LCARA HAM Radio: DX Commander Signature 9 Antenna Build, Testing and Making Contacts!!!!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I need those wooden work-horses! PS - Hmm. Looks like you ran out of shock cord.. Drop me an email because I saw you were using some cable ties for an extension..

[@cobra1562]

Great video about a great antenna! I bought one of these when they first came out, and I actually got the first kit ever shipped. It's a great performer although I'm having trouble with the tune of 40/15. In my case I think the pole isn't extended quite enough (but as far as I can get it). Callum suggested rather than cutting the element, just make a little loop above the top of the pole. He also has instructions for tuning 40 and 15 separately on this antenna now by making a coil around the pole. But I'm very happy with this antenna and have gotten tons of DX in the short time I've used it. I'd highly recommend this as a solution for anyone that doesn't want to install guys. In KY I have decently heavy clay soil so I just packed the dirt back around the pole and it's survived several 40MPH wind storms without issue.

[@jonthebru]

This is an inspiring video. My DXC Classic has been up for a little more than a year and could use some light maintenance. I'll end up doing pretty much what you have done here, just taking it down setting it on horses and adjusting and probably replacing the bungie cord pieces. All told, it's an impressive antenna.

[@dondonaldson1684]

Excellent video. I like how you showed the relationship between 40m and 15m. A few inches removed affects 15 in an almost 3:1 ratio, so taking more off that element would improve 15 more, without hurting 40. As you deftly state, if you don't use 15, then your "leave it alone" logic works for 40m, especially FT8 and CW work, where reflected RF energy is unwanted. I love that Callum commented and is up to snuff on his customer base.😊😊

[@reallybadaim118]

Thanks for posting.

[@billpogachnik1735]

I wish that you showed the actual cutting to length and installing the elements. Other than that, I think it is one of the best videos regarding the signature 9!

[@RandyDRoberts1]

🎉🎉

[@didierpenchenat6494]

Have the Classic since 2020, changes the hose clamps by solid round shape half clamps (the clamps wil never catch the wires even with strong winds) and make the 2 first spreaders thicker, good video, 73's

[@travisdrake2940]

Question with your 40m element in the directions it says to put in a tension fold back, how did you do that?

[@benosborne6062]

Will this style of wire antenna work for 70 cm and 2 M?

[@edcozart9916]

I’m thinking about getting the sig 9 to take POTA when I activate I have 12.4 and love the antenna thanks for the video de W9US

[@johnm7723]

Ok, so its been 6 months, what do you think of it now. Would be really interested to read your comments. Thx

[@Proc3000]

Awesome video. I'm going between this and a hustler 6 btv. How does it hold up in wind? Also ....would a choke at the radio help some of that noise?

[@MrTommy001]

So what would you think could be the shortest I could go with for the length of the radials? Room (and backyard grass that has to be mowed weekly) are my problem(s). Btw, I see a lawn mower back there. How do you plan to mow over your radials?

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

Copper on the ground is what is most important. 16 radials of 16ft is a good compromise. If you need ti go shorter increase the number of radials. Maybe try 24 at 10ft? Over time the radials sink into the grass so mowing high for a while should work. Use yard staples to hold them down as well.

[@norbertstepien9185]

I'm curious why you didn't fix the bolts to the radial plate early on the in the process. The way you've done it here the threads are full of sand which is not ideal.

[@Redhawk03a]

How deep did you dig for that mast? Putting mine in...about 1/2 of the fiberglass mast into ground?

[@jacobmccallie9525]

How deep is half the mast. Nobody says.

[@Redhawk03a]

@@jacobmccallie9525 the fiberglass segment is about 4 feet long. I measured halfway and dug to that depth. Actually I installed a pvc pipe to that depth so I could remove the fiberglass as well as the mast if I need to completely hide the install site.

[@Redhawk03a]

Does signature 9 cover 17m and 10m as well?

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

Hey there! Yes, 17M and 10M are bands included. You can download the manual before you purchase to familiarize yourself with the installation and bands configured. Thanks for watching!

[@99Victor]

you didn't wrap your so239 in water-proof tape.

[@nazairetetreault2664]

Wish this antenna didnt need radials due to my small yard

[@MrTommy001]

Exactly my dilemma, only MY problem is that I have really nice grass in the backyard. That means grass-cutting weekly and the idea of picking up radials every time I want to mow is, well, deal-breaking I'm afraid Drat! This appears to be a great verticle antenna to go along with my 'long-wire' antenna.

[@roberthopkins8089]

we also also sometimes call a dude who is an idiot a spanner...