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Dec 22, 2023 · Using a HDTV (High-Definition Television) antenna, based on the DB4 design, is 1 of the most effective ways to retrieve HDTV signals. Purchasing this type of antenna at a store will cost you at least $40. However, you can build such an antenna yourself at a much lower cost.
- How to Build Antennas
Create a simple TV antenna using a coaxial cable and tinfoil...
- How to Make an Fm Antenna
Place the antenna. Ideally, you'll place your antenna as...
- How to Build Antennas
- Overview
- Creating a Simple Antenna
- Making an HDTV Antenna
- Constructing an FM Radio Antenna
- Making an HDTV Antenna
- Constructing an FM Radio Antenna
Antennas capture wavelengths in the air and convert them into audio and visual signals that you can watch on TV or listen to on the radio. If you want to build your own antenna to tune into frequencies better, all you need are a few tools and supplies. TV antennas require multiple extensions, or ears, to transmit channels to your television while FM radio antennas only require 2 ears to maximize the frequency. When you’re finished with your antenna, mount it somewhere in your home so you can attach it to your receivers.
Create a simple TV antenna using a coaxial cable and tinfoil or a jumbo-sized paperclip.
Make a HDTV antenna using copper wires and a wooden board. Avoid using insulated wire.
Create an FM radio antenna by dividing cutting an aluminum pole to the correct length for your radio frequency. Find the length by dividing 468 by the frequency you want to tune into.
Strip the insulation off the end of a coaxial cable to create a simple antenna.
Get a coaxial cable that’s long enough to go from your TV to the nearest window so you can get the best reception. Use a pair of wire strippers to remove the last 6 inches (15 cm) of insulation from the end of the coaxial cord. Once the wire inside is exposed, straighten it out by hand and put it vertically near your window. Run the other end of the cord to the port on your TV to attach the antenna.
You may only get 5-10 channels using a simple antenna.
You could be able to increase the signal of the antenna by wrapping the exposed end of the coaxial cable in aluminum foil.
If you still aren’t getting channels on your TV, check the settings to make sure the input is set to “Antenna” or “Air” instead of “Cable.”
Try putting an unbent paper clip directly into the coaxial port on your TV.
Cut 8 pieces of copper wire that are each 17 inches (43 cm).
Get 12-gauge uninsulated copper wire to make your antenna. Measure out 8 separate pieces that are 17 inches (43 cm) long and mark the lengths with a marker. Use a pair of wire cutters to snip the wires on your marks so you have 8 pieces.
You can get uninsulated wire from your local hardware store.
Don’t use insulated wire for your antennas since they won’t pick up the signal as strongly.
Bend the wires into V-shaped ears so the ends are 3 in (7.6 cm) apart.
You can bend the wire by hand or use a pair of pliers if it’s easier. Grab the ends of one piece of wire and bend it in half so the ends touch one another. Unbend the wire so it looks like a V-shape and the ends are 3 inches (7.6 cm) apart. Repeat the process with the rest of the wire pieces.
Divide 468 by the frequency you want to tune into to find the antenna length.
In order to receive the best signal from a radio frequency, you need to find the correct length for your antenna. Choose an FM radio station you listen to the most to choose as the main frequency you’re trying to receive. Divide the number 468 by the frequency to find the total length in feet for the antenna you need.
For example, if you want to receive the frequency 98.3, you would calculate: 468/98.3 = 4.76 feet (1.45 m). You will receive the best signal on 98.3 if the antenna is 4.76 feet (1.45 m) long.
You should still be able to receive other stations with your station, but they may not come in as clearly.
Cut an aluminum pole to the antenna length.
Get an aluminum pole with a
32 inches (81 cm) of 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) lumber
in (1.3 cm) wood screws
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer,
Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been viewed 367,404 times.
- Christian Cawley
- Former Senior Editor
- A Homemade TV Antenna From a Paperclip. Amazingly, it's possible to receive pictures over the air with just a paperclip as a DIY TV antenna! This will depend on signal strength, distance to the transmitter, and weather conditions, but.
- Card and Foil DIY TV Antenna. A slightly more elaborate option, this version of the DIY HDTV antenna should set you back less than $5. With over a million views, we reckon quite a few people are using this DIY TV antenna.
- "Fractal" Homemade Antenna. A visually stunning antenna for HDTV reception, this DIY build is probably the most aesthetically pleasing version of this project.
- The Coat Hanger DIY TV Antenna. Finally, here's one of our own HDTV antenna projects. Although bigger and uglier than the other projects, this DIY antenna is also the most durable.
How to make a simple TV antenna from a scrap piece of coaxial cable.
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People also ask
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You can run coaxial cable from the antenna to a TV (or two, with a splitter) and watch live HD television. You can get TV on your computer or laptop with a USB tuner. Or you can set up your home network to watch TV on nearly any device, with a network tuner like the HDHomeRun.
