[TowerTalk] SteppIR wear out (was: Optibeam OBLY14-5)

[W3YY]

Rick -

After 14 years without problems, this year I've had three element support tubes fall off and two element housing units fail.  One of the element support tubes fell off after being repaired only a month earlier.

I'm tired of these now constant repairs.  The SteppIR served me very well but I feel it's time to retire this old horse.

73, Bob - W3YY
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Richard (Rick) Karlquist [mailto:richard at karlquist.com] 
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2018 10:04 AM
To: W3YY; towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: SteppIR wear out (was: Optibeam OBLY14-5)

On 11/16/2018 12:17 AM, W3YY wrote:
> AC0H -
> 
> 
> My 4 el SteppIR 20-6M gave me great service for 14 years but has now reached
> the end of its useful life.  So am considering the Optibeam and others.
> 
> 73, Bob - W3YY
>   

I think a lot of SteppIR owners (I own 3) on the reflector
would be interested in what the exact nature of the end
of life situation is for your SteppIR.  My MonstIR is
now 14 years old and going strong.  The only wear out
I am seeing is some UV damage to the fiberglass tubes,
which is more cosmetic than structural at this time.
Same with the smaller models I have, which are even
older.  All of mine pre-date the trombone element versions.
They are all on tilt over towers which makes them easy
to repair, just in case...

73
Rick N6RK