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Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR

To: n8de@thepoint.net
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR
From: W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 11:44:29 -0700
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
As pointed out by W4TV when you can vary the element lengths the spacing is less of a concern. The boom is the limiting factor and this is true with any multiband antenna.

Mike W0MU

On 2/27/2015 11:20 AM, n8de@thepoint.net wrote:
One other 'con' that does  not seem to be mentioned yet:

The element spacing is a compromise on ALL bands, so gain and f/r will be less than optimum on any band.

73
Don
N8DE


Quoting W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com>:

I forgot to mention we have a steppIR yahoo group.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SteppIR/info  I am one of the
moderators.

There was an issue found with the surge protectors they got from Array
Solutions that were found to be causing some issues.  I don't recall if
there was a solution.   I recall in this case that the motors were not
getting enough voltage resulting in the tapes not being extended
properly.

They also have or had a run of very noisy power supplies.  K9YC could
probably speak better on that.


Mike W0MU

On 2/27/2015 10:16 AM, john@kk9a.com wrote:
Nice summary Mike. All antennas have compromises. A few years ago there was someone on towertalk who could not get the SteppIR motors to function
due to having too long of a control line even with the higher voltage
controller. Is there any data on this?

John KK9A



To:    towertalk@contesting.com
Subject:    Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR
From:    W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com>
Date:    Fri, 27 Feb 2015 09:19:25 -0700
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I have been using SteppIR since about 2004.

W4TV pretty much hit the gain question.

Pros:

 * Multi monobanders with no interaction from other elements as they
   don't exist.
 * Ability to use bidirectional mode
 * Ability to switch 180 degrees in seconds.
 * Reduced rain and snow static as the elements are encased in tubes.
 * Ability to tune the antenna to your needs on the fly.  I asked
   SteppIR for a  20m build that would maximize forward gain but
   minimize F/B.
 * Shorter elements with the folded element loops with a very tiny drop
   off in performance, if you are looking at the BIGGER versions.
 * Ability to retract the elements in bad weather, lightning
 * Add yours here

Cons:

 * No instant band changes with the steppir motors
 * Heavy
 * Moving mechanical parts.  Shafts have broken.
 * Tapes can have problems going through the turns/sweeps
 * If not assembled properly water can get in to the tubes and create
   issues in area with moisture and freezing.
 * Requires a controller and extra wiring

I love them. I think they work great. I have some issues. One caused by me
and a cable getting damaged and one from SteppIR using a component that
was not UV protected which caused the boots that held the tubes on to rot.
Replaced free by SteppIR and one shaft failure.


Mike W0MU

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