Interesting data on the SteppIR band changes, Terry. In March I
operated the WPX contest as PJ4R using a single transceiver and a
large interlaced Yagi on top of the highest mountain in Bonaire.
Conditions were just horrible and I kept waiting/hoping for 15m to
open. So while running on 20m with poor rates and heavy QRM I
frequently switched to 15m to listen for openings and then jumping
back on my 20m run frequency. I could hear the far South American
stations running on 15m but I could not hear the US stations they were
working so it was easy to quickly check propagation. Eventually 15m
did open to the U.S. and this really boosted my QSO rate. Instant
switching between bands can be very nice even if operating SO1R.
John KK9A
terry burge ki7m wrote:
Just for accuracy I timed my 3 element 20-6 meter steppir changing
bands from 20-15 (9 seconds) and 20-10 (14 seconds). 10-15 (7 seconds)
and 10-20 (15 seconds). Now I am not familiar operating SO2R but as I
understand it two operating positions using the same antenna so would
be a train wreck in the making. Can't see how it could be done without
separate antennas, XCVR's setup to not transmit at the same time, and
some very coordinated operators. No wonder I never tried it although I
have pushed the rules when going for a multiplier on a second band. I
know my friend K7ZS does this but besides his 4 el steppir he also has
a TH6DXX half way up his tower so I can see that would work. I know
his scores probably double my SOAB at least on some contest like
CQWWPHN. And that is when I am having pretty decent luck. But each
contest has it's own flavor and sometimes getting some sleep can be
challenging. Anyway the point is while it would be possible to operate
with separate antennas I can't see how a steppir could work changing
bands for two operating positions. They are great antennas and do well
on multiple bands but not for SO2R (IMHO). Now multiple steppir
antennas would work.
Terry
KI7M
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