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Dave Casler is Wrong About the DX Commander
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Күн бұрынI just had to react to Daves latest videos on this fantastic antenna. Hopefully we can show him the error of his ways and he will re-evaluate his situation. In no way is this video trying to throw shade at our favorite KZfaq Elmer. I have been and will always be an Oggie.
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@noel-thatguykf5slk166 2 жыл бұрын
I'm a guy who has only been a ham since 2012. I built a DX Commander antenna 2 weeks after a 3 level cervical fusion earlier this year by following Callum's instructions and was able to get it on the planned bands with SWR of less than 1.5:1 . READING THE INSTRUCTIONS is CRITICAL.
@armandoa5468 2 жыл бұрын
I just got my DX Commander Classic today and like you I've had surgery. I've made it a point to ask another ham to assist me when its time to set it up. I've already download the instructions and read it about 20 times. Can't wait to setup it up at the end of Thanksgiving break.
@matthewweaver1123 Жыл бұрын
@armandoa5468 now that you've had it for a little over a year, what are your thoughts about the DX commander? I've been intrigued by it and would love some honest feedback. If i were going to get one, it would probably be the rapide since I like doing portable ops. Thanks and 73 Matt W3MMW
@miken8yo4 2 жыл бұрын
This Electrical Engineer with over 27 years in the hobby loves his DX Commander. Theory is sound and implemented with quality. Don't really have much else to say, the antenna speaks for itself.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Here here.
@americaswayout4489 2 жыл бұрын
Seen in context, the DX Commander was built by a young assistant, not a ham, not aware of exactly what he was doing, it still works and with just a small retuning ALL the bands will load well. David seems to not be very well, so he relied on the assistant too much. !! Like you, I watch dave every day, his experience and knowledge has been more than helpful to me. Dave needs to take a deep breath and tune the antenna using the most up-to-date instructions. Even the 40-meter element needs to be redone to get a better match on 15 meters.
@eduardogarciamontesdeoca5935 2 жыл бұрын
That young assistant need to me back to class and get a decent antenna course. That guy just cut the elements shorter than needed
@Paddy_Roche 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, I agree with you here.
@ryanleffers3661 2 жыл бұрын
If Dave doesn’t like the antenna and is looking to get rid of it, I’ll take it and make the tweaks as I would love to dial it in and get that SWR down. DXC is definitely on my list to Santa this year. Soon!
@arnecarlsson9740 2 жыл бұрын
K8MRD Thanks for this video, it was hard to make it tactfully and you did! It is a fantastic antenna!
@JimmyShot 2 жыл бұрын
Agreed
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Arne. I didn't want to come across as bashing Dave, I'm a huge fan, but this needed to be said. He's got too big a channel to spread misinformation.
@thelandrethfarm4782 2 жыл бұрын
I’m just a old retired farmer and I set up and tuned it perfectly i in a couple hours after watching a few KZfaq videos and printing out the instructions from Cal’s site! It is a excellent performing antenna!
@miken6imy 2 жыл бұрын
Great opportunity for Calum, Dave and Mike to talk more about parallel vertical antennas.
@SteveYancey 2 жыл бұрын
I couldn’t watch it all once I saw how much “wrong” was being done on day one.
@davidj.wilcox6053 2 жыл бұрын
A friend of mine bought the DX Commander Nebula, the 54 ft one. He brought it to field day this year. We assembled it with no instructions what so ever and put three band wires on it. We all had watched the videos before my friend ordered it and we found it worked well with no tuner. A great antenna! My friend liked it so much he went and bought the 10 m Classic version too. Much easier to set up and expect it will work fine too. Thanks for the encouraging video. Even though I do not have a vertical myself I have used them in the past and have found an antenna like this difficult to beat as a temporary or a permanent installation. Dave K8WPE
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
I've not used the Nebula (pronounced Neboooola) but I salivate anytime I see a video of one lol! They all kind of setup the same too. If you know how to do one, you kind of know how to do the others. A little tweaking aside I'm sure.
@amsoiltek 2 жыл бұрын
You know I never watched Dave's build of the DXC, when I read the title I knew the build was more than a school boy muck up and I didn't want to get pissed off watching it. I did watch his live session trying to explain his way out of it. I built my DXC inside the house because I was so anxious to get it built and had it done in about a few hours, I took my time and went back and watched a few YT's just to verify my build. The next morning I stood it up outside hooked everything up and had great SWR on all band's first time out of the gate, even on 80m! This is a great antenna and beats my 6BTV hands down. I think Dave should take down his video on the build for now until he can build it right and then repost it. Mike keep us posted if any news comes out of this. 73 N6OIL
@COASTALWAVESWIRES 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, you’re saying everything I’ve been thinking. The fact that he’s an engineer puzzles me. I’m a design engineer (shipbuilding) and deal with problems during construction all the time and it’s always because someone didn’t read or follow the construction instructions and drawings. This is obviously a classic case of that. Love your stuff Mike and have learned a lot from your videos. Trying to apply those lessons in my own videos. 73, K4OGO
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah I just don't get it. The instructions are clear as day to me. Just found your channel the other day and subbed. Makes me miss living in VA. 73
@jeffchapman605 2 жыл бұрын
As soon as I saw the click bait title I knew where that was headed. It only took a few mins to confirm. P.S. K8MRD is why I have the DXC Expedition and a LiPho 20AH from Bioenna. Very happy with both.
@WoodyPhillips 2 жыл бұрын
I LITERALLY work the world on my DX Commander! Built it in 1 afternoon. THEY WORK!
@blomidon 2 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you did this. I was shocked when I saw how the elements were loose on Dave’s antenna. Also when I saw how his solution for a high SWR was to use a tuner, and not adjust the length of the elements. I’m 77 and am mechanically challenged, but I followed the manual and watched the videos and got it all together and it works great. VO1OK
@jameski5oeb668 2 жыл бұрын
My understanding of the video was that his teen aged assistant made an attempt at building the antenna without Dave. Then a year later after it set out in the weather Dave and his new assistant went out and tried to fix things. My take on this as a radio operator and mechanic for approximately 30 years, that it is tough to fix a project after it sets for any length of time. Also, it is very hard to troubleshoot something you have never worked on before. I think if Dave had worked with his assistant the first time, COMADOR 2019 not dividing the labor, the antenna would have gone right together. IMHO
@thomasstandley6309 2 жыл бұрын
I watch Dave and like his content, but you are correct about the two videos. I own two DX Commanders (the ABV version) that I use at my home in South Texas and our 80-acre farm in Northern Lower Michigan where I spend summers. Both perform well in very different conditions and configurations. I have the "recommended" radial layout in Michigan but a completely weird one in Texas where I have very limited space and one uses the 80m inverted L setup while the other has the standard 30m element. Both work great.. However, I would also say the style the instructions are written in could be clearer although I noticed the Callum had updated and improved them when I returned from Michigan and put the DX Commander I have here back up. But the fact remains that this thing isn't rocket science to figure out if you parse through the instructions.. Watching his first assistant working on the thing in the first video I immediately had the feeling things weren't going to end well. I don't know if Dave's relationship with Callum is strained, but I can definitely say that I've found Callum incredibly helpful when I've contacted him. -Tom. NK5J.
@radioactive5020 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mike. The DXC has put so many hams on the air, working DX with regular barefoot and QRP rigs, that a response like this was necessary. My Expedition has been the difference between duffing along with compromise antennas or having a high performance station. Nuff said. I couldn’t have out it better.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Indeed it has. There's something to be said about a great resonant multi band antenna.
@HamRadioCrashCourse 2 жыл бұрын
I didn’t understand the critical comment on the instructions. I thought they were very good.
@daveN2MXX 2 жыл бұрын
You are correct, as evidenced by the large number of non-technical individuals who have successfully assembled and use this antenna.
@phillipzminda6571 2 жыл бұрын
Although I don’t have a DX Commander I can relate to the design with my experience with other antennas. I have a Zero-Five vertical for 40 and 30 Meters. Originally I had a 43 ft Zero-Five vertical which worked well on multiple bands with a 4:1 un-un and a tuner. When my tuner needed repair I converted the 43 footer to a 33 ft 40 meter vertical without the un-un. The antenna worked so well I contacted Tom at Zero-Five about adding 30 Meters. He provided an element with stand offs to run next to the 40 Meter element on the same mount much like the wires with spacers on the DX Commander. Tom has made similar designs for other band combinations like 40, 30 and 20. I will admit it took some tuning with an analyzer to get the 30 Meter band tuned in but now both bands work extremely well with my non-resonant radials which are staked to the lawn. I also have a Crank-Ir vertical for portable ops that uses a 40 Meter element that wraps back down like an inverted U to get resonance without being on a 33 ft mast much like DX Commander. The wire element is tuned with a reel assembly to get the correct length for each band. The antenna also uses hose clamps to keep the fiberglass mast from collapsing. I believe DX Commander is a solid design using principles already proven in other antennas. The lengths provided in the instructions are based on experience and compensate for inter-action of the multiple wire elements. Maybe Dave’s assembly wasn’t accurate enough or didn’t allow for fine tuning.
@Michael-nd7gh 2 жыл бұрын
Out of curiosity, what are the 30M standoffs made of?
@phillipzminda6571 2 жыл бұрын
@@Michael-nd7gh I believe they are nylon. I got the parts form Zero-Five. They seem very strong and flexible. High winds broke one of the aluminum brackets once but the stand-off was fine. Tom at Zero-Five sent me some spares. The antenna works great on 40, 30 and15.
@Michael-nd7gh 2 жыл бұрын
@@phillipzminda6571 ahh, nylon. Excellent, thanks and 73!
@Ray-VK3CEO 2 жыл бұрын
I've had my DX Commander Classic for 3 months, it works great and no tuner is needed on all bands somewhere, 1:1 vswr on the whole of 30, 17, and 12 metres, an ATU may be required for full band coverage on 20, 15 and 10 metres depending on what part the band the antenna is tuned to. It's a great antenna, I am very pleased with it's performance. VK3CEO
@banihex 2 жыл бұрын
I have a DX Commander and put it together just fine. But the instructions were NOT good (at least the year I put it together), I can easily see how many would have problems putting it together.
@temporarilyoffline 2 жыл бұрын
I built this antenna with my kids in a single day. The hardest part for me was converting from Metric to 25' multiples because I only had a 25' tape measure. I've since fixed MY PROBLEM (well ok, this one) and gotten a long metric tape measure. The DX Commander is my goto recommendation for a ham radio antenna - great value, great fun, easy to setup and take down, lots to tinker with if you want.
@janvelter3253 2 жыл бұрын
If I had the space, I would install a DX Commander Classic right away, no doubt about that ! I just love the concept, it's genious. David is wonderfull. I learn a lot of this guy. Same with Callum and Eric from HAM radioconcepts there videos. Been away for 30years or so and now picking up the hobby again. These guys are a great help for me ... love you guys ;)
@HamRadioDX 2 жыл бұрын
The instructions are very detailed and easy to understand. Thanks Mike for the video
@ko4nlb675 2 жыл бұрын
Mike so glad you made this video because I lost it when I saw Daves video on DX Commander because from start to finish I built mine in about 4 hrs total swrs flat on all bands, All I can say is Dave needed to be more involved with that build!
@TimRedman 2 жыл бұрын
I love Dave, and have learned a lot from him. He was instrumental in helping me pass my Extra. But lately, it's been hard watching him. He seems to be really struggling with his health, and I really hope that he's well. Perhaps he should cut down on the pace of his productions, maybe partner with another ham to expand his channel.
@joekrepps 2 жыл бұрын
Agreed. If he had a stroke, that affects more than just physical movements but mental affects as well. My wife had a very serious stroke 7 years ago and ways of thinking/analyzing common everyday things was altered for the worse. Dave’s video was surprisingly harsh and I suspect his stroke is to blame. It might be time for him to bring a licensed Ham in as an assistant. If for no other reason than to “proofread” his work. All due respect to a guy who’s done well over 500 videos but all good things come to an end. WB3CFN
@BryanTorok 2 жыл бұрын
@@joekrepps I was not aware Dave had a stroke. Where did you hear or read that? Link? I did note he seemed very out-of-breath and had great difficulty kneeling and getting up. I also noted that on some of his recent videos, he appears to be a bit slow, losing his train of thought.
@bluzman00 2 жыл бұрын
I agree with you on the quality of Dave’s videos. They’ve gotten so bad that I have quit watching him. A viewer asks a question and his answer are so long, convoluted, and many times off the topic of the question. I started watching his video on the DX Commander and turned it off after about 3 minutes.
@highlandkraftwerks 2 жыл бұрын
Cassler is wrong about a lot of stuff.
@martinuk777 2 жыл бұрын
Had my DXC since 2017 after watching Callum’s very early videos. The antenna was a joy to build, made some mistakes along the way but learned loads. With the updated instructions and the instructional KZfaq videos a monkey could put this together. The old timer obviously has some health issues and associated frustrations but to rubbish this antenna in any way is just plain wrong. Best ham equipment I’ve seen in my 40 years in the hobby.
@thedutydoctor 2 жыл бұрын
Me too mate... enjoyed building mine over a 2 day Holiday, been up about 2.5 years here in West Virginia. Wont put anything else up because if I break anything its cents to replace parts. 73s mate W8BFO.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Another great testimony for the DXC. I think everyone is pretty much on the same page here. Mistakes were made. Hopefully Dave reads his own comments. Nevermind this video. He has hundreds of comments of his own telling him the same thing.
@lyfandeth 2 жыл бұрын
IIRC Dave did get some great results on 6m, which Callum hasn't mentioned. The controversy (and it has all been very gentlemanly) over Dave's build and results mainly goes to prove how important the fine points (measure once, cut twice, right?) are and how so many hams get radically different results with the same gear.
@ZL1BQDRoly 2 жыл бұрын
Yep, this was far easier than writing a comment as I did.... great video Mike.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
This would have taken me ages to type.
@johnpopolo5954 2 жыл бұрын
DXC Since 2019 I have of a DXCC of 168. Took only 3 hours and it was up and running with great SWR. as others have said "READING THE INSTRUCTIONS". Been up since then and still working.
@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors 2 жыл бұрын
I was actually thinking about upgrading from my EFHW. His video was the first I watched just by happenstance. I immediately wrote it off until I started watching other videos. I’ve been watching Calloms videos also. I am now seriously about to buy this antenna!!
@banihex 2 жыл бұрын
It’s a good antenna and it’s nice you can cut it for the frequencies you want. I’m having some wonky swr issues as of late, but it doesn’t bother me enough to do anything lol. Mines been up for about 15 months straight. The pole is showing some pretty good wear now, but I think it will stay in one piece for a good while longer 👍🏻
@thomasstandley6309 2 жыл бұрын
@@banihex Check the element wires. My 40m element separated at the top of the pole and I was too dense to figure out why I kept getting the same Antenna Analyzer numbers when I tried to adjust it. I finally got over my senior moment and figured it out, cut a new element, and it works great again. The pole stands up to wind but all that flexing stresses the wires.
@thomasstandley6309 2 жыл бұрын
Buy the DX Commander but also keep the EFHW. They can complement each other.
@thomashenderson603 2 жыл бұрын
I would agree with you 100%. I have never owned a DX Commander, but Callum has also been there to help me when I have had issues. I choose another Antenna over his, because of the winter in VT. But know after talking to several people it would work. When he comes out with the better pole , I will order one. BTW I have watched several videos on building the DX Commander and it looks very easy! Callum is a good guy!!
@rclark999 4 ай бұрын
I really appreciated the respectful manner in which you responded to Dave’s video. I’m a fan of you both!
@digitalanaloguehamradio 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. Very well worded. You were very tactful. When doing a video which could affect somebody’s livelihood it should be done accurately and carefully. We all make mistakes. And Dave has helped many hams. And it will be interesting to see his reply. Regards chris
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Chris. Dave is still an Elmer to me. Just because you disagree with someone doesn't mean you don't like them. A couple commenters on here would think otherwise though haha!
@fromthehamshack-radionj4z 2 жыл бұрын
Mike, you hit the nail on the head. The DX Commander is probably one of the easiest kits out there to build and experiment with. I have 2 classics, a Dxepdition, and three of the 7-meter poles and plate kits. I took one of the first dxpedition poles and modified a set of classic plates to fit it on my activation of K-0066 in USVI in Nov 2018. It was the DXpedition before there was a Dxpedition. I have experimented with all kinds of configurations with the DXC line. I have built arrays with these parts. I think Dave was trying to do a good video, but it was not well conceived and turned out to be, what I hope was an unintentional hatchet job on the DXC. I know he is getting tons of heat over that, but man you have to do the research before you post a video or at least fix your mistakes and present it in whole. Great job with this touchy subject. I respect Dave immensely but he missed the mark on this one.
@dougheisenberch8152 2 жыл бұрын
DXCommander classic plus here , it s my fist antenna , works pretty good . Build it a month after getting licensed without any problem at all.
@chrisbartlett6022 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for doing that Mike, I see it as a nice gently Riposte as hopefully is seen by all the replies Dave is getting.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Chris. Most see it that way. Some are a little butt hurt but that's to be expected. Some people don't actually watch the videos before they comment either and you can tell. I'm ok with my decisions fortunately.
@CampervanCookout 2 жыл бұрын
Im a newb and the instructions were pretty fantastic, in fact so good I used them to make elements for a non-DX commander antenna. Really cannot fault the instructions.
@FreeStuffGuy916 2 жыл бұрын
N6EF-I homebrewed my own version of the DXC based on information from the DXC's manual. I bought the 10 meter pole from Callum and homebrewed all the rest of the components based on the information in the manual just to see if I could do it. It took me a couple of hours of putting the antenna up and taking it down to adjust each element to get it matched for the CW portion of the various bands (40 through 10) but now, I use it for portable operations and get consistent results every time I put it up. I compared my overall element measurements to the manual and they are very close and some elements were spot-on even with the metric to Imperial conversion.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
A lot of people have done that. He didn't reinvent the antenna with this, he just did a crap ton of research and came up with a kit that works great.
@norbertstepien9185 2 жыл бұрын
I absolutely agree with you. Dave's point re the DX Commander not being suitable for a newbie's first build doesn't really make any sense when you consider that in the past "newbies" would undertake the building of receivers and transmitters which are far more complicated. Anyone who reads the instructions in detail PRIOR TO STARTING the build should be able to put it together and get fantastic results.
@AlvinMcManus 6 ай бұрын
Totally agree with you. My Classic really performs and it was a joy to assemble (Sept 2023) and I did follow the instructions from the new unified manual that has the new cut sheet to the letter and my kit was the newest version with the gray spreaders and the nylon clamps. No Problem and all tunes are below 1.5 except for 30meters and that's because I have the 80meter option.
@jessew5ky523 2 жыл бұрын
DX Commander is the best vertical I have ever owned. Put mine up permanently. Already made thousands of contacts. I thought the same thing when watching OG's video. Thanks for making this Mike. 73
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more!
@kellypaws 2 жыл бұрын
I'd agree with this. Dave Casler really 'went for' the DXC. Also all of the comments he made against DXC are in large part equally true of MFJ, which he gives a pass on the same thing for i.e. non paper manuals. Worse, he did a series of unfair reviews. Not even as if he did one and then wound his neck in. He doubled down on being unfair. Nonsense, really.
@alphamike2839 2 жыл бұрын
He said three or four times he could not find a manual. Which I don’t understand. My first antenna build was a DX Commander Expedition. It built great. And saying it is a tune, tune, and tune again is very true. I think maybe OG Dave went to fast and had no patience for this build.
@user-rd3wq2st6r 7 ай бұрын
I love my DX Commander Classic and it was so easy to put together. Put it on an aluminum pole pounded three feet in the ground and guyed it. 1.5 or less SWR on all bands I use. I have 52 radials of varying length.....Callum said just get redials down and don't worry about length. I followed his advice. I do not worry about using my Palstar HF Auto to get it tuned. Tunes almost perfectly and I am getting awesome signal reports from almost every point on earth.
@MrWibbleman 2 жыл бұрын
I got a DX commander and have never built an antenna before. watched all the vids and went through the docs and built it without issue. SWR was very low on all the bands the antenna was built for. Thanks for the vid. I was thinking the same thing when I watched Dave's vid.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
And now you have one hell of an antenna.
@joen8joe231 2 жыл бұрын
I already had a telescoping mast so I 3D printed my spacers and used the online DX Commander User guide to assemble it. I have 20 radials at 11’6”. This antenna works gangbusters…I love it. I agree Mike … Dave is awesome but he is wrong about the DX Commander
@hornhospital 2 жыл бұрын
Somebody needed to say that. Thank you. I watch every video that you put out and do the same for Dave's videos.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Me too. Been watching Dave since day one of my ham journey.
@thork0tjt515 2 жыл бұрын
I had no problem building mine. I have NO mechanical or electrical background. This was my first antenna build of any sort. I got it up and working with very little amount of tuning. I use the DXC Classic way more than my multi-band dipole which use to be my main antenna. The DXC Classic has been up since late April, with no issues.
@beyondmiddleagedman7240 Жыл бұрын
I have an antenna that came from England. Very complex (lookingl horizontal that covers 7+3 bands. It came with no instructions. Every part was marked, color coded and labled. It took an hour to setup and trim. All I had was a photograph to go by. OG bought one and did an entire video about how you couldn't assemble it without detailed instructions. My esteem for his channel went down a few notches since then. None of us know everything. It's hard watching someone pretend they do. Callum is passionate about his antennas. I take some of his claims with a grain of salt. But if I was in the market for a vertical, his are at the top of my short list. I love his videos. There is a lot to be learned from both he and OG. Construction and attention to detail are crucial to ANY endeavor. Especially electrical. I've seen people complain about Hy-Gain Penetrators on 10m. I'm guessing they didn't read the manual for tuning or follow workman like practice.
@jonthebru Жыл бұрын
Dave Casler admitted to not following the directions. How American of him. I really like my DX Commander Classic.
@miken6imy 2 жыл бұрын
Looks like Julian is doing the majority of the antenna build hours. Dave should have let Julian do the entire build, testing and get on the air.
@shtf45acp 2 жыл бұрын
Agreed 100%..... while someone said above beams beat a vertical and less noise..... well no shit..... not all of us can run beams. For what the DX Commander is, it is an amazing antenna. I'm a new ham, and I've worked dipoles and EFHW, I have both an EFHW and a DXC. The DXC is hands down better. While it is noisier, a LOG or a magnetic loop take care of that problem all together. With my DXC and my w6lvp loop.... I have a great setup with most of my SWR being below 1.4. I just can't run a beam as of now.
@williamchildress5869 2 жыл бұрын
I have serious concerns about Dave’s health. He seems to be struggling. That might explain the DX Commander review to some degree.
@SonOfVidar 11 ай бұрын
Hello Mike, long time follower, brand new subscriber. You may not see this comment as this video is from 2021. I have had a DX Commander antenna since 2020, still going, as a matter of fact I just moved it to the roof. The original location did not provide me with enough room for radials in a 360° field. So when I moved it to the roof I did have to retune it and it works completely different as originally intended. I am happy with the results. I am running 32 radials (probably way more than needed) but on 40m I get a 1:2:1 SWR right smack in the middle of the band, on 20m I still need to add a bit of wire I have a 1:12:1 SWR on 14.240 Mhz, on 30m and 17m I am at 1:2:1 all across the band. One thing to note I lost 15m so will test adding a 15m element and not depend on the 40m element to provide harmonics for the 15m band and see how that goes. Will also test with tuned radials and see how that works. Thank you for all your videos 73 de KN6CCW.
@EricMarshallva 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this, thanks for being nice about it too.
@K4SRF 2 жыл бұрын
I have the DX Classic and have made contacts as far away as 8,500 miles, and I live in the middle of a populated residential area. I set my Classic up months ago and it has been standing since. Also, if you watched Dave's video, did anyone notice that the antenna was guyed at the top of the antenna instead of the bottom as per Callum's instructions?
@noel-thatguykf5slk166 2 жыл бұрын
No hose protecting hose clamps from damaging mast, wires crossing over each other, wires not cut correctly... lots of issues with that build.
@thomasstandley6309 2 жыл бұрын
Dave mentioned why he guyed it high in the first video. I have two DX Commanders, one set-up as recommended but the other actually attached to a fence and not guyed at all (limited space). Both work well. Having said that the antenna in Dave's video was clearly not correctly assembled or tuned. Mike did the right thing in pointing it out in this video.
@BusDriverRFI 2 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately, Dave is not an inquisitive engineer. I know by the way he talks, he has been everywhere in engineering he claims. But like here, he should have been able to discover why it wasn't working for him. But he's more into the non resonant antenna designs because he doesn't understand resonance and what that means and what that does for us. I watch him in disbelief that he has a column in qst. Literally. They take anybody. This, my friend, is just the tip of the Ask Dave incompetence.
@fieldofscreams 6 ай бұрын
I have no ideal what Cassler said, but I thought the manual was excellent too and when I checked the SWR, there was no reason to take down and re-trim. My only …only complaint about this wonderful antenna is that when doing a POTA activation in sub-freezing weather, the tape froze and I had to remove it chip by chip rather than unwrapping. I was able to get two joint unwrapped and reduce the length enough to get it in my van.
@HR4NT 2 жыл бұрын
I have to agree with you on this one. Once you have it tuned properly it is a fantastic performing antenna! When I am working multiple bands, this is my preferred antenna, but again, it must be properly tuned and it just works. Thanks for the video Mike! 73
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Nothing like a nice multi band resonant antenna with no traps, transformers or anything else. Just good old fashioned proper length wires.
@davidnkb5exy849 2 жыл бұрын
Sometimes we need to state the truth! Thank you for making this video (-: K5CU
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
My pleasure!
@VI_Radio_Guy Жыл бұрын
I completely agree with you. I am completely blind in one eye and legally blind and I got my classic plus 80 built. Just waiting on coax and temp below 115 degrees here in Vegas to stand it up.
@mikeramsey9747 2 жыл бұрын
I watched Daves video and it was VERY evident that neither he or his assistant watch the videos or read the manual.
@w7roitimothybath368 2 жыл бұрын
Cliff notes of this video: “You’re an engineer!”.. “Did you even read the manual?” …… “I’m an idiot with a background in sales” …”I got way better results than you did “..here’s how to find the manual…. Here are some specific places in the manual you may have missed… Still love you Dave! Mic drop…. LOL
@Siskiyous6 2 жыл бұрын
I think Dave is pushing to hard producing a video every day. I love him, and am worried. Looking back at videos made by him 3 years ago I see a man a decade younger. You did not insult to him by making this point. 73
@jamesk0ua 2 жыл бұрын
Yep, it had to be said, and you took the time to say it. TNX 73 James K0UA
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Somebody's gotta do it. Thanks for watching.
@phillipglidden3775 2 жыл бұрын
Constructive criticism is good but in most cases it should be done on a one to one basis. At least talk to the guy and give him a chance to make any needed corrections before bashing him in a public forum.
@ryanv7075 2 жыл бұрын
I wonder I Dave might’ve done the same with Callum tho? Doesn’t make a negative video right, but you see how these things spiral…
@9M6WST 2 жыл бұрын
I made an antenna that looks like the dx commander expeditions version back in 2020. Loaded it with 40, 20, 15(linear loading), and 10. It works fine with no tuner...thank you Callum's inspiring videos and as well as your videos Mike, about building the dx commander antenna..
@gaptastic 2 жыл бұрын
I completely agree with you, Mike! I'm the bottom of the barrel dumb when it comes to this (ham bs) and the instructions made sense to me. I tend to view too many blogs and videos before starting a ham project, but that's only because I'm so new to ham (new this year). Seems to me the assistant is not paying attention and/or not asking questions. And the assistant may not know the basics about antennas. Good video, I don't think you threw any shade, brother. The antenna is sexy, indeed!
@hamradio1017 2 жыл бұрын
I questioned his whole video. It didn't seem like he was doing something right. Since I don't yet own a DXC, I wasn't sure what he was doing wrong.
@davidsradioroom9678 2 жыл бұрын
A healthy disagreement among KZfaqrs.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, most people understand my intentions. Some are a little butt hurt but thats to be expected.
@buzzmanradio-k3bzz446 2 жыл бұрын
I need to admit that I got a little bit turned around on how many radials and how long to cut them, because I was including the 80 meter kit to the 10 Meter Classic. This is because of all of the different options he gives you in the instructions, in two different areas. I wanted to make sure I didn't run out of wire. Sometimes I overthink things. But, I took a break, grabbed some coffee, and came back to it all is well and my antenna works great! Like you, I had to raise and lower it several times, to get the tuning perfect, but my SWR meter barely moves on each band. The spreadsheet really helped make it easier. Was it perfect, no; but it got me in the ballpark. I also tuned it from where it was going to be installed. I love my DXC.
@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video. As you say Dave Cassler is usually very good but his coverage of the DX Commander was both poor and unfair. Apart from the afore mentioned mistakes he allowed to be made in the build. When he had problems with Chameleon and MFJ antennas in other videos, he contacted the manufacturer for advice before making his video. He did not do that with the DX Commander but got old man grumpy because there was not a printed paper manual in the box.
@WG5Xradio 2 жыл бұрын
I have watched all of Dave’s videos, and while I appreciate him, he has been wrong about a lot of things lately. The problem is he doesn’t go back and fix or delete videos that have misinformation in them even when he is aware of it. It is obvious he is not in good health at the moment, as he was having trouble breathing in the last video. I just really hope his wife doesn’t let him get back in the airplane. I wish him good health, but maybe he should take a break for a while and not try to put a video out everyday. The quality of the videos is suffering and it is a shame because overall he has put out some good videos.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
I think he tried with his second video but was still way off the mark. I just don't want his negative review to hurt Callums business. Dave has over 100k subscribers. Fortunately if anyone reads the comments on his videos they will see everyone telling him he needs to correct the antenna. But not everyone does that.
@YeshuamyKing53 2 жыл бұрын
On top of him doing videos he also writes a monthly column in QST called "Ask Dave." I'm certain that adds to his already heavy workload.
@timdbl7804 Жыл бұрын
Hi, yes, I am also concerned for the lovely Dave Cassler; it seems that he is not enjoying good health, and maybe that explains at least some of the fundamental errors I have noticed in some of his videos. God bless you, Dave, and I hope that you are in good health again, soon!
@DC10thirty 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video, Mike! Like you, I am a great fan of David's, but this time he has got it all wrong. DX Commander is brilliant, but one needs to read instructions and/or watch build videos. Callum does not deserve this, as you point out.
@johnnorth9355 2 жыл бұрын
At an advanced age (non engineer with sales background) I have learnt that antennas are nothing but work in progress from the time you first set them up and for us with limited time, energy and endurance this is a challenge that those more able sometimes fail to appreciate as we stumble along the learning curve. I have spent weeks and months raising the energy to tweak my very basic antennas to the point that they (almost) perform decently - depending on conditions. There will come a point in time for Calum when age dictates that he is forced to apply the KISS principle as well. Fortunately that is sometime off so we can appreciate his efforts in the interim. Just don't ask me to put a DX Commander up - time is too short :-) . p.s. Who reads manuals !
@f5npv-v85npvamateurradio3 2 жыл бұрын
Hello Guys , Amateur Radio antenna are dedicated to amateur radio . You cannot just ask a guy which is not an Amateur to build up an antenna mostly multiband with a minimum of background . I took the time to watch Dave's Video and it is obvious he did not read the manual or have some issue to understand properly the instructions or Dave had some connectivity issue with some wires. Having such issue with an fan dipole style antenna has some root cause but Dave did not provide any explanation for how to sort out such discrepencies and issue . Publishing a video likely looks like a trial against a product you really need to be factual and honest. The comments from fellow Hams on QRZ were even worst and it looks like some people has really some anger against Callum which i do not understand at all . Factually , this antenna is not bad at all , thousands of users are satisfied and had no particular issue to build it . i really feel sorry about such this contreversy simply because Callum do not deserve at all such treatment from fellow ham radio guys. BTW, your channel really rocks Mike and hopefully we will have a chance to catch up together on the air. F5NPV op Didier
@19levante82 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for posting this video Mike, a very well presented and indeed very respectful but honest appraisal. Malcolm, G0DGF
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Much appreciated
@user-lt7bg3nm3j 6 ай бұрын
no ham reads instructions !!
@marcinmichigan2772 Жыл бұрын
well, beware, its a sensitive spot with Dave. Here is his response to me: "You're one of those DX Commander whackos who did not listen to the videos but just jumped on the Hate Dave bandwagon"
@lousadventures2111 2 жыл бұрын
Go pay him a visit and put one together as a team.
@ryanv7075 2 жыл бұрын
Cool idea
@barndweller4573 Жыл бұрын
I purchased one to put up in the spring (Michigan) I just printed the instructions, I will be using my laptop when I start to assemble the antenna, my old eyes just can not read the printed instructions but with the laptop I will be able to blow it up (the instructions not the antenna). I agree it was like Dave wanted this antenna to fail.
@_PikeWxRadio 2 жыл бұрын
I don't own a dx commander yet maybe I'll buy one some day. I'm pretty sure I've heard callum say in his videos that he's designed the antenna and just provides the pieces to the operator to build it. Judging by those videos it's just materials. If you have any sense about you and passed your license you should be able to throw it together. Definitely wouldn't be my first choice for sota/pota, but maybe field day or some special event, base station or emergency. The tone of the video seems skeptical from the onset. I'm sure this was made with the best intentions but as all things internet time will tell...
@dxexplorer Жыл бұрын
I didn't had money for a DX Commander antenna so I improvised one just to do some tests. I had no clue about what I was doing back then... and I still had the best SWR possible that I ever got out of any of my DIY antennas. By that I mean stuff like 1:1 - 1:1.3. If my... rubbish was working that well... I have no doubt a properly DX Commander does way better. This was funny to watch... I like Dave too ))) but he was wrong indeed.
@driveonphotography2580 2 жыл бұрын
Well done Mike.....totally agree. When I built my first DX Commander, it was a pain in the A$$ but it worked.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
I rather enjoyed building the antenna. But I love antennas so it's not a big deal to me.
@peterdekeles. 2 жыл бұрын
I built my Dx Commander with no experience in Ham radio. Man do I love it. It's my go to for POTA. Its was a fun build. Go Cal. Go Mike.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Heck yeah, good for you! I love it for POTA too.
@l.a.2646 2 жыл бұрын
It's a good deal of work to put any HF vertical up. Years ago Hustler BTVs were very popular with us hams. I carefully installed mine and it didn't work! I was a bit mad. But I kept at it. I called Hustler and they advised me to change the trap size. I installed my antenna on a 2"o.d. x 6' copper pipe driven in the ground and a full radial field. - the antenna was amazing after the work. Hard work it was lots of tedious measurements and I bought a antenna analyzer that helped me a lot too. I enjoy OGs videos, but when ya get old like us, you tend to get a little cranky. I'm sure if he would have done this himself he would have put the extra work into it. I don't own this antenna but someday I would like to. There's nothing like a good vertical for dxing!
@rayhill7613 2 жыл бұрын
Ordering one today going to have my 15 yo grandson read the manual and put it together. Looks like Callum has done a great job on the manual I just downloaded. It even has a adjustment calculator to fine tune.
@BryanTorok 2 жыл бұрын
A comment below states that Dave had a stroke. I had not heard that. I did note he seemed very out-of-breath and had great difficulty kneeling and getting up. I also noted that on some of his recent videos, he appears to be a bit slow, losing his train of thought. I hope he gets proper medical care and improves quickly. I will send good thoughts his way.
@twistrate 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for making this video. It needed to be said
@FFdo. 2 жыл бұрын
I wonder if I Mike actually bought his DXcommanders or he got them for free.
@hermannharms8401 2 жыл бұрын
Love my DX-Commander ABV. Great results even on 80m, perfect match all over the entire band. 73 Hermann DK2BE
@MW6PNW 2 жыл бұрын
A brilliant antenna to which anyone can build. Callum even tells people to go out , but the parts and build one yourself in his videos. I’ve no idea how someone of Daves calibre got it so wrong
@johnmarron1944 2 жыл бұрын
Have got rid of all other antennas now ., only the dxc remains..swr less than 1.5 on all bands no atu needed....managed to work a zl station on 40mts from England cant get any better than that for a quarter wave vertical and 90 watts ...😉
@joecraft4409 2 жыл бұрын
Ok, have you given thought to call or even go to Daves QTH and assist Dave to help him understand how this is a great antenna? Sometimes one just doesn't see what's right in front of him. I think a simple phone call to Dave would have possibly avoided the tone of the video. If i were Dave, I'd be butt hurt by this video, you called him out in front of the people who have and will watch this. I think you at least owe Dave a phone call.
@smccrory 2 жыл бұрын
Did Dave call Callum? I think we both know. Look, maybe he was having an off week, wasn't feeling well, is leaning more towards pre-built solutions or misplaced frustrations with his assistant - who knows, but Callum is exceedingly clear about what you're getting and that a dutiful, patient build that references the manual and a single video returns that investment multifold. Half-arsing it and then whinging about lackluster results wasn't professional.
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Well, I don't have his phone number and I'm not going to CO. Making a video showing how easy it is to find the well written instructions should be enough to steer someone on the right path one would think. I also started this video and said several times how much of a fan of his I am. But, we don't always have to agree.
@WG5Xradio 2 жыл бұрын
Dave has 100,000 followers that were misled by erroneous videos. Calling him wouldn’t fix that.
@KillerSpud 2 жыл бұрын
I agree, but he didn't do a very good job building that antenna.
@RickPaquin 3 ай бұрын
Probably a good antenna, but very confusing instructions so my last challenge is how to attach the tops of the element wires to those shock wires. Something about knots. It should have had adjustable hooks.hooks. Maybe someday I'll figure it out.
@w4id676 2 жыл бұрын
Mike, you handled this well. I agree with a previous post that perhaps Dave should consider removing his two videos from YT on this antenna. 73, Tom
@hamradiotube 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tom