This is an interesting question. Usually, mechanical failure of antenna
elements can be detected visually from the ground, but the SteppIR elements
are hidden inside hollow fiberglas shafts. Does the SteppIR control system
include any self-diagnostic capability, such that the user could detect (or
be alerted to) a failure of one or more of its motors, gears, or deployment
of its perforated strip elements?
Jerry K3BZ
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-admin@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-admin@contesting.com]On Behalf Of dan hearn
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2002 3:27 PM
To: RLVZ@aol.com
Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Towertalk] Re: SteppIR Yagi Question
Dick, failure of the parasitic element(s) should result in a poor f/b
ratio. I would make a check with a local friend of f/b when the ant is
first installed and use that as a reference. SWR is useless as an
indicator unless a large change from a previously noted value occurs.
Even then, f/b and possibly f/s ratio will give you a good reference.
The test station should preferably not be too far away. You can tell a
lot from f/b on distant stations. 73, Dan, N5AR
RLVZ@aol.com wrote:
>
> If the SteppIR driven element motor does it's job and adjusts the driven
> element length properly... but either the director or reflector motor
quits
> and does not adjust it's length accordingly for the freq. you are on... do
> you think the operator will know that the antenna has a problem... or will
it
> continue to resonate properly and give a low SWR reading giving the
operator
> the false idea that all elements are tuned for the frequency when actually
> they may not be.
>
> Guess I am wondering if there is a way to insure that all elements are the
> proper length.
>
> Thanks & 73's,
> Dick- K9OM
>
> In a message dated 12/19/02 10:27:09 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> tavan@tibco.com writes:
>
> << towertalk@contesting.com >>
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