The Antop AT-400BV is a multi-directional antenna that performs well in rural settings and large cities with a mix of VHF and UHF TV stations.
The panel-style antenna is part of Antop’s “Big Boy” series of outdoor models. It is designed with vertical polarization to better receive Hi-V and Lo-V signals.
I’ve tested this outdoor antenna in southern Maine and in a couple of spots in Los Angeles, where there are a number of TV stations still broadcasting on VHF.
The antenna includes metal hardware for a variety of setups. You can mount the 400BV to a roof peak, on a pole or in an attic. This 400BV model also includes an amplifier called the Smartpass amplified system that you can power on or off with a small switch.
This “Big Boy” antenna weighs just under 10 lbs.
Specifications
- Best Placement: On roof using a pole, or in an attic, but includes stand for indoor use
- Use cases: Good for rural areas, suburbs and metro areas with a mix of UHF and VHF stations. Capable of reaching weak signals.
- Antenna Reception: Multi-directional
- Receives Bands: Hi-V, LO-V, UHF
- Amplification: Smartpass Amplifier System
- Frequency Range: 87.5-230 MHz, 470-700 MHz
- Gain: 10dB to 33 dB (with the amplifier on)
- Max Output Level: 100 dBμV Max
- Impedance: 75 Ω
- Weight: 9.83 lbs.
- Dimensions: 10.82 x 6.49 x 22.44 in
The gain supplied by Antop is not measured as dBi. The company could be referencing gain relative to a dipole antenna. Assuming that’s the case, an estimate for antenna gain is between 12.15 dBi and 35.15 dBi.
Antop 400BV Design
The “Big Boy” 400BV has a vertical rectangular shape with the elements sitting inside its hard plastic case.
The antenna’s casing is a hard plastic finish with rubberized, weather-proof finish. A 39-foot cable with rubber hoods around the coaxial connectors comes in the box. There are two VHF rods. Each one measures 16 inches and easily screw into the back of the panel. Overall, the assembly is very easy and only takes a few minutes.
Antop 400BV Setups in Maine and L.A.
In Southern Maine, I had the antenna setup on a roof peak in York County.
I had to adjust the direction of the antenna, and do a few more channel scans to figure out how to maximize the channel lineup and get the best reception. In the end, I got more than 30 stations, including a few north of Portland. The furthest station was roughly 54 miles away in Central New Hampshire.
In Los Angeles, the Antop 400-BV ‘Big Boy’ has been set up at a couple of different homes over the last few years. Both homes are located in the southern part of the county.
At the first L.A. location, the antenna was mounted on a pole anchored into a five-gallon bucket. Prior to using the Antop, there was mixed success using an indoor antenna, and then later an outdoor antenna from another company. At most, we were getting a few dozen channels with the previous two antennas.
With the Antop, the channel lineup rose to approximately 175 channels (Channels 2-64). The new channels included local FOX and ABC stations, both of which are on the Hi-V bands.
One of the key takeaways from the Los Angeles testing was the importance of having VHF elements. Major broadcasters such as CBS, NBC, The CW, and FOX broadcast on VHF.
Both L.A. houses are close to the beach, where salt air can quickly rust metal components left outdoors year-round. Two of the older antennas with exposed metal components rusted within a matter of months.
The rubberized hood on the cords and the weather-resistant finish on the ‘Big Boy’ models have proven to be a better option if you are living near a beach.
Performance
Antop says that the antenna can receive transmitter signals from 75 to 85 miles. Like just about antenna range claims, these stats are dubious at best.
The furthest tower from the Maine testing was about 54 miles away. In Los Angeles, the “Big Boy” could not pick up stations rated with moderate to weak signals in the 60+ mile range even when there were no significant obstacles between the antenna and tower.
Also, while this is a higher gain antenna, it’s also multi-directional. If you were looking to maximize your ability to pick up weaker signals from further away, then a directional antenna would be a more appropriate choice.
Putting the range claims aside, the 400BV is very well made antenna that has proven itself over time to provide stable reception of over-the-air signals from significant distances.
If you are living in a suburban or even somewhat rural area, Antop’s 400BV is a solid multi-directional antenna that can get you lots of UHF and VHF channels.
Antop provides a one year warranty from purchase date.
