Important engineering upgrades in the antenna field – improving the foundations for the new lightweight tower, installing a Dead-Man anchor for the electric winch, and grounding the tower to the radial network.
The day starts with a look at the original winch post and the maths behind its load capacity. Although the first anchor could handle around 200 kg, the mechanical advantage of the increased height on the falling-derrick (not a “gin pole”!) introduced additional torque and stress. The solution? An engineered Dead-Man anchor buried crosswise – the same principle used in bridge and harbour design.
We pour, cure, and backfill the new anchor, review older ones, and make key decisions about reinforcement and concrete volume. Then it’s on to grounding: bonding the radial field directly to the tower base and cabinet using copper strap and self-amalgamating tape for long-term corrosion resistance.
Along the way, we cover:
➡️ Calculating load and fulcrum points on a small tower system
➡️ Practical tips for mixing and pouring small-batch concrete outdoors
➡️ Grounding and bonding strategy for multi-antenna installations
➡️ Managing radials around automated mowers
➡️ Handling real-world compromises when parts or materials are missing
Also featuring: spontaneous design decisions, visits from Junior and Django, drill bit snapping mid-hole!
By the end of the day, all anchors are upgraded, the tower base is bonded, and we’re ready for the next phase – raising the lightweight tower in time for CQ Worldwide.
0:00 – Intro & plan of attack
0:45 – Why the old anchor wasn’t enough
2:00 – Mixing and pouring the new concrete
6:00 – Upgrading existing anchors (and some decisions!)
8:00 – Explaining the Dead-Man concept
10:00 – Improvised engineering & “Callum moments”
13:30 – Dogs arrive on site
16:00 – Drilling, bending & building the Dead-Man anchor
20:00 – Grounding the tower and radials
23:00 – Review & next-phase tower talk
📡 More DX Commander builds:
➡️ [Signature 12.4 Setup and Test]
➡️ [40 m 4-Square Explained]
➡️ [Remote Station Build Series]