Topbanders, thanks to all who responded. Special thanks to Greg, ZL3iX, for the pictures.
I connected the parasitic elements per his hints and the SO-239 plug at the radiator housing to the boom. There is a balun inside the housing, so grounding the plug also grounds the radiator via the balun. I know from building VHF-Yagis that there IS a difference in distance and lengths for the elements when they are connected to the boom or floating. If there is any ill effect to the SteppIR, i can easily remove these connections, but so far i don't notice any down side. I had a number of replies from topbanders using their SteppIR for a tophat even QRO+. At 1820khz now R=28.6 and jX-3.6 with the SteppIR in the 14Mhz position. This results in an SWR=1.76. R drops to 26.9 and jX to -18.2 when the elements are home. Now, what do the numbers tell the gurus? Input welcome. Data: Tower 17m, 5m mast above trust bearing, 6m-yagi on top shunt-wire abt 1m from tower, attached highest possible SteppIR above trust bearing, all elements grounded. 12 short Radials on ground. gamma match I think this is a good starting point for improving the antenna. Begin with radials? -- 73, Martin DM4iM _______________________________________________ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
