[TowerTalk] Comparison between SteppIR and Cushcraft Log Periodic?

[mryan001]

Anybody have this 3 ele STEPPIR with the extra 6 meter passive element?  If
so what is the performance over a stand alone 6 mter beam of equal or
greater size?  just curious... - Thanks..   -Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Mike, K6BR
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 12:28 AM
To: 'Bill Turner'; towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Comparison between SteppIR and Cushcraft Log
Periodic?




I'm looking to get a new antenna and would appreciate some comments on
comparing the 3-element SteppIR and the 8-element Cushcraft log
periodic.

The performance in terms of gain, F/B, bandwidth, SWR, power rating
and beamwidth are close enough to be a wash, so what about the other
factors?

Comment:- Front to back on 17 meters is better in my opinion


Here are some of the pros and cons I see:


The Cushcraft is a bit larger and heavier, but has no moving parts.

Comment:- I do not have to worry about Steppir in high winds (and sleep
better.

Both have single line feed and handle full legal power.

Comment:- this is true

The Cushcraft may be prone to causing overload in the RX because it
receives all frequencies in its design bandwidth equally well. The
SteppIR is much more frequency selective. Comments on this would be
Especially welcome.

Comment:- Steppir acts like a mono bander, so that is better, it will be
much quieter.


The SteppIR will do a 180 reverse without turning the antenna,
important for contesting.

Comment:- The 180 is a really nice feature, fast and saves rotator as well,
don't forget the bi-directional mode as well, this work well for listening
off the back while working 59 stations on the front.

The Cushcraft will change bands instantly where the SteppIR takes a
few seconds.

Comment:- I really do not notice the time, by the time you tune the rig the
antenna is there.

The SteppIR requires a 12-conductor cable and separate controller. The
Cushcraft switching is inherent in the design and requires no separate
parts.

Comment:- So what, just another piece of wire


Price: SteppIR is $1395, Cushcraft ASL-2010 is $895.

Comment:- you said money was not an issue

I'm a KISS kind of guy so I'm leaning toward the Cushcraft, but my
mind is not made up. Price is not really that important; I just want
something that will do the job and be reliable.

Comment:- I have had my 3 element up three years and no problems with
reliability , I don't have to worry so much about lightning storms (retract
the elements). The antenna does not seem so prone to rain static, seem much
quieter.  Plus you can get the 40/30 meter option and work those bands as
well.  It does not work half bad on 6 meters either, a bonus in my opinion.


Mike K6BR

All comments welcome.


--
73, Bill W6WRT
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