Hi Doug,
I agree with your evaluation that the 3-el SteppIR with the 6m element is
probably the way to go. I don't think you will suffer much degradation when
comparing it to your current 5-element (assuming it is on an 18-ft boom or so).
I've worked a number of these 3-el+1 SteppIRs on 6m and the stations using them
were always strong.
Bill W5WVO
Doug Rehman wrote:
> Is anyone using a SteppIR antenna for contesting on 6m?
>
> In order to add microwave bands to the tower, I need to consolidate
> some antennas. I've got an 8 element Cushcraft log periodic for
> 20-10, a Cushcraft D-40 rotatable dipole for 40, and a 5 element 6
> meter beam that I'm contemplating replacing by a single SteppIR. This
> is predicated upon being able to get at least ballpark equivalent
> performance on 6 meters (as I work VHF/UHF contests, I can't give up
> much on 6).
>
> The antenna will be mounted at about 55' (where the log is now).
>
> The SteppIR contenders are (all with the optional 6m passive kit):
>
> 1) DB-18 ($2,550 + $82/6m = $2,632)
> 2) 4 element ($2,285 + $375/40m + $164/6m = $2,824)
> 3) 3 element ($1,519 + $375/40m + $82/6m = $1976)
>
> Since I don't work much 30m, I don't see the DB-18E as an option (the
> only thing I see different on the E is an additional element on 30m
> for $400).
>
> Comparing the gain figures (since it's gain figures from the same
> manufacturer, I'd hope they compare...):
>
> The DB-18 beats the 3/4 element by 4.4 dB on forty meters and 3.3 dB
> on 30m (2 elements on 40m/30m versus a dipole).
>
> The DB-18 and the 3 element are identical on every other band (20-6m).
>
> The 4 element beats the DB-18 and 3 element by 1.6-2.1 db on 20-10m
> and 2.9 dB on 6 meters.
>
> One thing I did notice about all three antennas is that the F/B is
> only 11 dB on 10m.
>
> While I like the performance of the 4 element on 6m, the boom length
> (32') is somewhat problematic. The tower is a Tri-Ex LM354-HDSP that
> pivots over at about 8'. A 20' or shorter boom allows for me to lay
> the tower over to work on the antennas along the 24' boom. The 32'
> boom would require me to partially disassemble the boom before
> bringing the tower completely horizontal.
>
> For the $600+ difference between the DB-18 and the 3 element, plus
> cutting 2 sqft of wind load, the 3 element is looking like the
> winner- but the extra
> 4.4 dB on 40m is tempting.
>
> Someday I'll get the 100' tower up in the pasture; when I do, I'll
> reassess what to put on it. In the mean time, I need something that
> will be comparable to my current 40-6m setup.
>
> Thoughts from those using SteppIR's, especially performance on 6
> meters???
>
> Thanks,
> Doug
> K4AC
>
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