SteppIR MonstIR User manual

MonstIR
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Revision 08/04/08
SteppIR Antennas
2112 - 116th Ave NE, Suite 2-5 - Bellevue, WA 98004
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Tech Support: 425-891-6134
www.steppir.com

Abbreviations
EHT Element Housing Tube
EHU Element Housing Unit
EST Element Support Tube (pole)
FCC Flexible Connection Coupler (rubber)
EST
EHU
EHT
FCC
SteppIR Antenna Information Web Sites (as of 4/09/07)
http://steppir.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/steppir/
SteppIR Antennas — MonstIR 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 per-
formance sacrifices caused by interaction between all of the required antennas.
Yagis are available that cover 20 meters through 10 meters by using interlaced ele-
ments or traps, but do so at the expense of significant performance reduction in gain
and front to back ratios. 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 re-
turns.
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 perform-
ance 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 — MonstIR 3

SteppIR Design
Currently, most multi-band antennas use traps, log cells or interlaced elements as a means to cover sev-
eral frequency bands. All of these methods have one thing in common–they significantly compromise
performance. The SteppIR™ antenna system is our answer to the problem. Yagi antennas must be
made a specific length to operate optimally on a given frequency.
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 perform-
ance 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 element housing unit. The copper-beryllium tape is perforated to allow
a stepper motor to drive them simultaneously with sprockets. Stepper motors are well known for their
ability to index very accurately, thus giving very precise control of each element length. In addition,
the motors are brushless and provide extremely long service life.
The copper-beryllium tape is driven out into a hollow fiberglass elements support tube (see below),
forming an element of any desired length up to the limit of each specific antenna model (a vertical uses
only one side). The fiberglass elements support tubes (poles) are telescoping, lightweight and very du-
rable. When fully collapsed, each one measures approximately 57” 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 microprocess
or-based controller (via 22 gauge conductor cable)
that offers numerous functions including dedicated buttons for each ham band, continuous
frequency selection from 80m to 6m (depending on the model). There are also 17 ham and 6
non-ham band memories and you can select a 180° direction reversal* or bi-directional*
mode and it will adjust in just about 3 seconds (* Yagi only).
Boom
Element Housing Unit
Element Support Tube
Stepper Drive Motor
Copper Beryllium Tape
Copper-Beryllium Tape
SteppIR Antennas — MonstIR 4

SteppIR Antennas — MonstIR 5
JÜRG DR. REGLI (HB9BIN)
SWITZERLAND

Table of Contents
Topic
Abbreviations 2
Why Compromise 3
SteppIR Design 4
Table of Contents 6
Parts List 7
Word of Caution 12
Installing Boom to Mast 13
Boom Assembly 15
Element Bracket Assembly 18
Install the Boom Truss 22
Element Truss Assembly 25
Assemble 70’ Elements 26
Wiring Elements 30
Prepare the Telescoping Fiberglass Element Support Tubes (EST) 35
Installing the Fiberglass Element Support Tubes (EST) 38
Installing Element Trusses 39
6m Passive Element Installation (Optional) 40
SteppIR Performance Topics 42
SteppIR Warranty 45
Page
SteppIR Antennas — MonstIR 6
HB9BIN Assembly Crew

SteppIR Antennas — MonstIR 7
ITEM QTY PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
IN BOX 1 1 MonstIR INSTALLATION MANUAL
1 72-0009-03 GLUE KIT (CPVC - PRIMER / GLUE)
1 OPERATORS MANUAL
2 SteppIR STICKERS
1 40M ELEMENT HOUSING UNIT (DRIVEN)
2 40M ELEMENT HOUSING UNIT (PASSIVE)
1 16 CONDUCTOR CONTROL CABLE
BRACKET ASSEMBLY
3 10-1405-01 ELEMENT SUPPORT PLATE (FOR 40m ELEMENTS)
3 70-1414-11 TRUSS ASSY, ELEMENT SUPPORT (“A” FRAME)
3 10-1416-L TRUSS ASSY, ELEMENT CENTER SUPPORT (LEFT)
3 10-1416-R TRUSS ASSY, ELEMENT CENTER SUPPORT (RIGHT)
MAST PLATE ASSEMBLY
2 10-1021-31 15” x 15” MAST PLATE
4 60-0027 1/4-20 x 1” SS BOLT
4 60-0030 1/4-20 SS NYLOK NUT
BOOM TRUSS MAST — ASSEMBLED & STRETCH-WRAPPED
1 10-1430-01 BOOM TRUSS MAST (1-3/4 x 32”)
1 60-0065 5/16-18 x 3-1/2" SS BOLT
4 60-0034 5/16" WASHER
1 60-0046 5/16-18 SS NYLOK NUT
2 60-0070 3/8-16 x 6” GALVANIZED TURNBUCKLE (BOOM TRUSS)
ITEM QTY SIZE DESCRIPTION
BOX 1 1 36x19x12 ELEMENT BOX
BOX 2 1 19x19x6 MASTER PLATE BOX
BOX 3 1 60x3x6 TELESCOPING POLE BOX
BOX 4 1 81x11x7 BOOM BOX
BOX 5 1 108x6x4 FIBERGLASS POLE BOX
BOX 6 1 108x6x4 FIBERGLASS POLE BOX
BOX 7 1 60x3x6 OPTIONAL 6M PASSIVE BOX
BOX 8 + ? ? ANYTHING ADDITIONAL

SteppIR Antennas — MonstIR 8
ITEM QTY PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
IN BOX 1
MAST PLATE ASSEMBLY
BAG 1 72-0010-01
1 60-0085 3/8-24 x 3” SS THREADED BOLT
3 60-0050 3/8-24 SS NYLOK NUT
4 60-0034 3/8" SS WASHER
BAG 2 72-0010-02
2 60-0007 2-3/4" U-BOLT & SADDLE
4 60-0050 3/8-24 SS NYLOK NUT
BAG 3 72-0010-03
2 1-3/4” U-BOLT (3-5/8” LONG REACH)
2 1-3/4" U-BOLT SADDLE
4 60-0046 5/16" SS NYLOK NUT
BAG 4 72-0010-04
16 60-0045-14 1/4” WIRE CLIP (FOR PHILLYSTRAN - BOOM TRUSS)
4 60-0073 5/16” THIMBLE
4 60-0044-20 1/4” PLASTIC END CAPS (FOR PHILLYSTRAN)
BAG 5 72-0010-05
1 10-1102-21 CONTROL WIRING TERMINAL PROTECTIVE HOUSING
2 60-6000-40 HOSE CLAMP (4”)
2 20-6016-8 8 - POSITION TERMINAL STRIP
1 20-6016-1 1 - POSITION TERMINAL STRIP
2 10-1029-01 CONNECTOR PROTECTOR (CREAM - IN BLUE POUCH)
BAG 6 72-0010-06
4 10-1421-01 2" SADDLE (SOLID) - WITH CENTER HOLE
4 60-0072 #10-32 x 1” SS PAN-HEAD SCREW
4 60-0019 #10-32 SS NYLOK NUT
4 2" U-BOLT ONLY (4” LONG REACH)
8 60-0046 5/16-18 SS NYLOK NUT
IN BOX 1 1 60-0035-10 3/8” x 151" PHILLYSTRAN (FOR BOOM TRUSS)
1 60-0035-10 3/8” x 164” PHILLYSTRAN (FOR BOOM TRUSS)

SteppIR Antennas — MonstIR 9
ITEM QTY PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
IN BOX 1
POLE ASSEMBLY HARDWARE
BAG 1 72-0012-01
6 10-1114-01 COUPLER (3/4" CPVC)
BAG 2 72-0012-02
12 10-1429-21 ELEMENT TRUSS CLAMP HALF
24 60-0027 1/4-20 x 1” SS BOLT
24 60-0030 1/4-20 SS NYLOK NUT
BAG 3 72-0012-03
6 60-0004-01 2" U-BOLT (3.5” LONG REACH) w/ SADDLE
12 60-0046 5/16-18 SS NYLOK NUT
BAG 4 72-0012-04
6 60-1006-01 QUICK DISCONNECT BOOT (1.5" TO 1.25") (FERNCO)
BAG 5 72-0012-05
2 60-1006-01 QUICK DISCONNECT BOOT (1.5" TO 1.25") (FERNCO)
6 60-1006-21 QUICK DISCONNECT BOOT (1.5" TO 1.25") (MISSION)
BAG 6 72-0012-06
2 09-0003 SILICONE TAPE (20-FT ROLL)
1 09-0004 SILICONE TAPE (10 FT ROLL)
2 09-0001 ELECTRICAL TAPE (3/4” x 66’ ROLL)
6 60-0008 #2 x .25 COUPLER SCREW (INSTALLS AT THE HOUSING)
BOOM ASSEMBLY HARDWARE
72-0015-03 BOOM TRUSS MAST ASSEMBLY
BAG 3 60-0037 5/16-18 x 4-3/8” GALVANIZED EYEBOLT
1 ANTI-SEIZE (IN SYRINGE)
3 60-0067 3/8-16 x 4-1/4” SS BOLT
3 60-0050 3/8-16 NYLOK NUT
60 60-0041 1/4” FLAT WASHER
9 60-0091 1/4-20 x 3-3/4” SS BOLT
6 60-0100 1/4-20 x 3-1/2” SS BOLT
15 60-0030 1/4-20 SS NYLOK NUT
3 60-0046 5/16-18 NYLOK NUT
6 60-0034 3/8” FLAT WASHER

SteppIR Antennas — MonstIR 10
ITEM QTY PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
IN BOX 2 1 20M ELEMENT HOUSING UNIT (PASSIVE)
1 CONTROLLER
1 POWER SUPPLY (FOR CONTROLLER)
1 “T” SHIRT (FOR YOU)
BRACKET HARDWARE
BAG 1 72-0011-01
12 10-1406-11 2-1/8” SADDLE (MACHINED SOLID-SHORT)
12 60-0067 3/8-16 x 4-1/4” SS BOLT
12 60-0050 3/8-16 SS NYLOK NUT
BAG 2 72-0011-02
12 10-1406-21 2-1/8” SADDLE (MACHINED SOLID-TALL)
12 60-0067 3/8-16 x 4-1/4” SS BOLT
12 60-0050 3/8-16 SS NYLOK NUT
BAG 3 72-0011-03
18 60-0068 1/4-20 x 1” SS FLATHEAD PHILLIPS SCREW
3 60-0053 1/4-20 x 2.5” SS BOLT
6 60-0078 1/4-20 x 1.75” SS BOLT
27 60-0030 1/4-20 SS NYLOK NUT
12 60-0034 1/4” SS WASHER
BAG 4 72-0011-04
6 60-0083 1/4-20 x 4” SS TURNBUCKLE (FOR ELEMENT TRUSS)
BAG 5 72-0011-05
6 60-0035 3/16” x 14’ PHILLYSTRAN (FOR ELEMENT TRUSS)
BAG 6 72-0011-06
48 60-0045 3/16” WIRE CLIP (FOR PHILLYSTRAN - ELEMENT TRUSS)
12 60-0048 3/16” THIMBLE
12 60-0044 3/16” PLASTIC END CAP (FOR PHILLYSTRAN)
BAG 7 72-0011-07
8 60-0061 #10-32 x 7/8” PAN-HEAD PHILLIPS SCREW
18 60-0072 #10-32 x 1-1/4” PAN-HEAD PHILLIPS SCREW
16 60-0017 #10-32 x 3/4” PAN-HEAD PHILLIPS SCREW
26 60-0018 #10 SS WASHER
42 60-0019 #10-32 SS NYLOK NUT
IN BOX 3 8 10-1013-01 TELESCOPING POLE (18 FOOT - 4 SEGMENT - FIBERGLASS)