As you can see in the image above, SteppIR sent me the WRONG MANUAL. It clearly says "Instruction Manual for the 3 Element Yagi". OK - my kit was undoubtedly the first one sent out to a 4 element owner.

Then there are the following issues:

No chip puller included

Wrong length bolts for the ERT support

Wrong spacing on the holes in the counterweights

No documentation on how/where to place the counterweights

Taken individually, they aren't devastating, but they sure did slow me down. Fortunately, in this day of the internet, SteppIR uploaded the proper documentation and I could get it within a few minutes. But - that should NOT happen.

There was a modicum of extra expense to me. Stainless steel bolts aren't cheap; I had to print out the owner's manual for the 4 element SteppIR - that's a lot of color ink. The biggest inconvenience was my loss of time, having to do things over again, figuring out how to overcome setbacks, and other frustrations.

My suggestions to SteppIR:

Communicate with your customers. Too frequently on the SteppIR forum we see plaintive requests not to contact the factory because it will delay them. Unacceptable. A business survives by keeping their customer base informed. Ham radio is a hobby; manufacturing ham radio equipment is a business.

Hire someone in Issaquah who can help communicate with your customers. They need full access to the factory and SteppIR engineers to be able to answer customers' questions and SAVE the time of the dedicated group who is working hard to design, develop and ship quality products.

Pay attention to details. There is no excuse for sending the wrong manual out the door, much less the wrong hardware.

Keep track of engineering changes. I can understand how that may have happened in the beginning. Engineering drawings should exist for every piece that goes into a system. SteppIR should KNOW how far apart the bolt holes are on the driven element support bracket on their 4 element yagi. Otherwise, the modular, upgradeable antennas you so skillfully design and produce generate lots of frustrations for the owners.

Criticism should be balanced. What is SteppIR doing right?

Without a doubt - innovation! This antenna, despite the problems I've faced, is undoubtedly the last one I'll buy. I've owned antennas by virtually all the major US manufacturers. None come close on over all capabilities. It's nice to run a 1:1 SWR and ease the load on the equipment.

Bringing an enthusasim to the hobby. These guys and gals are dedicated. I've had several phone calls directly from Mike Mertel, K7IR, to discuss problems. I've never received that kind of attention from any other manufacturer. These folks are enthusiastic!

Dedication to improvement. They started with the 3 element SteppIR, and now have numerous product lines. Each one fills a niche. How many other yagis are "upgradeable"? Although I experienced frustrations with the 40/30 add-on kit, how many other manufacturers engineer an upgrade into their products?

In summary, I love SteppIR antennas! Yes, I'm hooked - if they ever come out with another upgrade to the 4 element yagi, sign me up!

I hope that this has helped you either 1) decide to buy a kit, or 2) overcome potential problems and ease the frustrations of your installation. If it has, then my goal has been fulfilled.

Thanks for stopping by.........

73,

Joe
WDØM
A dedicated SteppIR fan

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