Yagi Dipole Vertical
(Patent # 6,677,914)
3 Element Yagi Instruction Manual
SteppIR Antennas
2112 - 116th Ave NE, Suite 2-5, Bellevue, WA 98004
Tel: 425-453-1910 Fax: 425-462-4415
Tech Support: 425-891-6134
www.steppir.com
Antarctica at 75 mph
Rev: O 12/17/07
SteppIR Antennas - 3 Element
2
SteppIR - Why Compromise?
The SteppIR antenna was originally conceived to solve the problem of covering the six ham
bands (20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m and 6m) on one tower without the performance sacrifices
caused by interaction between all of the required antennas.
Yagi's are available that cover 20 meters through 10 meters by using interlaced elements,
traps or log periodic techniques, but do so at the expense of significant performance reduction
in gain and front to back ratios. Now, with the addition of the WARC bands on 17m and 12m,
the use of interlaced elements and traps has clearly been an exercise in diminishing returns.
Obviously, an antenna that is precisely adjustable in length while in the air would solve the frequency problem, and in addition, would have vastly improved performance over existing fixed
length yagis. The ability to tune the antenna to a specific frequency, without regard for bandwidth, results in excellent gain and front to back at every frequency.
The SteppIR design was made possible by the convergence of determination and high tech
materials. The availability of new lightweight glass fiber composites, Teflon blended thermoplastics, high conductivity copper-beryllium and extremely reliable stepper motors has allowed
the SteppIR to be a commercially feasible product.
The current and future SteppIR products should produce the most potent single tower antenna
systems ever seen in Amateur Radio! We thank you for using our SteppIR antenna for your
ham radio endeavors.
Warm Regards,
Mike Mertel
Michael (Mike) Mertel - K7IR
President
SteppIR Antennas - 3 Element
3
Topic Page
Parts Abbreviations
SteppIR Design
Packing List
Abbreviations
List of Figures
Assembling the Boom
Element Spacing and Position Drawing
Connecting the Boom to the Mounting Plate
Attaching the Element Housing Unit (EHU) to the Element Bracket
Control Cable Wiring Instructions
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Control Cable Connection Drawing
Attaching the Wiring Enclosure to the Boom or Mast
Preparing and Attaching Telescoping Fiberglass Poles
6 Meter Passive Element Installation (Optional)
SteppIR Options
SteppIR Warranty
13
14
15-18
19
20-21
22
SteppIR Antennas - 3 Element
Abbreviations
EST Element Support Tube
EHU Element Housing Unit
FTP Fiberglass Telescoping Poles
QDB Quick Disconnect Boots
4
QDB
EST
EHU
FTP
SteppIR Antenna Information Web Sites (as of 4/09/07)
http://steppir.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/steppir/
SteppIR Antennas - 3 Element
5
SteppIR Design
Currently, most multi-band antennas use traps, log cells or interlaced elements as a means to cover
several frequency bands. Yagi antennas must be made a specific length to operate optimally on a given
frequency. All of these methods have one thing in common–they significantly compromise performance.
The SteppIR™ antenna system is our answer to the problem.
So, instead of trying to “trick” the antenna into thinking it is a different length, or simply adding more
elements that may destructively interact, why not just change the antenna length? Optimal performance
is then possible on all frequencies with a lightweight, compact antenna. Also, since the SteppIR can
control the element lengths, a long boom is not needed to achieve near optimum gain and front to back
ratios on 20 - 10 meters.
Each antenna element consists of two spools of flat copper-beryllium tape conductor (.54” wide x .008”
thick) mounted in the EHU. The copper-beryllium tape is perforated to allow a stepper motor to drive the
tape simultaneously with sprockets. Stepper motors are well known for their ability to index very
accurately, thus giving precise control of each element length. In addition, the motors are brushless and
provide extremely long service life.
Copper-Beryllium Tape
The copper-beryllium tape is driven out into the hollow fiberglass telescoping poles (see below), forming
an element of any desired length up to the limit of each specific antenna model (a vertical uses only one
pole). The fiberglass telescoping poles are lightweight and very durable. When fully collapsed, each one
measures approximately 58” in length. Depending on the model, there may be additional extensions
added to increase the overall element length.
The ability to completely retract the copper-beryllium antenna elements, coupled with the collapsible
fiberglass poles, makes the entire system easy to disassemble and transport.
The antenna is connected to a micro-processor-based controller (via 22 gauge conductor cable) that offers
numerous functions, including dedicated buttons for each ham band, and continuous frequency selection
from 80m to 6m (depending on the model). There are also 17 ham and 6 non-ham band memories. You
can select a 180° direction reversal* or a bi-directional* mode, and it will adjust in about 3 seconds
(*Yagi only).
Boom
Fiberglass telescoping poles
Copper-Beryllium Tape
Stepper Drive Motor
Element Housing Unit (EHU)
SteppIR Antennas - 3 Element
Optional
Bag
1-3/4” U-Bolt & Saddle
PACKING LIST
6
ITEM QTY PART #
BOX 1 1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
6 10-1013-01
6 60-1006-01
1
1 10-1102-21
1 60-1009-01
1 60-6000-35
1 20-6020-12
20-6020-01 1 Position Terminal Strip
10-1029-01
09-0001
09-0003
09-0004
60-0003
60-0004-02
60-0062
60-0030
60-0046
60-0041
60-0061
60-0018
60-0019
BAG 1
1
1
2
1
1
2
2
3
3
8
15
26
12 60-0017 #10-32 x 3/4 SS Panhead Screw
26
38
DESCRIPTION
Instruction Manual
Operators Manual
Controller
Power Supply
Driven Element Housing (EHU)
Passive Element Housing (EHU)
Mast Plate
Boom (4 sections)
Fiberglass Telescoping Pole (18 Foot - 4 Segment )
Quick Disconnect Boot (1.5” to 1.25”) (Fernco)
Control Cable (12 conductor)
Connector Kit
1-1/2” x 7” PVC Tube (Terminal Enclosure)
ABS Plug (End Cap for Terminal Enclosure)
3” Hose Clamp
12 Position Terminal Strip
Connector Protector (Blue Packet)
Hardware
Electrical Tape (3/4” x 66’ Roll) Merco
Silicone Tape (20’ Roll)
Silicone Tape (10’ Roll)
1-3/4” U-Bolt & Saddle
2” U-Bolt & Saddle (4” Long Reach)
1/4-20 x 2-3/4” SS Bolt
1/4-20 SS Nylok Nut
5/16-18 SS Nylok Nut
1/4” SS Flat Washer
#10-32 x 7/8 SS Panhead Screw
Connector Protector (Blue Packet)
#10 SS Washer
10-32 SS Nylok Nuts
Optional: Hardware for 6 Meter Passive Element
1
2
2
1
60-0003
60-0014
60-0011
10-1029-01
6-32 Nut Nylok
6-32 x 3/4” Pan
Connector Protector (Blue Packet)
Figure Number
Page Number
Description
SteppIR Antennas - 3 Element
LIST OF FIGURES
1 8 Boom sections
2 8 Boom splice
3 8 Aligning boom section
4 8 Fitting boom section
5 8 Tightening boom section
6 8 Connector protector
7 9 Yagi spacing and installation layout
8 10 Mast plate - pre-drilled holes
9 10 Connecting the mast plate
10 10 Connecting boom to mounting plate
11 11 Mounting EHU to boom bracket
12 11 Positioning director/reflector EHU’s
13 11 Positioning the driven EHU
14 12 Controller front
15 12 Controller back (without transceiver interface)
16 12 Controller back (transceiver interface)
17 12 EHU 4 conductor cable & strain relief fitting
18 12 1 and 12 position terminal strips
19 13 Terminal strip wiring diagram
20 13 Completed terminal strip wiring
21 13 Positioning cables for terminal enclosure
22 13 Terminal enclosure tube and end cap
23 14 Mounting the terminal enclosure tube
24 14 Suggested coax routing drawing
25 15 Quick disconnect boots
26 15 Merco Electrical tape
27 15 20’ and 10’ silicone tape
28 15 Measuring the telescoping fiberglass poles
29 16 Taping telescoping pole joints with electrical tape
7
30 16 Taping telescoping pole joints with silicone tape
31 16 Side-by-side of new and original poles
32 17 Recommended lengths for silicone tape
33 18 EHU aluminum reinforcing rings
34 18 Installing quick disconnect boots to poles
35 18 Inserting telescoping poles onto EST
36 18 Correct positioning of quick disconnect boots
37 19 6 Meter passive element
SteppIR Antennas - 3 Element
8
Assembling the Boom
The 3 element SteppIR Yagi boom consists of four (4) sections shown in Figure 1. The element mounting
brackets are pre-installed at the factory. We double-check the fasteners for the proper tightness before shipping,
but it is always a good idea to check them yourself before installing the antenna.
The boom is completely assembled and drilled at the factory to assure precision element alignment. You may
notice in some cases that on a given splice (Figure 2) the holes on each side of the splice are at 90 degrees to
each other. This is as designed and not a mistake. Pre-drilled holes are quite snug to align almost perfectly. In
some cases you may find it necessary to assist the bolts with a tap of a hammer, or the preferred method which
is to “thread” them in by turning with a wrench. If the holes are visibly out of alignment when you are
assembling the boom, you probably have the boom pieces put together in the wrong order.
Each piece of the boom has a number permanently written, scribed or stamped on it (Figure 2). Match each
number with the exact number of a corresponding boom piece. Figure 7 on page 9 shows how each boom
section is numbered. Connect the boom by sliding the respective sections together and align the pre-drilled
holes (Figure 3 & 4). It is advisable to apply a very thin film of connector protector (Figure 6) or spray a
small amount of WD-40 on the male sleeve before sliding the female section onto it. Do not twist the
aluminum excessively, as this can cause binding.
Note: Put a small amount of connector protector or anti-seize grease on all bolts 1/4”
or larger, especially on the U-bolts - it greatly increases their gripping power.
Anti-seize grease (molybdenum based) is available at most auto part stores. DO
NOT get any connector protector on any of the plastic parts!!
Figure 6
Note: The boom bolts need to have a total of five (5) flat washers on each bolt to
prevent the nut from bottoming out at the end of the threads before it is too tight.
The washers can be placed anywhere, but the recommendation is to put three (3)
on the head side and two (2) on the nut side.
Insert the included bolts into the pre-drilled holes, adding the washers and tightening the
Nylok nuts securely (Figure 5). Insert the bolt through the boom, orienting the head of
the bolt on the bottom side of the boom, so that when the boom is mounted to the mast,
the bolt head will be facing the ground. This will ensure that if the nut ever loosens the
bolt will not fall out. (See Figure 10 on page 10 for bolt head location)
Note: Make sure the boom bolts for the center splice (#2) are installed as shown in
Figure 10 on page 10. If you install them the opposite way the bolt will
interfere with the mast plate.
Director
Return
Reflector
Figure 1
Driven
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
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