DX Commander is EXPANDING - New Tower Project

We formally have the go-ahead for the new Antenna Field! Let's chat about progress on the Tower idea and the Cubical Quad antenna :) Callum.
• My Cheap 80 Foot (30m)... - This is the old tower project with falling derrick
• Cubical Quad Antennas,... - Original Cubical-Quad video

[@williambouchard4480]

You have a great landlord. Congratulations on doubling your space. Can't wait to see the new projects. N3EDO.

[@vicmiller7191]

How exciting lots of great changes coming out of the DXCommander enterprise. Thanks for sharing Callum 73 to you.... Vic de KE8JWE

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Cheers Vic!

[@brendanprunty7406]

Looking forward to seeing this project move forward!! Every success!!Good luck!!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks so much!

[@alansteiber3031]

That's a great idea and project. Hope all goes well with it as I am sure thinking it will be fun to use one. Looking forward to seeing the end result ❤

[@Chris_KI4WCO]

You can never have too much space. I can't wait to see the incredible developments. Actually going to get in the back lot this weekend and start working on the delta loop.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah great!

[@paulKJ5GKK]

Thanks Callum! A huge fan of your content. Learning so much from your channel. Can't wait to see what's next.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I appreciate that!

[@BrokenSignal]

Yes, been waiting on this! Can't wait to see what R&D comes out of this!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah, should be fun!

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

Awesome Stuff... looking forward to see this project move!

[@HamRadioDX]

Exciting project ahead Cal! Also…Edgar is a big lad!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah!

[@edk4590]

Sounds fabulous Cal, so happy that you got to expand. Quad sounds exciting. Can't wait to see its progress. Great to see your excitement again. All the best.

[@garryhammond3117]

I've heard very good things about cubical quads! - Good luck Callum. - Cheers!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Me too... We'll see :)

[@scottturobin-harrington4377]

Great to see you back and so enthused.

[@brianfields4479]

Nice project, mate and I, had a quad yonks back, think making the boom longer the impedece goes down. Don't need the height yagis need either. Moving the dirt is a good idea, as these days it's worth money. Got a quarter acre here, but ants fit into 7m x 3m area. Good luck.

[@stargazer7644]

How exciting! Good luck Callum

[@stuartlee8041]

I'm currently experiencing a visit from the Black Dog, knowing you've suffered the same misfortune in the past, and seeing you still so interested in your life, your hobby and your business, lifts my mood and reminds me I will regain my own spark, eventually...

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. Just remember that tomorrow might be a lot better..

[@WaterfallChaser-h2o]

Looks like they moved that dirt far away so you can easily go another 21 in the future!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHAHA!!!

[@thomasperina2990]

Hello Lord Callum: Thank you for some great news. I was wondering when you were getting around to build a quad antenna that isn't as flimsy as Lenox China. Many years ago I had stacked quads & I was so impressed with their performance but a terrible ice storm came through & that was the end of that project. God Bless you sir. + my best wishes to to Wendy and the dogs. TMP, Unit 22 in N.J.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. There are probably some "tricks" we need to make sure of..

[@codywrites]

Loved the ending shot! Sweet!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Awe yes!

[@hamradiotube]

That's awesome man, congratulations!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thank you so much 😀

[@VE1PS]

Callum, I've just been watching the past couple of videos on your channel and said to my YL that despite now having my callsigns for 25yrs, I learn so much and so well from you. I'd love to join your for your event in August but its a bit of a swim from VE1 land. Thank you, cheers and 73! PS, glasses are on your lid.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Indeed.. That would be a world record swim!

[@GharacDurac]

I've always wanted a multi-band Qubical Quad antenna for shortwave from 40m to 10m, maybe with the WARC bands, but building it myself was too much. I'm excited and will buy the antenna as soon as it's been finished! A dream for 25+ years.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah great!

[@donaldwaddel4600]

I don't remember the exact lengths of my 3 band 2 element "Spider Quad", but bamboo fishing poles worked so I'll guess about 12 feet which would be about 3 or four end sections of the Sig 9 pole. How much would eight of these 4 section fiberglass extendable poles cost? I already have the "Spider quad" center section and might build another 2x4 lean over tower this fall. Regards, N4SCP

[@DXCommanderHQ]

If you REALLY want to builkd a quad out of DX Commander poles, let me know and I can come up with a "box of 10" deal for you.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

A 160 sky loop. Would love to see you promote LowBand Cal would also ❤ to see sum tries at low band Dx. I ve got a Alpha77dx on my end with a balance fed doublet. Would also ❤ to see balance fed coax and how well it works without buying my own coax to verify 😬😉☺️

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Sorry.. Can't do balanced feed from shack to field..

[@gfodale]

I commented on the question of re-using the piece as a pattern, not knowing what it looked like. I brought up draft and shrinkage concerns. After seeing it though, I believe you could use the original as a pattern. If the new configuration does not pan out, keep the original piece in good condition, as it should not be a problem using it as the pattern. Shrinkage would not be an issue in this case. Congrats on the extended antenna farm. I'm old and slow now, but I still get things done. Wish I could lend a hand, but not going to try and swim the pond.... Enjoy the inbound party.

[@MattHeere]

I'm expanding too. Biscuits and beers and all. My middle age spread would pass for a royal state dinner!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Haha Matt!!!

[@davekettle6220]

i hope i will be coming i have booked my space im coming down from torquat really looking forward to seeing everyone dave

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yo Dave!

[@djfergiedmx]

Go On Cal! Want to know what this new software is too! Much love from up north yorkshire! M7JRF

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Soon.

[@robertmeyer4744]

Great landlord. Looking forward to some great videos. I would like a DX commander zipper case for carrying the 2024 Expedition antenna . Keep same green color ! just a idea for accessories . Cheers to all at DX commander !

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good thinking

[@karmicabundance9598]

24 year old ham enthusiast. Will definitely be saving up for a DX Commander Antenna!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes!

[@mully89]

Awesome news 👌

[@ArduinoAlan]

very exciting!

[@juraphotos7489]

Many years ago ( 38-40) years I made a cubical quad for 11 meters very similar to the one you where showing except where the spreaders attached I used angle iron stubs and u clamps to hold the spreaders in place The spreaders where ash broom shanks, between the tips of the driven element and the director tips I stretched Kevlar twin ( very low stretch dont use nylon twine) also stretched Kevlar twine between the tips diagonally on the emitter and also on the tips diagonally on the director this kept the quad very ridged and spacing exact and lasted many years it was a exceptional antenna

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah! Good news!

[@ve3pcp]

I picked up a Gem Quad from a SK estate a few years ago. It uses a similar spider in the middle but with short round stubs that the fiberglass spreaders slide on to and are held on with a gear clamp. I'll try to remember and send you some pictures when I have some time. By the way, those are cute little dump boxes..

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh yes.. If you have pictures!

[@JeffSkymaster]

Question? Where did you happen to find your glasses and looks like fun. 73

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Bathroom!

[@deankq4adj125]

Awesome news, it fills my heart to see good things happen to good people.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Awe thanks!!

[@ryank5tar]

Nice flying

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks ✌

[@Joe-KN4IFI]

Good luck Callum. Looking forward to see it all come together. 73 Little Joe

[@TFuzz58]

So Antennae Launch Complex 39A and 39B? Well done old man (we’re the same age by the way). I’m glad to see you found your glasses and I look forward to your work. If there was ever a great reason to come to England, your open house day would be it. Here’s wishing you all well from Moose Jaw. Tim VE5THF

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Top Banana Tim!!

[@414mike-uw8pr]

Stay focused my friend looks to me a lot of fun to come

[@M7BVV-Phil]

The question is...where the blooming hell were they, crotle, chortle. P.S.its a rhetorical question; Keep up the good work Callum.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Bathroom.. west-wing by the library...! LOL

[@M7BVV-Phil]

@@DXCommanderHQ Touché 🤣🤣🤣

[@bigfootape]

GEM quads had what you were describing where the fiberglass spreaders slotted onto the spider hub. The additional benefit was that element spacing was less for shorter wavelengths closer to the hub, so the multiband layout was close to optimal. SP3GEM was building clones, but I think he's doing standard yagis now.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah. OK..

[@morecambeanglersandtrawler1074]

Any room for all my antennas lol looks good cal

[@jackK5FIT]

Looking forward to seeing the new space and the new project. You always seem to come up with new and exciting stuff!

[@chrisg7veo495]

you look like the cat that got the cream now with all that extra antenna space!

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

JCB has a factory not far from where I live in coastal Georgia.

[@Ray_M0MXN]

Pukka 🎉 So what’s new to buy? 😅

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Not a lot right now :)

[@gtretroworld]

Looking forward to seeing the end result with the Quad. I would go with a bit longer boom to get a bit more front to back but still with the spider design. Check out WB9DLC Lightning Bolt build, I quite fancy building that but god knows how I would get away with it around here. haha. Brill video and happy new field.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, I will investigate every which way I can :)

[@K7TDM_Tyler]

That’s going to be a nice antenna farm! Looking forward to seeing that come together.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes mate.. Dratt.. I need to book that call with you! LOL

[@_N1PHR_]

Good luck, hope it turns out great. 73's N1PHR

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You and me both!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Cal and Wendy, That's great news. Is the quad going to be 5 bands 20 - 10m? Everyone there stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes Don.. Maybe 20-6. No reason why it couldn't do 40m I guess...!

[@DonDegidio]

@@DXCommanderHQ Hi Cal, It will get large adding 40m. You need spreaders at 10m in length. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@m0aze611]

I’m thrilled and excited at the same time. Seems only 5 minutes ago I had my DX Commander and a big bag of bits from you in Knowle. Fantastic mate. Regards Mike

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Goodness yes!

[@thork0tjt515]

This is exciting news! Can’t wait to watch the development! 73

[@ForgotMyParachute]

And there was me thinking it was an ancient burial mound full of gold artifacts.

[@RookieLock]

This is exciting! Looking forward to seeing more !

[@shaunimms5156]

Great to see things are progressing Cal. Makes a positive change from seeing some aspects of the ham community declining. Looking forward to seeing your setup on August 17th!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. should be fun!

[@somebodyelseful]

And there was me, wanting to claim the prize for finding your glasses.!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHA!!!

[@petergeorgew6208]

Excellent vlog, great information … wish you well with the project …Peter M0PGW

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Tnx Peter!

[@harrie1]

enjoy to the max

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Yes! Quads are awesome. Will it cover 20-6 or 40-6m?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Initially 20-6.. But no reason why can't extend to 40..

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@DXCommanderHQ I used one during the Queen's Jubilee special event station with my club, Burnham Beeches. I thought it was wonderful. My first time using one.

[@andy2E0JIU]

Great to see this moving along.cant wait for the next one cal.take care mate

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Tnx Andy!

[@Jim.Hummel]

Oh boy, this looks exciting!!

[@paulsengupta971]

1:23 - what's that, you just wanted a doublet?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

"double it"

[@paulsengupta971]

@@DXCommanderHQ 🙂

[@davenewmyer3735]

Wish you well !!

[@erpece]

Love the new stuff your working on!

[@JayN4GO]

67 ft tower. Perfect 👍🏿 congrats

[@jameski5oeb668]

Mark from cube X quads is a great ham!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Indeed!

[@delanododds3710]

I wish you well.

[@timgoad5750]

Congratulations on the increased acreage. The puppies will enjoy it.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh yes!

[@Capt_Duffy]

Hi Cal, I'm really excited to see lots of experimenting and learning coming up. I was losing my ham radio mojo, and you have successfully brought my interest back.😊 thoroughly excited..73

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ah great!

[@PhilON4VP]

Hi Calum, the spacing between the two elements of the Ultrabeam is 1,6 meters. I owned that antenna some years ago. I'm still in the progress to get my Signature 9 vertical but I'm afraid I need to wait untill spring next year. 73 Phil ON4VP

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Interesting.

[@migalito1955]

Cool beans.... Sounds like fun squared. Wish I could come to the opening, but my Australian Shepard does not have a passport & being a herding guy he never lets me out of his sight. So, we'll watch the video from the Catskill moutains of NY.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Hello Catskill!

[@michaelpolimer2128]

running a 4 el retangular alum quad on 6 meters.......at 40 ft it does very well at least at the level of a 5 el yagi, maybe a 6 el yagi in a much more compact package.....plus it looks cool! .. meteor scatter mornings on 50.145 SSB.........73 Mike K1FNX near Boston

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Woo-Hoo!

[@thormusique]

This is terrfic news, Cal! I've loved the idea of quads since I was a wee lad. Radio guys I knew were always talking about them as the Holy Grail of aerials. So I would dream of someday having enough space (and the wherewithal) to build one (or three). Can't wait to see what you come up with. Wish I could get back to Blighty to attend your Open House but at the moment it's not looking likely. But I do hope it all comes off beautifully. Cheers!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah thanks!!

[@pking147king6]

John is no dummy. He knows the good will engendered by prepping your expansion field for you will have wide ranging, long-term benefits that can’t be measured. What’s more, once Michael set the cone, John could see only half of the mound needed removing. That is one big bucket on his Kubota there. It has to be fun running that thing.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Secretly, I think they really enjoy those machines!

[@chrisvernon960]

Good for you and especially to John and his guys. Quads, great antenna as long as they are well made especially the wire elements. Chris VO1CH

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks 👍

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Beautiful earth mound... is it a Viking burial site?... 😂

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Now.. That's what we shall call it!!

[@la7dfa]

We used to have a boomless 2 ele quad at my club station in the 80's. Good performing antenna. Verticals on higher frequencies has their limitations compared to a beam in a tower.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yep!

[@jayswanson2634]

From Perrysburg ohio in the States, good for you on the expansion of the field. I wish I could come and visit you at your open house (as us uncultured Americans call it haha) But travel is not on the schedule this year.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Open House.. Yeah, that's very "American"! LOL

[@morecambeanglersandtrawler1074]

Your also one of the kindest men in this hobby thanks again loving my classic

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thank you kindly!

[@morecambeanglersandtrawler1074]

@@DXCommanderHQ no thankyou for sending me the plates wires etc to make up my classic. My granddaughter thought she had bought me the full antenna not just the pole thanks mark

[@TimGautier]

I've been loving my dxcommander expedition and starting to think I want a directional antenna now, so you developing one sounds like great idea!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

That's the plan!

[@MikeDent]

What a journey Cal! well done to everyone. Amazing work.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks a ton!

[@davidsheedy5793]

looks great...

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

👍👍👍

[@newsles2]

Great to hear and nice to see you back more regularly.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

More to come!

[@DonzLockz]

Brilliant, I wish I could visit one day. Well done Callum. :)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You should!

[@DonzLockz]

@DXCommanderHQ I'll definitely pop in when we make the trip to the UK. My wife is eager to visit after visiting our son in the States. :) Thnx Callum. ;)

[@DesertRatLife]

Flex it Edger! solid work

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHA

[@charlesi3284]

Good

[@FranciscoFlores-qh7hw]

Estimado. Son. Muy. Buenos. Sus. Videos. Y. Valiosos. Tengo. Que. Armar. Una. Torre. De. Radio. Saludos. Mr. Desde. Panama

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Sorry.. I only speak English and some French..

[@fm71450]

Dear Commander Callum, thank you for taking us along on this adventure! From the west side of the pond, we wish you well! My landlord (aka, wife) will endorse any new antenna ideas, if I just say “I was watching the DX Commander, and he said….” Best, KQ4IXD

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHA.. Prompt me what you need me to say - then we can can show her!

[@mcdonald1743]

Can you send me a free antenna? Please. Can't hurt to ask.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Maybe.. Depends where you like and what you need - and what your circumstances are. Email me?

[@mcdonald1743]

@@DXCommanderHQ that's a very kind answer. I was kind of joking. I will be buying something from you soon. Your kindness earned my business.

[@BigJohnsHamShack]

Wait... What is the new software?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I'll make a vid about it.. It's "commercial" but there's a free version with up to 50 connection points (I seem to remember).

[@gwlong]

Cal, you continue to amaze me! You keep this hobby exciting.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Tnx!!

[@James_Bowie]

Goggling around it seems that Chris G0ELO is alive and kicking and winning contests as recently as 2023.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. Chris and I did the "helping".. The OM we helped was very old!

[@James_Bowie]

@@DXCommanderHQ Thanks for the clarification. The way you said it in the earlier video sounded like Chris was the old boy.

[@eazystreet5507]

I own my own land but I still have a land LORD....my wife.

[@N0ZHE]

best of luck de N0ZHE

[@09keller]

Nice! K5TGS

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks!

[@fairlymajorstationno1298]

i wish you all the the best with the new adventure Callum very exciting keep up the good work de mi0tlg

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks, you too!

[@fairlymajorstationno1298]

Dont forget the loop PLEASE put up a big LOOP de mi0tlg william

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHA William!