Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR

[W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com>]

As pointed out by W4TV when you can vary the element lengths the spacing 
is less of a concern.  The boom is the limiting factor and this is true 
with any multiband antenna.
Mike W0MU

On 2/27/2015 11:20 AM, n8de@thepoint.net wrote:
> One other 'con' that does  not seem to be mentioned yet:
>
> The element spacing is a compromise on ALL bands, so gain and f/r will 
> be less than optimum on any band.
> 73
> Don
> N8DE
>
>
> Quoting W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu@w0mu.com>:
>
> > 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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> >
> >
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