log periodic long range TV antennas

[cdev]

For a while Ive been looking for a cheap VHF/UHF LPDA to mount outdoors on a rotator in a vertical orientation. Unfortunately, communications grade LPDAs are insanely expensive. (Probably because they are used in RFI compliance testing?)

However, what appear to be almost identical antennas are used for TV, and it seems as if they are more common in Australia than in the US.  Anyway, i was wondering if any of you see any that look "better than average" if maybe you could pass on the URL.. 

The problematic feature is vertical mounting ability.

Most LPDAs, meant as they are for TV use dont have a vertical mounting option, some do. It seems like I might be able to source a fairly robust LPDA this way, or at least get most of the parts together to make one cheaper than building my own. The LPDA is one of the best broadband directional antennas.

Thank you.

[4CX35000]

Communications grade antenna are expensive due to the physical strength they need to have, these limits tend to be placed on the antenna by tower and mast owners. Also riggers to install the antenna are also expensive as is compensating other mast users to turn equipment transmitter powers down so riggers can safely climb the tower. So the antenna owners want the antenna to be installed and remain in place through all the horrid weather they can suffer on top of exposed tower.

As for recommending then it is down to were you live, but if in the UK or Europe then try Blake Antennas for a UHF TV antenna.
https://www.blake-uk.com/14-dml-log-periodic

[PA0PBZ]

I have been using this one for years: http://qrznow.com/create-clp-5130-1n-vhfuhf-log-periodic-antennas-vhfuhf-21-elements-50-1300-mhz/

Got it second handed, new price is indeed a bit steep. The nice thing about this one is that it also covers the 50MHz band.
Watch out when you want to mount an antenna vertically, it you have a metal mast it will kill the performance...

[Teledog]

Do you absolutely need a directional antenna?
Have an old (rebuilt) Icom discone and an inline amp.
Get ~12-14 channels here in Vancouver, BC (most channels are from the US though!)
Can always make your own log..lots of plans out there..bit of a PITA though.

[cdev]

Teledog,  yes, directional is important to me..

I live just a tiny bit down from what likely is an awesome coverage.. but I'm just a bit too low.. however with directional antennas depending on the frequency I can still pick up a lot.

So I'm

....trying to suss out a deal on a communications-capable LPDA antenna somewhere..

[cdev]

That is a really nice looking LPDA!



Quote from: PA0PBZ on 2017-06-20, 13:03:29

I have been using this one for years:

http://qrznow.com/create-clp-5130-1n-vhfuhf-log-periodic-antennas-vhfuhf-21-elements-50-1300-mhz/

Got it second handed, new price is indeed a bit steep. The nice thing about this one is that it also covers the 50MHz band.
Watch out when you want to mount an antenna vertically, it you have a metal mast it will kill the performance...