16 in
• Tip Diameter: 7/32 in
• Base: Stainless Steel 3/8-24 Stud
• Color: Stealth Black
• Construction: Full 3K Twill Carbon Fiber

Built for operators who demand portability, reliability, and performance, the CHA CFM-16 and CHA CFM-34 represent the next evolution of portable antenna support systems from Chameleon Antenna.

CHA CFM – Initial Maintenance & Important Information

Recommended Maintenance for New Masts

When you receive your new CHA CFM (Carbon Fiber Mast), we recommend applying a light coat of WD-40 to a clean cloth and wiping down each mast section before the first deployment.

This will remove any residual manufacturing powder and help the sections nest more smoothly.

If you experience resistance when collapsing the mast, gently twist each section while applying light downward pressure.

This twisting action helps break up the initial friction and allows the elements to collapse properly.

What Causes the Sticking?

Some operators may notice that a brand-new carbon fiber mast can feel tight or slightly “stuck” the first few times it is collapsed. This is normal and is typically caused by one or more of the following:

1. Residual Manufacturing Powder

During production, fine carbon dust or mold-release residue can remain on the tube surfaces.

When the mast is deployed for the first time, this ultra-fine material migrates into the nested sections and increases friction temporarily.

2. Tight Precision Tolerances

The CHA CFM is designed with extremely precise tolerances to provide maximum strength and rigidity.

Because the fit is exact, even a small amount of powder or debris can cause temporary sticking until the mast breaks in.

3. Micro-Burrs on Tube Edges

Carbon fiber tubes may have microscopic burrs from the cutting process.

These smooth out naturally after the mast is collapsed and extended a few times.

4. Static Charge Attraction

Carbon fiber can accumulate static during shipping and handling.

Static attracts fine airborne dust, which can also contribute to initial binding.

Normal Break-In Period

After a few full deployment cycles—and after wiping down the elements—the mast will operate smoothly and consistently.

If sticking continues after cleaning and break-in, please contact Chameleon Antenna support for assistance.

NOT TO BE USED FOR PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS


CHA CFM EXTRA RINGS (Hardware)

Adventure-Ready Performance

Engineered for radio operators who demand mobility and reliability, the CHA CFM series combines incredible strength with minimal weight. These masts can handle the toughest field conditions while maintaining the stealth and portability needed for discreet or tactical operations. Whether used as a manpack EMCOMM mast or a portable wire antenna support, the CHA CFM-16 and CFM-34 are ready for any mission.

Triple Guarantee

1. Easy returns

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days, subject to a 20% restocking fee. Please note that international orders and items marked as Final Sale are not eligible for returns.

2. Safe with us

Our website is 100% verified and all transaction and customer info is securely encrypted with the latest technology.

3. Have a question?

We have an awesome customer service team who lives and breathes this stuff:

ANTENNA TECH SUPPORT ONLY:

  • INQUIRY@CHAMELEONANTENNA.COM

PENDING ORDER INQUIRIES ONLY:

  • ORDERS@CHAMELEONANTENNA.COM


MILITARY INQUIRIES:

  • INQUIRY@CHAMELEONANTENNA.COM
  • 775-742-5165

BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

  • SUPPORT@CHAMELEONANTENNA.COM

Frequently asked

When will my order ship?
We ship everything from our Ventura Headquarters within 1-2 business days (except weekends, holidays and when the surf is good).

Do you ship internationally?
We sure do. Please note that international orders take significantly longer for delivery and may be subject to import/value-added taxes that are beyond our control.

How do I contact someone?
Customer service hours are Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm PST. Please allow up to 1-2 days for someone to get back to you. We can be reached by phone at 888-628-9020 and by email here Customer Service