DX Commander Rapide HF Multi-Band Vertical Antennas

DX Commander Rapide HF Multi-Band Vertical Antennas are resonant multi-band vertical antenna systems designed for the 30 through 10 meter Amateur Radio bands (with the 6m band handled by the 30m element as a 1.25 wavelength element). Operation on the 40 meter band is possible with the addition of a user made coil (see the user guide for details). DX Commander Rapide vertical antennas are based on the same principles as a fan dipole, with several vertical wire elements of various resonant lengths connected to a common feedpoint. The wire elements and support ropes are arranged with spacer plates around the non-conductive fiberglass mast. When installed with an appropriate radial system, the Rapide achieves efficient quarter-wave vertical performance with natural resonance and low SWR on every band, without the need for traps, coils or antenna tuners. Band-hopping DXing and simultaneous multi-band multiplexed operations are supported. The Rapide antenna is rated at 1500W SSB/CW, 400W FT8 and other digital modes.

The Rapide vertical antenna kit includes a 22.97 ft. (7m) (length approx.) telescoping mast, 328 ft. of DX10 wire where 82 ft. is for the wire antenna elements, and up to 246 ft. is leftover for use as radials. The Rapide includes 6 ground connection points on the ground plate. To achieve maximum efficiency, cut and install 24 10 ft. radials to make 4 wavelengths of radials for 20M on the ground. Crimping or soldering 4 radials per connector will allow quick antenna deployment in the field. The DX Commander Rapide antenna system is simple to build, lightweight and is ideal as a first antenna or for those with HOA restrictions.

Order your DX Commander Rapide HF Multi-Band Vertical Antenna from DX Engineering and get on the air!

Note: While the DX Commander Rapide telescopic mast is stated as a 22.97ft. (7-meter) mast, its actual physical length may vary, typically ranging from approximately 21.32ft. (6.5m) to 22.31ft. (6.8m).

DX Commander Rapide Features and Specifications:

Alloy Plates: Aircraft-quality 5251 alloy, laser cut in England before deburring to give that “hammered” look, which eliminates sharp edges and provides a nice finish.

Spreader Plates: Marine-grade high-density polyethylene sheet material from USA, charcoal-gray, UV and environmentally stabilized to withstand the harshest of marine and high RF conditions. Spreader Plates are machine cut in England to DX Commander specifications.

Stay-Up Kit: Band style clamps, that keep the antenna mast sections extended, are molded in England in a black PA66 Nylon. Supplied in Hex or Wing Nut version depending on antenna model.

Shock-Cord: Marine grade shock-cord, with a UV and RF stable Dyneema woven exterior.

Spade Connectors: Kits include large spade connectors for best performance under tension.

Hardware: All nuts, bolts and washers are stainless steel.

Coaxial Connector: UHF female SO-239 coaxial connector, nickel plated brass with PTFE dielectric.

Fiberglass Poles: Made to DX Commander specifications in a spiral wound fiber, high-quality epoxy and paint finish.

DX10 Wire: Made in England for DX Commander, DX10 wire has an outstanding reputation for both strength and in particular, extreme flexibility. The insulation is “arctic grade” and still flexible down to -40° F. Originally designed for military use, this insulation is particularly strong but highly flexible and the stranded annealed copper wire is approximately 19 AWG and is made from 24 strands of 0.008 in. (0.2mm) wire.

SWR: The Rapide can deliver a curve with the 1.5:1 SWR points beyond most band edges, except 10m which has a 2:1 bandwidth of around 300 kHz. On 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m and 12m, band edges are better than 1.5:1, with the best SWR typically at 1.1:1. Each band is adjustable to achieve the lowest SWR at either CW, FT8 or SSB frequencies.

NOTE: *6m and 2m SWR is not guaranteed due to variations in surroundings.

DX Commander antenna kits now include improved HCL EZ-Clamps and Dyneema Shock Cord instead of Carabiners.

* User assembly is required.

All DX Commander Antenna kits come with everything you need (except for guying stakes):

• Telescopic Mast - 22.97 ft. (7m) (length approx.) Extended Height

  • Note: While the DX Commander Rapide telescopic mast is stated as a 22.97ft. (7-meter) mast, its actual physical length may vary, typically ranging from approximately 21.32ft. (6.5m) to 22.31ft. (6.8m).

• Aluminum Ground and Driven Plates

• 3 - UHMWPE Spreader Plates - Guy, Mid and Upper Spreader - Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

• Spreader Plates

• Antenna Wire - 328 ft. (100m)

• Coaxial Connector Assembly – UHF SO-239 female - Nickel plated brass with PTFE insert.

• Spade Connectors,

• Stainless Steel Hardware

• Hex HCL EZ-Clamps – Stay up kit

• Guying Rope

• Shock-Cord – Marlow Dyneema

• Glue Lined Marine Shrink Wrap Tubing