DX Commander Expedition Ham Radio Antenna Parks on the Air

[@arcsnsparks86]

My little one loved hearing himself. Thanks alot, 73 de WA4BRX

[@hamradiotube]

That was cool that you are getting him on the radio so young. Thanks for the QSL card too btw. I don't have any otherwise I would send one back.

[@KrypticPatriot]

Thank you for Carrying the freedom rig on your hip. 73

[@DaveW6OOD]

Packin' and POTA, a man after my own heart.

[@hamradiotube]

I just wish the ladies felt the same way lol!

[@pezz_pezzer]

@@hamradiotube open carry FTW, but open carry what the ladies like never worked for me either or maybe it's what I am packn' lol

[@panther7603]

“Packin and POTA. “ Just ran across your video. Subscribed now. Keep on keeping on! de: KO4DJT

[@timlarson7351]

What a domination. Cal is going to be busy keeping up with orders. The POTA Pileup!!

[@hamradiotube]

I had to edit so much out. The pileup was insane! Absolutely insane. And this was done on a Wednesday afternoon of all times. I would expect this on a Saturday morning but not on a Wednesday! Crushed it.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

Nice to have a pile up like that. Keeps you busy and makes it worth the trip. Gives you a buzz!

[@hamradiotube]

That pileup is just what I needed after weeks of not going portable.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

@@hamradiotube Yeah, you looked pumped and good go at POTA as well. Good video and including those that didn't object to being on the video was a good move. But why should they, if they transmit, they are to be heard anyway. Glad you found the antenna to your liking. Be interesting to see if it performs as well on another day that might not be so good for propagation. Just an experiment sort of thing. Great to see you enjoying the hobby on such a nice day.

[@hamradiotube]

@@BoB4jjjjs Someone else suggested qrp so I might give that a go. I don't actually ask people if I can use them in my videos though. This one just had so many viewers that I got to work I mostly included them.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

@@hamradiotube Yeah, I heard you say to some of them and the rest sort of knew they were going to be on it anyway. My point is that no one that knew you said "I don't want to be on your video" but I wouldn't have herd them anyway as I am sure you would have respected their wishes anyway. QRP/POTA, now that might be a challenge if it were 10 watts. I hope someone does something like that but low power. Hilltops on the Air 5 watts out the box. Macdonald's on the Air lol 5 watts out the box lol. Would we get them to sponsor it?

[@twovictorhamradio]

True to his word, Mike put our contact in his video. Thanks for the contact Mike!

[@hamradiotube]

It's getting to the point that all I can put in the videos are the viewers contacts. I can't leave you guys out. You are what make this channel possible. Thanks so much for being there! 73

[@1crazynordlander]

Thanks for uploading this video. I have been waiting to see what I sound like. 17:43 I will never speak on the air again. I was mobile in a small town in South Western MN. It was trap shooting night at the Canby Sportsman's Cub. Kevin KA0KAE Thanks for the contact!

[@hamradiotube]

Haha! You kinda sounded like a surfer! Thanks for the contact and hope you had fun trap shooting. I love doing that.

[@1crazynordlander]

@@hamradiotube Yes! Born in the late 50s I grew up in the 60s-70s man! No surf here in Minnesota...maybe Lake Superior but you would freeze to death!

[@pd1jdw630]

Very nice pile up you created there. 👍🏻 I had a blast watching this video.

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome, thank you! I had a blast making it.

[@rejphotography]

This was fun to watch. I have my DX Commander Signature 12.4 on order that I plan on using as my permanent base station antenna. I can’t wait to receive it. I may have to pick up an expedition for POTA. -73, KG5YMD

[@nigelg0cqz696]

Hi Mike,awesome video mate. Fellow DXC user and Callum fan boy. Had my DXC for 2 weeks now and can't believe how good it is. Very 1st contact on my maiden voyage was FR4 on 40m (Reunion Is), and many more since. Love the channel mate 👍

[@hamradiotube]

Thats awesome. I had a similar experience with my first contact. Got all the way to Cuba on 15 meters. 5000 miles away! Absolutely great antenna.

[@jmriello]

I thought you had me sold, but I really want to see you set that up and take it down

[@hamradiotube]

I doubt very highly I will do a video just on that. I will tell you that it is stupid easy and takes about 15 minutes to get setup and on the air.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

Here you go, the build (note): he already had radials built into the ground. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3bGY59ohcyJsK8

[@Locksnut]

Cal will have a hard time keeping up on sales after this! And who would give a single thumbs down on this? Jealous? Thanks for sharing your experience. 73 de N4WLC Bill

[@hamradiotube]

Let's hope so. He deserves it. He's an absolutely fantastic person, deserves all the best in the world, and one I'm happy to know. There's always the thumbs down guy, but down or up, KZbin still counts them as interaction so it's good either way.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

Thumbs down still works for views, up or down it still works for offering the video up to others.

[@Fix_n_Fly]

Great video. Building my dxc expedition and just ordered the battery from bioenno. Can’t wait for my first POTA. Just made extra and got my new call - W2FTR. 73

[@hamradiotube]

Thats awesome, congratulations. Hopefully you will have an even bigger pileup.

[@SevenFortyOne]

That is a fantastic antenna!

[@hamradiotube]

It really truly is. Thanks for the contact too.

[@w8natshenanigans705]

Great, another thing I'm gonna end up buying because it worked in one of your videos! :D

[@rodgermckeon]

Right!?! He's a budget buster, for sure!

[@hamradiotube]

Hey don't blame me, you keep watching. Maybe I'll have to put a warning on these videos they might be dangerous to your wallet haha! Thanks for being here. 73

[@jbgreer]

Took delivery of my DX Commander Expedition on Friday. Measure, cut & crimped wires that night and tuned today. Still need to adjust 17m and need to refine bandwidth on 10m. I really appreciate this video (and the 'other' Mike's - M0MSN) for showing the level of effort, the advice, and not being afraid to discuss mistakes. 73 de KO4BZD

[@hamradiotube]

Thats awesome to hear. You will love the antenna. Just take your time getting the bands tuned up. It's totally worth it. I can't tell you how many times I took mine up and down. I'd tape the element, put it back up, check the analyzer, take it down, untape it, trim a little, repeat... And now it works like a champ!

[@jbgreer]

@@hamradiotube For grins, try twisting a couple of wires sometime, like 17m & 40m. Your SWR meter will love it. I hear you on trying multiple times; I am on day 2 of tuning, mainly to see if I can reliably reassemble the antenna and get somewhere in the same ballpark for my SWRs on the bands. I'm tuning 10, 15, 17, 20 & 40. The Rig Expert Zoom-230's multi-SWR is an awesome feature. I'm well within tuning range of the ATU on my radio, but want to tweak further. Thanks again.

[@ItsTheAltitude]

Been watching your vid's for a few months (had to catch up!). Callum is a rockstar. Ordered my DX Commander Expedition (and an extra pole) 3 days ago - shipped 2 days ago - and delivered today! Insane shipping speed from England to Colorado. Keep up the awesome videos Mike and hopefully I can hunt you soon and perhaps you can hunt me - Wife and I want to activate all Colorado State parks this year... wish me luck!

[@hamradiotube]

Right on man. It's amazing how fast the antennas get delivered. It's like he hops in a plane and delivers them himself like DX Santa. Enjoy your awesome new antenna and I'll catch you on the air. 73

[@brodycolegrove8253]

I saw you on the spots, but I missed you by like 10 minutes. I'll get you next time. The DX Commander sounds like it is kicking butt! I love the 10m version I have

[@hamradiotube]

Absolutely banging antenna! There will be plenty more times. I'll be using this antenna and my own call sign for field day too.

[@CarlFiocca]

DX Commander for the win!!

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah but look at that hat though.

[@CarlFiocca]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF I noticed that. You wear it well!!!

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Cant beat full size elements Mike. No loading, traps, transformers of anything else to sap your RF. Great video.

[@hamradiotube]

Yep. Just pure RF bliss😎

[@brentOhlookAsnake]

My expedition will be here this week. I already had a expedition pole so now I’ll have 2 and use the second to bring the wire across for 80 meters

[@AndyWragg]

You sure have those wires dialled in Mike. Great stuff cant wait till I get mine.

[@hamradiotube]

Dude I spent so much time putting this antenna together and making it perfect. Totally worth it. I did cheat though, my first contact with it was to Cuba on 17 meters over 5000 miles away.

[@johnbenson786]

Looking great, love your video N8UNR here in Cincinnati, Ohio. Working on my general. Hope to be as good as you someday.

[@hamradiotube]

It is even better in person. Thanks for watching and good luck on the General. I'm sure you will be better. 73

[@johnbenson786]

@@hamradiotube thank you for the reply I really appreciate it, I'm not sure but are you packing ?

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Looks like a winner of an antenna.

[@hamradiotube]

It is absolutely a winner for sure.

[@mikes6844]

Don't forget to give a call out to those QRP stations, they'll really appreciate it during a pile up. Great to see you out and about. Thumbs up... 73 de M0AZE Mike

[@hamradiotube]

I thought they did qrp because it was a challenge. If I stopped just for them, wouldn't it take the fun out haha?! 73

[@Jonshome337]

Hey Mike from the UK! Love the channel! I have a DXC Classic as well as this one.- Awesome Antennas!! Now just waiting for his new 12m new project!! 73s

[@hamradiotube]

I know that 12 meter looks awesome. I don’t need it but I want it.

[@tixilx]

So this is Ham Radio .... You sit by a beautiful lake all tooled up .... peer into a laptop and work your way through a huge pile-up ... barely taking time to blink or breath as you gorge yourself on a diet of 5 by 9’s ..... Amazing Hobby !

[@hamradiotube]

Well, its more entertaining than your generic piano playing. Good job on the 13 views in 8 months though. I'm gonna guess that you're the sort of crotchety old man that tells people they're not "real hams" unless they do x, y, and z, and how the hobby is dying because of computers and digital modes and such?

[@Transmissions]

Cheers Mike! You killed it with that DX Commander. Waiting on my Bioenno 1220. Already bought the TIA 1000 + Portable Zero Rail kit for the 7300. Cant wait to get some POTA in out here in Maine. Thanks for the quick QSO in this vid! BJ / N1BJX

[@hamradiotube]

Right on man, sounds like you're gonna have all the kit you need to make it happen. 73

[@andy2E0JIU]

I have the same antenna and works great 👍👍👍

[@hamradiotube]

Great 👍

[@brentjohnson6654]

Thanks for another fantastic video! I just asked you in another video about the DX Commander and here you are using it. I am planning on getting one perhaps the classic. Haven’t decided. Thanks for your videos. You show excitement for this hobby. Well done!! 73!

[@hamradiotube]

You will not be let down. They are fantastic antennas.

[@k5edd128]

Fun video sir. Been watching Callum for a while and am intrigued by his DX Commander antenna. After watching your video it's pretty convincing it works. Never been much of a vertical antenna person, with all the headaches they were to build and tune, like the old hustlers and like antennas. But after watching Callum and his antenna it just makes sense fan dipole vertical 1/4 wave and radials. Better mouse trap. Joined you channel tonight and will be catching up on your videos over the next few days. Hope to catch you on the air. 73 Ed/ N.W. Arkansas

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Ed, and welcome to the channel. The DXC does take a bit of time to build and get perfectly in tune but I rather enjoy making antennas so I don't look at it as a chore. Just like building any other kit, its fun. And boy does it work!!

[@yv5emghamradio249]

Great!!, Congrats for sharing.Good Job . 73!.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. I had an absolute blast on every step of this antenna! It is fantastic.

[@happyhome41]

Love that shirt - I have one just like it. Swans are a nice touch. Appreciate exercise of first and second A. Would like to have had a short description of which bands you chose for your Expedition, and any comments about the thinner pole. Do appreciate the rhetorical question about 'how portable' - nice.

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

Chris in KY KY4CKP Here, glad the antenna worked out for you! I've really enjoyed mine here at the QTH. Thanks for another great POTA activation.

[@hamradiotube]

Hey Chris thanks a lot. I’m in love with these antennas now. Absolutely fantastic quality.

[@kazcat8096]

that dxc is outstanding well done of corse i know they work well nice video i am going to do some parks in the uk next year when its not so cold and my leg is better again chris

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah parks and cold don't work for me either haha! This antenna is in my top 2 portable antennas no doubt! Absolutely fantastic bit of kit. Hope you get out soon!

[@paulhastings3109]

Mike outstanding performance. Look forward for mine. Maybe you could do one on you build. 73 and you are doing to have a great field day

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Paul. I did 2 videos on the build before this one.

[@rw1033]

Couldn’t have had better weather the last few days. My scout troop does the Chief Pontiac Trail hike or canoe trip from Kensington to Proud lake every couple of years. I’ll have to pack a radio next time.

[@hamradiotube]

You should always have a radio with you. Plus you could get scouts on the air.

[@rw1033]

I certainly should. I will admit I’ve been a little inactive the last few years.

[@hamradiotube]

@@rw1033 Well hopefully we can change that.

[@josephvandyke2150]

Man that antenna does kick ass!!

[@hamradiotube]

Darn right it does. Takes names too (well, call signs).

[@joeblow8593]

You got contacts from California to PE Canada? I'm impressed...Nice going

[@hamradiotube]

I wish I could take the credit but its all the antenna.

[@thequarantinecatholic]

is that a lovely gen 3 19? you may enjoy the new ironside by trex. True Texas activation

[@hobie1dog]

I wish you would do a video on what is involved in the disassembly I assume that you have to take off the pieces of clear plastic tubing that is up on the top and then disconnect all the wires from the white plastic spreader plates and then be able to collapse the telescope sections back down then have to arrange all the wires in some kind of order to keep from having a big mess on your hands. Being disabled this looks like an antenna that is not going to work for me as I would have to get my wife to do ALL of the assembly and disassembly. but it sure makes it sound like it's tough antenna to beat with as much contacts as you made in an hour and a half, and saying that the first thing out of your mouth is "I'm using this on field day". so is this your best performing antenna that you have ever used? thanks for all your videos I'm enjoying them tremendously.

[@leeharrell67]

Wow! Very nice.

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rayhill7613]

I think I'll place one in my back yard (HOA). Put it up do a little DX and put it away. Great videos Mike. 73 KN6TUX

[@daveburtrum3700]

Just curious, what length ground radials and how many when you are doing POTA with the dxCommander?

[@hamradiotube]

I've got 20 radials that are 3.5 meters each per the instructions for the antenna.

[@marcushackney9046]

What Antenna Analyzer do you use Mike it looks so Portable ie Hand held !! Marcus in the UK .. Love your Channel by the way M7LKY

[@hamradiotube]

It is an MFJ-223. It does 160-6 meters. Thanks for watching! 73

[@jonthemon94]

Made the video! Hope you’re doing well man!

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks! You too!

[@mark002228]

Great video. Lots of fun. How long does the 20ah battery last with the 7300?

[@hamradiotube]

Longer than I do thats for sure. I think I used 7.6 amp hours on this activation in about an hour and a half. Understand that I was working a pileup the entire outing. If you are absolutely banging out the contacts like I was in this video, with a + - 50% duty cycle I would guess about 6 hours of operating time. I have never outlasted the battery, and the most I have used is around 10 amp hours (and activated 3 parks). It really depends on how much you are TX'ing. Just on RX the battery would last about 20 hours. I used this setup on field day with a 100 watt solar panel and was able to operate all day. When I got home I put the battery on the charger and it only took 2 amp MINUTES of charge before it was done!

[@mark002228]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF Thanks so much. I know that the time depends on duty cycle but I was just looking for an estimate. Never have been sure what size battery to buy. Thanks again for the input!

[@dwallich56]

@@hamradiotube 100 watt solar panel? Nice. Please make a video describing your solar panel set up, sources of products, and whether you need to use a charge controller. Thanks, Mike. PS - what did you do to attract the nay-sayers in these comments? ha ha

[@dwallich56]

Hey, Mike. Another good video. Thank you. Many of your operating videos show you alongside a lake. Beyond being gorgeously scenic, do you think that the water may help your antenna propagation? Were it salt ocean water, there would be no question about it's effect on the ground plane, but does fresh water have any kind of similar effect? Your signal reports in this vid are tremendous; could it just be the antenna construction? Your 20 ground radials may help some, too. Inquiring minds are inquiring. Thanx, again.

[@hamradiotube]

No, fresh water does nothing to the signal. It just looks pretty. As far as the signal reports, it's definitely the antenna all the way.

[@thedutydoctor]

Good job on the demo Mike - I have the DX - Commander and its a great antenna from W8BFO good luck 73s (Subscribed)

[@hamradiotube]

It is really great for sure. Thanks for the sub.

[@mikeramsey9747]

Impressive results. By the way have you done a video on adjusting your elements to your desired SWR?

[@hamradiotube]

This antenna is absolutely fantastic. I did 2 videos before this one showing the build.

[@FreeStuffGuy916]

Another great video, Mike. I need one of those for portable operations. What logging software are you using on your MBP?

[@hamradiotube]

I’m using a program called Aether.

[@claudem.p.7969]

You have a very nice set up. I am thinking of buying the antenna. Nice pistol. (we manufacture ammo....)

[@hamradiotube]

Nice on the ammo. That was my Glock 19 I was carrying that day. I HIGHLY recommend that antenna. 73

[@k2wo1]

Really a great video Mike. That DX Commander worked like a champ. How long would you say it took to set up in the park? Cal would be proud! Nice work. Best 73, George K2WO

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. It takes about 15 minutes to set up.

[@guitarsqld1963]

Mike love your videos !! If ok can I ask what is the brand and model of the portable antenna analyser you are using to SWR the antenna?

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks David, its the MFJ-223 analyzer.

[@Aussat]

Very cool as always.

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mikeraymond6822]

Dude great pota from gw4wve liking the vids

[@Superacerc]

I'll second the ability of the dx commander. I ran three parks in three days at just under 800 contacts with my dx commander. Il be on the air with it in a week for 5-7 parks worth of fun over a two week work trip.

[@marcinmichigan2772]

so are you doing half-assed CPL or half assed OC ? :)

[@hamradiotube]

Yes. Haha! I can do whatever I want. I have a CCW, but MI is an open carry state too. Doesn't matter to me. I've actually been open carrying more since the virus, you know, just as a deterrent.

[@douglasdreger3852]

Freedom must be great

[@thedutydoctor]

@Roger WilCo And here too in West Virginia W8BFO - whats up with this lot is everyone so freaked out over a side arm.. bout time we did more videos with open carry. I might even do one with my AR and my M&P - call it GUNS N ANTENNAS.

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

Callum, is about to get swamped!

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah I hope so. He deserves it.

[@DomingoRogersNC]

POTA-able...LOL I love it Mike!

[@hamradiotube]

I can't take credit but it is a great term. Steve K5ATA came up with it.

[@DomingoRogersNC]

@@hamradiotube Awesome! While I have your attention...Could you do a video or two on your mobile HF installation? I recently purchase a Toyota 4runner and am scouring the interwebs for info on mobile installations and would love to hear your thoughts on the topic! I don't see any video on your channel addressing this, but I did see in one of your videos that it appears that you have a screwdriver antenna mounted on the back passenger side of your sedan. 73 DE KE4NKY

[@hamradiotube]

@@DomingoRogersNC Well, the screwdriver on the back of my car is about as far as it gets. I don't really have a permanent setup in my car as I use my 891 for portable and mobile. I'll tell you its a Little Tarheel II 80-6M antenna. I honestly haven't used it a whole lot mobile as I have done almost zero grounding and bonding. I did use it a couple weeks ago for POTA and got all the way to the Northwest Territories of Canada so that was pretty cool. One of these days I do need to do a review of the antenna, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

[@DomingoRogersNC]

@@hamradiotube Believe it or not that is helpful. The more research I've been doing the more I am leaning towards a SHTF deployment kit that ties in nicely to POTA and overlanding. I'll probably pivot and focus more on a 70cm, 1.25m and 2m installation along with a GMR radio for the 4runner. Thanks so much for your feedback and keep making awesome videos. BTW I used to live up in Traverse City! 73

[@hamradiotube]

@@DomingoRogersNC Yeah my main goal with the mobile antenna wasn't to be driving down the street making contacts. Its more a "let me do a pota activation on my lunch break" kind of idea but would also be something of good use for SHTF. Its like a Wolf River Coils with a motor so I could deploy it out in the field on a tripod as well. Its pretty versatile. I would want a longer whip on it but other than that its been working great so far.

[@peterdekeles.]

Great series of videos. Is this the one...... DX Commander SOTA Tactical Travel EXPEDITION Antenna System

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Peter, yes that is the one.

[@peterdekeles.]

@@hamradiotube BBQ'in and watching the video again

[@yeater302]

What logging program on that MacBook Pro? I bit the bullet and purchased the Maclogger and it is great!

[@hamradiotube]

On my MacBook I use a program called Aether.

[@yeater302]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF I just started digital modes and MacLoggerDX integrates with WSJTX perfectly. It was pricey but it works flawlessly as Macs and Mac software always do!

[@bkudell]

Have you tried it with a QRP radio like the ic705? Thanks for the video. Learned a lot.

[@hamradiotube]

Not yet but I should one of these days. I'm sure it will be quite the performer at QRP as well.

[@bilymac2321]

Hey Mike, I think you just used the antenna for Field Day 2021, how did it work out for you?

[@hamradiotube]

It works fantastic every time I use it. It is one of my 2 favorite antennas that I own. The other is the PackTenna EFHW. If I’m doing portable radio, it’s prob going to be with one of those antennas.

[@bilymac2321]

@@hamradiotube I currently use the PackTenna EFHW for portable, and have George’s linked dipole on pre-order. I was looking for another option, and I guess this just might be it. 73 W6BKM

[@ac8xu]

What logging software are you using? Just curious. Thinking about activating Delaware Park here in central Ohio.

[@hamradiotube]

Its called HamLog. Now go activate that park!

[@harrisleck3960]

Great video Mike. Please describe your recording setup for receive and transmit. Also does the DX Commander fit into your backpack? 73 de K9RJ

[@hamradiotube]

I'm just using a lav mic to pick up the audio. The Rode Wireless Go with the Rode Lav to be specific. Yes the DX Commander fits into my backpack.

[@deenunya7735]

Sitting out in the Sun ,Playing Radio , Big Semi Auto on the Hip and a Ant that Pulls in better than a Magnet ,Cant get any Better Think Cal ought to set up a US Division of DX Comander Was it the Expedition Model ?

[@hamradiotube]

It really doesn't get any better does it? I think Cal already has a US division with these videos. Lots of great feedback. Yes this is the Expedition.

[@scotreece5795]

Mike what coax do you use portable, enjoy your via de KN4CBS SCOT REECE

[@hamradiotube]

Depends on what I grab, but it's one of 3 types that I use. Either RG8X, RG8U, or LMR 174 I think it is, the really thin stuff for qrp.

[@scotreece5795]

@@hamradiotube thanks Mike watching dx commander video 1 great info from you. Really enjoy your videos. Hopefully you can hear me on 20m sometime. de KN4CBS

[@thuff3207]

Nice antenna and just think if you were QRP it would have been even more fun.

[@hamradiotube]

Only if I got that many contacts. I have been quite successful with qrp though. Maybe I'll have to get out the X5105 and have a go.

[@williampeacock9473]

The antenna worked like a dream for you. I would love to have one myself. I want to see you use the Yaesu Ft-891 rig . I think it's a quality little radio myself. But I would say that I am a YAESU man . Maybe one day I can catch up with you on the air and have a QSO with you. Thanks again for your service to our great hobby. 73 AE4OY WILLIAM EM-81UF SOUTH East Georgia

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks William. I just took it out with the 891 a couple weeks ago. Worked like a champ.

[@jamescarroll6954]

You have probably answered this before, but what Mac logging program do you use? Thanks.

[@hamradiotube]

It’s called Aether.

[@jamescarroll6954]

@@hamradiotube Thanks!

[@mw7jlmhamradio114]

how long it takes from bag to transmit Mike ?

[@dwaynehoffmann8538]

Interested

[@hamradiotube]

about 15 minutes to setup the antenna and another couple to get the radio and coax pulled out and setup. Thats it.

[@ninomessina7773]

We hope you can make a video with the EXPEDITION AND THE XIEGU X5105 Thanks

[@hamradiotube]

I'm kinda thinking of doing some qrp with it. I might use the Recent RS-918 though just cuz I haven't taken that radio out in a while.

[@deanbrusky784]

I'd be interested in your power setting and your run time on the 20ah battery. Thinking about same battery for my 7300. AC9UL

[@hamradiotube]

I said it at the end of the video. Did you not watch the whole thing?? I was running 100 watts and used 6.8AH in an hour and a half. Battery life is going to vary greatly depending on how much you are transmitting. At the rate I was going I'd guess 4- 4 1/2 hours. I'll tell you I've never outlasted that battery.

[@deanbrusky784]

@@hamradiotube I did watch the entire video. My question was more along the lines of overall duration, which you guess would be approximately 4hrs. Thanks

[@jwerp0]

I have the traditional DX commander and have 40 ground radials that are all about 12 feet long. How many radials

[@jwerp0]

How many radials do you put out for POTA operation?

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@jwerp0 Inquiring minds want to know!

[@hamradiotube]

I’m using 20 3.5 meter radials per the instructions.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiotube How long did it take you to set the antenna up?

[@hamradiotube]

@@davidsradioroom9678 Takes me about 15 minutes.

[@cthoadmin7458]

Callum doesn’t need to do any marketing, what better ad for the DX Commander than this?

[@hamradiotube]

Well thank you so much. I'll be sure to tell him! Thanks for watching, now go buy one for yourself!!

[@1958johndeere620]

Dam, W1OPR and the Nutty NUG both worked you.

[@hamradiotube]

I get NUG all the time. Its like he's sitting by his radio waiting for me to call CQ lol!

[@claudem.p.7969]

I have a MacPro, for logging which software are you using.

[@hamradiotube]

It's called Aether. I did a video on it a while back and have since gotten the paid version. It's like $35.

[@richpaul6806]

Once you get that all set up and tuned, how long does it take to set back up the next time?

[@hamradiotube]

About 15 minutes. It's super easy.

[@richpaul6806]

@@hamradiotube thanks

[@Frisky0563]

wow Mike that's nuts! Looked like your enjoying yourself. I can't go out here in Chicago with the civil unrest situation now. Forest Preserves parking lots still closed here. I guess I need to be dropped off 73's How long did it take to assemble the DX Commander in the Field? 73's Don KC9DFK

[@hamradiotube]

Hopefully you can get out now. Parks here never closed. It takes about 15ish minutes to set up the antenna and get on the air.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Like a boss! CQ!

[@hamradiotube]

Thats just how I roll.

[@brentOhlookAsnake]

What’s all of the things plugged into the power distribution block

[@hamradiotube]

Just a radio, a voltage monitor and a usb charger.

[@jimbrown4135]

Is that the standard DX Commander?

[@hamradiotube]

No. Very similar though. Like the title of the video says it is the Expedition model. A few less bands and the mast is about half the size as the all band vertical when it’s collapsed.

[@dutchdrone1249]

Did you bring that firearm to shoot the Commander in case it didn't work? Just kidding! 😜 Just ordered me a DX Commander, I'm convinced it's the best bang for the buck. Thanks for taking us along on the DXC maiden voyage. 73

[@hamradiotube]

It's for social distancing. Hope you got the antenna by now. I know he's been on holiday for a while though. I do know you will absolutely love it however. 73

[@benmc1980]

What logging software are you using on the Mac?

[@topklassphotography]

he could be running windows on the Mac

[@hamradiotube]

Never.

[@hamradiotube]

I'm using a program called Aether.

[@benmc1980]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF sweet I will check that out. I use Maclogger in the shack but can’t find a way for it to play nice with POTA so I have just used HamLoger on my iPhone. However it doesn’t look the contacts up.

[@forgetyourlife]

"portable" in ham radio means, whatever fits in the trunk.

[@hamradiotube]

This all fits in my back pack.

[@dback4430]

Thanks for the video , I have the classic DX Commander , not the expedition , it will be ordered today . Great video. What logging software are you using ? 73 KC9WUV

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. I use an app on my iPad/iPhone called HamLog.

[@vandreiman1898]

What part of the country are you in

[@hamradiotube]

Michigan

[@FjHenderson]

I got a email from the club in Hillsdale county and there not having field day this year. I may just do it from home in clubs name as per the ARRL article on this year's field day event.

[@hamradiotube]

I'm doing field day with a few guys in my club at a park. Distancing won't be a problem.

[@richardwasielewski2369]

It still takes a lot of setting up

[@hamradiotube]

Not sure what you are basing that comment on, but it really doesn't take a lot of setup. Trust me, I kinda know my way around portable ops. Takes about 15 minutes to set up which is similar to other antennas I have.

[@lawrence3242]

Is that a pistol I see hanging on your belt? Probably not but what ever it is it looks like a pistol...

[@hamradiotube]

Well, if it looks like a pistol...It's prob a pistol.

[@kc5ril]

@@hamradiotube Looks like a Grock. Don't know if we can be friends now. *sad face*

[@hamradiotube]

@@kc5ril well get used to disappointment lol!

[@kc5ril]

@@hamradiotube bwahahaha!

[@Tallhorse89]

What is the dx made out of?

[@hamradiotube]

It's made out of awesomeness, wonderment, and a little sprinkle of fairy dust.

[@JimmyShot]

Awesomeness and a little British wit is in every box

[@ginagriffin1400]

Show us the computer program please….

[@1958johndeere620]

I was going to watch this video, then I saw a bad black full auto semi machine gun with a clipozene on your belt and got all kinds of upset. LOL. I missed your activation, but it was due to me working on my antenna setup so I bet you will excuse me. Cheers.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah they can be scary to the uninformed for sure haha! Don't forget the Kung Fu grip.

[@coffeecan7440]

You can carry in a park? N9aly

[@hamradiotube]

Indeed I can.

[@coffeecan7440]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF that is nice. We cannot in my state in parks or any government land/building. Some rules on that are not the best

[@shawnp6653]

Good video! Now I see why my friend likes his! PS - Hit all the buttons ;)

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks I appreciate that.

[@ll-bc7ou]

Is it me or the water is about to take you in turn around Mike lol.

[@hamradiotube]

The lake monster from Creep Show is about to get me!

[@ll-bc7ou]

@@hamradiotube you were into it making contacts , pile up king and iam looking at the water almost by your feet. Mike , Mike move the damn table lol.

[@timbuchanan959]

If you aim carefully, you'll be able to shoot the RF.

[@mark351]

So that's what I sound like on the other end. Maybe I should switch to CW.

[@hamradiotube]

I know, it's still hard to get used to my own voice when I edit these.

[@cliffbarrett9471]

OOPS, your not concealed anymore.lol ,would like to see that piece.

[@hamradiotube]

KZbin doesn't like that. It's a G19.