[TowerTalk] SteppIR DB18 Increased SWR

[Edward]

I had a similar problem after installing a DB18E.  Turns out that the control cable DB-25 connector was lose at the junction box.  Was disappointed that Steppir did not provide a means to fasten it. Once properly connected, I had no further problems. 

Does your SD-2000 show a fault?  Mine did.  

> On 22 Mar 2021, at 9:01 AM, W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu at w0mu.com> wrote:
> 
> I would agree.  I had the same thing happen to me in Montana.  The spindle broke on the reflector.  This was on a much older antenna 4 ele SteppIR.
> 
> I would also suggest joining the SteppIR list https://groups.io/g/steppir
> 
> You can also email SteppIR Tech support.
> 
> Mike W0MU
> 
>> On 3/20/2021 10:38 PM, RVZ via TowerTalk wrote:
>> Hi Steve, The 500hz rise in frequency that you're experiencing is common for SteppIR Yagi's when the Reflector quits working.  I second the recommendation to join the SteppIR Forum and post your problem there as they will provide great information on how you can test various components of your antenna without taking it down.  73, Dick- K9OM  In a message dated 3/21/2021 12:28:07 AM Eastern Standard Time, towertalk at contesting.com writes:
>> Join the SteppIR forum on groups.io. You will find plenty of
>> troubleshooting history there with a quick search. Also plenty of
>> SteppIR experience to tap into.
>> I am assuming you've done an calibrate....
>> 73,
>> Steve
>> W1SRD
>>> I have a SteppIR model DB18 that I put up in mid-January.?? It's
>>> 3-elment 6-40 meters.?? Controller is an SDA 2000.?? It was working
>>> great for two months until the SWR increased recently, increasing to
>>> the 1.5-2:00 range.?? For example, the best I can do on 20 meters is
>>> 1.98:1 .?? I use a RigExpert AA-55 antenna analyzer to sweep over the
>>> band plus a little more on each end.?? It's odd that the SWR dip is
>>> usually around 500 kHz away.?? ??Clarifying that, I set the Controller
>>> to 14.500 and the best SWR is 1.98 at 14.020 on the analyzer.??
>>> ??Setting the Controller to 14.600 results in the lowest SWR of 2.00 at
>>> 14.100.?? it was never like that before.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I used to be able to get it down to 1:1 by using the SDA 2000
>>> Controller to tweak its frequency a little thus matching the antenna
>>> element lengths to the transmit or analyzer freq.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> It has rained recently, and that is a thought.?? But it rained several
>>> time before, and even iced several times, without any impact.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I was very careful when building the antenna to securely wrap all of
>>> the connectors to waterproof them,.?? The coax is new RG-213 purchased
>>> from DX Engineering.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Could it be the Controller, or some part of the coax/antenna combo?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Would appreciate your opinion to help me troubleshoot and solve the
>>> problem.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> tnx es 73
>>> Fred w3ICM
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