Make: McDuory (www.mcduory.com)
Model: UHD-3968
Type: LPDA (Log Periodic Dipole Array (staggered))
Element Type: Split 1/2 wave resonant elements (nominal 72 ohm impedance)
Impedance: 75 ohms direct feed
Balun: Not included, use snap on ferrite
Covers:
- VHF Channels 7 - 13 (170 - 230 MHz)
- UHF Channels 14 - 79 (470 - 860 MHz)
- Pan American TV Frequencies
Buy from Amazon ($37 17-Mar-25) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMDZZWM
Installation
Notes
- Used Penetrox joint compound -
- Grease boom brackets (Booms form the feed/phase line)
- Element ends - where the longer elements are pushed into the brackets
- Screws - remove, apply some penetrox, gentle 1/4 turn once slack is taken up
- Lanocote around F connector and connection to boom, around black element brackets / boom to weather proof from rain/water
- Added snap on ferrite clamps (Fit RG-6) to form a 1:1 balun (Isolate coax shield outer)
- Used https://otadtv.com/tvtower/ to locate local stations , and compass to pick average direction / best average for all stations.
- The included RG-6 is probably "OK", they do include fitted F connectors with drip covers. Since the coax is no-name-band its likely low quality, may need to upgrade to name brand quality RG-6 if there are signal level problems.
- The antenna will last much longer (years)
- Mine is mounted under a porch where it is also out of the rain
- Attic installation would also be preferred if it works
- Dual boom LPDA is a good tried and true electrical and mechanical design, directional, broad band, with direct match for coax
On Air Test / Performance
Found all local TV stations (digital) between channels 7 and 26 up-to 25 miles away. Enough signal to run 3 to 4 TVs with a splitter and quality RG-6. All the usual suspects, ABC, CBS, Fox, PBS, NBC etc. The HD channels look great (HD can be better than you think!).
Conclusions
For the price the materials are of good (light duty) quality, with all mounting hardware supplied.
Since it uses resonant 1/2 wavelength elements it is fairly compact for a VHF high band + UHF TV antenna.
It may not fare well in salt air or humid wet climates, Better suited to attic or semi protected installation (out of the rain). With Penetrox and Lanocote (as appropriate) it should do well for a number of years.
An HD version using better materials for 2x the price, water-proofing, and a balun would be a welcome option.