I'm not sure you can say the SteppIR is the BEST contesting antenna. I own
a 3 element SteppIR and love it. The primary reasons I chose SteppIR are:
1) It is less visible on a small city lot (ie. 6 band coverage with only 3
physical elements)
2) It does a better job of covering WARC bands than most other multi-band
yagis
For me, it was important to go with something with as few elements as
possible because I put my antenna up in a city that doesn't allow amateur
towers. In other words, I had to violate zoning regulations to put my
antenna up. The only way I was going to keep it up (unless willing to hire
a good, expensive lawyer) was to make it as minimally visible as possible.
IMO the SteppIR is THE BEST yagi for those of us that live in densely
populated suburbs where peace with the neighbors and the local zoning board
is important. Yes, it is a compromise.
If I wasn't worried about the neighbors (or wifes) complaints or local
zoning board I would probably go with a different yagi. I'd probably go
with the OptiBeam OB13-6 or possibly one of the Force 12 XR antennas. The
SteppIR doesn't change bands fast enough for people doing SO2R or trying to
pick up a mult on another band. The 180 degree phase shift is a nice
feature and I use it often, but I don't think it makes up for the inability
to quickly change bands or to listen to another band (on another feedline)
in between CQs.
All triband yagi's are a compromise. What works for me doesn't work for
someone else who has a different operating style or a different location or
different neighbors. I love my SteppIR, but I certainly don't think it is
the "be-all and end-all" of yagi designs.
On 11/27/05, Jim Walker <jim@walkersdomain.com> wrote:
>
> The subject of this thread is, in itself, a compromise. If one is going
> to
> compare yagi beam antennas and choose the one that is the least
> compromising.....one must choose the Steppir, hands down. Its only
> compromise is a fixed length boom, just like all other yagi style antennas
> I
> am familiar with.
>
> I am not a Steppir owner but have reached an opinion on this issue after
> having studied the merits of the Steppir design and its features/benefits
> for a very long time. In my opinion (whatever that's worth) the Steppir
> does offer the overall best design with the least compromise of all yagi
> style antennas on the market today whether it be for contesting or
> ragchewing. Thus, it demands one of the highest costs of all yagi style
> antennas on the market. Seems fair to me. Wish I had one!!
>
> Jim
> KB0X
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Jan Erik Holm
> Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 9:07 AM
> Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] BEST MEDIUM SIZED TRIBANDER BEAM FOR
> CONTESTING?
>
>
> I know that!
> However by reading what many people writes about the SteppIR
> it´s easy to get the impression that there is absolutley
> no compromise with that antenna.
>
> 73 Jim SM2EKM
> --------------
>
> Carl Smidt wrote:
>
> > Sure, but it is not nearly as compromised as most of the others.
> >
> > 73, Carl VE9OV
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Jan Erik Holm" <sm2ekm@telia.com>
> > Cc: <towertalk@contesting.com>
> > Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 9:29 AM
> > Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] BEST MEDIUM SIZED TRIBANDER BEAM FOR
> CONTESTING?
> >
> >
> >
> >>Sorry but SteppIR is also a compromise antenna!!!
> >>
> >>73 Jim
> >
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
> any
> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
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> TowerTalk@contesting.com
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>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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