How to Make a Multidirectional HD Antenna
Having a high definition television (HDTV) antenna will allow a person to receive free over-the-air high definition broadcasts when connected to their high definition television with a built-in HD tuner. A HDTV with a built-in tuner is often referred to as HD ready. One the best features of a multidirectional antenna is that it will allow you to receive HD signals from any direction as long as they are within your local area. Following a few steps will help you to know how to make a multidirectional HD antenna, and help you save money in the long run.
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver (Phillips or slotted)
- Wood screws
- Washers
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- 2-3 feet insulated copper wire (12 gauge)
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Utility knife
- 2 x 4 piece wood
- Saw
- 75 Ohm balun
- Drill
- 1/4 inch drill bit
- 1-2 feet of 1/16 inch string
Instructions
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1
Measure and cut the 2 x 4 to exactly 30 inches long. Mark one side as top front.
This will make it easier to determine the top and front side in the steps to follow.
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2
Starting at the top front side of the 2 x 4 board, measure with the measuring tape down four inches and make a mark about one inch from the RIGHT edge. Repeat this until there are four marks down the right edge.
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3
Repeat Step 2 to make four marks down the LEFT edge of the board. When complete, you will have two marks side by side every four inches to make a total of eight marks.
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4
Measure and cut 8 pieces of copper wire to 14 inches in length. Using the utility knife, cut away about 2 inches of insulation directly in the middle of each wire.
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5
Bend each of the eight wires directly in the middle to form a V shape. Each leg of the V should measure 7 inches in length. Make about a 3-inch spread between the ends of each end of the V. Each of these wires will now form a bow tie for the antenna.
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6
Using the screwdriver, mount a bow tie on each of the marks on the front of the 2 x 4 using the screws and washers. Do not fully tighten the screws at this point.
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7
Take a piece of copper wire, strip away about one inch of insulation from one end. Starting at the top right screw, mount the end of the wire to that screw and tighten the screw snug fit. Cross the wire over to the two middle screws on the left side and mount the wire to each of these screws. Cross back over to the bottom right screw and attach the wire to the screw. Cut away any extra wire. Be sure to use the utility knife to remove the insulation where the wire is mounted underneath the screws to allow the wire to contact the bow ties.
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8
Take a second piece of copper wire and strip about one inch of insulation off the end. Starting at the top left screw, mount the end of the wire to that screw and tighten the screw snug fit. Cross the wire over to the two middle screws on the right side and mount the wire to each of these screws. Cross back over the bottom left screw and attach the wire to the screw. Cut away any extra wire. Be sure to use the utility knife to remove the insulation where the wire is mounted underneath the screws to allow the wire to contact the bow ties.
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9
Attach the 75 ohm balun to the two screws that are on the second row of screws (second set of screws from the top). Mount one wire to each of the two screws using the screwdriver.
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10
Tighten all the screws to a snug fit. Make sure each of the bow ties are straight and maintain a 3-inch spread between the ends.
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11
Using the drill, drill a 1/4 inch hole through the 2 x 4 about 1/2 inch from the top. Run a piece of string through the hole and tie it off to a rafter in the attic. Attach the TV cable to the antenna balun.
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