[TowerTalk] SteppIR Redux

[Joe Subich, K4IK]

> Figure out how to make the elements of retractable
> tubing, so when not in use, they collapse down to
> 3 feet (each side) or whatever.  This would reduce
> the 2 element antenna to the size of a TV antenna when 
> not in use.  This might be a big advantage for restricted
> QTH's.  The antenna could have an additional "5 meter"
> band setting which would qualify it as a channel 2
> TV antenna for legal purposes.

Actually, I think one could probably use the very same 
technology as SteppIR are currently using but fix the 
end of the BeCu strip to the tip of the fiberglass 
tube.  If the tubes were not "locked" into place and 
and taped, they could conceivably expand/contract with 
the strip.  It appears to me that the strip is stiff 
enough to do the job.  

73, 

   ... Joe, K4IK