4 Year Rework on the DX Commander Classic

[@JunkyardPhysics]

I had to do a double take on your first picture. You have my lawn chair and saw horses. Your experience mirrors mine with the exception that I strung mine with wire from my salvage stock. Oklahoma wind dictates guy lines at third plate during stormy season. I have found that old bicycle inner tubes make great seals at the joints on the pole (also about 4 years old). I've used mine at our club field day several times and it has never failed to perform. The rest of the time it serves tuner free duty in the back yard. 73

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks Ken. The bicycle inner tubes is a great idea. I am having some issues with my Rapide and this seems just the trick. Thanks for watching.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Many happy years to come!

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks TO

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice job with the re-build Don 👍

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks Ape

[@AndyAAzeroAM]

I really like my classic too. Been up 2 years. When I first set it up I did it like they have the sig 9 now. last year I noticed I had the same water problem. Now I rest the whole antenna on a 3" Pvc coupler to keep it off the ground. I've been thinking of updating plates and clamps like you've done. Nice Job. I feel the same as well, Function over everything else!

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks Andy. I really like mine.

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

Very good overview on the rework on the antenna. Did a good job on what you did and how it works. You just need to get a new phone now so you can do those videos that this phone wouldn't do! Great job Don.

[@don_n5skt]

Yeah, I broke it but it is tied to my medical device and it is pain setting that up with a new phone.

[@AlvinMcManus]

I enjoyed this video because it is so honest and vulnerable. Well said and clean spoken. The new grey spreader plates should not breakdown like those earlier models did. My Classic kit (from Sept this year) was one of the new kits with the grey spreader plates and the nylon clamps. Very slick equipment package. I liked the clamps so much I ordered a bunch of the 15-50mm clamps direct from manufacturer.

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks. Now we can get parts and wire from DXE. I do like those clamps. I have a new expedition but not the new spreaders.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Don, Very detailed examination during the rebuild. Have no doubt you will get more than another 4 years. 🙂 73 WJ3U

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks Don

[@kevinkd9txitransmitindiana133]

Nice job on the video you always seem to remember to talk about the little things that no one ever thinks about until its to late to do anything about it. I hope to see more.

[@don_n5skt]

I think this one is important so people can see what can be done with the DX Commander system. That it will last the test of time.

[@JosephVE3GKT]

Good video Don! Those cracks in the plate look worse than you said they are, that's great to know. I've gotta keep my antennas off the ground most of the year (so verticals are out) but I look forward to putting up a DXC someday! 73 VE3GKT

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks Joseph

[@elberttanner6189]

Suggestion: for the plates, Krylon Flat Black plastic paint. A good UV barrier. Also, the damage to all of the plastic parts was most likely caused by UV damage rather than heat. Coat it with a barrier coat, I prefer the flat black, as it is the least visibly noticeable, in a few weeks anyone passing by will most likely forget that it is there.

[@don_n5skt]

On the old plates, heat had as much to do it. The new plates have that built in.

[@503Nick]

Well done. Appreciate the good info

[@don_n5skt]

Thanks Nick

[@AlvinMcManus]

Say, did that 2hr time frame also include detach/re-attach the radials??

[@don_n5skt]

It did.