VHF-Hi Frequency range: 174~230MHz (Channel Range: 7-13) Max gain: 12dB

Not long ago, I purchased a commercial 4-bay UHF HDTV antenna and I am absolutely thrilled with it. There was only one problem that I hadn’t solved. My new antenna would not receive VHF frequencies and I had that one oddball channel which was in the VHF-Hi Frequency Range. It was channel 13 (13.1 and 13.2 to be precise).

If you take a quick look at the VHF high-band (band III) chart, this is 210 MHz, which is part of the North American television frequencies.

My old home brew 4-bay does a pretty fair job, but not exactly par excellence. I get roughly from 20% to 50% on 13, but at night the channel nearly drops out altogether. It was beginning to be a problem. Here were my options. Go with the old giant VHF/UHF yagi, or acquire a VHF only yagi.

My commercial 4-bay (4 Element Bowtie Indoor/Outdoor HDTV Antenna – 60 Mile Range) has done such a superb job for me, so I really wanted to go with the VHF yagi as the companion.

Here’s my take on the subject. Antennas that are designed for a particular frequency will offer better performance for that part of the band. Combination yagis do certainly work, but they are big, cumbersome to handle, and usually expensive. They are a compromise.

There’s 50 to 60 miles between the towers and me. Therefore, I am on the digital fringe. I need better than average in order to receive my target channels.

Here’s the solution: Outdoor Directional VHF-Hi TV Antenna. VHF-Hi Frequency range: 174~230MHz. Channel Range: 7-13. Maximum gain: 12dB.

Fully equipped with a 300 to 75 ohm matching transformer balun and mounting hardware, all is included in the box, just waiting to be assembled. Assembly was not bad, yet some patience is required, since there are several pieces to put together.

If one is wanting a ready-made solution right out of the box, then this is not the one for you. It’s not anything near a monster, but there are no written instructions. There is a well thought out illustration that is adequate. I never had any significant problems. It’s just slow and tedious for a short while. No worse than anything else.

The mounting bracket is very strong and sturdy. It tightened up very snug and secure to the mast.

If there’s one thing to mention, it is the element sliding. The elements are of good quality, but they have a tendency to slide around. This isn’t a problem, it’s just a bit annoying. Some epoxy or Loctite Liquid Professional Super Glue 20-Gram Bottle (1365882) would probably cure the problem. Temporarily, I wrapped electrician tape where the elements turn on the boom.

How is the performance on the Outdoor Directional VHF-Hi TV Antenna?

My old home brew 4-bay would range from 20% to 50% on a normal day, with the rain and wind weakening the signal. At night, the VHF signal was weak and the frustration set in.

The new VHF antenna gives me a steady 60% to 80% signal all of the time, often peaking to 100%. It is worth the trouble, especially for the low price. This is a bargain.

All of the elements are fastened with wing nuts and it’s hard to keep them tight. This is not a big issue, but it does need to be mentioned. If you don’t mind tinkering and are patient, then give it a try.

I am pleased so far. If this light antenna holds up to the winds, then it’s a keeper.

This antenna is decent on FM reception and fair in the police scanner category. Although it did receive a few UHF television channels, performance on UHF was nothing to write home about.

It did just what the title claimed it would do—VHF-Hi Frequency range: 174~230MHz—Channel Range: 7-13. So far so good. Waiting for better weather.

A VHF antenna will pull in VHF signal, but that’s all it does. Don’t expect it to make yer coffee.

UPDATE:
I’ve had the VHF antenna made by Stellar Labs up nearly 2 weeks now, and still receiving 80% signal strength consistently. Channel 13 is no longer an issue. Problem solved.