Mclapp 4 bay antenna vs Clearstream 2MAX

[Spencer]

I've had a homemade 4 bay antenna on my roof now for over 2 years now. Everything has been working great until a few months ago when VHF channel 12 stopped being reliable. This antenna works great for UHF but not so hot for VHF. I was wondering if the Clearstream 2MAX would be a better option.
https://m4antenna.eastmasonvilleweather.com/Drawings/4%20bay%209-5in%20element%20layout.pdf

[ADTech]

If VHF-12 is your only concern, just order a

[Spencer]

If VHF-12 is your only concern, just order a

Just order a what?

[ADTech]

VHF Kit.

https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/VHF-Antenna-Kit.html

[Spencer]

I'm afraid if I do that it will degrade the UHF signal.

[ADTech]

The purpose of the VHF kit is to provide predictable VHF reception without changing the UHF reception. UHF signals are simply passed through the U/V diplexer without any significant change except a small insertion loss (< 1 dB or so).

Hmmm.... Looks like my initial response got truncated somehow and I didn't notice it until just now. Sorry about that!

[rickbb]

Or since you have successfully made, (an assumption on my part), a Mclapp you could make a VHF tuned just for CH12 and run them both through a USVJ.

[Spencer]

The reason I was asking about the 2MAX is that there is also WJBK on VHF 7 on the opposite side of WJRT 12.
Also for the past 2 days WJRT has been coming in great. Weird.

[rickbb]

In that case just add a VHF, either the kit ADtech recommended or a VHF only and combine them with the USVJ. That keeps the 4 bay and adds reliable VHF for less money that replacing everything.

And for what it's worth, I've built and use the 4 bay Mclapp 10 x 9 1/2 and get very reliable VHF 11, 2 edge from 45 miles. That version is good for hi VHF, not sure how it would do for VHF 7.

[skatingrocker17]

The reason I was asking about the 2MAX is that there is also WJBK on VHF 7 on the opposite side of WJRT 12.
Also for the past 2 days WJRT has been coming in great. Weird.

I have used the VHF kit on the DB4e at 2 locations and have been able to receive WJBK at both. The first was in Canton ~17 miles away and the second location about ~3 miles away. I was also able to receive WJBK reliably with a flat antenna too even though it broadcast on real channel 7, the signal was strong enough that I've been able to receive it without issues. Even at 38 miles, you may be able to receive Fox 2 with the VHF kit but if not you may need an antenna with more VHF gain (or separate, dedicated VHF antenna).