A rational discussion about interesting antenna issues is the point of this reflector, isn't it? A bit of honest disagreement is a feature, not a bug. I think the answer basically boils down to this:
contributor to gain. bandwidth. This allows the antenna to be configured for "optimal" gain at a given frequency with a fixed feed impedance of 22 ohms. It turns out that if you get to optimize the e
a <snip> And in fact, this is quite close to what is theoretically expected... The usual statement is that maximum directivity is possible with 1/4 wavelength separated elements in an end fire array.
Maybe I shouldn't have prefaced my question with that remark, but it seems many of the good discussions deteriorate into more than simply good natured disagreements lately. Over the years I have had
The key is in what you mean by "performs as well." If the only concern is gain at a specific frequency, then the four element antenna will perform just as well as a five, six or more element antenna
why would anyone want to purchase, buy, or build the larger antenna? Depends what you mean by "better". For example, I use a hy-gain 205. I've often heard it argued that the boom is too short for 5
Here's another reason why someone might choose fixed elements, price. I don't mean to disparage the SteppIR, it has a lot going for it, but consider that the 4-el SteppIR is $1,745. The C3E is $735,
The "STEPPIR has 3 active elements on each band whereas the C3E only has 2 active elements on 15 & 20 meters, with 3 elements on 10-m. So I don't see where the SteppIR has "half the elements" nor is
Since the C3 is basically a 2-element antenna... if we are comparing prices, shouldn't we be comparing the C3 to a 2-Element SteppIR which costs $849? 73, K9OM In a message dated 3/17/2005 12:36:55 P
If you are going to do a comparison, do a fair comparison. The three element SteppIR with optional fixed six meter element, which is what is modeled in the performance comparison is $1273. To your C3
You can also look at the price performance question like this: How much will 4 el monobanders for 20-6m cost you? Depending on what you get and from who you can spend $1745 in a heartbeat. Don't forg
No doubt, but please remember the original question: why would someone choose a fixed-element design over the SteppIR? Cost is certainly a factor. If one is happy with the tradeoffs going with the C3
Sounds like the old "cost per contact" formula. By the way, I talked to three guys with Icom-7800s when I was in Belize last week. They didn't sound any better than any other rig. Tom W8JWN/V31TR No
The C3/C3E has an 18' boom and 7/8 elements respectively. The SteppIR has a 16' boom and only three elements. The two are visually similar ... the SteppIR may even have a lower visual profile. There
I was simply pointing out the fact that a single 4el SteppIR is the functional equivalent of a 20-6m Christmas tree of 4 el monobanders. I slipped over to the M^2 site and priced 4el yagis for 20-6m.
Here is some more comparison information that will be helpful to any prospective buyer: wind area price SteppIR 3 19.7 42lb 2KW 100 6.1 $1198 C-3E 2 19.8 34lb 5KW 100 5.8 $735 Keith NM5G [snip] The t
But these two antennas are not comparable as the C3 is a 2-element design and the the SteppIR is a 3-element. A fair comparison is the C3 and the 2-element SteppIR! Let's compare apples to apples. In
There is one thing the SteppIR cannot do. Operate on >1 band simultaneously. 73, VR2BrettGraham _______________________________________________ See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Tow
More importantly, you can't switch quickly from one band to another. Retuning takes about 10 to 20 seconds depending on which band you change to/from. As a result, I tend to stay on one band and avoi
I do this all the time using a Force 12 C-4XL on 20 and 40. Keith NM5G There is one thing the SteppIR cannot do. Operate on >1 band simultaneously. 73, VR2BrettGraham ________________________________