SteppIR BigIR Vertical Antenna Installation and Testing (

[@tangoseal1]

I own a BigIR - best antenna I have ever owned and I have owned quite a few. All the tweaking can be done in the SDA100 controller. ALso remember if you cut the power to the controller for any reason you need to re calibrate which takes about 2 mins real time.

[@floridasaltlife]

lease look up a simple Bowline knot !! Fantastic knot, holds perfectly and can easily untie when needed

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

After all that its nap time tnx Dave

[@slvrdollar1]

Great video Dave. Answered some of the questions I had on the antenna. Also love the analog word processor over your shoulder on the book shelf. LOL

[@davecasler]

Yes, it's a Smith Corona Classic 12, circa 1973. Got it at the flea market at Dayton.

[@jeffminnick5209]

Congratulations on the new SteppIR vertical...looks realy cool and i have actually been contemplating a beam from them but theybare definitely a little spendy and in michigan we get some nasty ice storms in winter...so i am eager to see how this works out for you in Colorado Keep up the good work sir 73 from Jeff de WD8JM

[@davecasler]

Thank you. I'll be doing on the air trials this week.

[@jeffminnick5209]

@@davecasler ill be listening for you...73

[@jptucsonaz8503]

Hi Dave! Wow! Great video, and quite impressed with this "out of the box" w/no cal yet; nice! A few things; A) for your next video, could you please show a complete view of the final setup; especially the guy cables; trying to get a take on how high up it's guy'd at. I know you mentioned it was off a bit. B) a suggestion... so that you don't have another unfortunate incident with a deer like last year; perhaps if you put up some of that construction type barricade netting around the antenna & guy points; the deer can see & avoid colliding with it. This might be a good idea for your other antennas too. I noticed that it appeared that you had not installed a water tight boot over the PL-259 on the antenna. But hard to tell in the final setup. Also, when you do your comparisons, it would be nice to see how this works with the SDRPLAY w/signal strengths, but also how it works with the controller on shortwave broadcast frequencies! 73 to you Dave John - N7GHZ

[@JohnWallace74]

Thanks for the video Dave. I would have liked to see the tuning process. Can’t the Step IR antennas be tuned or any length /frequency on the band? I see this video is 4 years old. Do you still have/use this vertical? How do you compare its performance against other vertical antennas you have used? Thanks again for these videos… WD8OQS.

[@KD9ZHF]

Do you need a big yard to install this? I have a back yard that is 40’ by 40’. I’m worried about the “low take-off angle.” I could put it on a mast and then use radials that go to the ground? I feel like I’m sunk living in the big city with an antenna.

[@PWRSLV]

That's some land you have, Dave 😳 Great video 👍

[@davecasler]

We have an acre here. On the other side of the barb wire fence is state wildlife area.

[@WFTL14]

I had the small vertical given to me is the SDA-100 lighted? Mine isn’t and it’s not easy to see.

[@BobHolowenko]

Awesome video Dave. Really enjoyed it! Cheers.

[@neilmarsh1904]

What's the name of the rod driving tool Brad was using? I went Googling for it a while back but didn't know what to call it and wasn't able to find one.

[@neilmarsh1904]

@Alexej Svirid The impact hammer and bit are easy to find. I'm looking for the orange colored gadget they're using at 8:38 or so in the video that lets you use the impact hammer without having to get it eight feet in the air.

[@bradcfi2]

@@neilmarsh1904 I will get you the name of the product. Very nice. Keeps you off ladders. Expensive. I saw another that uses bolts and two plates.

[@neilmarsh1904]

@@bradcfi2 Thanks, Brad. Up on a ladder I don't mind so much, but up on a ladder trying to wrestle an impact driver is a little more of an issue these days. I like the bolts-&-plates idea. Edit - Another run at Google and a lot more luck. Tiiger Ground Rod Driver, around $70 or $80 for one size. iToolco Ground Rod Dawg (I think this is the one Brad is using), three sizes on one plate, around $200. Definitely the thing to have if you're in the business and not always driving the same size rod. I'm seeing a fancier thing from Hilti for $400 - $500. Maybe for the professional electrician but not your average ham. Pricy? Well, kind of, but not so much when you compare it to loosing your balance up on a ladder and having the impact hammer you were horsing around land on you or you on it.

[@bradcfi2]

@@neilmarsh1904 This is the link for the driver tool Expensive. I plan to sell mine when I am done erecting my tower. Search the internet. I have since seen less expensive solutions. www.toolup.com/iTOOLco-GRD01-Ground-Rod-Dawg-Ground-Rod-Driver-Fits-1-2-5-8-3-4-Galv-Copper?CAWELAID=120204890000506339&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=37806089434&CATCI=pla-449126531685&CATARGETID=120204890000508928&cadevice=c&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjOrtBRCcARIsAEq4rW7aFg_xbPZhbbTDnfio9i3jzCKwIvyVHExhHZwUT4EOqyllfVTToTMaAjiuEALw_wcB

[@bradcfi2]

Just found this for $70. www.techtoolsupply.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=JAM-GRD0010&source=googleps&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjOrtBRCcARIsAEq4rW6as7rkrFHDtW0E6u0R-ltIT8VV4ds4-JmOmMZtZSm4yb4NUChFWFEaArHsEALw_wcB

[@tommybewick]

Dave the pause after you said "today's video covers the erection.... of the stepp IR" made that intro hilarious! Sorry but couldn't resist.

[@davecasler]

My wife was giving me gas about that today too!

[@AdamosDad]

His wife helped.

[@donalddavis581]

there is a really good reason why the National electrical code only allows (1) ground rod. If using multiple they must be bonded together. If that antenna ever gets hit, you will find out why. Potential difference between the ground rod you just installed and the one at your electrical service.

[@timbacchus]

That is just like a vertical antenna that was used here in Tucson at the Titan missile bases in the 60s. They would dial in the freq. on the transmitter and outside the antenna would extend to a quarter wave length.

[@davecasler]

I'll bet if it was a government purchased antenna, it was a lot more expensive than the one I'm doing!

[@adriancressy8363]

what about the grey EST into the EHU Clamps??? heat shrink tubing??

[@richhansenclan]

Can definitely tell you married an amazing woman, out there helping like that.

[@mark1161]

Great video! I was thinking of getting this antenna and was wondering what kind of power wire did you use for what seems like a long run from your shack?

[@JackGirard1]

You couldn't find a better word than erection for your vertical??? 😂😂 Edit: The inner Eagle Scout in me died with those knots but congrats on the antenna! Very jealous!

[@davecasler]

Sorry about the knots. My dad was a sailor in WWII and tried without success to teach me about knots.

[@joecraft4409]

Oh no, SAP! Now you need 2 weeks more of quarantine Dave.

[@Thomas-on1cp]

Hi. Thank you for your exciting video. What is the difference between a steppIR BigIR and an Ultra Beam UB-V40?SeppIR in USA and UltraBeam in Europe. Thanks for your help, 73 de Thomas

[@winfieldjohnson125]

Being fairly new to this hobby, I would be interested in seeing what is involved in calibrating the various bands. Thanks. KI7JMZ.

[@davecasler]

Coming up soon!

[@bradcfi2]

A few comments about being expensive, yes it is. However you can buy a BIG IR 6-40 Meter meters for $1,264.00.

[@sparky42]

Dave , I sometime , no , all the time put way too much effort into the " prep " of a project. Takes me longer to Get things ready for a project than the project itself takes to complete. OCD , Anal retentive , call it what you want but I actually enjoy the prep and everything that goes with a project as much as I do executing the main project itself . That being said , I would have had all that grass cut nice and short before attempting this , would have been less confusing kinda like when you have to turn the car radio down in a traffic jam :-) but Love your Videos !

[@normjacques6853]

Because of space constraints I'm looking at vertical antennas. This one is clearly out of my price range, but there are several others by reputable manufacturers using similar designs (although without the nifty internal tape mechanism) that i'm hoping may do the trick. in your experience, how difficult is it to 'dial in' respectable SWR on multi-band verticals? I'm just now getting into the hobby, but age and wear place some limits on my ability to scamper around a roof to take an antenna up and down repeatedly. Thanks, Dave! 73 :-)

[@davecasler]

Some designs are easier to tune than others. The Butternut is very difficult to tune. Try something like the Cushcraft AV-640.

[@normjacques6853]

@@davecasler ..Will do! Thank you, Dave. :-)

[@mikes6844]

Have a look at the DX Commander, very cheap and very good.

[@normjacques6853]

@@mikes6844 Thanks for the tip, Mike! The counterpoise wires could be a problem, with where the antenna has to be located, but the price is certainly attractive enough! 73 KC1MGW

[@izzzzzz6]

Any thoughts of getting it on a mast and raising the radials off of the ground?

[@davecasler]

Lots of work and would have to be very sturdy and well-guyed.

[@timbacchus]

What does the 180 button do will wait for next video

[@jeffminnick5209]

On the beam antennas it electronically points it to the opposite direction without having to turn it on the rotor....

[@fridayjoefriday]

Dave thanks for the view of your YL. May mother nature soon smile on you and melt that white stuff.

[@erichstocker4173]

Given that this antenna costs $995 is there any real cost/performance value to it? I bought a new IC 7300 for $800 so an antenna that costs more than the electronics seems a little much.

[@opticalman1jeffkeokro741]

Great video Dave, looks like a great antenna. Now all I have to do is get that second mortgage on the house and purchase one. Thanks Dave! KE0KRO Jeff Wittern.

[@aeon136]

Great Video!Looking 4ward 2 the follow-up vid! Thanx Dave -73!😎

[@claudem.p.7969]

Is it good for up North in Canada we have freezing rain, snow, wind HELL on Earth. Is it remotely operated of one needs to go to the antenna to change something ? 73 VA2SOB Claude

[@davecasler]

The only reason you would need to change something is if something goes wrong.

[@davecasler]

That wasn't a very complete answer. The SteppIR BigIR is completely enclosed. As long as it is guyed properly, it should be able to handle truly serious wind and freezing rain. Just in case though, retract the copper tape down into the base whenever you're not actually using the antenna. That way if it does break, it's a lot less expensive fix than if the tape gets all tangled up.

[@claudem.p.7969]

@@davecasler OK but I selected something else for my location. Not sure their copper strap is good for us in Canada.

[@margaqrt]

Watching the installation portion I'm reminded of the Red Green show where they crumple up the instructions and throw them away.

[@jimgoldwinger422]

It's been 3 years. How about an update?

[@dave3005]

Why so expensive!? And why doesn't eham update the prices on their antenna review to match what the current prices are? I was looking at a vertical that had great reviews and was about $250 dollars, but when I googled it the current price is $800!! WTH

[@KD0CAC]

Did not show the little tube assemble ?

[@davecasler]

Sorry, didn't catch it. The pieces are glued together.

[@adriancressy8363]

This video has more value to it as I attempt to assemble my Mark IV Big Stepp IR Vertical. The instructions are vague and un clear. And I mess things up more by not putting on the anti-galling grease on the SS hardware. Two nuts and bolts froze up on me........making more curse words come out of my mouth. The larger tubes were a challenge to figure out what goes where. I'll assemble the entire antenna and EHU on the ground and me and my son will finagle it onto the mounting post. The instructions want the EHU mounted first and then wrestle with the "EST's" and aligning the CPVC joint in the EHU. See how I picked up on all of Stepp IR's jargon?? Operating / tuning will be the next hurdle to how this antenna works.

[@johng7rwf419]

Interesting antenna

[@1crazynordlander]

Hoist up the mizzenmast, Arrrgh! Looks like a great antenna.

[@LarryEmery-K1UO]

You do know the guy clamps are on wrong..right! Othere should be a tie point on each side. Reverse one of the clamshell plates to do this.

[@davecasler]

Good point. I also need to install the metal stiffener which goes around the fiberglass mount at the base of the antenna. Thanks for reminding me. It’s been a few years and I need to do proper maintenance on it. 73 from Dave

[@tdumnxy]

Great video! Here is an idea to grow your excellent channel. You are expert at explaining theory and demonstrating practical radio operating. So, how about redoing your licensing videos to cover other countries? You could do exam syllabus videos for Canada, South Africa, India, Australia, NZ and the UK. I know the laws governing operating restrictions differ and the exams most like have different emphasis on the theory side. But it would open up whole new audiences who may wish to pay for well produced tuition videos. Just a suggestion! 73

[@davecasler]

Thanks for the tip. I'll keep it in mind.

[@MrDmonies327]

As someone who is not a fan of sticky substances on my hands, I agree... sap is terrible. :)

[@andrewfiertek5937]

If you can’t make a knot, make a lot. Bowline stronger, easier and easy to take apart.

[@joewilson2258]

Nice antenna for the ham radio station but for me the price is way more than I can afford to pay for .

[@elanpaim33]

hello nice Video however I do not agree with you when you say the TRXATU will match it not real and you may need to look on your installation the big ir even the old one you can get close to 1:1 on all band from 80 to 6m I have 4 of them in different location and other steppir beam as well never ever use atu with this antenna you may get a lot of rf and as well poor signal on a very expansive antenna this is the all idea not to use ATU any way good luck from Israel vy 73 4z4 land

[@VE3IPS]

Wow How many times does Dave have to say "Erection"? Please show it connected to a radio not ananalyzer

[@davecasler]

Check the dictionary. I used the word appropriately.

[@davecasler]

Although I will admit…

[@timbacchus]

I see one person cannot put this up.

[@davecasler]

True. It was a cooperative effort. I'm very grateful that Brad Rich was able to come.

[@CombatVet-i1g]

Extremely painful episode of Senior Citizens fumbling around with an antenna.

[@KR8T]

You miss the whole point of this antenna design. You repeatedly mention the war across the band, which is irrelevant. Take the time to do the calibration and show how the antenna is antenna is intended to be used. You also keep mentioning the tuner in the radio. That should never be needed with this antenna. Very misleading rd new.

[@stevenlawhon3695]

Why is it antennas are erected in winter...brrr?

[@user-oz2dd6sv2j]

So unorganised.

[@Testalan1212]

Why.??? Waste of good money. Why not buy a DX Commander and save hundreds.

[@Testalan1212]

I mean Thousands $$$$

[@bradcfi2]

When I heard Dave was looking for an antenna, I contacted Cal at DX Commander suggesting reaching out to Dave which would have helped is channel since Dave has 5 times the subscribers. Cal's response was "let Dave contact me". I was put off by the comment and pursued no further. The DX Commander is defiantly a viable choice and priced well but I believe can not compete with the Big IR on 80 meters, does not have 3/4 abilities on 6-15 meters and there is nothing like resonance at most all frequencies, 6-80 meters.