8
Initial Controller Checkout
Perform following steps in listed order. For this initial controller checkout, the controller
cable can be disconnected.
1. Connect power cord from universal power supply into controller.
2. Plug power cord from universal controller into a 100-240 Vac, 50-60 Hz outlet.
3. Power/Tuning LED should glow amber.
4. Turn on controller by pressing POWER button.
5.
Power/Tuning
LED should now glow green.
6.
NORM
LED should glow green.
7. Verify screen shows “SteppIR” logo for about 6 seconds and then shows the startup
screen similar to front page shown in this manual.
Theory
Yagi antennas are basically single frequency devices that work well only over a very
narrow range, typically 0.5% change in frequency. Fixed length yagis compensate by
using a variety of techniques, all of which result in serious degradation of performance,
especially in Front to Rear rejection, and added complexity, size, and weight. Dipoles
have a much broader bandwidth but still cannot cover the entire 80m and 40m bands and
maintain a low SWR (<1.5:1). Our patented solution is to simply adjust the all of the
antenna elements to the optimal length for the desired frequency with none of the
compromises in performance that all fixed antennas require. This is accomplished
remotely using an electronic controller that can even automatically follow the radios'
frequency. SteppIR antennas enjoy optimal performance on all frequencies within their
specified frequency range (varies by model) = and that includes non-ham radio
frequencies as well!
The OptimizIR takes frequency and pattern input, applies those quantities to an antenna
model and commands antenna hardware to set element lengths to those values.
Using the OptimizIR is as simple as making the controller frequency match the radio
frequency using the front panel buttons, and then waiting for the
Power/Tuning
LED to
stop flashing. This function is automatic when connected to a radio using the Autotrack
feature.
Remember that SWR is not the only factor important for high performance antennas.
Minimum SWR does not always align with best antenna performance. Our antennas have
better than 1.4:1 SWR in normal operating modes on almost all models, with 6M and 30M
being exceptions on some models.
Rain and ice accumulation can influence antenna matching and performance. Either can
cause resonant frequency to shift lower by a small amount. Under most circumstances, it
can be ignored. Unlike conventional antennas, such loading can be corrected for by
