(c) 2020 DX Commander Limited - Page 2
Ground Plate: This is made from 3mm aluminium with a single bend for the
SO239 assembly and 5-holes for ground radials. I personally tap these
6mm threads. It is possible to fit 6
radials per fork connector, achieving
way more radials than most people
need. If required, you can double up
on fork connectors to make a
ridiculous amount.
The Radiating Plate is machine cut
from 3mm aluminium. Fit SO239 lead
to one of the protruded holes, this will
leave the
“spare” element for 10m.
There are three UHMWPE nylon plates in the kit:
The Guy Plate allows for three guy points (larger
holes) and up to 4-elements. The guy-point fits on top of the 2
nd
tube. It is made from
UHMWPE and is extremely substantial. Holes are the right size to fit either 3 or 4
elements) and the guy point will allow 6mm alloy carabiners (not supplied) to be
connected with room to spare. Alternatively, just tie your guys to this point to simple
guying stakes.
The Mid Spreader is also cut in the same material as the guy plate and looks almost
identical other than it has a smaller centre hole and no guy holes. The 4
th
element hole
is cut 3mm (1/8
th
inch) from edge to allow you to cut and fit clip the 10m element to it.
This keeps your element from blowing around too much.
Upper Spreader: Fits at around 4.9m point. Has three corner holes
and a centre hole for a 4
th
experimental element. Supplied plastic carabiners fit these larger
holes. The very small hole will allow you to pass a small wire element right up the side of
the pole (say 40m). Connects all but the 10m (or 12m) element.
The SO239 assembly comes with a flying lead. These are soldered to the SO239 before hot glue is applied.
This assembly is then reheated with a heat gun to ensure a reasonable weather-proof seal and glue-lined
heat shrink is applied. A fork-connector is also fitted. Use self-amalgamating tape around the hot glue for
long term weather-proofing.
The supplied hose clamps need to have the tubing fitted. Cut the tubing and unscrew the hose clamps and fit
the tubing. You may use hot water to assist, depending on hose and clamp size.
The black plastic carabiner clips are for making up the shock-cord extensions to the
various spreaders. The holes on both Upper Spreaders are correctly sized to fit the
carabiners.
TIP: If you are using one of the corner holes for a longer element (say 30m or 40m) make a small loop about
100mm (4 inches) down from this Upper-Spreader directly on your long element. Use glue-lined heat-shrink
to keep this loop stable - and small enough so that it will still fit through the nylon Guy Plate hole. Add a small
section shock-cord and carabiners to connect this longer element loop to this Upper Spreader. Continue the
element up to the pole and secure either with electrical tape
– or use some small tubing (depending on
length). It
’ll just keep your element below the 5m point secure and balanced to the other elements.
Finally, although you need a fair amount of tension to keep the elements stable, even in a strong breeze,
don’t over-tension everything. Your shock-cord should have a little “give” left else you may over-stress the
fork connectors.
ELEMENT PLACEMENT
It doesn
’t matter which hole has which element. Just make up your elements according to the chart below.
Trim to suit.
TIP:
Use a Sharpie or perhaps a label printer to mark all the positions on the Driven Plate, Spreaders and
elements because in the
heat of battle, it’s possible to end up pulling the wrong element up through the Guy
