How To Build DX Commander Signature 12.4

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

Need to make sure Dave sees this before he purchases the 12.4 LOL... Great job, will be ordering my next month!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

John, if he does order, be assured I'll print all 18 pages off and hand-sign them :)

[@jaraff]

Thanks Callum my 12.4 is scheduled to be dropped off today!! I can’t wait!! Thanks for everything!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I must thank Loki and Wendy for making sure everything (bar the latest batch) was shipped. So all the "Pre-Orders" have now been shipped - as well as most of the later ones (after the first 50).

[@Father4ev3r]

Good day Callum... I know it would be a huge effort, but IMHO, physically demonstrating the whole wiring process for the 80m would do wonders for us noobies! LOVE your products, fantastic engineering!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Erm.. Yes OK. I like that.

[@N4XTL]

I already own a Classic and an Expedition, but I'm trying very hard to think of a justification for ordering a Signature. :) I love my DX Commanders!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHA Dan.. You're fine.. With this, you will only (really) get better DX on 80m and perhaps 30m (both at the same time).

[@piquat1]

Didn't know it comes with enough wire for the ground radials too. Nice. I almost bought some. Solid user guide as well, looks very thorough. Enjoy your vacation!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yep, you get the lot. nearly $150 worth of nice ground radials there.. You have the best value antenna in the world!

[@HamRadioDX]

Great video Cal! This antenna looks awesome! The tape measure advice is sound - get one in centimetres... will never look back

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Exactly! :)

[@ChipEckardt]

Good tips. Mine is going together really well. But I had already built a Classic. Thanks for high quality work!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes OK Chip. If you are already a Classic builder, this should be a breeze..

[@dback4430]

Good to hear as this will replace my classic.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Subtitles are switched now.. KZbin was dragging their heels on this one.

[@edcozart9916]

thanks for the main pointers Callum mine showed up today and going together great so far enjoy your weekend and thanks as always W9US

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Fantastic!

[@Ray_M0MXN]

Thanks Cal, mine arrived yesterday so build starts tomorrow! Enjoy you break 👌

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Brilliant Ray!!

[@edk4590]

As always Cal very helpful to your customers.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Great to hear!

[@HamRadio200]

Put mine up today and began the tedious process of tuning. The wind did throw some curves my way. First, if your analyzer shows a sawtooth pattern it means that element is flapping too much in the wind. Second, on the 80m element, make sure the element does not wrap around and contact the 40m element. Tape it down. Third, when tuning the 10m &12m element, adjust the fold back, which essentially lengthens or shortens the element. No need to cut these elements. Fourth , on 30m, just be content with whatever SWR you get. Mine is 2:1. Adjusting the 80m to obtain any better match on 30m will drive you mad. Over all it took me way longer to tune than I originally hoped for. The original lengths suggested in the manual are pretty close for most elements.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK.. Yes wind blowing whilst tuning is not pleasant. But once tight on the elements you should have a lot less saw tooth.

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

Enjoy the Holiday!!!! Safe travels...

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thank you! Will do!

[@DonzLockz]

Hope to get one someday. Everyone loves your antenna's, thats all I need to know. ;)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good plan!

[@HamRadio200]

when you're measuring for the 80m coil, do you measure from the ground/bottom of mast or from the driven plate?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Driven. Good question.

[@andylinton2798]

Do you have a photo, or is it shown in a vid, how you dealt with the ground plate and connection to the radiating plate with your hinge mech? Do you have a separate ground plate for the radials, connected to the supplied ground plate?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I run 4 small braided copper leads from ground plate to ground plate..

[@andylinton2798]

@@DXCommanderHQ ah I see. That’s what I’ll do then. I have an innovative hinge design I will shed when completed next week.

[@Jim.Hummel]

Enjoy your time in Cornwall...you definitely deserve it!!!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Tnx!

[@HamRadio200]

Just waiting for mine to arrive. I ordered mine this week.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Dispatch will be next week.. Loki cleared everything down up until last Monday..

[@dback4430]

FedEx delivered mine today. Perfect timing.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It's been a rush to bring eveything together before our holiday! Enjoy and take your time :)

[@ActinOut]

The discord seems to not be available anymore as the address does't work. I upgraded to the 12.4 from the signature 9 and am currently working on the build. I bought it from Dx Engineering. Not sure if these are still supposed to include tape & the zip ties... mine did not. If so, no worries, ive got some. Just thought you might want to be aware in case they were supposed to be in there. I did find a way to make adaptations to the sig 9 ground support post to hold the sig 12.4. Generally, I wrapped some cardboard strips around the post near the top and just above where the base of the antenna sits & then wrapped electrical tape over, above & below the wrapped cardboard to get the right thickness. Its working good so far because it adds just a bit of firm cushion as well for as the antenna flexes with wind. I did notice in the instructions that the US conversions are blank for the 15, 12 and 10m cut lenths. I just converted the given metric and went with that. Hopefully theres no probs with that? After I get it finised maybe I'll post more info on the setup, including the tilt base and sig 9 support pole adaptations for fitting with the 12.4. K7aio

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Probably an old link... This one works.. discord.gg/9b7GNtzggc

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Check user guide. No zip ties required.. Check out the clamps you get in the kit.

[@ActinOut]

@m0mcx these discord threads keep shutting down on me. The dxcommander thread is no longer working even if I directly type in the invite you sent. It's just shut down & says there's no text channels. If I try to reroute to the channel through notifications, it says I'm not allowed access to it.

[@gaptastic]

I still have yet to build my dx classic I got last year. It's been hanging ou ti the garage loft for the past summer and winter. It's gonna happen this season. This antenna seems more complicated for a newbie like me. I'm sure the classic will challenge me as well, BUT I look forward to the contacts!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh man DO IT.. It's easy. I made a video about it. Just get it out the box and start to enjoy the process :)

[@W9HJBill]

Timely. The XYL just called me and said "You got 2 packages from the UK ... 1 heavy and 1 long box". I wonder what they could be? 😁❤️👍

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Woo-Hoo!!!

[@W9HJBill]

@@DXCommanderHQ OMG this antenna his big! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6qlqoejas-bqpY

[@GeneMancebo]

Good Day Callum, The first of 2 packages arrived and I assume the second will arrive today to complete my Signature 12.4 order. I noticed comments on your website regarding the 6 meter and 11 meter bands, but no specific info in the instructions regarding these two bands. I plan to make an 11 meter element to compare to a standard elevated ground plane and then decide if I keep it on the DX Commander 12.4 or not. I understand the 11 meter element will replace either the 10 or 12 meter elements. What about the 6 meter element? Any information would greatly be appreciated including element length, foldback and placement on the plates. I really enjoy your videos and excited to get this up. I have a very challenging yard and city ordinances. This fits the bill. Thanks again for all you do!!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Gene.. I never nailed 6m and actually I need to do more R&D.. My thoughts were to get 40m and 15m on the same element to free up a slot then build a 3/4 wave for 6m. It should end up being ABOUT 4.16m long. Probably shorter. For 11m I would remove 12m and make it very slightly smaller. Roughly half way between the 2 existing elements. Hopefully your box turned up. They are designed to be shipped together. Loki can assist if it’s gone AWOL.

[@GeneMancebo]

Thanks Callum. I haven't received the pole yet. Seems they are sorting it out at the shipping terminal in Stockton, CA. Appreciate the quick response. I'll sit tight until you do a bit more R&D. In the mean time, I might just make up the elements and exchange them for now so I can play with the different bands. Let me know if you think there might be harmonics that may cause issues with tuning. Make it a great day!!! thanks again@@DXCommanderHQ

[@ianxfs]

Enjoy yer jollies Callum. Well-earned rest 🍦🍹 🏖👍🏻

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Tnx mate!

[@markramsay6399]

Great stuff. Despite my promise I never got into the top 50 (or maybe 100!!). Love my DX classic, and the 12.4 is on my list. Just a lot of day job work to complete and I want to spend some quality time setting this up. Mark., 2E0MSR.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Rock on!

[@HamRadio200]

For two days in a row the section below the 3rd guy has slipped. I have re-extended, re-taped and even replaced the hose clamp because i stripped out the first one trying to tighten it up. Problem is, the joint slips when the wind blows hard and it's hot outside. What are your recommendations to secure the joints? We have really constant winds of 15-20mph most days and gust from 30-40mph and maybe higher if we have storms. the top guy could be loosened just a little to reduce the downforce, but.. the wind is so crazy here if i loosen it much more, one gust might just blow it over. I do have it guyed on the 1, 2 and 3rd spreader.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK.. Remove the tape and clean off the residue - then apply the clamp. Then it can't slip. I am guessing it's hot where you are. I will change the user-guide. Also see the support forum over at discord.io/dxcommander. Or email us friend. This will work, I assure you..

[@martinsmith2984]

Not fit for purpose.. Waste of money...

[@zunar_j5_933]

Just got the Signature 12.4 in today, was a bit confused as the antenna can rest on the ground? Can I use a ground post to ease the install?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Sure. I have a small ground post and a hinge.. Up and down :)

[@Redhawk03a]

Hi Callum! Anyway to back order the 12.4?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

They are on the ship!

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

May I ask the diameter of the loaded plate? Thanks Callum!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

12.4? ID or OD? You had better email me..

[@jamesm4603]

2 questions first is what is the max wind speed the Signature can handle number 2 I live 7500' above sea level what do you think the durability would be at my altitude? I live in New Mexico USA we had a wildfire that has damaged our trees that support my ZS6BKW so I'm looking at the DX Commander signature 12.4. PS: I love your videos 73 KG5LTL

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Well, I have personally witnessed 50 MPH gusts with a single guy point. I would have thought 80-mph would work BUT that assumes some reasonable guying. Behond that, trees come down, roofs blow off etc.

[@jamesm4603]

@@DXCommanderHQ thanks springtime it is not unusual for us to get 60 to 70 mph winds for days. I would guy at 2 to 3 along the length. I’ll be ordering this week or next. KG5LTL

[@VitalLuyten]

Enjoy your Holiday in Cornwall, you deserved it! 😎

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks Vital!

[@HamRadio200]

What is the power handling capabilities of this antenna?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

1,500W. One customer has tested to 4kW CW

[@temporarilyoffline]

This is good stuff!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Enjoy your well earned vacation!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks Steve..

[@mikedrake5738]

I’m sooooo close to ordering one of these antennas Cal, only issue is the radials. I can only slope them down one side of the antenna, would only be able to install about 25-30 or so on one side going down the hill on my small lot. I’m wondering how well it would work…KC2PLJ

[@M0RMY]

This is a really common question on the discord channel. Lots of people have done this with little to no problem. It will (very) slightly skew the RF pattern but hardly noticeable.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Hiya Mike. As Tom says, most people do not even notice once they have installed. I didn't.. I ran ONLY 35 radials in 180 degree arc of about 10 feet long. And I was crossing the atlantic on 80m(!) which was the opposite direction of the radials. Surprised even me.

[@mikedrake5738]

@@DXCommanderHQ Thanks for the prompt response! That’s amazing on 80 meters. Will be ordering one soon!

[@ActinOut]

All of the bands on my sig 12 are looking great except for the 10. Ive been able to get the lowest swr to be in the middle of the band at 29., but the swr for this is high at 2. 2/3 of the band is sitting above 3. Shortening the antenna by increasing the foldback had little effect. Biggest impact was folding back 20 cm of the end of the foldback. This got me centered in the band for 2 swr at 29.0, but I cant figure out how to get the entire 10m band to get below 3 swr. All the adjustments ive done is only moving the lowest swr up or down the frequency range, but not lowering the actual swr levels for the overall band. How do i get the swr for the whole band to lower swr #'s? The manual seems to just suggest changing the swr by shortening or lengthening the foldback. Havent been able to find anything on this in discord.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK.. COmpletely disconnect 10m band and tape the fork connectopr out the way and re-measure.. I have a feeling you are measuring a harmonic from somewhere else.. Once you can identify where 10m is working, you should be able to adjust and find it.. You can even temporarily disconnect ALL the other elements and search for the 10m element. It will be there somewhere.. Then add one element at a time and track it down..

[@ActinOut]

@m0mcx so my Radio finally showed up. Yaesu ft991a. In comparing the swr on the radio when scanning the bands, I largely got completely different swr readings than I did on my antenna analyzer. For the analyzer I've been using a NANO vna. So now I'm questioning my NANO vna results and wondering if I need to just get a Rig Expert analyzer.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

@@ActinOut We've had this before.. It'll always be better anyway at the shack end due to loss on the coax.. hides most of our mistakes!! LOL

[@ActinOut]

@m0mcx hmm. Antenna analysis for both my radio & the analyzer were taken from the end of the coax in the shop. I wanted to go straight to the end in effort to know what I would get where the radio would be. But yes, if the original measurements were taken directly at the antenna, coax loss at the radio end would influence the results for sure.

[@Dennis35793]

How do you make a stoper knot?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Page 10 here: www.m0mcx.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/12.4m_sig_user_guide.pdf (or google it)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Or here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6PLm2WtobyNrZY

[@lowcountryhdrider7644]

Enjoy your time away. 73, WB4HAM

[@emoisit]

"Unless you're 9" hahahahaha. That's great. Good laugh.

[@paulhastings3109]

NowI have get my bucket kit togther KQ4CD Paul

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Great!

[@VantasnerMeridian]

Have a grand vacation

[@richarde735]

he goes on Holiday with his Al You Minnie Um

[@JasonPullara]

How to assemble: glue things together with some wire until you can piss off people on nets.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHAHA

[@richarde735]

first

[@tomplaner1488]

I just ordered one of these 12.4 units from DX Engineering. Tom KJ9P

[@DXCommanderHQ]

FAB!!