Chameleon Antenna: CHA FSR – Faraday Strip Radial System

Manufacturing Process

Manufacturing Process

The CHA FSR is built using a multi-layered composite design that combines advanced electrical performance with rugged field durability.

At its core, each radial strip features a Faraday conductive fabric composed of Copper–Nickel–Polyester fibers woven in a diamond pattern for multidirectional conductivity and mechanical strength.

Technical Fabric Data:

• Fabric Thickness: 0.078 mm
• Surface Resistance: Below 0.05 Ω
• Material Composition: Copper, Nickel, Polyester
• Woven Type: Diamond Pattern

To ensure long-term environmental resistance, the Faraday cloth is encapsulated between two layers of 900D Oxford cloth — the same TAN-colored, abrasion-resistant material used in the CHA Sling Bag. This durable outer shell protects the conductive layers from moisture, UV exposure, and wear, while maintaining the system’s flexibility and packability.

Each strip is equipped with three brass grommets — one at each end and one at the center — providing secure mounting and maintaining electrical continuity across the full length of the strip. The grommets also serve as contact points to ensure balanced current distribution during operation.

The CHA FSR includes a precision-machined stainless steel 3/8-24 coupling adapter (CHA FSR-A), designed to sandwich the system between any 3/8-24 mount and the antenna base. The adapter features a male 3/8-24 thread at the bottom and a female 3/8-24 thread on top, compatible with all Chameleon bases including the CHA BLANK, CHA HYBRID, and CHA MCC.

All assembly and quality control are completed in Nevada, USA, ensuring every unit meets Chameleon Antenna’s high manufacturing standards.

Performance Enhancement

The CHA FSR improves vertical antenna performance by addressing the key limitations of traditional wire radials — limited ground-plane surface area, inconsistent current distribution, and low mechanical resilience in field conditions.

The broad Faraday conductive surface creates a large, low-impedance return path, drastically reducing ground losses and improving the antenna’s radiation efficiency. The diamond weave of the Copper–Nickel fabric promotes uniform current flow in multiple directions, stabilizing the antenna’s omnidirectional radiation pattern and improving signal strength across all azimuths.

Field testing in Northern Alabama revealed a median increase in relative field strength between 23% and 28% compared to standard 4-wire counterpoise kits, with additional efficiency gains expected as ongoing testing continues.

Beyond electrical performance, the CHA FSR introduces significant safety and durability advantages:

• Enhanced Visibility: The TAN 900D Oxford outer layers make the CHA FSR highly visible compared to thin, low-profile wire radials. This is especially important in environments where people, children, pets, or elderly individuals may be walking near the antenna system. The increased visibility reduces tripping hazards and improves overall field safety.
• Increased Mechanical Strength: Unlike traditional wire radials that can easily break or kink if stepped on, the CHA FSR’s reinforced Oxford layers and flexible conductive core can withstand accidental foot traffic without losing structural or electrical integrity. This durability ensures dependable operation and minimizes downtime in the field.
• Field Repairability: In the rare case of damage, the CHA FSR’s layered construction and wide connection points make field repairs simpler and faster compared to repairing or replacing thin wire radials, which often require cutting and re-soldering.

These combined electrical and mechanical advantages make the CHA FSR not only a more efficient ground-plane system, but also a safer, more practical solution for portable and semi-permanent installations in public or group settings.