[TowerTalk] SteppIR

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

I have been using SteppIR since about 2004.

W4TV pretty much hit the gain question.

Pros:

  * Multi monobanders with no interaction from other elements as they
    don't exist.
  * Ability to use bidirectional mode
  * Ability to switch 180 degrees in seconds.
  * Reduced rain and snow static as the elements are encased in tubes.
  * Ability to tune the antenna to your needs on the fly.  I asked
    SteppIR for a  20m build that would maximize forward gain but
    minimize F/B.
  * Shorter elements with the folded element loops with a very tiny drop
    off in performance, if you are looking at the BIGGER versions.
  * Ability to retract the elements in bad weather, lightning
  * Add yours here

Cons:

  * No instant band changes with the steppir motors
  * Heavy
  * Moving mechanical parts.  Shafts have broken.
  * Tapes can have problems going through the turns/sweeps
  * If not assembled properly water can get in to the tubes and create
    issues in area with moisture and freezing.
  * Requires a controller and extra wiring

I love them.  I think they work great.  I have some issues.  One caused 
by me and a cable getting damaged and one from SteppIR using a component 
that was not UV protected which caused the boots that held the tubes on 
to rot.  Replaced free by SteppIR and one shaft failure.


Mike W0MU

On 2/27/2015 7:51 AM, Al Kozakiewicz wrote:
> I was tempted to hijack the Mosley thread, but it should probably be allowed to die peacefully.
>
> I discovered a few years ago that you can't ask any questions where an honest answer might be construed as a criticism on the SteppIR forums.  The dialog degenerates into something resembling the useless old alt.advocacy newsgroups.
>
> My question: With a SteppIR beam, what is the tradeoff of the fixed element spacing on gain and pattern?  Especially compared to the multi-yagis-on-one-boom high end multiband antennas.  You're pretty much in the same territory price-wise.
>
> Al
> AB2ZY
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