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Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR DB18 Increased SWR

To: W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR DB18 Increased SWR
From: Edward via TowerTalk <towertalk@contesting.com>
Reply-to: Edward <navydude1962@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:06:00 +0300
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
I had a similar problem after installing a DB18E.  Turns out that the control 
cable DB-25 connector was lose at the junction box.  Was disappointed that 
Steppir did not provide a means to fasten it. Once properly connected, I had no 
further problems. 

Does your SD-2000 show a fault?  Mine did.  

> On 22 Mar 2021, at 9:01 AM, W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com> wrote:
> 
> I would agree.  I had the same thing happen to me in Montana.  The spindle 
> broke on the reflector.  This was on a much older antenna 4 ele SteppIR.
> 
> I would also suggest joining the SteppIR list https://groups.io/g/steppir
> 
> You can also email SteppIR Tech support.
> 
> Mike W0MU
> 
>> On 3/20/2021 10:38 PM, RVZ via TowerTalk wrote:
>> Hi Steve, The 500hz rise in frequency that you're experiencing is common for 
>> SteppIR Yagi's when the Reflector quits working.  I second the 
>> recommendation to join the SteppIR Forum and post your problem there as they 
>> will provide great information on how you can test various components of 
>> your antenna without taking it down.  73, Dick- K9OM  In a message dated 
>> 3/21/2021 12:28:07 AM Eastern Standard Time, towertalk@contesting.com writes:
>> Join the SteppIR forum on groups.io. You will find plenty of
>> troubleshooting history there with a quick search. Also plenty of
>> SteppIR experience to tap into.
>> I am assuming you've done an calibrate....
>> 73,
>> Steve
>> W1SRD
>>> I have a SteppIR model DB18 that I put up in mid-January.?? It's
>>> 3-elment 6-40 meters.?? Controller is an SDA 2000.?? It was working
>>> great for two months until the SWR increased recently, increasing to
>>> the 1.5-2:00 range.?? For example, the best I can do on 20 meters is
>>> 1.98:1 .?? I use a RigExpert AA-55 antenna analyzer to sweep over the
>>> band plus a little more on each end.?? It's odd that the SWR dip is
>>> usually around 500 kHz away.?? ??Clarifying that, I set the Controller
>>> to 14.500 and the best SWR is 1.98 at 14.020 on the analyzer.??
>>> ??Setting the Controller to 14.600 results in the lowest SWR of 2.00 at
>>> 14.100.?? it was never like that before.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I used to be able to get it down to 1:1 by using the SDA 2000
>>> Controller to tweak its frequency a little thus matching the antenna
>>> element lengths to the transmit or analyzer freq.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> It has rained recently, and that is a thought.?? But it rained several
>>> time before, and even iced several times, without any impact.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I was very careful when building the antenna to securely wrap all of
>>> the connectors to waterproof them,.?? The coax is new RG-213 purchased
>>> from DX Engineering.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Could it be the Controller, or some part of the coax/antenna combo?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Would appreciate your opinion to help me troubleshoot and solve the
>>> problem.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> tnx es 73
>>> Fred w3ICM
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
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