Category: DX Commander

Callum’s Videos

Beverage On The Ground Antenna – Converting my Long Wire to Beverage Antenna

Post author By admin
Post date March 18, 2023

In this video, I explain how I’m going to change my VERY long wire into a Beverage. Then we’ll look at how this works, what parts I have bought for the project and what results I’m expecting to achieve. I also discuss the difference between a regular Beverage – say 2m or 6 ft off the ground and one that is physcally ON the ground, pinned to the grass with radial pins.

More Videos:
▶️ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcC64tNkZB7zFt6NV9fnnde2lP11fUTQ8 Antenna Modelling
▶️ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcC64tNkZB7xtKohJRipVLQ6rxYzRP8eq Tips and Tricks
▶️ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcC64tNkZB7xwhA0Msm_bNT4CQ_Bj5D4c Antennas
▶️ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcC64tNkZB7wc6svNLY7IDthw1YCFNq9W Live Streams
▶️ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcC64tNkZB7w9dp9Eqg_UhamrY5Ck3dyX My Stuff
▶️ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcC64tNkZB7xvc3rHlpqqCkiBdAzYe8cf Ham Radio Training

DX Commander Youtube

Why DX Works Split Frequency – How Does it Work?

Post author By admin
Post date March 17, 2023

Ham Radio Special – we look at the benefit to YOU working split (5-up) and how to operate in that environment. We look at what does 5-up mean, what does 5-10 up mean and who are the band-police? LOL Callum.

DX Commander Youtube

CQ CQ on my Ham Radio – Who Is There?

Post author By admin
Post date March 17, 2023

How many countries can we get to? Can you hear me? Let’s find out. Join in, listen or chat. This is my regular 12:00 UTC Friday slot. Callum.

DX Commander Youtube

Success! 20m and 40m on same element – Amazing Result!

Post author By admin
Post date March 12, 2023

The placement of a coil on an element affects the third harmonic. If you can work out exactly where to put this coil, we can then force a harmonic on almost any band you like. In this example we have made a compact 40m antenna of only 6.5m long and then made 20m to work on the third harmonic with very little loss. See what you think. Callum.

https://youtu.be/uNqA6dy6cbY – Last Video Discussing this Concept
https://youtu.be/L9HX7352ukw – End Effect Discussion
https://youtu.be/V8Qq4-0_TjQ – The Custom Hybrid SkyLab
https://youtube.com/live/x-za2pjmNjE – Live Stream where I Switched Between

DX Commander Youtube

My Cheap 80 Foot (30m) Home Brew Tower Fell Down!

Post author By admin
Post date March 11, 2023

We destroyed an 80 feet tower in 5 seconds. But the 60 foot version worked GREAT! Full parts list for my home-brew 60 feet tower made from scaffolding poles, connectors and poly rope detailed in this video – and also below. TAKE CARE because if anything goes wrong, you are into an extremely serious accident.

You will need:

– 4 x alloy poles (optionally one in steel)
– About 1,000 feet (330m) poly rope (lorry rope)
– Some sort of tilt-hinge (I have made a couple of these on this channel)
– 3 x straight scaffolding connectors
– 1 cross joiner (for just above the tilt mechanism)
– 2 hinged connectors (if you wanted to make the crossbar)
– At least 4 large guy points (you can home brew from angle iron)
– Selection of 6mm / 1/4 inch bolts to tap the poles for guy points
– at least 3 x 4-way guy points for the scaffolding poles
– Steel carabiners with a decent high rating
– Hard hat (seriously!)
– Know how to tie knots!

DX Commander Youtube

Ham Radio in the SNOW – M0XXT calling CQ CQ

Post author By admin
Post date March 10, 2023

This is my regular ham radio Friday session, live from Warwickshire. Today I fancy switching between an experimental antenna and the Signature 12.4. Join in the live chat, see if you can hear me or just listen in. Callum.

DX Commander Youtube

Mid-Week on Ham Radio – Testing a new antenna

Post author By admin
Post date March 8, 2023

This is the 40m / 20m special design I’m testing out. It’s 6.5m lonf (only) and has a 35uH coil at around 5.5m. Resonates on 20m and 40m. Let’s try it out! Callum.

DX Commander Youtube

Solving the Mystery of a Shorter Antenna – End Effect & Velocity Factor

Post author By admin
Post date March 8, 2023

Are you wondering why your antenna is shorter than it should be? In this video, we’ll explore the concepts of end effect, velocity factor, and height above ground and how these affect the electrical length of an antenna.

First, we’ll explain how end-effect shortens the electrical length of your antenna and how it can be compensated by adjusting the length of the radiator. We’ll also discuss how velocity factor affects the propagation speed of electromagnetic waves and how it can vary depending on the type of coating or material.

Then, we’ll dive into why height above ground affects the tune of an antenna.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ham radio operator, this video will provide valuable insights why adjustiung your antenna can be slightlly "weird" sometimes! Stay tuned and let’s dive into the world of antennas!

Callum.

DX Commander Youtube

11m / CB Radio: How Long Should My Coax Be?

Post author By admin
Post date March 5, 2023

Is it true that coax needs to be 18 feet – or multiples of 18 feet for your CB Radio? I’m going to address the myth about specific lengths of coax that some CB operators believe will magically match their antenna to their radio. We’ll explain why the impedance along the coax varies with frequency and length, and how a mismatch can cause losses and affect the SWR of your system. We’ll also give practical advice on how to properly match your antenna to your radio and minimize losses.

Callum.

DX Commander Youtube

Cheap Home Brew CB / 11m antennas for Attics and Lofts (also for 12m and 10m too)

Post author By admin
Post date March 4, 2023

Loft / Attic Home-Brew CB antennas. Three Rules: Needs to be compact, easy on the wallet (cheap!) and easy to construct and understand. I have built loft / attic antennas, both verticals and dipoles for 11m (10m actually) with varing success. Other ideas are Delta Loops, horizontal loops and also remember commercial mobile antennas can ideal for lofts and attics – you will need a bit of a ground plane though. Chicken wire or just regular wire can assist. Beware that loft antennas can sometimes sound noisy because they will be directly above all the electrics in the house. However, they are still cheap and fun to make. Good luck, Callum.

https://youtu.be/V8Qq4-0_TjQ – Tribander SkyLab Tribander
https://youtu.be/xfX_8rogur8 – Delta Loops