Grounding is Important – Really

Mike, K7IR, President of SteppIR Antennas, showed me a printed circuit board from an antenna controller that a customer had sent returned.  They didn’t get a direct lightning hit, but after a small storm nearby, their antenna wasn’t working any longer. Check out the destruction of the driver chips. It’s prudent to make sure you …

DB36 Prototype

The DB-36 Prototype I’ve been fortunate to be able to work with Mike, Jim, and Clay on the new Steppir “Dream Beam 36” antenna.  You may have seen hints in the pictures of one of the initial prototypes on W7CE’s (Clay) web site. These folks are DEDICATED to producing a great product.  I’ve been helping …

Blimp or Balloon for 160 Meters

Using a Balloon or Blimp to Support an Antenna for 160 meters If you want to get on top band, and you don’t have the real estate or towers to get a permanent 160 meter antenna in the air, why not try a blimp or balloon? Ground crew (KE7MAN) with 13′ blimp. ** 3/23/2017 update: This guy …