WDØM - Pagosa Springs, CO

Pagosa Springs, Colorado




Fixing the Sagging Driven Elements of the 40/30 SteppIR Kit


The driven element tube sag is very noticeable in the photo above



Decreased sag after installing a support truss for the driven element



I bought a one inch in diameter dowel that is 24 inches long, painted it grey, and drilled two holes to fit a U-bolt that would hold it to the boom of the SteppIR. I placed it in the middle of the two driven element tubes.




I used some excess tape SteppIR provided to tape the dowel to the truss support for the SteppIR boom, just to keep the small mast vertical.
I drilled a hole through the top of the dowel, inserted a bolt, and used that to connect some small 1/4 inch Phillystran cable. Then I ran the Phillystran out to the ends of the driven element tubes where I attached the cable to a "yoke" that attaches to the ends of the rod that reinforces the "loop". I left enough slack to form a "yoke" that attaches to the Phillystran and in turn, supports the ends of the driven element tubes.
This approach reduces the amount of distortion/stress placed on the fiberglass rod by spreading the forces to the ends of the return "loop". The materials in the loop are fairly strong and will more readily absorb any stress and distribute it equally. Initially I had attached the Phillystran to the center of the fiberglass rod, but reconsidered after a member of the SteppIR Forum suggested this approach. NOTE: Adjust the Phillystran so there is a slight slope at the end of the tube to allow water to drain out and prevent icing problems!


After the project was through, I tilted the tower back to the vertical and raised it up in the air. If it were not for the potential for heavy snow and ice, I probably would not have made this modification. Having seen what ice can do to antennas here in the mountains, I felt it was a prudent thing to do.

My SteppIR 4L with the 40/30 add on kit has been through many intense winters since I added the support truss in 2004. I'm happy to say that the truss system has worked perfectly! We've had wind gusts of 88 mph that blew out the huge front windows in my home, and the SteppIR came through it with no problems. I'm a happy guy (except for the windows - but let's hear it for insurance!)
Disclaimer: YMMV, and if it breaks in half, you own both pieces. Please read all instructions and warnings before use. Must be 18 years of age or older to proceed further. Enter at your own risk. Hostess will seat you. Void where prohibited by law. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. We make no other warranties, expressed or implied. May be too intense for some viewers. Only 1 winner per household. All models are over 18 years of age. Driver does not carry cash.


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