Category: DX Commander

Quick skim over building the Pre-Production Signature 9. The 10m element MIGHT change in the future, as an option to achieve very slightly better gain on 10m. Else, this is the cut chart:

If you are reading this line, then the User Guide is still under review – so run with these numbers please:

CUT CHART (that means *CUT* the wire to this length below – don’t ADD on the loops etc to the cut)

Band / Cut (in metres) [intermediate tensions use up this much in cm]

* 40 – 11.55m [there are two tension loops as discussed – they use up 10cm + 10cm]
* 30 – 7.94m [there are two tension loops as discussed – they use up 10cm + 10cm]
* 20 – 5.78m the foldback is 1.05m
* 17 – 3.96m assumes foldback is 6cm
* 15 – (as 40m)
* 12 – 2.83m assumes foldback is 6cm
* 10 – 2.5m assumes foldback is 6cm

To clarify: For instance with 40m, CUT to 11.55m. Same with 20m, just cut your wire to 5.78m. This caters for tension loops and foldbacks.

QRO: 10m foldback. See the User Guide for QRO modification on 10m band, ujsing a closed loop system.

I explore how I re-designed the CB / 11m SkyLab StarDuster and made a 15m / 12m and 10m high-gain powerhouse using the technique of off-centre-feeding, I show how I unlocked three-band performance from a single element. Discover how shared radials and element placement can make all the difference for any ham radio setup. Join me as I dive into the science behind off-centre-feeding and learn how to transform your antenna into a multi-band special! Don’t miss this exciting episode 🙂

More from this series
https://youtu.be/R2QNvcI08hU – The Design
https://youtu.be/V8Qq4-0_TjQ – The Build

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

Unlocking the secrets of walkie talkie and HT range testing with my latest video. Discover why these devices are mosttly reliable at under 500 metres, and how factors like a clear line of sight as well as elevation (say on a hilltop) can increase or degrade performance. Join us as we examine the science behind walkie talkie antenna gain, and see some real-time software modeling of range on a real map.

Featuring (Retevis RB639) – here’s Fred’s video: https://youtu.be/jJCW5Y8XzgE

Experience tells us that walkie talkies are mostly reliable at around 500 metres. However, sometimes you can get a greater range, for instance if you are in the clear or on top of a hill. We look at why this is, the software used to check the gain and we can even model the range over a live map. Tune in to understand.

The supplier tells me there is a deal here.. Here they are:
2 Pcs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BDR5XG63?maas=maas_adg_BE6878F5B1A200D1F6BECE0066CE7910_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas
4 Pcs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BDR7B4CV?maas=maas_adg_859E1348AA707250CD6165B81C07E077_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas
10 Pcs: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BDR8HQSJ?maas=maas_adg_AB6D41AF606952928FA229BAD8B32693_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

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

Today, I made some new radials and moved the Signature 9 antenna from its temporary tilt-over mast to its new home on the ground post. Slight tune required on some of the ham radio bands required due to the different ground conditions (100m wire -vs- 350m of wire radials for Signature 12.4). I will cover that in the user guide, don’t worry about it. But what do you think? Looks nice, eh? Callum.

The "Teaser" to the January 2023 end-fed experiment that achieved amazing results. Check out the full video https://youtu.be/bkXLJ-bslns

Antenna Success Story: The Experiment that Rocked my Ham Radio Receive!

Launch day is Friday 10th Feb. Delivery might take a few days because Wendy and Loki need to prep 50 x Signature 9 kits on Monday and Tuesday. So dispatch will start around 15th February. Phase 2 (production) launch will be about 3-4 weeks later. I need to get the plate drawings changed – just a couple of very minor adjustments. Overall, looking good. I’m pleased. Callum.

Ham Radio at it’s finest. Today we’re running on the new Signature 9 DX Commander antenna. Not quite sure what configuration it’ll be by Friday (!) but it’s all working now anyway..! Callum.

Short video just showing you how I have installed my ground post for the new Signature 9 antenna. This is how I do it – and it works with my soil BUT depending on soil type, you may prefer a quick bag of post-crete or similar. Callum.

This is my regular Ham Radio Friday slot. Join in the chat, give me a call – or just chill out and listen. Callum.

Get ready folks! The highly anticipated Non-Guyed DX Commander ham radio antenna is finally here! After 2 years of hard work, we’re excited to announce that it will be launching by the end of the 2nd week of February 2023. Watch the next video to see Callum putting the finishing touches on the design and installing it himself. This unguyed DX Commander is built to withstand tough storms and comes with a sturdy fiberglass ground post for permanent usage. Don’t miss out on this amazing creation! 73, Callum.