How to Build a DTV Antenna

Building your own DTV (digital television) antenna can be very rewarding and allow you to not only receive over-the-air HD (high definition) broadcasts but also save money in the long run. With analog signals now being replaced with HD broadcasts, your TV picture will look clearer and crisper on your new HDTV. The good news is that your DTV antenna can be assembled mostly with everyday products around the home, with a few exceptions. Following a few steps will help you to know how to build a DTV antenna, and you will be channel surfing in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Metal/Copper coat hangers (6 to 8)
• Sandpaper
• Wire cutters
• Screwdriver
• Wood screws
• Washers
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Electrical tape
• Pliers
• 75-ohm balun (can be purchased at electronics store)
• 14-gauge metal fence
• Wood, 2 inches by 4 inches (2---4)
• Saw

Instructions

1. Measure the 2---4 to 35 inches and mark the measurement. Using the saw, cut the 2---4 at the mark and discard the other piece.

2. Take the 35-inch 2---4, and label one end "top front." Turn the board over, and at the same end labeled top front, label this side "top back."

   This will help you know the sides in the steps to follow as you assemble the antenna.

3. Measure the 14-gauge wire fence to a measurement of 2 feet wide by 3 feet high. Using the wire cutters, cut the fence to that measurement.

4. Lay the cut fence on the back side of the 2---4 wood. Orient the fence so that the 3 feet run parallel with the length of the wood. Line the top edge of the fence with the top back side of the 2---4.

   Using the wood screws, washers and screwdriver, attach the wire fence to the back side of the 2---4.

   This step will form the reflector to better improve signal strength when the antenna is complete.

5. Using the wire cutters, cut the "heads" off of all the coat hangers. Straighten each of the coat hangers out into straight wires.

6. Sand all the paint or finish off of all the wires using the sandpaper. Sand them down to the bare metal.

   This will ensure a good connection among the wires as they are connected.

7. Turn the 2---4 board over to the front side. Using the measuring tape and pencil, measure from the top down 4 inches and make a mark about 1 inch from the left side. Repeat this step until you have four marks down the left side, all 4 inches apart.

8. Repeat the above step to make four marks down the right side of the 2---4. When complete, you will have eight total marks, two side by side down the board.

   These marks are where you will mount the bow ties, as explained below.

9. Measure and cut the wires until you have eight wires that measure 14 inches in length.

10. Using the pliers, bend the eight wires exactly in the middle so that each leg measures 7 inches. Bend them in a "V" shape till there is exactly a 3-inch spread between the two ends of the wires.

    The wires will now form what are called the bow ties.

11. Using the screws, washers and screwdriver, mount one bow tie on each of the eight marks on the front of the 2---4. Mount them so the ends of the wires point away from the board.

12. Take one of the wires and connect it to the screw on the front of the 2---4 that is in the top left corner. Cross the wire over and connect it to the two middle screws on the right side of the board. Cross the wire back over and connect to the screw on the bottom left corner.

13. Take a wire and connect it to the screw on the front of the 2---4 that is in the top right corner. Cross the wire over and connect it to the two middle screws on the left side of the board.

    Note: Where this wire crosses over and touches the wire in step 12, apply electrical tape on this wire so that the two wires will not be able to touch. Apply as much tape as needed.

    Cross the wire back over and connect it to the screw on the bottom right corner.

14. Locate the the second row of screws from the top. Connect the 75-ohm balun to these two screws using the screwdriver. Attach one wire to one screw, and the other wire to the other screw.

    This is where you will connect your cable from the TV.

15. Tighten all the screws to a snug fit and make sure all the bow ties are evenly spaced. Also make sure the spread on the ends of the bow ties are 3 inches. This will make sure the antenna is properly phased and improve reception.

Tips & Warnings

• In place of the wire fence used as the reflector, you could substitute a metal grill grate with roughly the same measurements.

• Never install an antenna next to any power lines, because this could result in injury or electrocution.

References

• TV Antenna Plans