Currently, most multi-band antennas use traps, log cells or interlaced elements as a means to cover several 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 performance 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 copper strip conductor mounted in the antenna housing. The copper strips are perforated to allow a stepper motor to drive them simultaneously with a sprocket.

Stepper motors are well known for their ability to index very accurately, thus giving very precise control of the antenna length.
In addition, the motors are brushless and provide extremely long service life.

The copper strip is driven out into hollow, lightweight fiberglass support elements, forming an element of any desired length up to 36’ long. The fiberglass poles are telescoping, lightweight and very durable. When fully collapsed, each element measures 53” in length.

The ability to completely retract the copper antenna elements, coupled with the collapsible fiberglass poles makes the entire system extremely portable. The antenna is easy to assemble, and can be installed on the ground or up on the antenna tower using our Boomslide™ assembly system.

The antenna is connected to a microprocessor-based controller (via 22 gauge conductor cable) that offers numerous functions including dedicated buttons for each ham band, continuous frequency selection from 20m to 6m, 17 ham and 6 non-ham band memories, 180° direction reversal or bi-directional mode in just 2 seconds (yagi).