[TowerTalk] Fw: BEST MEDIUM SIZED TRIBANDER BEAM FOR CONTESTING?

w0mu w0mu at w0mu.com
Sun Nov 27 21:27:54 EST 2005


 
So we have 2 beams that are on 18 and 20 ft. booms.  The C3/C4 has two count
em two active elements on each band 20-10m.  The SteppIR has 3 active
elements.    Yes, the C4 has the 40m dipole.  Yes you get instant switching.
If you are making zillions of 2nd radio contacts with the same antenna then
this could be important to you.

I have not purchased the study done by N0AX and K7LXC but I think the
SteppIR was one of the best tested.

I am not up in arms.  In a discussion, I would like some facts, observations
etc instead of just comments like the XYZ antenna is best.

I have used stacked C3's and I can say that in my opinion the 4ele SteppIR
is better.  Yes the stack may be more flexible if rotatable.  I can also say
that a single C3 was much better than the TH7 I owned.

Obviously for contesting the warc bands don't come into play, but the
operator may enjoy those bands which may make it a better choice than an
antenna that does not offer those bands.  Having 4 ele on 17m is quite fun!

The bi directional ability at times can be an advantage but I have found I
need all the gain I can get in the forward direction to keep a run
frequency.  The ability to switch 180 degrees around has helped work
stations of the back.  I prefer to use receiving antennas for this but not
everyone has that option.

Most of the people that criticize the SteppIR have never used one.

One area that has been missed is what happens in a failure situation with
the SteppIR.  The SteppIR has more failure points IMHO than a traditional
aluminum yagi or tribander.  You loose a motor in contest you could be in
trouble.  I would like to work with Fluid Motion in developing some disaster
recover plans that involve eliminating a broken element or similar.  Many
yagis will still function ok with tips broken off one side of a director.
If you lose the controller during a contest you are in deep trouble unless
you have a backup.  

The user needs to determine what is best for his/her type of operating.  

Mike W0MU

-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly Taylor [mailto:ve4xt at mts.net] 
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 2:44 PM
To: w0mu
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Fw: BEST MEDIUM SIZED TRIBANDER BEAM FOR
CONTESTING?

Hi Mike,

The 3-el Steppir is $1300. A C4S is $759.

Yes, you get nearly instant reversability and you get customizable SWR on
any frequency.

But take that out of the equation for a moment and ask: is the performance
of the Steppir $500 more than the C4? (It would need to be, in my books, up
by nearly 3dB.)

Then add that you get 40 meters with the C4. Instant band changes (the
Steppir does take some time). Then add that for that $500 difference, you
can buy yourself an amp. Different folks do have different budgets.

Then consider that if your sole purpose is HF contesting, you don't give a
rat's you know what about WARC capability, where you cannot contest, or 6
meters. So it's ability on those bands, or MARS frequencies, is moot.

I'm not saying the Steppir is a bad antenna, or poorly engineered, or making
any criticism of those who have them (more power to you). But I am amazed at
how zealously some people get up in arms if someone suggests anything that's
the slightest bit less than enthusiastic praise of the Steppir.

It's a great choice for certain circumstances. But it's not the best choice
for every circumstance.

73, kelly
ve4xt
----- Original Message -----
From: "w0mu" <w0mu at w0mu.com>
To: <keith at dutson.net>; <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 3:11 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Fw: BEST MEDIUM SIZED TRIBANDER BEAM FOR
CONTESTING?


> Curious what you think is a better contest single antenna and why?
>
> We are talking single Medium sized antennas.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Keith Dutson
> Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 1:35 PM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Fw: BEST MEDIUM SIZED TRIBANDER BEAM FOR
> CONTESTING?
>
> Since your budget seems to be unlimited, why not go for the SteppIR 4
> element?  It is not the best for contesting for probably for everything
> else.
>
> 73 Keith NM5G
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Michael Mark
> Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2005 11:12 AM
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Fw: BEST MEDIUM SIZED TRIBANDER BEAM FOR CONTESTING?
>
> Thanks guys for your replys!
>
> I am currently using a TH3MK4. (XM240 & Sigma 180)
>
> My choices are:
>
> 1. F-12 C19-XR
>
> 2. Tennadyne Log
>
> 3. StepIR 3 or 4 element.
>
> What do you think?
>
> Winnipeg has cold winters as well and windy.
>
> Will be mounted on a 48' tower.
>
> Tnx!
>
> Mike, VE4MM
>
> ________________________
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Michael Mark
> To: towertalk at contesting.com
> Sent: Friday, November 25, 2005 4:13 PM
> Subject: BEST MEDIUM SIZED TRIBANDER BEAM FOR CONTESTING?
>
>
> WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED TRIBANDER FOR CONTESTING? NO GREATER THAN 9 SQUARE
> FEET OF WINDLOAD.
>
> TNX,
>
> MIKE, VE4MM
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
any
> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
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>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
any
> questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
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> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk




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