Improving digital TV

Homemade HDTV antenna.

The digital TV transition is here. For those that depend on an antenna to receive over-the-air TV broadcasts, getting the new digital signals may be a problem, even with converter box or using a new TV with a digital tuner.
Digital signals do not propagate as well as the old broadcasts. They can be blocked by buildings, hills or even trees.
The solution in many cases is to install a more sensitive antenna. Old rabbit ears and even older rooftop antennas may not be as effective as they once were.
We found an easy and inexpensive antenna project on the internet. It can be built in a couple of hours.
Directions are at: http://uhfhdtvantenna.blogspot.com/2007/01/post-any-questions-or-comments.html.
We built ours with scrap wood, four metal coat hangers, aluminum foil and a 75-300 ohm matching transformer. These are the steps we followed:
- Find a piece of scrap plywood, paneling or stiff cardboard 30 by 16 inches.
- Cover one side with aluminum foil.
- Attach a 2x4 to the foiled side of the panel. The 2x4 should be long enough to be useable as a stand.
- Cut out the “head” of each coat hanger. Then cut the bottom in half to make two vees from each hanger for a total of eight. Trim each vee to have seven-inch legs. Sand the elbow part to allow for electrical contact when assembled.
- Measure from the top of the 2x4, equally dividing the area of the 2x4 that covers the aluminum panel into four parts. Ours is seven-inches on center.
- Attach vees and hookup wire at the marked positions on the 2x4 with wood screws and washers. For wire we used leftover Romex wire, but any wire will do, even a straightened coat hanger. If a coat hanger is used sand it where it contacts the vees.
- There are two hookup wires, one for the right and one for the left. The wires are crossed at both the top and bottom vees. Insulate the wires where they cross.
- In the center of the 2x4, between the top and bottom two sets of vees, install the matching transformer. Attach the transformer leads to the hookup wires. Make sure the hookup wires do not touch each other.
Attach the antenna to a base of some sort. Then connect it to the TV (or converter box). We had excellent results with our antenna just sitting on the floor. It can also be installed in an attic or on the roof if it is built of durable materials.
The antenna is directional, meaning that it needs to be pointed at the broadcasting station for best reception. However, we found that ours worked just fine without aiming.
Broadcast station location and compass directions to aim an antenna are at: http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx. It is a marketing tool, but entering only a zip code will produce a list of broadcast TV stations for your area.
Improved signals are possible without spending a bundle. Try it for yourself.