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SteppIR DB18E Yagi Assembly Manual

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DB18E Yagi Assembly Manual
EA3PW
HB9CVE
This assembly manual is intended to be
COLOR
printed in full
. If the manual is
printed in
black and
white, many im-
REV 10.5
portant details could be lost.
04/15/2020
Page 1
13406 SE 32nd St. Bellevue, WA 98005 ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ email: sales@steppir.com
Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com

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Summary of Contents for SteppIR DB18E Yagi

  • Page 1 . If the manual is printed in black and white, many im- REV 10.5 portant details could be lost. 04/15/2020 Page 1 13406 SE 32nd St. Bellevue, WA 98005 ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ email: sales@steppir.com Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 2 PREAMBLE DB18E Yagi Specifications DB18E Yagi w / 6m passive option Specifications DB18E Yagi Boom length 19 ft / 5.79 m Boom outside diameter 1.75 in—2 in / 4.45—5.08 cm Longest element 39 ft / 11.9 m Turning radius 21.58 ft / 6.57 m Weight 110 lb / 50.0 kg...
  • Page 3 Attach the boom to the mast plate CHAPTER THREE—ELEMENT HOUSING UNIT (EHU) PLACEMENT 27-40 Section 3.0: Element housing unit (EHU) placement EHU center-to-center spacing measurements Section 3.1: EHU wiring overview EHU wiring 30-31 Page 3 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 4 CHAPTER FIVE—WIRING THE CONNECTOR JUNCTION BOX 45-54 Section 5.0: Mount the connector junction box onto boom Section 5.1: Wiring the connector junction box 46-49 Connecting the control cable from coax switch to junction box Page 4 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 5 Securing the element support tube (EST) to the EHU 61-62 CHAPTER EIGHT—OPTIONAL BOOM TRUSS KIT 63-66 Section 8.0: Installing the boom truss support mast Section 8.1: Phillystran truss installation 64-66 Page 5 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 6 Mount the DB18E onto the tower mast 74-75 Last steps (read this before attaching DB18E to tower mast) CHAPTER TWELVE—TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS 76-79 Section 12.0: Troubleshooting tips 76-77 SteppIR product warranty Contact information Page 6 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 7 3. Do a complete inventory of every part, nut and bolt. Yes it takes time, but it also allows you to notify SteppIR if anything is missing and allow time to get it to you before you start assembly of the antenna.
  • Page 8 PREAMBLE OK - - - NOW WHAT? (continued) (Sage advise from Jim Streible, K4DLI—SteppIR Technical Support Guru) Your Antenna Has Arrived! What is the first thing to do? (continued) 5. When you have finished working with the controller be sure the display indicates “Elements Home”...
  • Page 9 The items in blue represent options available for the DB18E Yagi—you will need to check these items off only if you purchased them. ✓ Part # Description...
  • Page 10 *Loop element truss kit (Driven element—Optional boom truss purchased) 72-0043-01 Boom truss kit 10-1618-11 Boom support mast *If you did not purchase the optional boom truss, the Driven element loop truss kit included is the 72-0018-51 Page 10 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 11 10-32 X 3/4” Stainless steel machine screw 60-0018 # 10 SS washer 60-0019 10-32 Nylock nut 60-0046 5/16” Nylock nut 60-0065 5/16” X 3 1/2” Stainless steel Hex head bolt 10-1601-03 1-¾” Aluminum saddle half Page 11 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 12 2” Aluminum saddle half 10-1601-03 1-3/4” Aluminum saddle half Glue, Tape & Anti-Seize Kit 72-0041-11 PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION ✓ 72-0009-03 Glue kit 09-0001 66’ PVC electrical tape 10-1028-01 Anti-Seize 10-1509-02 Diverter cone Page 12 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 13 2” Aluminum saddle half 60-0065 5/16” X 3 1/2” Stainless steel hex head bolt 60-0046 5/16” Nylock nut 60-0113 10-32 X 5/8” Stainless steel machine screw 60-0019 10-32 Nylock nut Page 13 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 14 5/16” Nylock Nut 60-0083 4” Stainless steel turnbuckle 60-0093 5/16” x 2-3/4” Hex head bolt 60-0033 5/16 Flat washer 18 FT 21-8000 Phillystran 1200i 10-1618-11 1-3/4” x 30” Boom Mast Page 14 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 15 5/16” Flat washer 21-7001-01 75' 1/8” Dacron Rope (uncut) 60-0014 6-32 Nylock Nut 60-0014-01 6-32 x 7/8” Pan head machine screw 10-1028-01 Anti-seize packet 09-0001 Electrical Tape 60-0112 Set Screw Page 15 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 16 1/8” Wire clip 21-7001-01 75' of 1/8” Dacron rope (uncut) 10-1510-01 Element truss clamp 60-0014 6-32 Nylock nut 60-0014-01 6-32 x 7/8” Pan head machine screw 10-1028-01 Anti-seize packet 09-0001 Electrical tape Page 16 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 17 When the power is “off” on your controller, there is still a very small amount of power feeding to the stepper motors, to effectively “lock” them in place. This leads to less need for calibration of the antenna. Page 17 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 18 PREAMBLE ANTENNA CONFIGURATION GUIDE The DB18E Yagi antenna uses loop elements for 30m and 40M performance. The loop elements used for 40m and 30m are 40% shorter than a full size element, with very little sacrifice in performance (-0.3dB). The DB18E uses an integral coax switch to select which one of the three elements are driven to give equal performance in forward and reverse directions.
  • Page 19 You can be assured that the stainless steel fasteners we provide with our products are manufactured of very high quality. Page 19 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 20 QTY 1: 60-0033 QTY 2: 60-0030 QTY 2: 60-0030 1/4” Nylock nut 5/16” Nylock nut 5/16” Flat washer 1/4” Nylock nut 1/4” Nylock nut (place between eye- bolt and aluminum tube) Page 20 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 21 Always use anti-seize on stainless steel fasteners 5/16” Boom bolt configuration FIG. 1.03 No Washers QTY 1: 60-0103 5/16” Hex head bolt QTY 2: 60-0033 5/16” Flat washers QTY 1: 60-0046 5/16” Nylock nut Page 21 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 22 5/16” x 3” Hex head bolt 60-0033 5/16” Flat washer 60-0046 5/16” Nylock nut 10-1203-01 1-3/4” x 12” Boom center-splice 60-0029 1/4” x 3” Hex head bolt 60-0041 1/4” Flat washer 60-0030 1/4” Nylock nut Page 22 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 23 Align the eyebolt so that it is centered on the boom and tighten. Be sure that all the bolts are now tightened. Figure 1.15 shows the completed 2” boom piece with center-splice. FIG. 1.12 FIG. 1.11 FIG. 1.13 FIG. 1.14 FIG. 1.15 Page 23 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 24 3/8” Nylock nut 60-0034 3/8” Washer 60-0037 5/16” Stainless steel eyebolt 60-0114 5/16” x 3-3/4” Hex head bolt 60-0046 5/16” Nylock nut 10-1601-22 2” Aluminum saddle half 10-1610-22 11-1/2” Aluminum mast plate Page 24 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 25 2.06. When you are looking at the boom (meaning that you can visually SEE the boom) as it is mounted on the mast plate, these 4 holes should be on the upper left side. FIG. 2.03 FIG. 2.02 FIG. 2.04 FIG. 2.06 FIG. 2.05 3/8 INCH Page 25 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 26 Figure 2.16 shows the completed EZ-Eye assembly. FIG. 2.10 FIG. 2.12 FIG. 2.11 FIG. 2.13 FIG. 2.14 FIG. 2.15 FIG. 2.16 Page 26 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 27 ELEMENT HOUSING UNIT (EHU) PLACEMENT Each of the EHU’s on the DB18E Yagi are treated as a driven element, depending on what mode you are in or direction you are facing. The coax from the ham shack feeds into an integral coax switch, which seamlessly switches in and out the correct EHU behind the scenes.
  • Page 28 MOUNTING THE EHU’S ON THE BOOM (continued) SECTION 3.0 EHU CENTER-TO-CENTER SPACING MEASUREMENTS It is critically important that the center-to-center spacing is correct when assembling your SteppIR DB18E Yagi. Use figure 3.02 for placement of each of the elements. Start from the left edge of the boom and measure from there.
  • Page 29 ELEMENT HOUSING UNIT (EHU) WIRING OVERVIEW When wiring the EHU’s on the DB18E Yagi, it is important to know that there are two different types of EHU. The two end “loop” elements can function as either a passive element or a driven element, de- pending on what band or direction that antenna is in.
  • Page 30 6 Pin Header Wiring Sequence 4 Pin Header Wiring Sequence (EHU’s with Relays) (EHU’s without Relays) BLACK GREEN WHITE BLUE BROWN BLACK GREEN WHITE TERMINAL PLUG FIG. 3.14 TERMINAL HEADER Page 30 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 31 Repeat wiring and coax seal preparation for each EHU. When finished, the EHU’s will be secured to the aluminum element mounting plates. This is covered in detail in the next chapter. FIG. 3.15 FIG. 3.17 FIG. 3.16 FIG. 3.18 FIG. 3.19 Page 31 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 32 70-3406-01 Director EHU 10-1502-01 Element housing gasket 10-1015-11 Element mounting plate 10-1601-22 1-3/4” Aluminum saddle half 10-1608-01 Element return plate 10-1015-11 EST Return tube D (x8) C (x10) E (x8) Page 32 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 33 EHU housing. Measure the proper distance from the edge of the boom to the center point of the element (5.0 inches) as (A tip from Adam Blackmer K7EDX, SteppIR operations manager— use the mold spline shown in figure 3.25.
  • Page 34 If you did not purchase the boom truss op- tion, disregard this note. Figure 3.36 shows the completed director EHU and return bracket. FIG. 3.33 FIG. 3.32 FIG. 3.31 FIG. 3.30 FIG. 3.34 FIG. 3.35 FIG. 3.36 Page 34 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 35 Driven Element EHU C (x10) 10-1502-01 Element housing gasket 10-1015-11 Element mounting plate 10-1601-22 2” Aluminum saddle half 10-1608-01 Element return plate 10-1015-11 EST Return tube 10-1601-03 1-3/4” Aluminum saddle half Page 35 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...

  • Page 36: Table Of Contents

    Level the EHU as shown in figure 3.46 and tighten the aluminum saddles firmly. Figure 3.47 shows the completed Driven EHU. FIG. 3.41 FIG. 3.42 FIG. 3.43 FIG. 3.44 FIG. 3.45 FIG. 3.46 FIG. 3.47 Page 36 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...

  • Page 37: Chapter Three Section

    (one set screw per saddle pair). Figure 3.55 shows the completed Driven EHU and return bracket. FIG. 3.52 FIG. 3.51 FIG. 3.50 FIG. 3.53 FIG. 3.54 FIG. 3.55 Page 37 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 38 Reflector EHU. Even though the installation of the boom truss does not take place until the DB18E Yagi is nearly completed, there are two truss attachment plates (PN 10-1607-01) that need to be installed while working in...

  • Page 39: 3.62. Align The Gasket

    Level the EHU as shown in figure 3.65 and tighten the aluminum saddles firmly. Figure 3.66 shows the com- pleted reflector EHU. FIG. 3.62 FIG. 3.63 FIG. 3.61 FIG. 3.64 FIG. 3.65 FIG. 3.66 Page 39 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...

  • Page 40: Fig

    (one set screw per saddle pair). FIG. 3.72 FIG. 3.73 FIG. 3.70 FIG. 3.71 FIG. 3.74 FIG. 3.75 FIG. 3.76 Page 40 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 41 MOUNTING THE COAX SWITCH HOUSING ASSEMBLY The DB18E Yagi offers high performance regardless of which band or direction the antenna is in. To do this, at any given time each EHU functions as a Driven element. This is accomplished by using a single feed line, and switching in and out each driven element using a relay.
  • Page 42 Additionally, a tie wrap works well. FIG. 4.10 FIG. 4.11 SHIELD   BLACK   DO NOT USE   WHITE     FIG. 4.12 FIG. 4.13 Page 42 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 43 Figure 4.25 shows the completed coax switch housing. FIG. 4.20 FIG. 4.21 FIG. 4.22 FIG. 4.23 FIG. 4.24 FIG. 4.25 Page 43 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 44 11 FT 6 IN OUT 3 COAX JUMPER TO DRIVEN EHU 4 FT FIG. 4.32 OUTPUT 3: DRIVEN; 4 FT OUTPUT 1: DIRECTOR; 8 FT OUTPUT 2: REFLECTOR; 11FT 6 IN INPUT: FEEDLINE Page 44 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 45 Figure 5.05 shows the two #10 machine screws. Follow the instructions in Chapter Ten and then continue with Chapter Five. FIG. 5.02 FIG. 5.03 FIG. 5.01 FIG. 5.04 FIG. 5.05 Page 45 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 46 NOT USED. COAX SWITCH 4 wire control cable; the green wire needs to be trimmed and HOUSING taped; R1 is NOT USED. 3 total wires used, plus shield wire. Page 46 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 47 W I R E C U T O U T S 4 wire control cable key 6 wire control cable key Coax switch wiring key SHIELD  BLACK  WHITE   NOT USED  Page 47 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 48 NOT USED  NOT USED  NOT USED  NOT USED  WHITE WITH RED STRIPE  WHITE WITH BLACK STRIPE  WHITE WITH GREEN STRIPE  NOT USED  Page 48 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 49 Be sure to trim the green wire on each end of the con-  trol cable and tape over it to avoid potential electrical shorts.  Page 49 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 50 CONNECTING CONTROL CABLE TO THE OPTIONAL DB25 FIELD SPLICE The optional DB25 Field replaces the standard connector with a con- venient solder-less connection of the control cable to the SteppIR con- troller. If you purchased this option, follow the steps below to connect it to your control cable.
  • Page 51 For the 25 pin connector installation, you would solder the ground wire to the case of the 25 pin connector and then put the backshell on. Page 51 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 52 11. When the controller indicates it is no longer trying to move the elements (the LED labeled “Tuning” will stop flashing) RECONNECT the control cable again. 12. Set your ohm meter to a low ohms scale (around 200 ohms or so). Page 52 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 53 16. If any of these tests fail, Stop, Push Retract, Disconnect the controller cable and check your wiring and correct any mistakes. Then restart the test procedure at the beginning. 17. If all the tests results are good from step 15, DISCONNECT the control cable. Page 53 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 54 26. Push “POWER” and the controller will now turn off. DISCONNECT the control cable. 27. This concludes the tests and verifies the antenna is wired correctly and that all of the relays are switching correctly. Page 54 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 55 Each line needs to change color to ensure even adhesion temperatures. FIG. 6.01 TRIM THE TIP OF EACH POLE FOR AN OVERALL LENGTH OF 212.75 INCHES FIG. 6.04 FIG. 6.02 FIG. 6.03 Page 55 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 56 OD of the poles varies slightly, so if there is overlap, MAKE SURE YOU TRIM THE TAPE SO THERE IS A GAP, as shown in figure 6.05, Step FIG. 6.05 Page 56 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 57 Telescoping Pole, 18 foot 4 section 10-1013-02 09-0001 Electrical Tape 3/4” 09-0007 Silicone Wrap, blue, 1/2” x 10mil 09-0013-CUT 3M adhesive grip tape, 1” x 2-1/4” FIG. 6.09 0.25” 0.25” GAP FIG. 6.07 Page 57 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 58 Tighten the Nylock nuts firmly. Be sure to use anti-seize on these screws or they will likely gall and have to be replaced. • Repeat the previous steps on the other side of sweep tube. BOTTOM FIG. 6.10 FIG. 6.11 Page 58 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 59 • Figure 6.17 shows the completed sweep—repeat the process for each sweep. FIG. 6.15 FIG. 6.12 FIG. 6.13 FIG. 6.16 FIG. 6.17 FIG. 6.14 Page 59 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 60 PREPARE THE CPVC INNER-GUIDE TUBE & DIVERTER CONE The 40/30 loops on the DB18E Yagi use a plastic tube and a diverter cone located inside the telescoping pole, to guide the copper strip out of the EHU. The plastic tube is off-white and is made of CPVC. There are 3 pieces that make up the guide tube assembly: The diverter cone (PN 10-1509-02), the 39-7/8”...
  • Page 61 Quick disconnect boot locking ring (these are molded into the base section of each telescoping pole and are used to keep the pole from sliding out of the quick disconnect boots in high wind situations) Page 61 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 62 Figure 7.18 shows the Driven element— the loop elements mount around the mast plate. FIG. 7.11 FIG. 7.12 FIG. 7.13 FIG. 7.14 FIG. 7.15 FIG. 7.18 FIG. 7.16 FIG. 7.17 Page 62 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 63 INSTALLING THE BOOM TRUSS SUPPORT MAST The DB18E Yagi has a sturdy boom that is engineered to survive tough weather conditions without the need for a boom truss. However, for people in extreme areas of the world where ice and snow loading occur on a regu- lar basis, the optional boom truss is a great way to go.
  • Page 64 60-0045 3/16” Wire rope clip 10-1607-01 Truss attachment plate 60-0083 4” Stainless turnbuckle 60-0044 Phillystran end cap 18 FT 21-8000 Phillystran 1200i (trim as you go) 60-0048 3/16” Wire thimble Page 64 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 65 Figure 8.20 shows the completed truss end on the Reflector side. FIG. 8.15 FIG. 8.12 FIG. 8.13 FIG. 8.14 FIG. 8.16 FIG. 8.18 FIG. 8.17 FIG. 8.19 FIG. 8.20 Page 65 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 66 8.27. FIG. 8.20 FIG. 8.21 FIG. 8.23 FIG. 8.22 FIG. 8.24 FIG. 8.25 FIG. 8.27 FIG. 8.26 Page 66 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 67 Nylock nut (PN 60-0046). Figure 9.08 shows the completed Driven element truss support arm. FIG. 9.04 FIG. 9.02 FIG. 9.03 FIG. 9.01 FIG. 9.05 FIG. 9.07 FIG. 9.06 FIG. 9.08 Page 67 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 68 Dacron rope is secured to the truss line as shown in figure 9.18. FIG. 9.12 FIG. 9.10 FIG. 9.11 FIG. 9.13 FIG. 9.14 FIG. 9.15 Dacron Rope FIG. 9.17 FIG. 9.16 FIG. 9.18 Page 68 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 69 “stacked” one on top of the other as shown in figure 9.25. Tighten the wire clips firmly. FIG. 9.20 FIG. 9.22 FIG. 9.21 FIG. 9.23 FIG. 9.25 FIG. 9.24 Page 69 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 70 When the position of the loops are as desired, tighten the quick disconnect boots firmly. Wait 30 minutes and tighten again. FIG. 9.26 FIG. 9.27 FIG. 9.28 FIG. 9.29 FIG. 9.30 FIG. 9.31 Page 70 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 71 Total 3/8” Aluminum length to Passive Element length reach total length element (per side) 112 inches / 284.5 cm 27 inches / 68.58 cm FIG. 9.02 FIG. 9.03 FIG. 9.04 Page 71 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 72 FIG. 9.12 FIG. 9.11 FIG. 9.14 Center-to-center Saddle Hex head Passive measurement Driven Size bolt length element EHU to 6m passive 31 inches / 78.7 cm 2 inch 5/16” x 3-1/2” Page 72 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 73 SECURE THE CABLES ONTO THE BOOM When the antenna assembly is completed, the last step before attaching the DB18E Yagi to the tower mast is the securing of cable and coax to the boom. Note that in many cases, the taping of the 16 wire control cable may be the last step, done after the antenna is mounted on the tower.
  • Page 74 11.10. In most cases the tower mast is 2 inches in diameter, but occasionally the mast size may be different, depending on the customers situation. SteppIR offers saddle sizes in 1-3/4”, 2”, 2-1/4”, 2- 1/2” and 3”. Since the vast majority of installations of the DB18 will be utilizing the standard 2 inch saddles, that is the verbiage used in the instructions that follow.
  • Page 75 11. Check to be sure that the elements are level with the boom— a level antenna looks much better when suspended in the air than one that is not! 12. Get the DB18E Yagi on that tower so you can work some good DX! Page 75...
  • Page 76 SECTION 12.0 TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS SteppIR antennas are all powered by stepper motors, hence the name. Stepper motors function by rotating the shaft a specific number of “steps” per revolution. The SDA 100 is simply counting the steps, of which for each step sequence there is a known length that the antenna is adjusting. If for some reason the an- tenna gets out of calibration, the method for recalibrating is pretty simple.
  • Page 77 Again, be careful NOT to short the pins. Even if the controller is turned off, there is always voltage going to the pins with a SteppIR controller. We do this to “lock” the stepper mo- tors, and minimize the need to calibrate the antenna on a regular basis.
  • Page 78 SteppIR will pay for standard shipping back to the buyer. The manufacturer assumes no further liability beyond repair or re- placement of the product.
  • Page 79 Tech Support: 425-453-1910 x475 (10:00am to 5:00pm EST) Address: SteppIR Communication Systems 13406 SE 32nd Street Bellevue, WA 98005 Manual written by John Mertel WA7IR with key contributions from Adam Blackmer K7EDX and Jim Strieble K4DLI Page 79 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...
  • Page 80 Page 80 Tech Support: www.steppir.com/support ⚫ Tel: 425.453.1910 ⚫ support@steppir.com...