NG7M's SteppIR DB-18 Fiberglass Pole Repaint Project

NG7M's SteppIR DB-18 Fiberglass Element Tube Repaint Project. Full sanding and cleanup. Hand painted by brush using Rust-Oleum Topside Polyurethane paint. Here is a link to additional pictures for additional detail: www.nc7j.com/pa...
#hamradio #steppir #paint

[@DaveKelleyphotography]

Hi Max! I just got a DB-18 that has been in the Arizona sun for 10 years. Some of the elements are a bit UV worn. I plan to follow your wonderful example since my elements are currently sitting on saw horses like yours. My question is...is everything working as planned? I assume the paint you suggested is non-metalic? A steppir has been a dream antenna for me for years. I'm excited to get it up but I want to do this right.

[@ng7m-ham-shack]

Hi Dave, yes that paint is nonmetallic. My DB-18 has been really good. Still going strong and the tubes look as good as when I first painted them the last time I had the antenna down which was over a year ago. You will really like it. It's a complicated antenna so over do and double and triple everything. SteppIR's are great when they are working, but not fun to diagnose when there is an issue. The only problem I have had over the years is with the balun on 6 meters. I fried a couple of them running 1KW plus on 6 meters. I now have an after market balun from balun designs, but I still keep 6 meter power around 600 watts max. Have fun! Max NG7M

[@davidautry4857]

Hi, great video. I was wondering if and how you cleaned the inside of the poles before reassembly? My poles have been stored in a barn for a couple of years and I'm worried about dead flies and other crap being inside that could cause the tape to hang up. Did you blow them out with an air compressor? Thanks. Dave WD8IOU.

[@ng7m-ham-shack]

Hi Dave, I used an air compressor to blow them out. That is all I did to the inside of the poles. They still look great after 4 years up on the tower. Max NG7M

[@Lm-xg9ng]

Hi Max, I plan to paint my DB-11 in a couple of weeks, I have a tilt over tower, so will be painting the trombones vertically, should be an interesting challenge, I don't know if we can get Rust-oleom over here, will enquire, 73, Lance - VK6DU

[@ng7m-ham-shack]

Hi Lance, thanks for the nice comment. I'm glad the video was helpful. I bought my paint from Amazon, so that may help you. It worked very well as I mentioned in the video. Hope to hear you on the air! Max NG7M

[@AlessioSangalli]

Sorry if you mentioned it in the video but did you use a specific brush for this?

[@ng7m-ham-shack]

Yes, I think it's in the video.. it was just a high quality standard brush. Other guys like the way the foam brushes work, but I stuck with the bristle brush. Glad you found the video helpful. Max NG7M