http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/OT-K3-SteppIR-Vertical-and-Elecraft-Products-tp2913471p2913740.html
The motor unit has a stepper motor and a roll of beryllium-copper tape with evenly spaced holes (about 0.75 in apart). A sprocket runs the tape in and out in response to pulses from a computer in the shack. The computer keeps track of the tape position and the tape runs up a fiber-glass tube to 1/4 wave length long. You can step it up or down one unit at a time to get the best match with a couple of buttons or push a band button to run to the set position for that band. I don't have a SteppIR vertical, but I do have a 3-element SteppIR beam. The beam has two tapes to make a dipole. The beam has a balun but I would not think you would need a balun for a vertical. There might be some kind of matching, but I can't remember as I have not seen inside a vertical since last field day. The SteppIR products work great, but maybe require a bit more maintenance than an aluminum antenna.
> From: David Wilburn <
[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - K3 SteppIR Vertical and Elecraft Products
> To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <
[hidden email]>
> Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009, 12:39 PM
> How does the antenna interface to the rig(s)? I have not
> looked at
> what is going on with the control box, need to understand
> that better.
> If it connects to the rig via the serial port, not sure
> how the rig
> would then be used by control program or for contesting.
>
> Thanks
>
> Dave Wilburn
> NM4M
>
> K2MK wrote:
> > "I am also curious of the experience of the group
> with the SteppIR
> > verticals. There is similar up front cost as the
> vertical / remote
> > tuner solution (assuming a new weather proof
> tuner)."
> >
> >
> > Hi Dave:
> >
> > Sometimes it's hard to tell this Yahoo Group from
> the SteppIR Yahoo
> > Group. There are so many of the same call signs
> posting messages.
> >
> > I've had my BigIR with 80 meter coil for almost 2
> years and I am
> > extremely pleased with it. No internal tuner, no
> external tuner, no
> > tuner period. Just excellent SWR everywhere on 80
> through 6 meters. And
> > not just part of each band, the entire band.
> Performance is probably the
> > same as any similar sized vertical. You get out what
> you put in. Lay
> > down a lot of copper and you'll be rewarded with
> excellent performance.
> >
> > The transceiver tracking feature works perfectly with
> the K3. I know it
> > works perfectly with the K2 as well. The antenna
> length automatically
> > changes as you QSY.
> >
> > 73,
> > Mike K2MK
> >
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