SteppIR SmallIR User manual

SmallIR
Vertical Instruction Manual
(Patented)
Yagi  Dipole  Vertical
SmallIR
BigIR MK III
Rev: A 05/24/07
SteppIR Antennas
2112 116th Ave NE, Suite 2-5 - Bellevue, WA 98027
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Toll Free: 866.783.7747
www.steppir.com

Table of Contents
Topic Page
Table of Contents 2
SteppIR - Why Compromise ? 3
SteppIR Design 4
SmallIR vertical components 5
Installing the SmallIR 5
Prepare the Telescoping Fiberglass Element Support Tubes 7
Installation of the Rain Cap 9
Assemble the Antenna 10
Mounting the Antenna (ground) 11
Optional (1-1) External Balun 12
Radial systems for elevated and ground mounted vertical antennas 13
Ground Mounting 14
Elevated Mounting 16
Using a vertical in or on salt water 17
SteppIR Notes 18
SteppIR Warranty 19
SteppIR Antennas - SmallIR 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.
Yagis are available that cover 20 meters through 10 meters by using interlaced elements 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 returns.
Obviously, an antenna that is precisely adjustable in length while in the air would solve the fre-
quency 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 band-
width, 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 thermo-
plastics, 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 - SmallIR 3

SteppIR Antennas - SmallIR 4
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. Resonant 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 48” in length. Depending on the
model, their 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 40m 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

Installing the SmallIR Vertical
SteppIR Antennas - SmallIR 5
A: Element Housing Unit (EHU)
B: 18’Telescoping Fiberglass Pole (EST)
C: 24” x 1.5” OD Aluminum Mounting Mast
D: Rubber Coupling (boot) (2)
Figure 1
Element Housing Unit
A
Aluminum Mounting Mast
C
18 ft Element Support Tube (pole)
B
Element Housing Tube
Rubber Coupling (boot) (2)
D
A: Element Housing Unit (EHU)
B: 18’Telescoping Fiberglass Pole (EST)
C: 24” x 1.5” OD Aluminum Mounting Mast
D: Rubber Coupling (boot) (2)
Figure 1
Element Housing Unit
A
Aluminum Mounting Mast
C
18 ft Element Support Tube (pole)
B
Element Housing Tube
Rubber Coupling (boot) (2)
D

Take it on Vacation
SteppIR Antennas - SmallIR 6

Prepare the Telescoping Fiberglass Element Support Tubes
Locate:
•One fiberglass telescoping poles (Component B, Figure 1)
•One roll of black electrical tape
•One 10’ roll of black silicone self-curing tape
•Your tape measure
Note: The stainless steel reinforcing rings on the first two pole sections provide extra
strength in potential high wind conditions.
Warning: Check all four sections of the pole for packing popcorn or any other foreign
object that could interfere with the copper tape movement. Do not remove the
black foam plug from the tip of the fourth (small) section. This is a ventilation
filter.
Telescope the pole to its full length by pulling each section out firmly in a twisting motion
until it is extended as far as possible. Each segment is tapered and should lock securely
in place when fully extended. The pole must be at least 17 feet 8 inches in length as
measured from the butt (large) end of the pole to the tip. If the pole comes up a little short
(1/2” to 1”) try collapsing the pole and starting over, this time aggressively “jerk” each sec-
tion out instead of twisting. The pole cannot be damaged and you may gain a minimum of
1/2” or more. If you have trouble collapsing the pole try carefully striking one end on a
piece of wood or other similar surface placed on the ground.
Next wrap each joint on the fiberglass poles with the all weather electrical tape (Figure 3).
Each joint should have at least the full width of the tape on both sides of the joint. Use com-
mon sense on the amount of tape or you will not have enough of the silicon tape used later to
cover the electrical tape.
Exception: On joints with reinforcing rings, the tape must continue further so it extends at
least 3/4” beyond the metal ring and onto the fiberglass pole.
SteppIR Antennas - SmallIR 7
At the factory when we quality check the poles to verify that they meet minimum
length we hold the butt (large) end and whip it like we were casting a fishing pole
with considerable force. This procedure can produce a significant difference in the
extended length of some poles as a last resort if nothing else works.
DO BE CAREFUL !!!
Figure 3

Apply one complete wrap of electrical tape around the fiberglass tube as you begin, and then
work your way across the joint and back using half overlap wraps, so that the entire area is
seamlessly covered as shown in Figure 3. Carefully stretch and smooth the tape with your
finger as you apply, and especially when you change directions - this will help avoid ripples
and have the tape lie as smoothly as possible. At the end of the run, cut the tape with a knife
or scissors and press the end onto the pole. Then run your hand over the tape a couple of
times to firm up the bonding.
Next, you will weatherproof and UV protect each joint with the black self-curing silicone
tape (Figure 5). It is important that you pre-cut the silicone tape to the recommended
lengths.If you do so, you will have more than enough for each joint. Refer to Figure 7 for
proper lengths for each joint.
Recommended Lengths for Silicone Tape Wrapping
20 in / 51 cm
18 in / 46 cm
11 in / 28 cm
A -
B -
D -
D
AB C 16 in / 41 cmC -C -
Figure 7
Figure 5 The new silicone tape is now BLACK
SteppIR Antennas - SmallIR 8

IMPORTANT: Per the manufactures specifications the silicone tape has a shelf life of 12
months before it is used and should be stored in a cool, dry environment.
Silicone tape will only bonds to itself. Be sure to remove the entire connector
protector residue from your hands before handling silicone tape, as that residue
will cause the silicone wrap not to adhere to itself in places. Take care to keep the
silicone wrap free of dirt or debris. Also, this tape MUST be cut. Do not tear it.
Wash your hands before completing the following steps.
You will need to stretch the silicone tape approximately 100 % its original length
as you wrap the joints. This will activate its ability to bond to itself forming a se-
cure water proof seal.
Position the black silicone wrap about 1/2” to the right of the black electrical tape and wrap one
layer completely around the pole so the tape fully overlaps itself. Then slowly wrap the silicone
tape to the left using half overlap wraps, extending about 1/2” beyond the black tape. When you
reach the end, wrap one layer completely around the pole so the tape fully overlaps itself just as
you did at the beginning of the wrap. If you are stretching the tape correctly you will get about
two layers of tape at each joint. As before, carefully stretch and lay the tape down as smooth as
possible.
Installation of the Rain Cap
On the tip of the pole you will install a black cap (Figure 9) with a piece of tubing passing
through it. The purpose of this vent cap is to keep the rain out, yet still allow air flow through
the foam plug into the telescoping pole.
Figure 9
Push On Firmly
Rain Cap & Vent
SteppIR Antennas - SmallIR 9

Assemble the Antenna:
•You can lay the element housing unit on the ground flat on
it’s side or install it on its mounting mast before installing
the 18 ft. telescoping pole.
•For ground mounting you will want to ensure that the
mounting pole (included) does not shift or settle over time,
using concrete to secure it in the ground is a way to elimi-
nate the potential for this problem. Position the mounting
pole (machined end up) so that the bottom of the element
housing is 6 inches above the ground (Figure 15). After
the mounting post is in place and level, you are ready to
erect your SteppIR Vertical!
•A rubber boot must be installed (small end first) on the 1-
1/2” mast (ground or elevated mount) before mounting the
element housing unit on the mast (Figure 11). After the
EHU in mounted on the mast push the rubber boot up onto
the EHT firmly until it bottoms out against the edge of the
EHT and tighten the two clamps. This boot will prevent
the antenna from turning on the mast.
•Install a rubber boot on to the 18 ft. telescoping (Figure
11) pole before you insert it into the element housing tube.
The small end of the boot goes on the pole first about 8”
up from the but.
Note: The telescoping pole can be mounted to the element
housing unit first if you choose ant the fully assembled
antenna can then be mounted on the mast (Figure 17).
•Slide the butt (large) end of the telescoping fiberglass pole
into the element housing tube (EHT) until it is firmly bot-
tomed. Push the rubber boot down firmly onto the element
housing tube until it bottoms out and tighten the two
clamps. This boot will prevent water from getting into the
element housing unit (EHU).
SteppIR Antennas - SmallIR 10
Figure 11
Machined End
Aluminum Mounting Mast
Rubber Coupling
(boot)
18 ft. telescoping pole
Element Housing Unit
Element Housing Tube
Rubber Coupling
(boot)