Comments on: build your own HDTV antenna

By: Mike T

Mike T — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 03:03:22 +0000

I recently built a larger version of this hdtv antenna. I live 70 miles away from two large cities. Between the two of them, I pick up 35 HDTV stations.

Having to cover that distance, My hdtv antenna has to be outside. As such I couldn’t use coat hangers, so I used copper wire.

To have a look at my HDTV antenna, just click on my link above.

By: chadd

chadd — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:01:59 +0000

i use the signal strength meter from hauppauge that goes with my tv tuner card. it gives a fairly detailed reading of signal.

otherwise, the digital converter box that i use on my other tv has a signal strength indicator as well…. i’d assume that most of them do.

By: Buddy King

Buddy King — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:36:20 +0000

I built a ant. w two 6′ strips of alum in a circle but not touching on each end . I connected each i/2 circle to each end of the alum half circle to the 300 ohm connector (cable) and I put it high up in a tree . on a flat plane it seems to be omnidirectional , however I don’t know how to get a signal measure. any advise. It gets great HD pics!!!!

By: jerrynmarilyn

jerrynmarilyn — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:10:48 +0000

Try using Romex house wire cut as suggested. I used 14 gauge and pulled 3 wires out of each cut length. To make sure of connections, solder each one. I stripped the covering off each black and white wire and trhe ground wire is only covered with brown paper. Did’nt need to use the washers. Wound circle of wire tight around each screw for the 2 longest frame wires. Really works great.

By: chadd

chadd — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:15:41 +0000

i did some tweaking with antenna placement last night and now signal strength is:
CBS – 97
NBC – 92
ABC – 97
PBS – 92
FOX – 97
i think that’s about as good as it’s going to get with a homemade junk art antenna