You can watch TV or listen to the radio if you have an antenna.If you want to build your own antenna, you don't need much more than a few tools and supplies.TV and radio antennas only need 2 ears to maximize the frequencies while multiple extensions are needed to transmit channels to your television.If you want to attach your antenna to your receiver, you need to mount it in your home.
Step 1: A simple antenna can be created by removing the insulation from a cable.
You can get the best reception with a long cable that goes from your TV to the nearest window.The last 6 inches of insulation can be removed with a pair of wire strippers.Once the wire is exposed, put it vertically near your window.Attach the antenna to the TV with the other end of the cord.You can only get a few channels using an antenna.Wrap the exposed end of the cable in foil to increase the signal.Check the settings to make sure the input is set to "Antenna" or "Air" instead of "Cable" if you still aren't getting channels on your TV.
Step 2: You can put an unbent paper clip directly into the port on the TV.
To get the most channels from your television, use a jumbo-sized paper clip.You can bend the paper clip with a pair of pliers or hand.Push the short end of the unbent paper clip into the small hole on the TV.You will be able to receive a few TV channels once your antenna is in place.If it is near a window, a paper clip antenna works best.If you want to extend the range more, attach the antenna to a splitter and run a cord from it to your TV.
Step 3: A radio antenna can be created by removing the end of the ethernet cord.
Use a pair of scissors to cut the end of the cord.The wires need to be exposed underneath the insulation on the ethernet cord.If you want the wires to come to a point at the end, you have to twist them together.Hold the antenna up to receive your stations if you plug the other end of the ethernet cord into your radio receiver.
Step 4: 8 pieces of copper wire can be cut.
Uninsulated copper wire is needed to make your antenna.Use a marker to mark the lengths of 8 separate pieces that are 17 inches (43 cm) long.You can use a pair of wire cutter to cut the wires on your marks.Uninsulated wire can be found at your local hardware store.
Step 5: The ends of the wires should be 3 in apart.
If it is easier, you can bend the wire by hand.If you want the ends of the wire to touch one another, bend it in half.The ends of the wire are 3 inches apart if you bend it.The process should be repeated with the rest of the wire.You get a clearer image when they bend the wires.
Step 6: There are 8 drill holes on the sides of a board.
You should put a drill bit in your drill that is smaller than the screws you plan on using.The first hole should be on the longest side of the board and down from the end.Continue adding holes every 8 inches down the length of the board before drilling holes on the other side.The antenna ears should be directly across from one another if the holes are in line.The screws may not stay secure if you drill through the board completely.
Step 7: Attach the screws and washers to the holes you just drilled.
The metal washers should be lined up with the holes drilled in the wood.Feed the ends of the wood screws into the holes and turn them clockwise by hand.The screws should be stuck in the piece of wood.You still need to fit wires underneath the washers, so don't tighten the screws completely.
Step 8: Wrap the ears around the screws.
Lift one of the washers and put it against the screw.The ends of the antenna ears should be positioned away from the piece of wood.The bend in the wire should be pulled tightly against the base of the screw.The process should be repeated for the other screws.There are 4 antenna ears on each side of the wooden board.The signal strength could be affected by the individual antenna ears touching one another.
Step 9: Attach wires between the ears to zig-zag.
2 pieces of copper wire should be cut to 34 in lengths.Wrap the wire around the screw on the left side of the board.The second and third screw are on the right side of the board.The wire should be back toward the left side of the board.The other wire should be added so it starts on the top right screw, crosses and goes around the second and third screws, and ends at the bottom right screws.Thephasing bars are wires that connect the antenna ears to help boost the frequencies between them so you get a better image.
Step 10: The washer should hold the wires in place if the screws are tightened.
The screws on your board need to be tightened with a screwdriver.The washers have to press down on the wires underneath them to hold them against the wood.To make sure the wires don't come loose, pull on them lightly.Continue to tighten the screws if the wires come loose from under the washers.The signal won't be as clear if the antenna ears touch one another after you tighten the screws.
Step 11: Attach the sections of the bars where the wires intersect to each other.
There are two points in the middle of the board where the phasing bars intersect.Wrap electrical tape around the wires at the intersection to prevent them from touching each other.To keep the wires separate, tape the other intersection.The channels could look fuzzy if the wires touch.
Step 12: Someone who sold.
An impedance matching transformer has a coaxial port that connects to your TV and 2 end wires that attach to the phasing bars on the antenna.Put the IMT in the middle of the antenna and bend the ends so they touch the wires.Attach the ends of the IMT to the phasing bar wires with a soldering iron.After about a minute, let the solder dry.You can buy an IMT from a store.You could burn yourself if you touch the soldering iron.
Step 13: Attach the cable to the end of the IMT.
If you attach your TV to an antenna or cable signal, the image on the screen will be clear.Attach the end of the cable to the port.Attach the other end of the cable to the port on the TV.
Step 14: If you don't have a clear TV image, position the antenna.
You should keep the antenna vertical to get the best signal.Move the antenna around your room until you get a clear picture on the TV, if you turn on your TV so you can look at the image.You can cycle through the channels to see what your new antenna has to offer.Depending on the signal strength, you may need to re-position the antenna.You could cause your antenna to short out if you put it outside.Depending on the strength of the signal, the channels you receive will vary.
Step 15: To find the antenna length, divide 468 by the Frequency you want to tune in to.
You need to find the correct length for your antenna in order to receive the best signal.To get the main frequencies you want, you need to listen to the most radio stations you can.To find the total length in feet for the antenna, divide the number 468 by the Frequency.If you want to receive the frequencies 98.3 and 468, you'll have to calculate.If the antenna is long, you will get the best signal.
Step 16: An aluminum pole is needed to connect the antenna to the pole.
If you want to make your antenna and mark the length with a marker or pencil, you should get an aluminum pole that is 2 in.While you cut through the mark with a hacksaw, hold the pole securely in place.Don't damage the pole or saw while you're cutting.You can find aluminum poles at your local hardware store.You can ask the employees to cut the pole for you.It doesn't matter if the pole is hollow or solid.You can use an old broomstick if you don't have an aluminum pole.
Step 17: If you want to separate the cables, split the speaker wire in the middle.
The wires are insulated from one another.To separate the cables, use a utility knife to slice through the seam.Take one of the cables and pull it apart.Continue until the cables are 1 foot (30 cm) longer than the antenna.If your antenna is 5 feet, each of your cables should be 2 feet long.If you don't want the cables to separate further, secure a zip tie around the speaker wire.
Step 18: The ends of the cables have a strip of 1 in on them.
Attach a pair of wire strippers to one of your speaker cables.The strippers must be pulled up toward the end to remove the insulation.If you repeat the process for the other speaker cable both ends will be exposed.The ends of the cables allow the radio frequencies to enter them.
Step 19: Wrap the cable around the pole.
The speaker wire should be placed against the middle of the aluminum rod.Wrap the speaker cable tightly around the rod.The exposed wire at the end of the cable can reach the pole if there is enough space between the coils.The other cable should be on the opposite side of the rod.The radio frequencies may not come in clearly if the wire is coiled in the same direction.As long as the wire is tight against the rod, it doesn't matter how many coils you have.
Step 20: Attach the ends of the speaker wires to the pole.
The exposed wire should be flush with the edge of your aluminum rod if you hold one end of the speaker cable against the end.If you don't Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the wire, you will not be able to receive frequencies.The cable should be taped to the opposite side of the rod.If your coil is coming loose, you can tape multiple places along the rod.Leave the wires exposed.
Step 21: The antenna should be hung vertically near the window.
Stand the rod upright and the radio antenna will work better.You can get the strongest signal from a location that is close to your radio receiver and window.Attach the straps to the rod with a nail and place them on the wall.Attaching the antenna outside will expose wires and electronics.You do not need to attach the antenna to the wall if you don't want to.
Step 22: The speaker wires should be plugged into the receiver.
The speaker wire needs to be run to the back of the radio receiver.To turn on your radio, push the ends of the speaker wire into the port.You can test other radio stations to see if you can pick them up.Sometimes the port has a cable connection.Attach the port of the impedance matching transformer to the receiver if it is a coaxial port.The speaker wire needs to be connected to the antenna.