SteppIR

[KU4YW]

Recently purchased a SteppIR BigIR vertical antenna. I am having a hard time getting it to play on 20/17/15/10 meters. It plays very well on 75/40. It is ground mounted with 24 radials. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks - Dave/KU4YW (parksd2@cox.net)

[K6ZF]

It is a pretty good bet that you do not have enough radials installed. I have been researching this antenna and find that a usual range of 60 to 120 radials are necessary for a proper setup. Most users have the DX Engineering radial plate to help0 distribute these wires. You need not bury the radials, just use staples to hold them securely. Staples are also available from DXE. Read the SteppIR Forum on Yahoo groups and post your question there also.

I hope this helps. IU too will have a SteppIR BigIR in February. 73 KG7XM (Les) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KE4D]

My BigIR shipped yesterday. While your problem could be radials, you didn't tell us what you have out there. I doubt that most BigIR owners have 60-120 radials. Most of us don't have the real estate for that many or we wouldn't be putting up verticals. I plan 30-40 radials, either .1 wavelength or .15 wavelength on 80m. I would suggest contacting the factory for help. Their service seems to be excellent and I am sure you are not the first person with a problem to need resolving.
Getting advice from those of us who don't have the antenna yet isn't much help. Go to the experts. There is also a Yahoo group that is very active for all SteppIR antennas.

John KE4D
Brackettville, TX

[KB9XN]

Congratulations on your SteppIR. I am sure you will enjoy it after you over the glitches you are apparently having.

My advice as a 4 element SteppIR with 40+30 add on owner would be to sign up for the yahoo.steppir group and read about your new antenna and ask questions of experienced operators who are using the same equipment.

Main Telephone Number: 425-453-1910
Tech Support: 425-891-6134 10AM to 3PM Pacific Std Time.

Good Luck.
73, Howard