How to Make an Antenna with Your Hands for a TV
Beer can antenna
It is the most popular homemade antenna. It is popular because it is easy to manufacture, and materials for it are available. Such an antenna is made in 10 minutes, and even works better than a stationary one.
To make such an antenna will have to use:
- Cable;
- A pair of cans of tin;
- Two screws;
- Plug;
- Insulating or adhesive tape;
- A screwdriver;
- Stick.
First, we fasten the cans and the stick with an insulating tape. One can should be wound at a distance of about 7 cm from the other. If banks have rings, then the cable is fastened to them.
Now we screw into the screws in the banks, we clean the ends in the antenna cable and attach it to the screws.
We fasten the cable and the stick with tape, this is necessary so that the receiver is stable.
An alternative to a wooden stick can be a hanger.
To keep the antenna from losing its working properties under the influence of atmospheric factors, the cans should be covered with a plastic bottle for two to three liters, with a cut bottom and neck. In the center of the bottle, make a hole through which you need to pull the cable. When the connection is completed, this place is poured with boiling water. High temperature will cause a change in the shape of the plastic and ensure the tightness of the hole.
The can can be considered as finished antenna, it remains only to make its connection and configuration. The design can be improved and supplemented by several more sections.
Antenna for television with normal signal reception
If you do not think that you are a great master, but still want to make an antenna for your TV yourself, then try the following steps:
Assemble one and the options shown in the figures (in terms of power they are almost the same, differ only in design).
- The installation of this circuit is performed on a plastic or wooden base, and the circuit itself is installed on a TV or balcony.
- The connection of the TV and the antenna is done with a plug with a cable, on which insulation is cut over a length of about 5 cm.
- The opened winding should be divided in two and bent.
- The inner winding is also cut to the same length and the core of the wire is exposed.
- To the plug, the core and the winding are fastened with screws. If your plug is not equipped with a place for winding fasteners, the winding is cut off.
- The other edge of the cable is attached to the circuit. Previously, the end of the cable must be stripped and twisted with a ring.
- The joints are wrapped with insulating tape to ensure reliability.
- To improve the signal from such an antenna, you can use electronic amplifiers.
High power television antenna
How to make an antenna for a TV with your own hands, so that it does not inferior to the purchased options in terms of parameters, and even surpass them?
The answer is simple. You need to improve the receiving circuit.
To begin with, you should connect the signal amplifier to the antenna, and carefully insulate the cable so that interference does not penetrate the signal.
It makes no sense to put such an antenna at home, most often it is installed on the roof, and turns to where the nearest TV tower is.
Economy antenna with minimum material
You need to take the simplest wire, but not aluminum, because aluminum oxidizes quickly. The ideal option is a copper or brass wire. The wire should be cleaned from insulation on both sides, after which one end of the wire is inserted into the TV, and the other is attached to the battery or pipe. You will see that the antenna will catch the signal, because the pipe passes through the message of the house to the roof, and plays the role of an amplifier of the required frequency. With this method, you can really catch about five channels.
To implement the second option, the apartment must have a balcony. Here you will need a wire of the same length, or even greater, to connect the TV and the balcony area. The wire is stripped from two sides, and is inserted into the television at one end, and attached to stretched strings for linen with the other. Due to this method, not only channels will be added, but also the image will become much better.
Homemade antenna for T2
Now you know how to make an antenna for the TV with your own hands, it remains only to attach it and direct it to the signal emitter.
Buying a good antenna for the cottage is not always advisable. Especially if it is visited from time to time. The point is not so much in costs, but in the fact that after some time it may not be in place. Therefore, many people prefer to make an antenna for giving independently. The costs are minimal, the quality is not bad. And the most important point is that a do-it-yourself TV antenna can be made in half an hour or an hour and then, if necessary, is easily repeated.
For digital television DVB-T2. Antenna “eight”
Digital television in DVB-T2 format is transmitted in the UHF range, and the digital signal is either there or not. If the signal is received, the picture is of good quality. Concerning. Any UHF antenna is suitable for receiving digital television. Many radio amateurs are familiar with the television antenna, which is called the “zigzag” or “eight.” This DIY TV antenna can be assembled in literally minutes.
To make it is very simple, the material is any conductive metal: tube, rod, wire, strip, corner. She accepts, despite the simplicity, good. It looks like two squares (rhombus), interconnected. In the original, a reflector is located behind the square. For a more reliable signal reception. But it is more needed for analog signals. To receive digital television, it is quite possible to do without it or install it later if the reception is too weak.
Materials
Optimally for this homemade television antenna, copper or aluminum wire with a diameter of 2-5 mm is suitable. In this case, you can do everything in literally an hour. You can also use a tube, corner, strip of copper or aluminum, but you will need some kind of device to bend the frames of the desired shape. The wire can be bent with a hammer, securing it in a vice.
Harchenko antenna circuit
You will also need a coaxial antenna cable of the required length, a plug suitable for the connector on your TV, some kind of mount for the antenna itself. The cable can be taken with a resistance of 75 Ohms and 50 Ohms (the second option is worse). If you make a DIY TV antenna for installation on the street, pay attention to the quality of insulation.
The mount depends on where you are going to hang a homemade antenna for digital television. On the upper floors, you can try to use it as a home and hang it on the curtains. Then you need large pins. In the country, or if you make a home-made television antenna on the roof, you will need to fasten it to the pole. Look for suitable clips for this. For work, you still need a soldering iron, sandpaper and / or a file, a file.
Do you need a calculation
To receive a digital signal, there is no need to read the wavelength. It is simply advisable to make the antenna more broadband. To receive as many signals as possible. To do this, some changes were made to the original design (in the photo above) (hereinafter).
If you wish, you can make a calculation. To do this, you need to find out on which wave the signal is broadcast, divide by 4 and get the required side of the square. To get the required distance between the two parts of the antenna, make the outside of the rhombuses a little longer, the inside. Shorter.
Figure eight antenna for digital TV
If you do not want to count, you can do it in the following sizes (designations taken from:
- The length of the “inner” side of the rectangle (B2) is 13 cm,
- “External” (B1). 14 cm.
Due to the difference in lengths, the distance between the squares is formed (they should not be connected). The two extreme sections are made 1 cm longer. So that you can collapse the loop to which the coaxial antenna cable is soldered.
Frame making
If you count all the lengths, you get 112 cm. We cut the wire or the material that you have, take the pliers and a ruler, and begin to bend. Angles should be at 90 ° or so. You can make a little mistake with the lengths of the sides. This is not fatal. It turns out like this:
- The first section is 13 cm 1 cm per loop. The loop can be bent right away.
- Two sections of 14 cm.
- Two of 13 cm, but with a turn in the opposite direction. This is the place of inflection to the second square.
- Again, two of 14 cm.
- The latter is 13 cm 1 cm per loop.
Actually the antenna frame is ready. If everything was done correctly, between the two halves in the middle a distance of 1.5-2 cm was obtained. There may be slight discrepancies. Next, we clean the loops and the place of the bend to clean metal (treat with emery with fine grain), tin. Connect two loops, squeeze with pliers to hold tight.
This is how it should turn out
Cable preparation
We take the antenna cable, carefully clean it. How to do this is shown in a step-by-step photo. Strip the cable from both sides. One edge will be attached to the antenna. Then we clean it so that the wire sticks out by 2 cm. If it turns out more, the excess (later) can be cut off. Twist the screen (foil) and braid into a bundle. It turned out two conductors. One is the central cable core, the other is twisted out of many braid wires. Both are needed and they need to be tinned.
How to strip coaxial cable
To the second edge we solder the plug. There is enough length of 1 cm or so. Also form two conductors, tin.
The plug in those places where we will solder, wipe with alcohol or a solvent, strip with emery (you can file). Put the plastic part of the plug on the cable, now you can start soldering. We solder a mono-conductor to the central output of the plug, and a multicore twist to the side output. Last. Squeeze the grip around the insulation.
Strip the ends of the cable, solder the plug
Then you can simply screw on the plastic tip, you can fill it with glue or non-conductive sealant (this is important). While the glue / sealant has not hardened, quickly collect the plug (we wrap the plastic part), remove excess composition. So the plug will be almost eternal.
DIY DVB-T2 TV antenna: assembly
Now it remains to connect the cable and the frame. Since we were not tied to a specific channel, we will solder the cable to the midpoint. This will increase the antenna broadband. channels will be received. Therefore, the second chopped end of the cable is soldered to two sides in the middle (those that were peeled and tinned). Another difference from the “original version” is that the cable does not need to be looped around the frame and soldered at the bottom. This will also expand the range of reception.
The assembled antenna can be checked. If the reception is normal, you can finish the assembly. Fill the solder points with sealant. If the reception is bad, try first to find a place where you catch better. If there are no positive changes, you can try replacing the cable. For simplicity of the experiment, you can use regular telephone noodles. She’s worth a dime. Solder the plug and frame to it. Try with her. If it “catches” better, the problem is a bad cable. In principle, you can work on “noodles”, but not for long. It will quickly become worthless. Better, of course, to put a normal antenna cable.
DIY TV antenna for digital TV
To protect the junction of the cable and the antenna frame from atmospheric influences, the solder points can be wound with ordinary electrical tape. But this is an unreliable method. If you do not forget, you can put on several heat shrink tubes before soldering, so that they can be insulated. But the most reliable way is to fill everything with glue or sealant (they should not conduct current). As a “case”, you can use caps for 5-6 liter water cylinders, ordinary plastic roofs for cans, etc. We make indentations in the right places. So that the frame “lies down” in them, do not forget about the cable outlet. Fill with a sealing compound, wait until it sets. Everything, a do-it-yourself TV antenna for receiving digital television is ready.
Homemade double and triple square antenna
This is a narrow-band antenna, which is used if you need to receive a weak signal. It can even help if a weaker signal “clogs” with a more powerful one. The only drawback is that you need an accurate source orientation. The same design can be made to receive digital television.
Advantages of this design. The reception will be confident even at a considerable distance from the repeater. Only it will be necessary to specifically find out the frequency of broadcasting, to withstand the dimensions of the frames and matching device.
Construction and materials
Make it from tubes or wire:
- 1-5 TV channel of the MV range. Tubes (copper, brass, aluminum) with a diameter of 10-20 mm;
- 6-12 TV channel of the MV range. Tubes (copper, brass, aluminum) 8-15 mm;
- UHF range. Copper or brass wire with a diameter of 3-6 mm.
The double square antenna is two frames connected by two arrows. The top and bottom. A smaller frame is a vibrator, a large one is a reflector. An antenna consisting of three frames gives a higher gain. The third, smallest, square is called the director.
Narrowband antenna for receiving weak signals
The upper arrow connects the middle of the frames, can be made of metal. The lower one is made of insulating material (textolite, gettinax, wooden plank). The frames should be installed so that their centers (the points of intersection of the diagonals) are on the same line. And this line should be directed to the transmitter.
The active frame. The vibrator. Has an open circuit. Its ends are screwed to a textolite plate measuring 3060 mm. If frames are made from a tube, the edges are flattened, holes are made into none, and a lower arrow is fixed through them.
The mast for this antenna should be wooden. In any case, its upper part. Over, the wooden part should begin at a distance of at least 1.5 meters from the level of the antenna framework.
Dimensions
All dimensions for the manufacture of this DIY TV antenna are shown in the tables. The first table is for the meter range, the second is for the decimeter range.
Dimensions of a two-frame antenna for receiving analog and digital TV channels
In three-frame antennas, the distance between the ends of the vibrator (middle) frame is made larger. 50 mm. The remaining sizes are given in the tables.
Antenna dimensions three frames for DIY
Connecting an active frame (vibrator) via a short-circuited loop
Since the frame is a symmetrical device, and you need to connect it to an unbalanced coaxial antenna cable, you need a matching device. In this case, a symmetrical short-circuited loop is usually used. It is made from pieces of antenna cable. The right segment is called a “loop”, the left. “feeder”. The cable that goes to the TV is attached to the junction of the feeder and the cable. The length of the segments is selected based on the wavelength of the received signal (see table).
Symmetry loop for loop antennas
A short piece of wire (cable) is cut from one end, removing the aluminum screen and twisting the braid into a tight tourniquet. Its central conductor can be cut to isolation, since it does not matter. Butcher and feeder. Here, too, the aluminum screen is removed and the braid is twisted into a bundle, but the central conductor remains.
Further assembly takes place as follows:
- The loop braid and the center conductor of the feeder are soldered to the left end of the active frame (vibrator).
- The feeder braid is soldered to the right end of the vibrator.
- The lower end of the loop (braid) is connected to the feeder braid using a rigid metal jumper (you can use a wire, just make sure that it is in good contact with the braid). In addition to the electrical connection, it also sets the distance between the sections of the matching device. Instead of a metal jumper, you can twist the braid of the lower part of the loop into a bundle (remove the insulation in this section, remove the screen, turn into a bundle). To ensure good contact, the bundles are soldered together by fusible solder.
- The pieces of cable should be parallel. The distance between them is about 50 mm (some deviations are possible). To fix the distance using clamps made of dielectric material. You can also attach a matching device to the textolite plate, for example.
- The cable to the TV is soldered to the bottom of the feeder. The braid is connected to the braid, the central conductor is connected to the central conductor. To reduce the number of connections, the feeder and cable to the TV can be made single. Only in the place where the feeder should end must the insulation be removed so that a jumper can be installed.
This matching device allows you to get rid of interference, blurry contour, a second blurred image. It is especially useful at a great distance from the transmitter when the signal is clogged with noise.
Another triple square option
In order not to connect a short-circuited loop, the triple square antenna vibrator is made elongated. In this case, you can connect the cable directly to the frame as shown in the figure. Only the height at which the antenna wire is soldered is determined individually in each case. After assembling the antenna, “tests” are carried out. They connect the cable to the TV, the central conductor and the braid are moved up / down, achieving a better image. In the position where the picture will be the clearest, solder the bends of the antenna cable, isolate the soldering spots. The position can be anything from the lower jumper to the place of transition to the frame.
Option with tuning without matching cable
Sometimes one antenna does not give the desired effect. The signal is a weak image. Black and white. In this case, the standard solution is to install a television signal amplifier.
The simplest antenna for a summer residence. From metal cans
For the manufacture of this television antenna, in addition to the cable, only two aluminum or tin cans and a piece of wooden plank or plastic pipe will be needed. Banks should be metal. You can take aluminum beer, you can. Tin. The main condition is that the walls are flat (not ribbed).
This TV antenna for summer cottage can be done by yourself in a few minutes
Banks are washed and dried. The end of the coaxial wire is cut. Twisting the braid wires and cleaning the central core from insulation, two conductors are obtained. They are attached to banks. If you know how to use a soldering iron, you can solder. No. Take two small self-tapping screws with flat hats (you can use “fleas” for drywall), twist the loop at the ends of the conductors, thread a self-tapping screw with a washer installed on it, screw it to the bank. Just before that, you need to clean the metal of the can. Removing the plaque with sandpaper with fine grain.
It is necessary to previously clear the can of paint
Banks are fixed on the bar. The distance between them is selected individually. According to the best picture. You should not rely on a miracle. In normal quality there will be one or two channels, or maybe not. It depends on the position of the repeater, the “cleanliness” of the corridor, how correctly the antenna is oriented. But how to exit in an emergency is an excellent option.
Simple antenna for Wi-Fi from a metal can
The antenna for receiving a Wi-Fi signal can also be made from improvised means. From a tin can. This DIY TV antenna can be assembled in half an hour. This is if you do everything slowly. The jar should be made of metal with even walls. Tall and narrow cans are great. If you put a homemade antenna on the street, find a jar with a plastic lid (as in the photo). The cable is taken antenna, coaxial, with a resistance of 75 ohms.
It looks like a can antenna for Wi-Fi
In addition to banks and cables, you will also need:
- RF connector RF-N;
- A piece of copper or brass wire with a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 40 mm;
- Cable with a jack suitable for a Wi-Fi card or adapter.
Wi-Fi transmitters operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz with a wavelength of 124 mm. So, it is advisable to choose a bank so that its height is at least 3/4 of the wavelength. For this case, it is better that it is more than 93 mm. The diameter of the can should be as close as possible to half the wavelength. 62 mm for this channel. Some deviations may be, but the closer to ideal, the better.
Dimensions and assembly
During assembly, a hole is made in the jar. It must be placed strictly at the right point. Then the signal will be amplified several times. It depends on the diameter of the selected can. All parameters are given in the table. Measure the exact diameter of your can, find the right line, have all the right sizes.
How to make a do-it-yourself antenna for Wi-Fi
| D. Diameter | Lower limit of attenuation | Upper limit of attenuation | Lg | 1/4 Lg | 3/4 Lg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 mm | 2407.236 | 3144.522 | 752.281 | 188.070 | 564.211 |
| 74 mm | 2374.706 | 3102.028 | 534.688 | 133.672 | 401.016 |
| 75 mm | 2343.043 | 3060.668 | 440.231 | 110.057 | 330.173 |
| 76 mm | 2312.214 | 3020.396 | 384.708 | 96.177 | 288.531 |
| 77 mm | 2282.185 | 2981.170 | 347.276 | 86.819 | 260.457 |
| 78 mm | 2252.926 | 2942.950 | 319.958 | 79.989 | 239.968 |
| 79 mm | 2224.408 | 2905.697 | 298.955 | 74.738 | 224.216 |
| 80 mm | 2196.603 | 2869.376 | 282.204 | 070.551 | 211.653 |
| 81 mm | 2169.485 | 2833.952 | 268.471 | 67.117 | 201.353 |
| 82 mm | 2143.027 | 2799.391 | 256.972 | 64.243 | 192.729 |
| 83 mm | 2117.208 | 2765.664 | 247.178 | 61.794 | 185.383 |
| 84 mm | 2092.003 | 2732.739 | 238.719 | 59.679 | 179.039 |
| 85 mm | 2067.391 | 2700.589 | 231.329 | 57.832 | 173.497 |
| 86 mm | 2043.352 | 2669.187 | 224.810 | 56.202 | 168.607 |
| 87 mm | 2019.865 | 2638.507 | 219.010 | 54.752 | 164.258 |
| 88 mm | 1996.912 | 2608.524 | 213.813 | 53.453 | 160.360 |
| 89 mm | 1974.475 | 2579.214 | 209.126 | 52.281 | 156.845 |
| 90 mm | 1952.536 | 2550.556 | 204.876 | 51.219 | 153.657 |
| 91 mm | 1931.080 | 2522.528 | 201.002 | 50.250 | 150.751 |
| 92 mm | 1910.090 | 2495.110 | 197.456 | 49.364 | 148.092 |
| 93 mm | 1889.551 | 2468.280 | 194.196 | 48.549 | 145.647 |
| 94 mm | 1869.449 | 2442.022 | 191.188 | 47.797 | 143.391 |
| 95 mm | 1849.771 | 2416.317 | 188.405 | 47.101 | 141.304 |
| 96 mm | 1830.502 | 2391.147 | 185.821 | 46.455 | 139.365 |
| 97 mm | 1811.631 | 2366.496 | 183.415 | 45.853 | 137.561 |
| 98 mm | 1793.145 | 2342.348 | 181.169 | 45.292 | 135.877 |
| 99 mm | 1775.033 | 2318.688 | 179.068 | 44.767 | 134.301 |
The procedure is as follows:
- We cut off the top of the can, wash it thoroughly, and dry it.
- On the sidewall, mark the point at which the emitter must be installed. It must be tilted. We take something with a sharp tip (a large diameter drill, for example), put it exactly at this point, strike the drill. He should not be strong so as not to crumple the bank. But not too weak. A trace should remain.
Stages of manufacturing a Wi-Fi antenna
Ready she looks like this
You can do without an RF connector, but with it everything is much simpler. It is easier to expose the emitter vertically upwards, connect the cable to the router (router) or Wi-Fi card.
