Raising The DX Commander Antenna KA8GIM

I wanted something that would allow me to safely raise and lower my DX

Commander Signature 12.4 antenna. While I am able to raise and lower it without this base on a calm day, I was concerned that it would be much more difficult when the winds were stronger, like before a storm. I used 20" (50 cm) long piece of 1-1/2" schedule 40 PVC pipe which fit perfectly inside the bottom of the DX Commander as well as into the base. One 3/8" hole drilled into the PVC pipe allows the top mounting bolt to secure the pipe and prevents any rotation. The bottom bolt increases the security. I was concerned that a metal pipe might cause unwanted interactions with the antenna elements, which is why I went with PVC. A similar size pipe pounded into the ground provides the ground mounting base. The two pivot bolts provide the appropriate amount of resistance to help prevent the antenna from lowering down too easily, and are adjustable. I can easily lower my antenna very easily simply by removing one leg of the guy ropes, removing the hold bolt and walking the antenna down to the ground. Raising it is just as easy, just reverse the process…walk the antenna back to vertical, insert the holding bolt, and then re-secure the guy ropes. I highly recommend this base.