[TowerTalk] SteppIR for C31XR

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Lee writes: 

> Again, there are no mechanical issues (other than rivets) 
> with a Force-12 or Bencher or any other non SteppIR antenna.  
> Performance of the SteppIR is legendary...but so are the others.

Quite to the contrary ... there are mechanical issues with all 
other antennas - just different issues.  KLM antennas were 
notorious for problems with the capacitor sections, shorting 
straps and phasing lines.  Force12 have a bad reputation for 
breaking linear loading wires and insulator failures.  Hy-Gain 
- among others - would lose element tips due to fracture from 
wind induced vibration, Cushcraft and Mosley fail due to 
corrosion of the (Cadmium plated) self tapping screws that 
connect the trap wires.  

Any yagi or quad antenna is a complex mechanical system with 
many potential failure modes.  Each type of antenna has its 
own set of trade-offs - don't blindly dismiss some and condemn 
the others. 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
 
     


> -----Original Message-----
> From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com 
> [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Lee Buller
> Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 12:56 PM
> To: TowerTalk Reflector
> Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR for C31XR
> 
> 
> 
> 
> I have always been a SteppIR fan, but decided not to buy one 
> because of the mechanical issues present on the top of the 
> tower...plus the reliance on firmware and microprocessors.  
> Don't get me wrong...computers have their place, but I am not 
> sure I want it connected to the tower or a lightning rod.  To 
> me, the SteppIR products are great, but very breakable 
> compared to my Force 12 C3/ED.  Since I do not climb 
> anymore...as others have stated... I do not feel I could 
> maintain a SteppIR beam, therefore I went to the Force-12 
> antenna which has proven to be a very good antenna.  The SWR 
> is OK across 20-15-10 where I do not have to use a tuner.
> 
> Again, there are no mechanical issues (other than rivets) 
> with a Force-12 or Bencher or any other non SteppIR antenna.  
> Performance of the SteppIR is legendary...but so are the others.
> 
> Lee - K0WA
>