Art - wrote
Why not wait until sun spot cycle turns around. I think I would wait a few
years and then see what is on the market, it is a lot of money to spend for
bands that are presently deteriating.

That's exactly correct, band conditions are not going to improve over the
next few years, openings will be sporadic, a good antenna is needed and
that's not to say that I have not been satisfied with the TA-33. Would
recommend that beam over all other Tri-banders on the market. On 80-40 and
30 meters I have a 40 meter Double extended center feed Zepp up 65 feet that
performs very well.

The TA-33 has been up since 1976 without one problem and still exhibits the
same SWR as when it was new. Have worked 295 countries, broken pile ups
when needed, but the WARC add on kit will add cost plus not produce one Db
of gain on 18 and 24.5 MHz. 18 MHz will be a very valuable band over the
next few years as 15 12 and 10 go out. That's the reason I am looking at the
Steppir. It gives all of the bands from 20 through 6 meters with solid
rated performance (Both forward gain and front to back). The reason I asked
earlier, is, statements like "is it to good to be true" and usually
something "that is to good to be true" is exactly "to good to be true".

I also am looking at the LP's on the market, have the leading manufacturer
right in my back yard her in central Florida and was ready to go the LP
until I heard of the Steppir. Both have the plus and negatives. The
Steppir has moving parts and motors on the top of a tower, service would be
difficult. LP's are fix but suffer in performance across the spectrum.

I have the room, the money (Saved since 1976) and ready to make a change. I
put the question out to this news group requesting inputs from other Ham's
and I do appreciate your comment and want to thank you for taking the time
to do so.

Ron - W4LDE


"aunwin" wrote in message
news:i%Q2c.201100$uV3.815815@attbi_s51...
Why not wait until sun spot cycle turns around. I think I would wait a few
years and then see what is on the market, it is a lot of money to spend
for
bands that are presently deteriating.
Art

"Ronald Walters" wrote in message
. com...
I am seriously considering replacing a TA-33 with a 3-element Steppir.
Have
heard allot of great things but no negatives. Anyone care to comment?
Your
thoughts are appreciated.

Ron W4LDE