M‑COIL vs. M25‑COIL: Which Coil Match Your Chameleon Whip? Leave a comment
Chameleon M‑COIL vs. M25‑COIL: Choose the Right Coil for Your SS‑Series Whip
If you’re using a Chameleon SS stainless whip, it’s crucial to match it with the correct loading coil. While the M‑COIL and M25‑COIL look nearly identical, they are electrically optimized for different whip lengths. Here’s what you need to know:
Chameleon M‑COIL
- Designed for: SS17, SS58, and SS25 whips
- Bands enabled:
- SS17: 30 m and 40 m
- SS58: 20 m and 30 m
- SS25: 60 m possible (M25‑COIL preferred for 40 m)
- Power rating: 200 W SSB / 100 W CW
- Bypass option: Jumper for 6–30 m operation
- Physical design: Compact, rugged—same size/shape as M25‑COIL
Chameleon M25‑COIL
- Optimized for: SS25 whip
- Band supported: 40 m (full-length SS25), plus higher bands when the coil is bypassed and whip length is shortened
- Power rating: 200 W SSB / 100 W CW
- Bypass option: Jumper for 6–30 m operation
- Physical design: Same size and form factor as M‑COIL
Comparison Table
| Feature | M‑COIL | M25‑COIL |
|---|---|---|
| Optimized for | SS17 whip | SS25 whip |
| Compatible whips | SS17, SS58, SS25 | SS25 |
| Typical band support (with coil) | SS17: 30 m, 40 m 6–20 m (coil bypassed, whip shortened) SS58: 20 m, 30 m SS25: 60 m (limited) |
40 m (full length) 6–30 m (coil bypassed, whip shortened) |
| Power handling | 200 W SSB / 100 W CW | 200 W SSB / 100 W CW |
| Bypass jumper | Yes (6–30 m) | Yes (6–30 m) |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the M‑COIL if you’re using the SS17 or SS58 whip and want the flexibility of 20 m, 30 m, and 40 m operation. Note: 40 m requires the SS17 whip. The SS58 is best suited for 20 m and 30 m.
- Choose the M25‑COIL if you’re using the SS25 whip and focusing on 40 m, while still accessing higher bands by bypassing the coil and adjusting whip length.
Final Thoughts
Though both coils look identical, their internal tuning differs:
- M‑COIL = Best for SS17 (30 m/40 m), SS58 (20 m/30 m), and limited 60 m support on SS25. Bypass also allows 6–20 m with SS17.
- M25‑COIL = Built specifically for 40 m with the SS25 whip. With the coil bypassed and whip shortened, higher bands (6–30 m) are accessible.
Select based on your whip length and operating goals—for best efficiency and ease of deployment.
Mounting Base Suggested: The Chameleon Blank Adapter
To simplify deployment and ensure mechanical strength, both the M‑COIL and M25‑COIL are best used with the Chameleon Blank Adapter. This compact, rugged base is the recommended mounting interface for the SS-series whips and their associated coils, offering compatibility with coax, ground radials, and Chameleon mounting hardware.
The Blank Adapter features a standard SO‑239 connector for coax attachment and a threaded socket for ground radial systems. It ensures secure connection in field or permanent setups and is fully compatible with the Chameleon Radial Kits and PUCK ground systems. It’s an essential component for all vertical deployments using Chameleon loading coils and stainless whips.