Chameleon LEFS Feather EFHW

The Chameleon LEFS FEATHER EFHW, or Lightweight End Fed Sloper, is a purpose-built end-fed half-wave antenna designed for maximum portability without giving up real HF capability. It is supplied with a compact 49:1 matching transformer, BNC female RF connection, high-visibility orange antenna wire, integrated end insulator and line winder system. The antenna is intended for sloper-style portable deployment and can be set up by one operator in less than 10 minutes.

On the primary supported bands, the antenna is designed for tuner-free operation on 40 m, 20 m, 15 m and 10 m. With a suitable antenna tuner, it can also be used on 30 m, 17 m, 12 m and the 10 m FM segment. This makes the LEFS FEATHER EFHW a practical choice for POTA and SOTA activators, portable QRP operators, backpackers, preparedness users and anyone who needs a lightweight HF antenna that packs small but performs like a full-size wire antenna.

Key Features

• Ultra-light portable EFHW antenna weighing only 96 g (3.4 oz)
• Designed for 40 m, 20 m, 15 m and 10 m operation without a tuner
• Additional 30 m, 17 m, 12 m and 10 m FM operation with a tuner
• Custom 0.40 mm diameter PTFE Kevlar-reinforced antenna wire for strength and low weight
• Kevlar core helps carry mechanical load and reduce conductor fatigue
• PTFE outer jacket resists heat, abrasion and demanding outdoor conditions
• High-visibility orange wire for easier setup, recovery and field safety
• Integrated 49:1 matching transformer with BNC female connector
• No compensation coil required
• Single-operator deployment in under 10 minutes
• Integrated end insulator and line winder system for fast packing
• Compact and practical for POTA, SOTA, backpacking and emergency communications

Typical Applications

• POTA activations from parks and nature reserves
• SOTA and hilltop portable HF operation
• Backpacking, camping and lightweight travel radio
• Emergency communications and rapid-response HF stations
• QRP and low-power field operation
• Temporary stations where a full-size wire antenna is preferred
• HOA-restricted or low-visibility temporary antenna setups
• Portable DXing and weekend field radio kits

Specifications

Why Choose the Chameleon LEFS FEATHER EFHW?

• True field portability: At only 96 g (3.4 oz), it is easy to carry in a small go-bag, backpack or POTA/SOTA kit.
• Rugged wire construction: The Kevlar-reinforced PTFE wire is designed to reduce kinking, stretching and long-term fatigue compared with standard antenna wire.
• Fast, simple deployment: The end-fed sloper format, integrated winder and BNC connection make setup straightforward for one operator.
• Useful multi-band HF coverage: Tuner-free operation on core HF bands and tuner-assisted use on additional bands gives excellent flexibility in the field.

User Endorsements

KD4BMG, HOA-Ham: “Best SHTF EmComm SOTA POTA Portable End Fed Half Wave Antenna — You Can’t Snap the Wire — LEFS Feather.” Open the Video Tab above to watch the video review.

What’s Included – In the Box

• End transformer PCB unit with integrated 49:1 matching transformer
• BNC female RF connector
• Approx. 20.3 m (66.5 ft) orange 0.40 mm diameter PTFE Kevlar-reinforced antenna wire
• Integrated end insulator and line winder system
• S-carabiner clip for quick attachment

Performance Notes and Setup Guidance

Deploy the Chameleon LEFS FEATHER EFHW as a sloper, with the antenna wire fully unwound and the far end raised as high and clear as practical. Use the integrated end insulator and a non-conductive support line, and keep the wire away from power lines, people, metal objects, buildings, vehicles and dense wet foliage. Before transmitting, connect the BNC feedpoint securely, check SWR on the intended band, and make small adjustments to height, slope or wire routing if needed.

The antenna is designed for tuner-free operation on 40 m, 20 m, 15 m and 10 m when installed in suitable field conditions. Use a suitable antenna tuner for 30 m, 17 m, 12 m and the 10 m FM segment. Do not exceed the published power limits of 25 W SSB or 10 W CW/digital, and reduce power while tuning. As with any portable end-fed wire antenna, nearby objects, feedline routing, ground conditions and installation height can affect SWR and on-air performance.

Pack lighter, deploy faster and get on HF from more places. Add the Chameleon LEFS FEATHER EFHW to your portable radio kit and enjoy a rugged, ultra-light antenna built for real-world POTA, SOTA, backpacking and emergency communications.