Melting the Yagi - Full QRO Test - new Tower and YAGI Antenna

24-Hour Stress Testing 2-Stations, the new Yagi and the new Band-Pass filters. 20m is currently on this antenna: yagi:
• Home Brew 20m Monoband...
Last time out, we had a successful first lift and have had it guyed and upright for a week before fitting the control cables for the rotator.
Before that, we broke the Create Rotator. We fished out the Yaesu G-450 and did a successful "launch" with a 6:1 pulley.
This is a 12m tower project for an HF Yagi / Quad etc. long story.. BUT the guy points are dual-use as both a 40m 4-Square switchable antenna array - as well as the tower. ALl lines will be replaced with Dyneema after we've sorted it all out.
There will be 4 vertical antennas coming off each guy point. Accuracy is mandatory for both the 4-square (impedance matching and gain etc) and you'll see shortly in another video why they need to be spot on because when we move to a non-stretch Dyneema rope, all 4-guys need to have same tension when the tower is lowered and raised.
Further, the tower needs to be totally detuned from 40m so we have a fibreglass insulator to change the resonance to around 9MHz. We COULD add a further insulator above the rotator to move that to about 24MHz. More of that in later video. There will be a temporary yagi going up on the top of this tower which will give me time to develop the multi-band quad antenna.
The G-450 rotator will eventually have be replaced. The vertical force specification on the G450 is 200Kg. I broke the Create RC5-1 which had double that. There are no sideways loads on the base of the tower so I only need to worry about vertical loads.
The start of the construction is here: • Building the Antenna M...
"Part 1" is this one • 40 ft / 12m Tower Proj...
The "disaster" video is here: • Tower Project - Disast...
We covered the planning of this tower on a previous video: • Cheap Tilt-Over Tower ...
We also made a video about Quads - which is the target of this tower: • Cubical Quad Antennas,...
And here is some information about 4-Square antennas which will surround the tower (tower will be de-tuned off 40m): • How does a 4-Square An...
Next video in this series is the full-blown QRO test.
Finally, we will lay the radials down for the 4-square and connect up the control box.
Enjoy. And Subscribe you b*ggers! Or even just give me a nice comment!!

[@alanslade2319]

Playing catch up and wow that's amazing great to watch and listen to the end of the earth. Cheers Callum , 👍

[@richb.4374]

Very nice array Cal, you're going to have a blast working the world on those antenna's.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I hope so!

[@N4XLD1]

Confirmed !

[@kt4kb_Jon]

Wonderful video.....wait that was my callsign......WOW

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHA!!

[@MagicRichC]

These shorts clips are professional, even my wife asked me what was I watching.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Haha.. Apparently some wives actually watch my stuff.. Probably to laugh at Mike!

[@mikeerstad3705]

Looking forward to the test results......

[@yotubeurk]

You did an excellent job Cal

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Just about!

[@loughkb]

Very nice. And with all that work you put into it, I hope you have plenty of fun with it and I know you will.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thank you, I will. Good luck old friend.. LOVELY to see you in the comments Kevin!

[@JayN4GO]

Beams are a completely different beast.

[@jackK5FIT]

I still love that chair. Don't change it!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Never!

[@andye2005]

You still get some reasonable feedback with a hand operated winch, I only lift a single pole and antenna set, and the feedback is still very good. Andy

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. but not electric.. Let's prove it all first..

[@DG3ACM-Marc]

Cal you really should fire up an Amateur Radio Comedy Channel. Everytime you have the chance to add Mike to your brilliant videos I am close to a 360° smile! 😂 Guys go on like this!! siebzig Bäume! Marc

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah, he's a diamond.. Trouble is, I need to throw away 2-hours of video! LOL

[@zero_G.0]

Thanks Cal for always sharing your builds activities, it’s so inspiring and encouraging to this great vast hobby. I love watching your ideas whilst building my station, gives one good ideas and it’s all about having fun, especially when Mike is about with his crazy shenanigans 😂 brilliant 73s Geoff VK3GBE

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes Geoff.. Shenanigans !

[@M7XCB]

Great work you've put into it fantastic results.

[@stevensexton4315]

Great video love the beam well done chaps

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks 👍

[@Hungry_Hunter]

Very informative and entertaining as per usual.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks again!

[@ronleblanc9832]

Super working great.. and you guys eat well love it

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes, thank you

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Nice addition to the farm!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes indeed!

[@gtretroworld]

I’ve enjoyed this series, great fun and just the right amount of tomfoolery to keep me engaged. 😂

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@M0JSX]

It was such a fun weekend Cal. Let’s do it again soon! Well done mate!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Top banana komrade!

[@CD-W0DOS]

It was cool talking to you that night Jon!

[@fairlymajorstationno1298]

GREAT KEEP THEM COMING YAGI BRILL

[@davidjohnson7613]

Great to watch you as always

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thank you kindly

[@brendanwebb4600]

Absolutely fantastic build series Cal.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Great fun.. Next up, improve the tower / mast, camera angle(!) and maybe a 3-element yagi for the winter months.. Then QUAD time :) [oh.. and making the 4-square work!]

[@brendanwebb4600]

@DXCommanderHQ I am very interested in the quad build. Moxon for 20m will be my winter project. 73s and looking forward to the test.

[@ham-radio]

Very interesting video and fun to watch. As usual great production quality; good job. For me the long path is slightly different from 180 degrees. Europe is roughly 30 degrees from here using true north of course. Long path is about 230 and not 210 as you might think. The window to EU long path can be brief but very good. My first time on long path was 1965 and because I was totally blocked going short path. After I am healed a little more and able to walk better unassisted I hope to work you on 20 meters both SP and LP. 73, Jim W6LG

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes Jim.. I even spotted that this morning.. Let's hook up soon!

[@n4gix]

Jim, I read your biography at QRZ and am so sorry that you had to go through so many health struggles. While I've had my health issues as well, which is not to be unexpected at 76, I am grateful for each new day. I am seriously impressed with your shack photo! 73 de N9GIX.

[@n4gix]

I concur with @ham-radio's comments. I noticed that the yagi was not quite perpendicular to the mast, but I suspect you too noticed that as well. I am looking forward to seeing if my pitiful station can reach across the pond, but I would be astonished if it does. Hot Springs, Arkansas is pretty long distance, and a simple G5RV in an inverted V isn't the greatest antenna for such a contact! 73, Bill N9GIX

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I copied a VK station on 40W yesterday. That's pretty good DX for me. You are closer.

[@dennisAD9WM]

Don't count it out- I made contact with Cal on an OCFD in a tree on 100w a while back. From St Louis area.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

We have tried to fry it and impedance seems OK still...!

[@DK5ONV]

Damn... Uncle Roly has a booming Audio coming from ZL 😍

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Strong, yes!

[@etxfire]

Let me begin by saying that I have not gone through all of the comments.... But, what about using a heavy-duty linear actuator for raising/lowering the mast? Might be something to look into. Thanks for all that you do for the community, Cal!!! Love the videos!! Stay safe my friend and have a wonderful day!! 73 de N5BIG, Curtis in Winnsboro, TX (EM22).

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. Long story.. I appreciate you've not read the pionned comment or read description.. Frankly I can't blame you either! Winch.. Possibly electric.

[@gwlong]

Watching this is so much fun, especially the long path, over-the-pole, VK/ZL contacts. Now, you have me thinking. Even though I don't have the "real estate" here in Northern Florida for a 20m Yagi, I have examined the situation and believe a 10m Yagi could fit in addition to the current DX Commander Classic. Oh, my! Another great adventure? 😁

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Go for it!

[@ve3pcp]

Callum, as you may recall we ran simultaneous livestreams on December 12, 2023 when you operated thru my remote station as VA3XXT.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh yes!

[@ve3pcp]

@DXCommanderHQ We are doing it again this year but hopefully with all youth operators from our group and some young military signal operators as well that worked with us for Noble Skywave Military International HF Championship a few weeks ago.

[@TrzCharlie]

What a great thing you've done building that yagi....wonderful to hear it works so well. I envy you. N7OMI

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I love it! .. and thanks!

[@101jumpit]

Get a 120 foot tower up Cal.Make your station into a super station where all the DX'ers want to be :)

[@kenmartin1211]

Absolutely Stunning! This has worked out Perfect! Allot New for DX Commander ! Enjoyed watching this take shape Thank You 73 KC3ZDW

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thank you very much!

[@MrStangman1]

Works great mate.......with regards to coax, what is your coax length from the radio room to the new beam ?...Thx Cal,Mark m0mco

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Hiya Mark.. We worked it out at 95m in total.. I've spoken to Stefano at Messie & Paoloni and he's gifting me some fancy stuff so that on 10m, loss will be 1.5dB, 20m would be just under 1dB (assuming excellent connectors and pigtails etc). Using RG213 (for instance) would double the loss to about 3.5dB on 28MHz.. However, any good 10mm coax above RG213 should work OK.. PS RG58 would have 6dB loss! PPS Just for fun, 100W into RG58 at 144 MHz (on a 100m run) would deliver 7W to the antenna :)

[@garyh8315]

That is blooming fantastic. When are you going to go into the contests? PS, Well done

[@DXCommanderHQ]

We still need more options and 160m.. Hoping to be sorted for CQ WPX as a multi-2

[@jolebole-yt]

Hey Calum. Excellent video as always. How much power are you sending tru that 18ga DX10 wire on the Yagi? And are you planning to bump it to a larger wire for more power when all is set and done?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

In previous tests, that wire will handle full legal limit, key down for as long as you want UNLESS you start making tight coils etc.

[@thatdanhill]

So awesome Cal! Can't wait to work you on 20m one of these days next time you're beaming VK. :) 73 - VK4DNO :)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Maybe this Friday morning, your evening..?

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

If you can market a "Mike, The Talking Rotator," I'll be first in line to buy one! LOL

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHA

[@DK5ONV]

💥Boombastic....😲💯👍

[@Lafri1]

Great Job and funny Video! Enjoyed it and lol often ! Do a qrp test too pse. When I am back from Hospital I will also work on a beam 🫵

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Do it :)

[@Shep5847]

Where do you get those thrust bearings with guy points? I can’t seem to find them in google… 🤷‍♂️

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Just search "Yaesu Thrust Bearing". You'll track it down.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

PS - they do the GS-050 and GS065. These are 65's.

[@normandomarcolongo7438]

Cal, wouldn't it be nice to discuss antenna beaming strategies? I've never been in a position to understand how, especially in a contest, you should react to propagation changes and the sun doing its thing! By the way, that was a very entertaining video!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It would.. For a single op, you need a day strategy.. WHich band, when and where. I will put something together over the winter.

[@normandomarcolongo7438]

@@DXCommanderHQ Thanks! Looking forward to that!

[@SA6PWS]

Hello, nice movie. I have a question - what programs do you use?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Programs.. For editing? Davinci Studio.

[@PrzemyslawStachowski]

Thanks for Yours answer.. And programs för ham radio?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Mostly N1MM Logger.

[@PrzemyslawStachowski]

Great antennas and great channel! Thanks for the knowledge :)

[@warrenphillips69]

South Africa is ZS1 to ZS6.

[@thomasperina2990]

Hello Lord Callum: Congratulations on your yagie antennas rotational capabilities. A 3 DB LOSS because of cheap coax ??? Come on Callum a man of your capabilities is disappointing with that amount of loss. I fail to understand how you can properly evaluate the beams performance with that cable loss. All my respect, God Bless, and my best to Wendy and the dogs. TMP, Unit 22 from N.J.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Don't worry.. We changed it out to about 1dB :)

[@2ES513]

Cal are you selling the beam from dx commander?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. Just getting the clamps made up right now.. Probably 2-3 weeks for the kit.

[@M7BVV-Phil]

Late on parade, but blooming excellent stuff. One question: Why has Mike still got his tag on his bodywarmer? hi hi 73

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You know Mike by now... I have the video clip WHY he did this.. One day!

[@M7BVV-Phil]

I will look forward to that Cal 😂 Also, I agree with Jonathan, It's quality content! So funny that you have a Dave Castler photo on your phone for Mike! I was laughing historically.😅

[@robertmeyer4744]

That was great . Nice having a talking rotator. LOL . Nice station #2 . My girlfriend is asking ,What are the sheep thinking watching you guys work in the antenna field. . LOL Cheers from NY !!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

The sheep are only thinking.. "Are they a danger? No.. Eat."

[@robertmeyer4744]

@@DXCommanderHQ

[@mikemcnamara3777]

Is that Dave Casler’s picture on Mike’s phone profile?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes!

[@edwymer6928]

Cal. Is LMR good for HF?or what would you suggest for my DXCommander at less than 100 feet

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Only 100 feet? Any. This video will help your decision: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ-ol4B6nZd1aa8

[@edwymer6928]

@ thank you kind Sir.

[@N0ZHE]

awesome update, good DX 73 N0ZHE Ks.

[@AndewBarton]

I hope it will not be the final video I have enjoyed watching them all the best and 73s Andy and sue m6aia and m6uxy

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Well, the final of this "series".. But lots more fun yet..

[@UpcomingChris]

That's the dream right there, what a wonderful setup, I can only imagine how great a weekend with a buddy would be in here!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah.. Very cool.

[@anthonypeet474]

Tell Mike to keep taking the tablets.

[@pieterdutoit9642]

the mast an beam look good but is still looking for the mast do not see any 3 or 4 leg monster in field 73 beam look if it work well e

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I'm a 2-legged monster.

[@brianfields4479]

Really confused, as all uk, eu and scan that I work in my evenings tell me they beaming south west long path !

[@DXCommanderHQ]

SW Long-Path correct.. Roly is short at 20/30 degrees. Best VKs (and you I think) are about 240 (SW).

[@Pilgrim420]

👍

[@keithgm4jkz871]

Magic Cal.....

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks!

[@danielstimpson7792]

Personally, at this stage of the sunspot cycle I would have put up a Yagi for 10m

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You do know I'm testing the mast more than the antenna, yes?

[@sm3ttz]

Dave's pic on Mike's number :D :D :D

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes :)

[@arekx]

I thought he was pretending to be like KIT.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Oh yes!!

[@SamahSaif-n1r]

My appeal to every Muslim, my brother or sister, the owner of the channel, I know that it is not my right to comment on your channel, but God is my witness that our circumstances are harsh and forced me to do this. Please forgive me. My brother, there is still a brotherhood of faith. I asked you for a bag of flour. My brother, we women cannot go out among men. There is still a woman with you. My brother, God has honored you. You are men. We are women. We cannot go out or work like you. My brother, where is the brotherhood of faith in your hearts? We are women. There is no brotherhood, no mercy, no compassion, no humanity. And give good tidings to the patient. It is the greatest hope while waiting for what we want. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' How many times I called and talked and tried hard, but no one responded. Oh man, we are with you. My mother ordered us food from the restaurant. More and today. My mother left. Crying. She said, Why areyou crying, my mother? She said, My daughter, I ask. God, that I may be honored by death. She said, Why, my mother. She cursed us. She said, "My daughter, today the restaurant owner insulted me. I said, 'Why?' I said, 'How can I be better than people?' I ask God, my daughter. May God gather me. With death alone, a gathering that is better than this humiliation and this humiliation. It is true. I am saying this. It diminishes my value and respect. But, man. I swear to God that I did not say this. I kiss your boots. I am so hungry that my conscience no longer allows me to let you go and ask us for food. I kiss your boots, man, and I ask you by God Almighty and in the Book of God, man, I kiss your boots, man. He has caused us harm, my brother, so that we can buy a kilo of flour and pay the rent. My brother, have mercy on us. He who is in the show will have mercy on you, He who is in the sky. My brother, this is my WhatsApp number: 00967772168484. Whoever can help us, message me on WhatsApp. We will send him thefull name. He will transfer us as much as he can. May Allah reward you. Allah knows that my family and I, our house rent is 15 thousand Yemeni riyals per month, and now we owe 45 thousand for 3 months. The owner of the house is one of those people who do not have mercy. By Allah, my brother, he comes every day and humiliates us and talks about us and wants to throw us out of the house and into the street because we were unable to pay him the rent. We will have until the end of the week, and if we pay him, he will swear by Allah that he will throw us out into the street without mercy. See my situation for yourselves. I ask you by Allah, the Living, the Eternal, to help me. By Allah, the Almighty, even at night we cannot sleep from fear. We do not have mattresses or blankets to warm ourselves from the cold. Everything is flooded from the rain, and we have no one but Allah and then you. My brothers, I kiss your boots, don’t turn me away empty-handed. Help us with whatever you can. Is itacceptable to you that we live in this place? We are girls and we have no one. Our father died in a car accident. Consider us your daughters and your honor, and help me with whatever you can. May God reward you with good =>[[}>] ^][/*&;;&;&&;/*&😭💔....،،،،،،،....،،،،،،،

[@M7GDZ]

That's a big over. What's your working conditions?

[@paulmark63]

Congratulations getting in to New Zealand very clear keep up the great work Callum Paul in Kent

[@TheREALJosephTurner]

That's a lot of QRM right there...

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Say again? QSB.. Please increase power.

[@vicmiller7191]

That thing is just fantastic. Job very well done. I hope to hear you on the air someday. Vic de KE8JWE

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I hope so too!

[@JeffSkymaster]

Looks like fun times 73 KJ7JYJ

[@edcozart9916]

High quality B roll stuff Callum 🤣🤣🤣 de W9US