[TowerTalk] SteppIR

[n8de at thepoint.net]

One other 'con' that does  not seem to be mentioned yet:

The element spacing is a compromise on ALL bands, so gain and f/r will  
be less than optimum on any band.

73
Don
N8DE


Quoting W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu at w0mu.com>:

> 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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