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Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR and SO2R

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR and SO2R
From: W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2019 10:55:30 -0600
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
SteppIR is not what you want for contesting with multiple radios and quick band changes. If you don't care then it is fine.  As I get older, I am only 54, and young I have less and less desire to climb or do antenna stuff.  The SteppIR's can require more service.

What I would do is copy what W2RE is doing with the Remote Ham Radio stuff.

W0MU

On 7/24/2019 10:19 AM, Grant Saviers wrote:
For multi band SO2R the SteppIR isn't a good choice.

You can set the frequency delta for the SteppIR to retune, so for same band SO2R I think for many contests that may avoid the retune delay - but interlock the amp KEY line thru the SteppIR controller so you don't tune while Tx.  Might be ok at 100w but definitely not at QRO.  Of course SWR will go up with the delta freq same as any antenna.

If you want one antenna, then go for the DB36 as it's a decent 40 and 30m beam.  My HDX589+Orion 2800 is happy with one plus an 80m loaded dipole, but there was a lot of 40/30 interaction, now resolved.  A DB36 is big so the tilt plate needs sized accordingly.

Grant KZ1W

On 7/24/2019 7:58 AM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:
The issue with the SteppIR is the amount of time it takes to
change bands.?? The stepper motors are way too slow for SO2R.
Nothing you do with the controller will ameliorate this.

{When you said "Force 12 DB-18E" did you mean SteppIR DB-18E?)

Rick N6RK

On 7/24/2019 7:21 AM, Bruce Meier wrote:
I am looking at changing my tower and antenna configurations and making it more "from the ground" serviceable.?? To that point, I just completed the installation of a US Towers HDX589 and it is in need of an antenna.?? I would like to have only 1 antenna on the tower and will be using a hinge bracket to be able to tilt the tower and keep the antenna parallel to the ground for
maintenance.


Questions:


1.?????? The Force 12 DB-18E is the current antenna selection.???? Based on
what I have been able to determine this solution will not be easy (or
perhaps even possible) to integrate into an SO2R configuration due to the need to have the IR controller connected to either the computer or radio for frequency information.?? It appears that the antenna must be dedicated to one rig only and can't be switched from Rig LEFT to Rig RIGHT or vise versa. Does anyone have a SteppIR antenna/controller integrated into SO2R and if so
- how did you do it?

a.?????? I am using (2) K3 XCVRs, (2) ACOM 2000As, N1MM+, YCCC SO2R box,
Array Solutions SIXPAK.


2.?????? I have not yet purchased the antenna, so I am open to alternate antenna suggestions.???? I would like the antenna to cover 40 - 10 meters.?? (6
meters is a bonus but not required)


Thanks for your assistance.


73,

Bruce N1LN

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