How to Make a Better Amplified HDTV Antenna
HDTV (high-definition television) is transmitted through digital signals. Unlike the old analog signals that when weak would get snowy, digital signals are either received or they are not. If the signal is not strong enough for the tuner to display the signal will drop, and display no picture. Having the right HDTV antenna with a reflector on the rear of the antenna will amplify the antenna's reception, thus improving the picture quality and number of channels received.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 x 4 wood board, minimum 40 inches
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Wood saw
- 24 x 36 metal grate
- 14 wood screws, 1.5 inches long
- 14 washers, 2 inch diameter
- 4 feet, 12 gauge copper wire, insulated
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Pliers
- Utility knife
- 75 Ohm balun
Instructions
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1
Measure, mark and cut the 2 x 4 board to 40 inches. Lay the board flat on a table and mark one side as the top front, and flip the board over and at the same end, label this side as the top back. These two labels will help us to reference the proper side of the board in the steps to follow.
The 2 x 4 board will serve as the mast or main support for the antenna.
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2
Lay the board (mast) flat so that the top back side is facing up. Lay the metal grate down centered on the mast. Lay the metal grate so that the length of the grate (36 inches) is running parallel with the length of the mast (40 inches). Slide the end of the grate until it is even with the top end of the mast. Attach the grate to the board by screwing down the washer onto the grate to clamp it to the mast. Starting at the top, screw in a washer every six inches. Tighten the screws till they are snug.
The grate will serve as the reflector to catch the signals and reflect them back to the antenna elements, increasing signal reception.
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3
Turn the board over so the top front side is facing up. Starting from the top end of the board, measure down and make a mark at the 4, 8, 12 and 16-inch measurements. Make the mark about one inch from the left edge of the board. Repeat this step to make four additional marks down the right edge of the board. These marks will indicate where we will attach the antenna elements in the steps to follow.
When complete you will have eight marks in pairs of two.
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4
Measure and cut eight, 14-inch pieces of copper wire. Using the utility knife, cut away two inches of insulation directly from the middle of each wire. Bend each wire, with the pliers, directly in the middle into the shape of a V, so that each leg of the V is seven inches long. Bend them until there is a three-inch spread between the end of each leg (or at the top of the V).
Each of these V-shaped wires will serve as the elements on the antenna to receive the broadcast signals.
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5
Attach one V-shaped wire to each of the measured marks from step three. Attach them using the screws and washers and tightening them so the washer clamps down on the bend in the V, holding it to the board. Do not fully tighten the screws at this point in the antenna assembly.
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6
Cut a 20-inch piece of copper wire. Strip about one inch of insulation off one end of the wire. Attach this stripped end underneath the screw in the top right corner. Cross the wire over and attach it underneath the two middle screws on the left side. Cross the wire back over and attach it underneath the screw on the bottom right corner. Where the wire is attached under each screw, strip away one inch of insulation, so the wire makes good contact with the screw and washer.
Repeat this step to attach a similar wire starting with the screw in the top left corner and finishing with the screw in the bottom left corner.
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7
Attach the 75 Ohm balun to the third set of screws from the top of the mast. Attach one wire each from the balun, underneath each screw. Tighten all the screws on the antenna at this point.
The balun is where you will connect the coaxial cable from your HDTV to the antenna.
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8
Attach the male connector of the coaxial cable to the female connector on the balun, and turn the HDTV on and test for reception.
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Tips & Warnings
It is helpful to position the HDTV antenna away from any metal building or structures for best signal reception.
Be sure to never position this or any antenna next to or around any electrical lines or cables, as contact with them could result in serious injury.
