[TowerTalk] SteppIR

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

As pointed out by W4TV when you can vary the element lengths the spacing 
is less of a concern.  The boom is the limiting factor and this is true 
with any multiband antenna.

Mike W0MU

On 2/27/2015 11:20 AM, n8de at thepoint.net wrote:
> 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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>>> TowerTalk at contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>>
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