Telescoping 17ft Whip and Hamstick Matchbox
The Ground Mounted Matchbox is an excellent solution for operators who need a low-profile antenna setup, making it ideal for HOA-restricted neighborhoods. When paired with a Hamstick, the installation blends seamlessly into landscaping and remains virtually unnoticed
For maximum performance, pair the Matchbox with a 17-foot telescoping whip and the included 16-foot radial extension. With the whip extended to 17 feet, you can operate on 40M through 10M using your transceiver’s internal antenna tuner (ATU). For operation without an ATU, refer to the SWR charts below for recommended whip lengths on specific bands. The Chameleon SS17 is a highly recommended option and makes an excellent portable setup for POTA activations.
The Matchbox has been upgraded with large stainless-steel reinforcement washers on both the interior and exterior mounting surfaces. These washers help distribute the load and reduce stress when using longer whips, including 17-foot telescoping models.
Important: When operating with a 17-foot telescoping whip, we strongly recommend using paracord guy lines to support the whip. Additional support is especially important in wind conditions exceeding 30 mph.
Ground Mounted Matchbox
Free Shipping (Continental U.S. 48 States) At this time, we are unable to offer international shipping. All antennas are built to order. Please allow up to 3 business days for assembly before shipment. Note: Telescoping whip and Hamsticks are not included.
$99.99
SWR Performance (No ATU Required)
The SWR measurements below were obtained using the 17-foot telescoping whip and the included 16-foot radial extension, without the use of an antenna tuner (ATU).
| Band | Frequency | SWR |
|---|---|---|
| 40M | 7.175 MHz | 2.8:1 |
| 20M | 14.175 MHz | 1.12:1 |
| 17M | 18.110 MHz | 1.85:1 |
| 15M | 21.225 MHz | 1.10:1 |
| 12M | 24.930 MHz | 1.90:1 |
| 10M | 28.400 MHz | 1.10:1 |
Refer to the images below for the recommended antenna length configurations used to achieve these results.
All SWR readings shown were measured without an ATU. For convenience, you can leave the telescoping whip fully extended at 17 feet and use your transceiver’s internal antenna tuner to operate across 40M through 10M without adjusting the whip length between bands.
Hamstick SWR Performance (No ATU Required)
The following SWR measurements were recorded using band-specific Hamsticks without the use of an antenna tuner (ATU).
| Band | Frequency | SWR |
|---|---|---|
| 40M | 7.175 MHz | 1.12:1 |
| 20M | 14.175 MHz | 1.27:1 |
| 10M | 28.400 MHz | 1.32:1 |
| 6M | 51.125 MHz | 1.10:1 |
40M Hamstick SWR & Bandwidth Example
The graph below illustrates a typical SWR curve and usable bandwidth for a 40M Hamstick installation. Actual results may vary depending on mounting location, ground conditions, nearby objects, and installation configuration.
Specifications
Power Handling
- 100 Watts SSB
- 50 Watts FT8 and other continuous-duty digital modes
Dimensions
- Matchbox: 8″ × 5″ × 3″
- Stainless Steel Ground Rod: 10″ length
Installation
- The stainless steel ground rod is 10″ long, with approximately 5″ inserted into the ground during installation.
How It Works
The Ground Mounted Hamstick Matchbox utilizes a toroid-and-capacitor matching network similar in concept to those commonly used in end-fed half-wave (EFHW) antennas. However, the network has been specifically engineered and optimized for use with either a 17-foot telescoping whip or 40M–6M Hamsticks.
The included ground radials serve two important functions:
- Improved Performance – The radials provide a noticeable improvement in antenna performance on the higher HF bands, particularly 15M and 10M. They help lower SWR and improve overall antenna efficiency when using Hamsticks on these bands.
- Reduced Feedline RF – The radials provide a more effective RF return path, helping minimize common-mode current and reducing the potential for RF to travel back along the feedline.
Installation Instructions
- Insert the stainless steel ground rod into the soil. If necessary, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the rod into the ground.
- Do not step on, strike, or apply force to the plastic Matchbox enclosure.
- Lay the two 5-foot ground radials directly on the ground, positioning them approximately 180 degrees apart. If your landscaping bed curves, the radials may follow the contour without affecting operation.
- Thread your desired 40M–6M Hamstick into the Matchbox.
- Connect your coax feedline and begin operating.
For best results, install the system in an open area away from large metal objects whenever possible.
Stealth Antennas 