How to make a digital antenna for a TV

A TV antenna is an important element with which the necessary signal is transmitted. Thus, we get the opportunity to enjoy our favorite programs or films almost anywhere where there is a special television tower. Gradually, almost the entire country is switching to digital television, abandoning the outdated analogue one. To do this, you will need a special antenna, but not everyone knows how to choose it correctly, and some do not want to spend extra money on new equipment. But it is not necessary to do this. You can make an antenna yourself, without significant expenditure of materials and time, and without special skills.

Operating principle of an antenna for digital television

First, let's try to understand the principle of operation of the antenna in order to understand what exactly we have to do. The antenna receives the signal from the tower in the same way as a regular indoor one, even though digital television is significantly different from analogue. But a regular antenna is completely unsuitable for connecting it..

In order for the signal to be transmitted in the best quality, you will need a device in the form of a sine wave with a frequency of the maximum possible number of MHz.Electromagnetic waves pass through the antenna and a V-voltage is induced inside it. Electric current flows in a closed receiving circuit with resistance R. Then a picture appears on the screen and sound in the speakers.

IMPORTANT! Please note that digital television can be connected to almost any TV model, even the oldest one. Therefore, do not worry that you will also have to purchase a new TV receiver - it is quite possible to continue using the old one. And if you make an antenna with your own hands, you will completely get rid of unnecessary expenses.

What should be the antenna for digital TV?

There are several requirements for such a device that it must meet. A digital antenna should provide high-quality image and sound on the TV receiver.

Since the signal comes from a tower, find out where the closest one is to you. This greatly affects the signal level and the overall quality of the antenna. The further away the source is, the more powerful the device should be.

What other properties should it have:

1. Protection against the reception of similar signals at this frequency, which will create interference.
2. Another important point will be orientation by type of polarization. Some people forget about this point and encounter difficulties in the operation of the antenna, which could be easily avoided by thinking about polarization in advance.
3. The orientation of the device plays a big role. It is best to direct it along the axis of the electromagnetic wave, which emanates from the transmitting center.
4. Accuracy of execution. To make a good antenna, you need to follow all the instructions and spend some time and effort.

How to make a simple antenna from coaxial cable

A simple device from the above cable can be easily made in just 5 minutes. This method is suitable if you need a device not for constant use - for example, at the dacha. In addition, everyone probably has a coaxial cable at home, since it is a very common wire that is widely used.

A separate advantage is that you will not need any other materials - only the coaxial cable itself. Its length is also not very long - you use less than 1.5 m of wire.

The first step is to remove the top insulation, retreating about 5 cm, then do the same with the central core. After that, twist everything together. Be very careful at this stage so as not to spoil the future design.

The next step is to step back 22 centimeters from the edge with the insulation removed and cut out a piece of the top insulation and shielded wire measuring 2 cm. Do not touch the insulation of the central core. From the other edge, step back the same amount and cut out 1 cm of only the top insulation.

Now we wrap the first edge to this cut.

IMPORTANT! Wrap it as tightly as possible, otherwise the result may be disappointing.

The antenna is ready!

Do-it-yourself figure-eight antenna

Another antenna option is the so-called figure-eight, the execution of which is also not complicated. First you need to prepare the necessary materials, make some calculations, and then assemble the structure and complete the connection.

The name is explained by the shape of the device, which resembles the number 8. To make it you will need:

• copper or aluminum wire;
• a tube;
• corner;
• hammer.

Before you get started, you need to make some calculations. To do this, you need to know the waveform of the signal.This number is divisible by four and represents the side of the square. There must be a distance between the parts of the antenna, for which the internal ribs are made shorter than the external ones.

IMPORTANT! The squares should never be connected; a coaxial cable is installed in the distance between them.

Now you can begin the manufacturing process. Cut the required amount of wire and bend it to a 90 degree position in the desired places. You can use ready-made calculations, which are available in large quantities on the Internet. Then sand the edges and hinges with sandpaper.

In some cases, an additional shielding grill may be required, which you can also make yourself. When connecting, it is better to install the device in the middle to achieve the maximum possible number of channels. To prevent the antenna from being exposed to external influences, you can wrap it with electrical tape.

Antenna made from a metal can

An alternative option would be an antenna made from a metal can. It is suitable for those who do not have the necessary materials at hand.

Anyone can build such a product; some difficulties may arise with the connection. The necessary data on size and calculations can be found ready-made on the Internet.

You will need two metal cans and a reinforcement on which they will be located. It can be anything: the most common option is a wooden stick or plank. Some craftsmen even use old rackets, hangers and other scrap materials. It is important that the cans are parallel to each other and in a horizontal position. Also be sure to clean the ends of the cable.

You can customize the device by changing the distance between the banks.This way you can get exactly the signal you need. It is important to properly strengthen the structure so that it is not torn off by the wind, and also to treat it with a sealant.

Antenna square

There are antennas with two and three squares. The first option consists of two parts: a vibrator and a reflector. They are located on the same base.

For manufacturing you will need copper wire. It is enough just to solder the structure according to the diagram and install it correctly.

If no errors were made during assembly, then such an antenna is capable of receiving a signal at a distance of 20–40 kilometers of line of sight.

The triple square adds one more detail: the director. It is also made of copper wire with a diameter of up to 5 millimeters.

Such products are the most popular for home assembly because they are of good quality and do not require much effort in construction. In addition, their construction does not require any special skills or complex parts or materials.

IMPORTANT! Before starting work, carefully study not only the diagrams, but also all the actions that will be performed in the process, so that you understand what should be done and why. Prepare your workplace so that everything you need is at hand and you don’t have to constantly interrupt your work to look for this or that tool. If you are attentive and careful, then everything will work out the first time, even for a beginner.

Now you know which TV antennas you can make yourself using a minimum amount of available tools. Choose an option that is suitable in terms of complexity and power and you will always have high-quality digital television, which can also be easily adjusted and controlled.With such devices, you can configure the maximum number of channels without spending a lot of money on purchasing the design.