Build your own DX Commander! Multi-Band Vertical Antenna
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- Опубліковано 20 сер 2024
- In this episode, I show you how I build the LT. Dude antenna, a knockoff of the DX Commander that will get you 5 bands, maybe more:
40m 1/4 wave
20m 1/4 wave
17m 1/4 wave
15m 3/4 wave
10m 1/4 wave
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Bands that don't look so good:
6m
2m
1.25m
Standing Wave Ratio is higher (2.00ish) and impedance is low.
The 3d printed plans for the LT Dude will be available in the near future. Check my Thingiverse (HamRadioDude) for the files. I will update this link also.
3d printed antenna winder - www.thingivers...
HUGE shoutout to the following people:
DX Commander - UA-cam - / channel
DX Commander - Store - www.m0mcx.co.uk/
Stephen Payne W0KNI (Built a DX commander clone with 3d printed parts, plans available on his videos. - UA-cam - / @w0kni
Parts I used (I DO NOT make affiliate money, buy them where you want):
10m SpiderBeam Pole - www.spiderbeam...
BNTECHGO 22 Gauge Silicone Coated Wire - www.amazon.com...
Sgt Knots 1/8" 100ft - www.amazon.com...
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550 Paracord (I bought a hundred feet but didn't need more than 25)
Andersen PowerPole Connectors
Spade connectors
ABS Filament
A Happy Face
So239 Connector - www.gigaparts.... ( I did not use these ones specifically, but will upgrade to silver teflon soon).
__________________
#dxcommander #hamradio #hamradiodude
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I made my own knock off and love it. I have wires for 80,40,20,17, and 12m. After building mine I will agree that it makes much better sense to give Callum your money and get his DX Commander Classic. You are going to get quality components all in a one stop shop package.
Absolutely! Thanks for the comment and I hope you are enjoying that style antenna system. I know it's changed my perspective on making contacts . It seems like every time I get on the radio I have a pile up LOL
@@HAMRADIODUDE I love it. Had a 40m SSB QSO with a station in Ireland last Saturday night from my QTH in SoCal on my G90 and 20w. This style of antenna works.
I am intrigued with the DIY aspect of this. But I am thinking of going with Callum since he has to the trouble of sourcing all the parts. I am leaning toward the 12.4m Signature. Great video, by the way.
Love seeing the evolution. I've been wanting to build one of these since I saw Callum's original. Just a point on engineering, a Triangle is strong in resisting deformation, but only in one plane. (think roof or bridge trusses) Laid flat, it's no stronger than any other piece of the same material in any other shape.
Great information, thank you! I appreciate it an d may even mention that in my next build (I am building a 2024 commander, dude style). Cheers!
Nice work. I think what you did is a good service to the ham community. We should always learn about antennas and try building your own at some point. Nothing wrong with buying commercial but when you make your own you learn so much about them. Awesome build. May try making this instead of buying a vertical. Will have to figure out how to toughen one up for a permanent installation HI HI. Keep these videos coming!!! 73
Well I live in Australia so shipping costs a bit. Also local council requires a permit for anything over 6m and I'm in a rental. The dxcommander Rapide is 7m pole.
My idea is you could build this for much less if
1) give up 40m (and 30m). So just 20m and up. This means a 6m pole which is much cheaper than a 10m pole. I have a dipole for 40m nvis.
2) use a terminal block to connect up all the radials. Calum mentions this on one of his videos. That removes the bottom plate. The radials just need to radiate out from a point very close to the bottom of the aerial not from a circle plate.
3) cut plastic chopping board with a jigsaw for the spreaders and at the bottom simply pass them through the end holes and feed to a common point. No wing nuts and other stuff.
This can either be a straight rectangle piece of chopping board with a hole in the middle for the pole so as to mount three wires 10m, 15m and 20m with 20m running up the pole itself.
Or two pieces to form a X supporting 4-5 wires.
I've built a monoband 40m or 20m and just need to support the additional wires. See qrz VK6MIK.
That is the pole I have had for 2 years unused! Can't wait to try the plates! PETG is on order.
The down side is few folks have ALL the necessary tools and supplies to do this build while buying the KIT from Dx Commander having the same learning curve and value of building it ALL yourself, I certainly respect and maybe am jealous of those that can. Good job on your build!!
Excellent video. I liked the approach of not bending the element rings at the feed plate on the bottom. Loved the power poles for counterpoise wires.
Thank you! That was a fun build!
Wow. On the qrz website I never saw a bigger group of thought police! You'd think you said you invented the internet. I have only seen the first 1/3 of your video (which is great so far) and I have heard you mention Callum and the other fellow (Stephen) who did some design changes at least half a dozen times each. People should watch the video before they criticize. Keep up the good work, LT.
Thank you for watching. I am glad you are enjoying the video. I really had a good time learning and really understanding the antenna system. 73 !
It will almost never be cheaper when you include the value of your time to build a one off anything, BUT when someone ask who built that antenna, you can look them dead in the eye and tell them “I DID!”
It’s hard to value your time when you are doing something for a hobby. I made one on my channel and it was 75% cheaper than new however it was 100% more effort! I’ve just built my mums DX Commander from his official kit and it was a piece of cake to put up so well worth the money… but much more than making your own.
Good video man! I like the setup on your base. That is friggin genius. One thing I'm going to do with mine is mount a post inside the pole, so there is some more support to keep the pole upright. I'm not backpacking with mine, it's a permanent install.
Thanks! I put some time and effort into this one. I had a real good time learning. When I was in Wisconsin last weekend, I broke the guy support. I ended up finding a tree that was half cut down, and tying the pole to the tree. Worked well. Your way should definitely help
@FEPLabs Radio: Check Chuck, KK6USY's channel. He made post out of some PVC pipe which fits inside a fiberglass pole to keep it stable during set up in a portable installation. I made one for my DX Commander knock-off and it really helps to keep the mast stable while I guy it before putting the mast all the way up. I use a 10 meter pole for my DX Commander and also a homebrew end-fed half wave I use on POTA activations. Also, Steve, M0MSN has something on his channel for a permanent installation where he put a short post in concrete to keep his DX Commander in place.
@@FreeStuffGuy916 Yessir, that's the ticket. I probably watched Chuck's video, but that is what I am going to end up doing. I will put a piece of steel fence post in the ground, with a pvc sleeve over top of it, and set a cinder block over the pole (thru the hole on the cinder block), so the base is up off the ground - little easier to fiddle with the wires, and it won't sit in lawn clippings and dirt.
Great build!! - I have a DX commander lite - it’s a great kit, but I keep modding it with loading coils, new printed wire spacers to run more bands - and that’s the fun of it !! So maybe get the commander for ease of assembly and then make it your own!!!
That's always a good idea. I think one of the things that we can all agree on is the overall design of the system makes it very easy to experiment
Great video, and a lot of great ingenuity you're applying to Callum's design, I'm a huge fan of the DX commander (I own the expedition edition). One bit of constructive criticism on the video editing. I would start out of the gate with the 'is this viable' question with your conclusion (it's not really if you value your time). This would set the tone better and would pay more respect to Callum and the work that he's done with his product. But this is great and you did a great job overall, and you're absolutely right, you might be able to save a small amount, but the kit is so much more convenient plus you get Callum and his community's support should you have issues with it as at this point they've seen about everything.
Thanks much! I'll put that into consideration in my future videos. Have a good one
Nice work Dude, always fly a flag on your flagpole for the HOA Karens and Darins, they will not know this is the antenna they are looking for.
Lol 😂 avoid hoa karen during her period
Very good man. You touched all the bases here. Cal didn’t patent the vertical and I’ve found it not finically beneficial to buy or build one at all. Lol I still prefer the efhw wire over a tree limb. But it’s excellent to experiment in this hobby. It makes it so great right ! Now a 63ft vertical for 40m might be down my alley. Hope code practice is still going brother.
Hey, thanks so much. Code practice is well. I am working on listening at a faster speed. 15wpm is fine when I'm in practice mode (random words) but when I start listening to multiple words, I lose it. Thanks for the comments, I hope to do some more antenna builds in the future
@@HAMRADIODUDE yeah I struggle with word dropping also. Try 3 words at a time from Kurt Zoglmann’s vids.
**Great** video Sean, and thanks for all the plugs!! I've updated that design **three** times now. Same link so feel free to check it out in FreeCAD. I'm curious how you make out with the cheap China silicon wire. I'm pretty sure it's CCA which if I got my math right explains why you had to cut it so short. Is it cheaper to just buy from DX Commander? Yep, but we are MAKERS and that's what makes this hobby so fun. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much! Especially for the inspiration to build and design my own. I got a lot of of your video and will continue to keep updating as well. You're right about the Makers part. That's one of the best parts of the hobby for me and personally, the best way of learning. As far as the wire goes, I think you're right. Hope you're well, 73!
interesting, informative, and especialy well presented 'dude' thanx so much. cheers 'n 73 cal
Thank you much, I really do appreciate it.
Good job again 🤘 thanks for the content.
I remember homebrewing along while cal released the original commander videos and theory / modelling.
Got the original classic once released and still goes strong. Currently supported by a 15m tree instead of his pole - I call it the TreeXCommander 😂
Cals method makes tuning 15 much easier from my experience.
Excellent video, Dude! Thanks for sharing the project with us.
As I understand, you can calibrate your meter at the end of the RG-58, which should make the coax "invisible" to the meter.
Have you run a model of this antenna? Spacing of elements is very important, as elements even an inch closer to each other will couple much more to each other, according to the models I've run.
Just my $0.02 CAD
73 de VE3GKT
Great video. Keep up the awesome work. Question: What gauge are the radial wires that are bunched together in a group of 5? 73 from western Illinois.
Lord Callum is gonna be pissed...lol
Great video! I would print this in either PETG or ASA. IMHO ABS is basically dead for 3d printing at home.
It might even work with PLA+ with an epoxy coating to help with heat warping.
I can't wait to see the files
N6EF-Great video. I wonder if that wire would stretch over repeated uses/deployments. I found an 18ga wire on Amazon that seems to work for my homebrew DX Commander knock-off. I haven't found it stretching over repeated uses since my SWR and impedance haven't changed between deployments. Considering going to the 22ga wire after seeing your build. You have me rethinking my baseplates which I made from sheet aluminum. The wires are bent an angle at the ring terminal as you pointed out which I don't like. I like your idea of using the plastic baseplate to keep the connectors from bending. I don't have a 3D printer but thinking a PVC electrical box might work instead. Thanks for the detailed information.
I have seen/known this type of wire used to strech and effect SWR's.. Sorry for the delay in response.
Now you have me thinking, an aluminum poll for the center element then add 3 more wires for several bands, with an aluminum center pole it would be free standing (hopefully)
I've had an idea I hope you act on soon. Hopefully I'll have a video within the next two months. But the idea is somewhat similar! Take care!
It's 750 plus shipping to get a DX commnder here in Canada. Why wouldn't I build one? It's a simple concept vertical antenna, it isn't a mystery. C'mon guys antennas are the one thing you can build and experiment with. Plus I can build it way cheaper than buying.
Okay.
👍🏼👍🏼 Thank you. Enjoyed you video.
Thank you for commenting, I'm glad it was enjoyable!
Great video keep us updated. But it is a Antenna that you made you can't put a price on that.
Hey Lt. Dude, like the videos very much. Can we get a link for the STL files of the spacers for this multiband antenna? I have the 10m Spiderbeam mast and would love to build this antenna. Thanks and keep up the great work. 73
Thank You!
did a fine job on the build. have a DX commander . have not put it up yet. health problems.
watch coffee and ham radio. another good youtube 73 KQ4CD
Thanks for watching, Paul . Hopefully you can get the commander up soon. Sometimes it takes me a while to make videos because I have a few issues with my back. The ultimate goal would be to find a solution that works and wouldn't be too straining on the back. I think the answer will be a sotabeams pole with a sloper configuration
@@HAMRADIODUDE can understand Vietnam 65-68 With artillery On a ship and basically it was called gunline. I have PTSA bulging disk s 1 l 4and 5. Oh It's so much fun.🤯.trying to keep things on a level field. Can't wait to see the next review.
What days and time for
Coffee and radio show
Stay safe
@@paulhastings3109 I could relate greatly to you paul. Although I can't understand exactly what you went through, I could understand trying to stay level. I honestly think that's what a great part of this hobby is about and also making UA-cam videos. Finding something that puts you in a good spot mentally. Coffee and Ham radios is every Saturday and Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m. Central to 10:30 a.m. Central. We will not be having the show during the weekend of Huntsville. Thanks for watching the show and supporting the channel! If there's anything else you need please feel free to contact me
@@HAMRADIODUDE tnxs
very nice build. thanks a lot for showing it in this video. 😀 one question is left ... where can i get the .stl files
73 de dc5ly
Like the spacers. I believe that it a outstanding job on the build. I just don't have 3D printer. Don't know were to start.
73 KQ4CD Paul
I think we are planning on doing another CAHR episode soon about purchasing your first printer. Trying to find someone to come on now and discuss.
I just seen ya vid and in a way its better than the original dx commander antenna due to the spreaders have a bit less drag but the base for the radiators is good if ya live in a wet enviroment or even snow
Great video and I love Callums design and yours too. Im just wondering from an antenna length perspective, when i look at about 11:30 mins on your video you show the daisy chained main element in an anti clockwise direction and not connected back to the centre pin of the SO 239. Im wondering in that case because effectively the "extra" length counter clockwise to the bolt on the bottom left, would this also need to be taken in to consideration for the length of the actual element connected to that bolt. I think with the DX commander design the whole plate to some extent makes it a more even distribution of the signal. Just a thought. I do love that you have thought about the bending of the elements to the wing nuts. Saying all that I have made some variations of my own antenna and haven't come up with anything great. I do like the little things that DX commander has done like even tapping the plate so less need for nuts on the other side etc. Saying all that I have just put in an order for a DX commander expedition and hope to be making it as Callum has instructed before doing any modifications myself.
The Spider Beam is the best fiberglass pole.
I did my homework and found that the others are much too limber.
I made a DXCommander knockoff.
80-40/15 -20 10 and 6m
Nice! Yes, by far, the Spider Beam is great. my MFJ pole broke shortly after this video. The Spider Beam is one of the only ones that holds up and is strong! It's a great antenna design!
Nice, what are you using to check SWR with? Or, did I miss something?
I used a rig expert zero and also an mjf 226. The MFJ 226 was what the graphs came from
@@HAMRADIODUDE I have the Rig Expert AA230zoom, and a China piece. I am thinking of trying the Comet next. I just wired 9 antennas into an electical ext box with 2 inch barrel type so239s. Now time to check before hookup
ABS is not UV stable, you need to paint black.
Thanks! I was unaware. I'll mention that in the next build episode. I recently got some ASA to print with. I'll do some research on that too. I appreciate it!
Nice work...I like...de S51LD
What ever happened to this project? It’s not on your Thingiverse page.
Unfortunately, the files are no longer on thingy versus, they may not have ever been there. I've mentioned it elsewhere in the comments and there's probably a link somewhere in the comments but I recommend checking out Steven Payne's DX Commander he did a good job and the files are on his Google drive
@@HAMRADIODUDE where would I find Mr Payne’s?
Where are your plans for this may I receive a copy? Also, what type of pole would you recommend for a base station build?
73
KI5JRP
still waiting for thingiverse files
My apologies. I'll get them up on a day or two. I need to find them is the problem.
I've been studying the DX Commander, from a distance.
You mean Red, White and Blue for the Union Jack, after all you are refering and copying a British Product.
Cheers..
Lawyers are send cease and desist orders as we speak, for violating oem equipment rule and regs ☺️😉spider pole are good but not as strong but cost effective. All kidding aside I think we all will build a vertical one day but min 5/8th wave on mine though ☺️
I better take my lieutenant dude antenna and flee out to some foreign country somewhere where I can't be found. El dudeo.