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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