[TowerTalk] SteppIR

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

I forgot to mention we have a steppIR yahoo group. 
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SteppIR/info  I am one of the 
moderators.

There was an issue found with the surge protectors they got from Array 
Solutions that were found to be causing some issues.  I don't recall if 
there was a solution.   I recall in this case that the motors were not 
getting enough voltage resulting in the tapes not being extended properly.

They also have or had a run of very noisy power supplies.  K9YC could 
probably speak better on that.


Mike W0MU

On 2/27/2015 10:16 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> Nice summary Mike.  All antennas have compromises.  A few years ago there
> was someone on towertalk who could not get the SteppIR motors to function
> due to having too long of a control line even with the higher voltage
> controller. Is there any data on this?
>
> John KK9A
>
>
>
> To:	towertalk at contesting.com
> Subject:	Re: [TowerTalk] SteppIR
> From:	W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu at w0mu.com>
> Date:	Fri, 27 Feb 2015 09:19:25 -0700
> List-post:	<towertalk at contesting.com">mailto:towertalk at contesting.com>
> 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
>
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