UHF antennas for digital television. Do-it-yourself decimeter antenna for T2

How to make an antenna for a TV for reception in the UHF range with your own hands? This question is asked by those who like to do everything with their own hands. Both at home and in the country, the antenna will allow you to watch TV digital format without having to buy a factory-made antenna.

Antenna for digital TV

Digital terrestrial television is the transmission of a television signal using digital encoding, which ensures its delivery to the receiving device with minimal losses. Accordingly, the TV must support a technology called DVB-T2. For confident reception You need a special antenna, which you can buy or you can make yourself.

There are currently a large number of methods for making antennas with your own hands. Let's look at the simplest and most common ones.

From beer cans

A simple decimeter indoor TV antenna can be made from beer cans.

To manufacture an all-wave homemade antenna of this design, you will need the following materials, components and tools:

• 2 tin cans of 750 or 1000 ml;
• coaxial television cable (RK75);
• antenna plug;
• electrical tape or tape;
• metal screws;
• a polypropylene pipe or wooden stick for attaching cans to it;
• screwdriver;
• wire cutters;
• needle file;
• ruler.

TV antenna made from beer cans

How to make an antenna from beer cans? The manufacturing algorithm is as follows:

• using a screwdriver, make 1 hole in the neck of each can, making sure that it does not become deformed;
• screw the screws into these holes using a screwdriver;
• clean the ends of the cable with a knife, not forgetting to remove the varnish from the copper wire with a file;
• screw the wire and cable braid twisted into a ring to the self-tapping screws (it will be more reliable if it is welded or soldered, but this is only if you have the appropriate tool);
• Securely secure the cans to a pipe or stick using electrical tape or scotch tape for these purposes, maintaining the distance between the cans (it has long been established experimentally, and this size is 7.5 cm);
• Attach a plug to the other end of the cable, which will connect the cable to the receiving device.
• place the antenna in the required place, i.e. where signal reception will be ideal.

The most painstaking work is preparing the RK75 cable. One end must be cleaned from the top shell at a distance of 10-12 cm with a knife without damaging the copper braid. Next, you need to twist this braid into a pigtail and remove the aluminum screen. After this, cut off the polyethylene sheath by 6-7 cm and expose the central core. The resulting copper strand and bare core are then attached to the cans.

The second end of the cable must also be cleaned and a plug consisting of 2 halves must be connected to it. The central core of the cable passes through the hole in one half of the plug, and the braid is connected to the plug body. Both halves are screwed on one another, and you get a reliable device for connecting to the antenna socket of the TV.

If you plan to place an antenna made from tin cans outdoors, then it must be reliably protected from external weather influences. Plastic bottles are suitable; you need to cut off the neck and bottom and place the antenna elements in them. In such conditions, it will reliably carry out the functions assigned to it.

This is the simplest broadband antenna, made from scrap materials without the use of special tools, and it is made quickly. You can make it yourself and install it in 20-30 minutes. You can make sure that your homemade antenna receives most channels satellite television, including TVB-T2. At a minimum, it receives up to 15 channels.

Figure 8

A home satellite dish can be in the shape of a figure eight. It can also be used for outdoor installation. Works without an amplifier.

Figure 8 TV antenna

To make a figure eight antenna you will need:

• copper or aluminum wire Ø 3-5 mm;
• coaxial television cable RK75 (can be replaced with a densely braided cable with a resistance of 50 Ohms);
• antenna F-plug;
• screwdriver;
• knife or scalpel;
• glue gun;
• soldering iron;
• solder;
• flux paste;
• ruler;
• wire cutters;
• pliers;
• needle file;
• a solid base (a plastic lid will do).

The manufacturing procedure is as follows:

• cut 2 pieces of wire, 56 cm each;
• at each end, after exposing the central core, make a loop (approximately 1 cm on each side will be spent on making it);
• bend the wire into a square using pliers, connecting the loops;
• put the antenna plug on one side of the coaxial cable, first carefully twisting the braid and exposing the central core;
• Solder the second side of the cable to 2 squares as follows: the central core to one square, and the braid to the other at a distance of 2 cm;
• place everything in the lid and fill it with glue.

The picture shows how to do this correctly.

Making a figure eight antenna

Such an antenna can be placed anywhere, and this is its main advantage; you just need to choose the right cable dimensions. You need to know that you don't need an amplifier to operate it. It makes sense to install it on the antenna, with a cable that has a significant length to compensate for losses.

From a cardboard box

A simple satellite antenna for TVB-T2 is made using a cardboard box. To make it you will need:

• cardboard box (can be used as a shoe box);
• foil;
• antenna F-plug;
• screwdriver;
• knife or scalpel;
• glue;
• ruler or tape measure;
• wire cutters;
• needle file

Such a simple homemade indoor antenna will provide high-quality TVB-T2 reception.

Butterfly

A DIY all-wave television antenna can be like a butterfly. Such an antenna is no different from a regular decimeter antenna. It is easier to convert a simple array-type antenna, which can be bought at a low price in a retail chain, into a digital one that will receive satellite (T2) channels. To make it yourself you will need the following materials, components and tools:

• board or plywood measuring 550x70x5 mm;
• copper wire with a central core Ø 4 mm;
• metal screws;
• coaxial television cable RK75;
• antenna F-plug;
• screwdriver;
• knife or scalpel;
• soldering iron;
• solder;
• flux paste;
• ruler or tape measure;
• wire cutters;
• pencil.

TV antenna in the form of a butterfly

Manufacturing stages:

• Mark the board as shown in the figure:

Board for antenna in the shape of a butterfly

To convert measurements in inches to cm, remember that 1 inch equals 2.5 cm.

• cut 8 wires 37.5 cm long;
• strip the middle of each wire by 2 cm;
• bend each wire in a V shape so that the distance between the wires is 7.5 cm;
• cut 2 wires 22 cm long;
• strip these 2 wires where they are attached to the board or plywood;
• assemble all the wires using self-tapping screws, as shown in the figure;

Making a butterfly antenna

• Connect the antenna to the cable using a special plug.

Connecting the antenna plug to the cable

From coaxial cable

There is a DIY UHF antenna made from coaxial cable. To make such a simple antenna you will need:

• coaxial cable RK75;
• plexiglass or plywood;
• matching device;
• antenna plug;
• pliers;
• wire cutters;
• scotch;
• ruler;
• pencil.

TV antenna made from coaxial cable

Manufacturing stages:

• cut a piece of cable 530 mm long;
• strip the pieces of cable from both sides, exposing the central core and connecting the braid into a pigtail;
• twist it into a ring (possibly in the form of a diamond) and secure it to a piece of plexiglass or plywood with tape, leaving a distance between the ends of the cable of approximately 2 cm;
• Make a horseshoe-shaped matching device from a piece of coaxial cable 175 cm long. To do this, you need to strip the ends of the cable in the same way as when making a ring;
• prepare the antenna cable. Place the plug on one side and strip the other side until the central core and braid are exposed;
• align the ends of the ring wire with the matching device and the cable going to the antenna, which will then be connected to the television receiver using a plug.

Homemade antenna. Video

A visual aid on how to make a homemade antenna for digital TV is presented in this video.

It’s easy to make DIY antennas for receiving a digital signal. In terms of reception quality, they are no worse than factory antennas with an amplifier, and their cost is much lower. They can be used in apartments, private houses and country houses. Anyone can make them from scrap materials, you just have to delve into the manufacturing technology.

In the days of huge tube TVs, a good antenna for high-quality analogue television reception was in short supply. Those that could be bought in stores were not of high quality. Therefore, people made UHF television antennas with their own hands. Today, many are interested in homemade devices. And even when very often digital technologies, this interest does not fade.

Digital era

This era also affected television. Today T2 broadcasting is developing especially widely. It has its own characteristics. In those places where the signal level is slightly higher than the interference, fairly high-quality reception is obtained. There is simply no further signal. A digital signal does not care about interference, however, in a situation where there is a cable mismatch or various phase distortions almost anywhere in the transmitting or receiving path, the picture can appear in squares even with a strong signal level.

There have been other changes in modern television. Thus, all broadcasting is carried out in the UHF range, the transmitters have good coverage. The conditions under which radio waves travel through cities have changed greatly.

Antenna parameters

Before starting manufacturing, you need to determine some parameters of these structures. They, of course, require in-depth knowledge in various fields of mathematics, as well as the laws of electrodynamics.

So, the gain is the ratio of the power at the input of the reference system to the power at the input of the antenna used. All this will work if each of the antennas creates values ​​of intensity and flux density at identical parameters. The value of this coefficient is dimensionless.

Directional coefficient is the ratio of the field strength created by the antenna to the field strength in any direction.

It is necessary to remember that parameters such as KU and LPC are not interrelated. Exists UHF antenna for digital TV, which has very high directivity. However, its gain is small. These structures are directed into the distance. Highly directional designs also exist. Here it comes in combination with a very powerful gain level.

Today you don’t have to look for formulas, but use special programs. They already take into account all the necessary parameters. All you have to do is enter some conditions - and you will receive a complete calculation of the UHF antenna, so that you can then assemble it.

Manufacturing nuances

Any structural element in which signal currents flow must be connected using a soldering iron or welding machine. Such a node, if it is located in the open air, suffers from contact failure. As a result, various antenna parameters and reception levels can become significantly worse.

This is especially true for points with zero potentials. According to experts, voltage can be observed in them, as well as current antinodes. To be more precise, this is maximum value current Is it available at zero voltages? No wonder.

Such places are best made of solid metal. Creeping currents are unlikely to affect the picture if the connections are made by welding. However, due to their presence, the signal may disappear.

How and what to solder with?

It is not very easy to make a UHF antenna with your own hands. This involves working with a soldering iron. Modern manufacturers TV cable They don't make it copper anymore. Now there is an inexpensive alloy that is resistant to corrosion. These materials are difficult to solder. And if you heat them long enough, there is a risk of burning out the cable.

Experts recommend using low-power soldering irons, low-melting solders, and fluxes. Don't skimp on paste when soldering. Solder will lie correctly only if it is under a layer of boiling flux.

Catching T2

In order to enjoy digital television, it is enough to purchase a special tuner. But it does not have a built-in antenna. And those that are offered as digital specials are too expensive and pointless.

Now we will learn how to catch T2 on a completely homemade design. A homemade UHF antenna is simple, cheap, and of high quality. Try it yourself.

The simplest antenna

To assemble this structure, you don’t even need to go to the store. To make it, a regular antenna cable is enough. You need 530 mm of wire for the ring and 175 mm from which the loop will be made.

The TV antenna itself is a ring of cable. The ends need to be stripped and then connected to the loop. And to the latter you need to solder a cable that connects to the T2 tuner. So, on the ring, the screen and the central core are connected to the loop screens. At the latter, the central cores are also connected. And the cable to the tuner is soldered as standard to the screen and central core.

So we got a UHF antenna, made with our own hands. Its design turned out to be very cheap and practical. And it works no worse than expensive store-bought options. It needs to be fixed to plywood or plexiglass. Construction clamps are perfect for this.

"People's" antenna

This design is a disk made of aluminum. The outer diameter of the element should be 365 mm, and the inner diameter should be 170 mm. The disc should have a thickness of 1 mm. First you need to make a cut in the disk (10 mm wide). In the place where the cut was made, a printed circuit board made of PCB should be installed. It should be 1 mm thick.

The board must have holes for M3 screws. The board must be glued to the disk. Then you need to solder the cable leads to it. The central core should be soldered to one side of the disk, the screen to the other. As for quality, such a TV antenna will receive better with two disks, especially if it is located far from the television repeater.

Universal antenna

Nothing supernatural will be used to make this design. We will make it from various available materials. However, even though it is homemade, it will work perfectly in the entire decimeter range. So, this UHF antenna, quickly made with your own hands, is in no way inferior to store-bought, more expensive designs. It will be completely enough to take T2.

So, to assemble this structure, you will need empty cans of canned food or beer. You need 2 cans with a diameter of 7.5 cm. The length of each is 9.5 cm. You also need to stock up on strips of textolite or getinax, always with foil.

Our cans need to be connected to PCB strips using a soldering iron. The plate of this material that will connect the containers at the top should have a continuous coating of copper foil. The foil on the bottom plate should be cut. This is done for convenient cable connection.

It is necessary to assemble the structure in such a way that the total length is not less than 25 cm. This antenna (UHF range) is a broadband symmetrical vibrator. Due to its surface area, it has large gain factors.

If suddenly you cannot find suitable jars, then you can use containers with a smaller diameter. However, then the foil will have to be cut on the upper connecting plate as well.

"Beer" antenna

Do you like to drink beer? Don't throw away cans. You can make them out of them good antenna. To do this, you need to attach two beer cans to any dielectric material.

First you need to choose suitable cable, and then bring it to mind. To do this, the cable must be stripped. You will see shielding foil. There will be a protective layer underneath. But under it you can directly observe the cable.

For our antenna, you need to strip the top layer of this wire by about 10 cm. The foil needs to be carefully twisted so that you end up with a branch. Protective layer for the central core you need to trim 1 cm.

On the other side, you need to solder a plug for the TV onto the cable. If you were a cable network subscriber, then you don’t even have to purchase this part and cable separately.

Now about the cans. It is advisable to use 1 liter beer containers. However, good German beer in such cans is expensive, and domestic beer is not sold.

Banks must be uncorked very carefully. Then you need to empty the container of its contents, and then dry it well. Next, use a self-tapping screw to connect our screen on the cable and the can. You need to screw the central core to the second one.

For higher image quality, it is better to connect the containers and cable using a splice.

The cans must be secured to some kind of dielectric material. It is necessary to take into account that they should be located on the same straight line. The distance between them depends on the capacity. All this can only be determined empirically.

Zigzag

The UHF zigzag antenna has the simplest possible design. The part itself is broadband. Its design allows for various deviations from the original design parameters. In this case, its electrical parameters will be almost unchanged.

Its input impedance is certain range depends on the size of the conductors that will form the basis of the canvas. There is a dependency here. The greater the width or thickness of the conductors, the better the antenna will be matched with the feeder. In general, any conductors can be used to make the fabric. Plates, tubes, corners, and much more are suitable for this.

In order to increase the directivity of such an antenna, it is permissible to use a flat screen that will act as a reflector. The latter will reflect high-frequency energy toward the antenna. Such screens are often quite large, and the phase depends mainly on the distance.

On the practical side, only in rare cases is a reflector made from a single sheet of metal. More often it is made in the form of conductors that are connected in the same plane. For design reasons, you should not make the screen too dense. The conductors from which the screen itself will be made are connected by welding or soldering to a metal frame.

This design is very simple to make. It works well in the UHF range. In the USSR it was a real folk and irreplaceable model. It is small in size, so it can be used as an indoor UHF antenna.

The material will be copper tubes or aluminum sheet. The side parts can be made of solid metal. They are often covered with a net or covered with a tin. If one of the above methods is used, then the structure must be soldered along the contour.

The cable must not be bent sharply. You can see how to carry out this element in the presented pictures.

It must be guided in such a way that it reaches the side corner, but does not go beyond the antenna or side square.

UHF indoor antenna

This design is designed for easy and reliable reception of digital television signals. It can be made easily and very quickly. To do this you will need an aluminum or copper rod. Its length should be up to 1800 mm. This antenna can also be used as an outdoor antenna.

The design is a diamond-shaped frame. There should be two of them. One acts as a vibrator, the second works as a reflector. To receive T2, we need the side of our rhombus to be approximately 140 mm, and the distance between them to be 100 mm.

After the frame is made and the structure becomes rigid, a dielectric is mounted between the two ends of our rod. It could be anything. The shape and size are completely unimportant. The distance between two points of the bars should be approximately 20 mm. The upper parts of our diamonds need to be connected.

The feeder can be made from cable. It must be connected to brass or copper petals, which should already be attached to the antenna terminal.

If the resulting design does not meet your expectations, e.g. poor quality reception or the repeater is far away, you can equip the antenna with an amplifier, and the result will be an active UHF antenna. It is used both in the city and in the country.

The simplest UHF loop antenna

This design resembles the number "zero". By the way, this is its gain factor. It is ideal for taking T2. This part can work better than the products offered in stores.

It is also called digital because it can be used to perfectly catch digital broadcasts. It is narrowband, which is a significant advantage. It operates on the principle of a selective valve, which allows us to talk about reliable protection against interference.

For assembly you will need an ordinary coaxial cable with a resistance of 75 Ohms, as well as an ordinary TV plug. Of all the options, it is better to choose a cable with a larger diameter. You can use a cardboard box or anything else as a stand.

We determine how long the frame will be using programs for calculating antenna parameters. The material for making the frame can be used the same as for the cable. By the way, for calculations you need to know the frequencies digital broadcasting In your city.

The central cable core is not needed in the frame design. The stripped wire is twisted together with the core and braid of the frame. Then this connection needs to be soldered.

The structure must be placed on a dielectric base. It's best to keep it away from your tuner. It is important that in antenna input there was no tension.

So, we found out how to make a UHF antenna with your own hands. As you can see, this is not such a difficult task. But now you can watch your favorite TV shows in digital quality. And such a structure is installed in the same way as a regular store one - on the roof. You can use screws or a bolted connection. It should be installed in a safe place so that during gusts of wind it does not fly off along with a piece of slate. It is advisable that the antenna be mounted at the highest possible height. This way you will avoid interference when showing cable or digital television.

Modernization of the "Polish" antenna for T2

You can use the “Polish” antenna completely assembled with an amplifier without modification, but as experience shows, some frequency channels have weak level signal.

So we are all surprised at the versatility of the “Polish” antenna, and the Polish antenna is nothing more than simplest combination widely known since the 60s, the simplest universal butterfly antenna with a vibrator length of 1150 mm and an opening angle of 38° for reception from channels 1 to 12 in line-of-sight conditions

and a primitively designed “wave channel antenna”, and not a single size fits into any calculations or GOSTs. That is, we have a usual, practically, dummy UHF antenna in a “Polish” antenna for UHF reception (I’m talking about directors-passive selectors). It turns out that in this antenna only a “butterfly” works, or rather several “butterfly”-active selectors and I will also note those designed for a certain range (they are all the same length), and an SWA amplifier.

If you remove the SWA amplifier, the antenna will not work. What I am saying is that it is enough to bend such an active vibrator of certain sizes (we will talk about this below), connect the SWA amplifier. To balance the RF, you need to run the cable along the arm of the vibrator according to Fig. 2. Effect we'll get a much better "Polish"

ATTENTION: the cable is routed along the arm of the active vibrator that is connected to the “body” of the amplifier circuit! At the midpoint of the vibrator, where the HF potential is zero, we bend the cable smoothly and direct it along the traverse, then downward.
In short, any homemade antenna + SWA amplifier works much better than any “Polish”.

But we already have what we have. Let’s try to bring it a little into a normal UHF form. “Meter” mustaches (long active vibrators, see Fig. 1) are absolutely not needed; if we use an antenna for T2 (UHF wavelength), they can be cut to the same length as decimeter active vibrators. If one of the received channels is weaker than the others, you should try to remove the reflector sheet from the active vibrators. With this adjustment of the antenna, its output impedance increases and the frequency response changes. Changing the antenna impedance does no harm at all, since the input impedance of the amplifier is higher than the antenna impedance. Radio amateurs who have experience working with antenna amplifiers can remove the matching-balancing elements on the ferrite ring from the amplifier circuit, this will expand the operating range of the active antenna. One of the antenna input terminals is connected to the amplifier input, and the second is connected to the “case” of the amplifier circuit.
The antenna resistance at equal received power is related to the output voltage

P=U2/R. U=(P*R)½.

This leads to the conclusion that it is necessary to increase the output impedance of the antenna (the input impedance of the amplifier is greater than the impedance of the antenna). Antennas with a resistance higher than 300 ohms can be successfully used. This connection method is also suitable for a wide-range antenna of the “wave channel” type (more on this later), and in log periodic antenna the output cable is balanced, passing through the antenna element (according to the principle of Fig. 2).
Somehow I have a lot of abstruse anecdotes, you’ll think that I’m as smart as.... No, it’s all simple - should you google mine?
I'll try to keep it simpler
I don’t recommend trimming “long mustaches” if you’re doing it for yourself, if you’re lazy, or for your “uncle,” I advise you to shorten it based on L (Length of the vibrator) = 1/2j (half the average length of the weak frequency channel)
And for ourselves, we bend two diamonds and remove the reflector from the back of the diamonds, or insert the sleeve into the mount and bend it 10 cm

Now let’s do some magic with the directors. I have already mentioned the “wave channel” antenna, this miracle is known from the times of black and white TV

So let’s take the dimensions of the directors and the distances between them from the “grandfather’s” antenna that has been tested over the years.

Vibrator no. length in mm distance in mm
7…………………………..107...............0
6…………………………..129..............80
5…………………………..155..............94
4…………………………..186..............77
3…………………………..225..............63
2…………………………..272..............53
1…………………………..330...............43
0....................................... ...........35

High-quality MV-UHF antenna "wave channel" with your own hands

This type of antenna refers to targeted UHF antennas.
Since the gain of the targeted UHF antenna is better than that of the Polish-array, it was decided to make a “hybrid” from the old domestic UHF antenna and the ASP-8 Polish-array with its amplifier. Happened! The image quality of weak images has improved noticeably. The idea of ​​making it was proposed somewhere by someone, all that remained was to implement it.

I will tell you simply, without any abstruse expressions and formulas.

To make your own antenna you needed:

Special program to calculate Antwu15;

1 or 2 amplifiers from the grid (with housings);

Aluminum pipe cross section? o 25mm and length? 2m. (traverse);

3 aluminum tubes with a cross-section of up to o10mm, two lengths of 1m each (MV) and another? 2.5-3m. (for cutting UHF elements);

2 sheets of textolite 3-5 mm thick, dimensions: 300mmx150mm (for mounting MV);

You will also need self-tapping screws (20 pcs. 15 mm) and bolts with nuts (thread x3 6 pcs. 20 mm) (for fastening DMV and MV elements);
Attention What is critical here is the distance from the active vibrator “two diamonds” or “butterfly” (cut off long mustaches) as someone did, also for other “butterflies” to the first director (unless of course there is a desire to change the wires (tubes), here segments from long mustache
The last figure shows the dimensions and distances for channel frequencies in the band 21... 41. For other frequency channels, the dimensions can be calculated using the Antwu15 () program

So, first, let's look at the program. With its help, you can calculate various antenna options tuned to different bands. Let's launch. We are only interested in the first point

It's simple. We enter the data to which the antenna will be configured, and the program will do everything itself.

For example:

The center frequency of the antenna implies the broadcast frequency of the last 61-69 channels. The number of elements determines the length of the traverse. We set the diameter of the elements to 1-5 (not so significant).

The method of fastening the elements is through a traverse. We agree, and as a result we get ready-made sizes for our product.

Below is the result obtained, based on which one of the UHF antenna options was made. This option ensures stable signal reception from a tower 80 km away through splitters for two TVs and a PCI-TV tuner in a computer.

All that remains is to assemble. The length of the antenna is determined by the number of elements
I advise you to install on each “butterfly” a director for one frequency range (they will all be the same length) - four “butterflies” correspond to four frequency channels of Ukraine

Here is another table of director lengths for a universal log-periodic antenna (counting from the “butterfly”) with 21....64

We discussed how to use the program above.
We get the dimensions calculated by the program. All that remains is to assemble. The length of the antenna is determined by the number of elements, you can calculate 1.4 m, but the gain will be less. IN overall choice After you.

To obtain better shielding from the reflected signal, the role of a reflector can be performed by a grid-screen from the ASP-8 “Polish” antenna, dimensions: length - as in the calculation of the program, height 300 mm. Curved edges point forward. You can also use other material in the form of sheet iron, aluminum, or use it from old UHF antennas.

Now we prepare the MV antenna from two meter vibrators. It's much easier here. Its role will be played by 2 tubes with a cross-section of 10 mm, 1 m long, folded at an unfinished angle of 120 degrees. This part of the antenna can not be assembled if we do not need strictly meter waves for T2. And what kind of antenna do we have?
Here is a sketch of the resulting “monster”:

Well, let's go back to our "rams" - let's finish assembling the antenna.
Next we take the traverse. We make its length 5 cm longer for attaching the MV antenna. The traverse is an aluminum tube with a cross-section. 25mm. and make notches on it in the places where the elements, loop vibrator and reflector are attached. Distance according to the calculated table. We drill 10mm holes through them at right angles and insert the elements into them. You can attach elements different ways: using self-tapping screws on top, cutting threads in the elements with bolts, or putting rubber tubes on the elements, insert them tightly into the holes of the traverse.
The heart of the antenna is a loop vibrator, which can be made from an aluminum plate 13mm wide, or aluminum or copper tube with a section of 10mm.
The size of the loop vibrator is selected experimentally, already on the assembled antenna.

A loop is not needed; instead we use an amplifier from a “Polish” antenna. We fasten its body with bolts into the holes of the vibrator.
Attention And now we are setting up the “crow”, we are not putting long mustaches - this is the meter part of the antenna, we are putting a reflector from the “pole” and bending it like this, like a UHF antenna with a complex reflector
We carefully attach the antenna to the mast, install the mast, preferably higher, direct it and the “crow” rests. Good luck

Simple DIY UHF television antenna

1. Ring-coaxial cable RK75, 530 mm long.
2. Loop-coaxial cable RK75, 175 mm long.
3. To the console.

Assembly:

To assemble this antenna, you don’t even have to go shopping.
To do this, you need to take an RK75 antenna cable 530 mm long (for the ring) and 175 mm long. (for loop).
Connect as shown in the figure.

Secure it to a sheet of plywood (plexiglass) using wire clamps.
Direct to telecentre.
Here is a UHF antenna that will work no worse than a purchased one.
And if you also go to the market or store, buy an SWA amplifier (we put an SWA amplifier instead of a loop) and a power supply for it (about 40 UAH), then it’s even better than a store-bought one.

Do-it-yourself UHF television antenna “Narodnaya”

The antenna is an aluminum disk with an outer diameter of 356mm and an inner diameter of 170mm. and 1mm thick, in which a 10mm wide cut is made.
A printed circuit board made of glass lite 1mm thick is installed in place of the cut. This board has two holes for mounting with M3 screws.
The leads of the matching transformer T1 are soldered to the printed circuit board attached to the antenna.
For a transformer, it is best to use a ring core with an outer diameter of 6...10mm, and an inner diameter of 3...7mm. and thickness 2...3mm.
The transformer windings are covered with a single-layer insulated wire with a diameter of 0.2...0.25 mm. and have the same number of turns, from 2 to 3 turns. The length of the coil bends is 20mm.
With such a transformer, reception in the meter and decimeter range is possible at a distance of 25...30 km. At a distance of up to 50 km. The antenna works satisfactorily only on decimeter channels.
Without a transformer, the distance of reliable reception is halved.
However, there is a circuit that allows you to get similar results without a transformer; for this you need to assemble the following circuit:

Here, too, you can use an SWA amplifier (we put an SWA amplifier instead of a transformer) and a power supply to it. But as experience shows, a transformer to which we supply power from the power supply from a “Polish” is better.

UHF television antenna with a simple reflector with your own hands

Taking this antenna as a basis, I bent a big mustache on the “Polish” one.

1. frame made of aluminum strips
2. amplifier
3. mast
4. reflector
A. braid soldering point
B. soldering point of the central core

Assembly:

1. First, a frame is assembled from aluminum plates, overlapping, as shown in the figure, using bolts (after fastening, the fastening points should be painted with paint to avoid oxidation).
2. Next, a coaxial cable is soldered at points A and B.
3. bolt the frame to the mast
4. make from rods with a diameter of 3...10 mm (or you can simply use a reflector from a collapsed polish or reinforcement for peeling walls), attaching the reflector to the mast with brackets
5. Attach the amplifier to the mast and connect the coaxial cable to it.

Assembly is possible without a reflector, but the gain of such an antenna will be lower.

Do-it-yourself UHF television antenna with a complex reflector

1. frame made of aluminum strips (reflector from a collapsed polish or reinforcement for plaster walls)
2. amplifier
3. mast
4. reflector (reflector from a collapsed polish or reinforcement for tickling walls)

Assembly:

1. first of all, the frame is assembled from aluminum plates, as for a simple reflector
2. Next, a reflector of the “dilapidated box” type is assembled as shown in the figure (the design of such a reflector can be very different, it all depends on your capabilities).
3. The reflector is attached to the mast with metal brackets
3. Next, the amplifier is attached to the mast, and the coaxial cable is soldered, the same as for a simple reflector.

On decimeter waves in the range 470-638 MHz (channels 21-41), directional antennas can be used as indoor antennas, since their sizes at these waves are relatively small. As directional indoor antennas for decimeter waves, the most convenient antennas are the “wave channel” type.

Figure 1 shows the appearance of the indoor UHF antenna ATKD-2 of the “wave channel” type, operating without tuning on channels from 21 to 41 in the range 470-638 MHz. The geometric dimensions of the antenna are shown in Fig. 2a. The antenna consists of a base with a stand and a removable antenna sheet. The antenna canvas contains an active vibrator 1, a reflector 2 and two directors 3 and 4, which are made of brass or steel tape and attached to a plastic boom.
The reduction cable 5 is connected to the antenna through a short-circuited balun bridge (Fig. 2, b), the length of which is equal to a quarter of the wavelength at the middle frequency of the range 470-638 MHz. The bridge is formed by a two-wire line, one conductor of which is the metal screen of the reduction cable, the second is section 6 of the MGShV mounting wire with a cross-section of 0.35 mm2. At a distance of 140 mm from the antenna input terminals, equal to the required bridge length (a quarter wavelength at a frequency of 550 MHz), the mounting wire is soldered to the cable screen. The gain relative to a half-wave vibrator is at least 5.5 dB.
Here is another option for bending the “long mustache” of the Polish antenna and replacing the directors (for the range 42...64 we calculate the length and distance using a program)

Do-it-yourself UHF television log-periodic antenna

To make a web of tubes, two hoops should be unbent, and then bent according to the given template and both halves of the figure should be riveted together.
Notches should first be made on the tubes at bend points (after about 200 mm). The antenna can be attached to the mast with getinax plates or wooden blocks (three are enough). The cable is laid along the canvas in accordance with the upper figure.
To protect against corrosion, the soldering points and connections between the strips and the fabric are coated several times with BF glue (such protection is enough for several years). The braid must be soldered to the strip of the half of the antenna along which the cable is laid. To obtain the maximum signal, you need to add a reflector made of metal strips (screw it directly to the mast with screws). The distance between the antenna sheet and the reflector is selected according to the best image (110... 160 mm). Dimensions are given in accordance with the setting for channel 30 in Fig.

Well, if you don’t want to sweat it, we make a transformer like in the “folk” one or install an SWA amplifier.
However, due to its wide-bandwidth, the antenna receives signals well in the range from the 21st to the 40th channel. Such an antenna even without a reflector gave top scores than a 16-element wave channel, all other things being equal. As we see, this antenna is more powerful for the “butterfly” and “wave channel”, and as I already said in the “Polish” director’s antenna, this is a dummy, so we throw out all the “butterflies” from the aluminum wire with a diameter of 6 mm, we bend two halves of semi-diamonds according to the template, inserting them into the fastenings instead of butterflies. Well, we move the reflector to the required distance (here is another option for upgrading the “poles”)

Added after 53 minutes 13 seconds:

Do-it-yourself universal car television antenna

All-wave car television antenna with a circular radiation pattern in the horizontal plane. This antenna can also be used in stationary conditions, i.e. not only in a car, but also for home TV. You can also take the modernization of the “Polish” antenna as a basis - bend the “long mustache” with a ring of a certain diameter, or rather bend it like this, connecting with the neighbor’s butterfly - this is one mustache, and the second bend as in Indoor UHF antenna “wave channel” active loop vibrator for example (remember, the size is taken to be 1/2 the wavelength of the poorly indicating range)

car television antenna consists of
1. 2 aluminum rings (d=270mm and d=130mm)
2. wooden slats (3x3cm)
3. TV cable

Automotive assembly TV antenna
Such an antenna can be built using a commercially available 300/75 Ohm plug (see figure) with a matching transformer inside it for imported TVs.
Two aluminum rings are attached to the plug using the screws on it: one with a diameter of 270 mm for the UHF range (channels 6-12), the other with a diameter of 130 mm for the UHF range (channels 23-51). Since the MV ring is not suitable for us (we need a channel range of another 51...64), we change it to a calculated one with a diameter of 90 mm. The antenna made in this way is attached to a wooden rail with a cross-section of 3x3 cm with a hole for a plug plug. The plug is attached to the rail with electrical tape, and the rings are secured with two insulators to give rigidity to the system. The rail is bolted to the trunk frame located on the roof of the car. Using a standard industrial cable(plug-socket) RK-75-4-11 antenna is connected in the rear compartment of the car to the car TV.
To increase efficiency, the antenna can be equipped with an amplifier (SWA-7 or SWA-9) powered by a car battery.

Do-it-yourself universal “can” UHF television antenna

The proposed antenna uses available materials. But, nevertheless, it operates in the entire UHF TV range, and is not inferior in parameters to a standard six-element log-periodic antenna produced in series.
To make this antenna you will need two empty tin cans with a diameter of 7.5 cm, a length of 9.5 cm and two small strips of filtered fiberglass.
The cans are connected by strips of fiberglass by soldering. The top strip is solid, and the foil on the bottom is cut (as shown in the figure)

for connecting a 75-ohm power cable.
The total length of the antenna for operation in all UHF channels must be at least 25 cm.
This antenna is something like a symmetrical broadband vibrator. Due to the large surface area, it has a high gain. When using small-diameter cans, it is necessary to make a cut in the foil in the top strip.

Added after 16 minutes 44 seconds:

Do-it-yourself UHF frame television antenna

This antenna has a high gain and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is characterized by ease of manufacture, availability of materials, small size, and aesthetic appearance.
The antenna design is shown in the figure, dimensions are in the table:

The basis is a three-frame antenna. To make an antenna, any wire made of copper, brass, steel, aluminum, etc. with a diameter of 3...8 mm is taken and bent according to the pattern. The wires are soldered at the joints. The antenna cable is soldered to points A and B. At point C, the cable braid is connected to the antenna material.
You can take this antenna as the basis for modernizing the “Polish” antenna - bending the long mustache in the form of an average square, taking into account that B (Polish) = 1/2 B (frame)

The purpose of television antennas has long been known to everyone - these are devices designed for receiving and transmitting digital or analog signal. Traditionally, antennas are divided into three types: indoor, outdoor and hybrid, combining features of both types at the same time.

Initially, when television broadcasting was just beginning to develop, and televisions did not have such multifaceted functionality, the signal quality (especially at a significant distance from the source) left much to be desired. Passive antennas, serving only as a receiver, could not provide pictures and sound of adequate quality, which left a strong imprint on the popularization of media technology and television broadcasting in general. It was then that antennas began to be equipped with special amplifiers that greatly increased the quality of the signal entering the TV receiver.

Today, a huge number of companies around the world are developing antennas, but not all of them meet domestic data transmission standards and requirements for perceived frequency ranges. As a purchase recommendation, we have selected seven of the best TV antennas in three main categories that received the highest ratings from consumers.

The selection of devices was made taking into account:

1. Technical specifications
2. Customer reviews
3. Antenna cost (price-quality ratio)
4. Opinions of electronics market experts
5. User voting results

The best indoor antennas for digital television

Indoor antennas operate in the UHF or meter range, receiving signals at a distance of up to 30 km. Such devices have some limitations on the quality of TV waves and require careful configuration. However, they are compact, inexpensive and can be moved anywhere without any problems. The leader in the market for indoor digital television antennas is considered to be the manufacturer Remo.

5 Remo Inter 2.0

Best desktop antenna
Country Russia
Average price: 870 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.5

The top four best indoor antennas for digital television are closed by Remo Inter 2.0. The device has a fairly affordable price, while possessing good functionality, which makes it one of the best on the market. The receiver is capable of working with 20 digital, 10 analog and 3 radio signals, unlike competitors that work only with digital. Convenient antenna control will allow you to set the required signal amplification level and achieve maximum quality.

Among the strengths of this device in reviews, buyers highlight low cost, excellent design and ease of installation. The antenna housing itself is collapsible, but can be assembled literally in no time. Separately, it should be said about the power and antenna cables - they not only have high-quality insulation, but also the same length, thanks to which the device can be installed in the right place. Weaknesses include not always stable signal reception and low-quality plastic housing.

4 RA-A30

A good indoor antenna with balanced characteristics
Country: China
Average price: 990 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

One of the typical representatives of Chinese indoor digital signal reception antennas, showing good results in the picture stability component. Despite the poor-looking “pin”, which strongly resembles the antennas of standard portable tape recorders, the reception quality remains the same high level. The reason for this is a good standard amplifier (with a coefficient of about 28-30 decibels), closed in a sealed plastic case.

As for the aesthetic component, consumers, in general, are satisfied with the external data of the RA-A30, noting only the strong soiling of the front panel. The reliability parameters here are not the most optimal, but for stable operation it is quite enough for several (and with proper care – 5-7) years. Thus, this antenna is an excellent option for those who are looking for an inexpensive solution for the home coupled with good performance parameters.

3 Hyundai H-TAI320

Excellent adaptability to customization of structural elements
A country:
Average price: 680 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

An interesting example of a home antenna for analogue and digital television, showing generally similar results with models like the HARPER ADVB-2120. The closed circuit of the original shape is combined here with two “horn” antennas (articulated with the body), which provides extensive customization options for normal signal reception. By the way, the Hyundai H-TAI320 is capable of operating both in the VHF frequency range (87.5-230 MHz) and in the UHF range (470-862 MHz), and with a sufficient degree of picture quality.

Good quality is achieved, first of all, due to the presence of a built-in amplifier, the gain of which is a good 30 dB. It is possible to receive digital signals in DVB-T and DVB-T2 formats, as well as FM and DAB. The key advantage of the Hyundai H-TAI320 can be considered the ratio of cost to quality. Having identical performance indicators to competitors, this model has a disproportionately large tuning radius of receiving elements, which is especially important in conditions of concentrated interference.

2 HARPER ADVB-2120

The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: China
Average price: 570 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Second place in the ranking of the best indoor antennas digital television broadcasting goes to HARPER ADVB-2120. This model has a whole range of optimal characteristics, supported by a huge number of complementary reviews from domestic consumers. Wide range of picked up frequencies (from 87.5 to 862 MHz) and the ability to amplify not only digital, but also analog channels(FM, VHF and UHF) is included in a pleasant “synthesis” with an original design, thanks to which the antenna can fit into any interior. It is also important that the signal amplifier is powered directly from the receiver or TV, since it does not have an external network adapter. This imposes some restrictions on the use of the antenna (since not all models digital technology support the possibility of direct power supply), but has a positive effect on its compactness.

The ergonomic characteristics of the HARPER ADVB-2120 are also excellent: the antenna can be easily placed on a plane if there is sufficient free space. Otherwise, the shape of the closed ring makes it possible to simply and without problems hang it on any convenient hook. As a result, taking into account the low cost, all of the above characteristics make this model one of the best in its category.

1 Remo BAS-5310USB Horizon

Best price
Country Russia
Average price: 850 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The high-quality Remo BAS-5310USB Horizon receiver takes first place in the ranking of the best indoor antennas for digital television. The model has an original appearance, and this is not its only advantage. It has relatively small dimensions and convenient mounting, which allows you to install it directly on the TV. At correct setting The device is capable of receiving waves from 21-69 different channels. The antenna has a built-in amplifier, which qualitatively affects the signal level.

In reviews, customers talk about excellent reception quality, convenient connection of the amplifier via USB and the ability to work with reflected signal, like strengths models. The antenna has a fairly durable case that will save the insides in case of a fall. There are no problems connecting the device. The weight of the receiver is only 230 grams. Power is supplied from a 5 volt power supply, which is supplied in the kit. The disadvantages include a short cable and unreliable fastening.

The best outdoor antennas for digital television

Outdoor antennas for digital television have high power, thanks to their special design, and can receive a signal at a distance of up to 50 km. In this case, it is worth considering the presence of large obstacles in the transmission path, which may interfere with the passage of television waves. The devices are capable of receiving signals and greater distance, however, in this case, you should pay attention to models with an amplifier.

5 Remo "Dvina-DX"

Best value for money (signal reception)
Country Russia
Average price: 510 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.5

The next place in the ranking of the best outdoor antennas for digital television is occupied by Remo "Dvina-DX". Despite its low cost, the device has a decent signal reception level, so it can be used to operate at a distance of about 60 km. For better reception of digital and analog waves, the model is equipped with an amplifier. The package includes a 12 volt power supply.

The advantages of this model in reviews from buyers include good signal reception, low cost and ease of use. In addition, when developing the antenna, special attention was paid to the quality of the materials used. The supporting rod is made of durable and lightweight aluminum and the receiving parts are coated powder paint, preventing premature failure. Powerful mounting bolts will securely fix the structure to the rod. The disadvantages of this antenna include some installation difficulties and the need to independently modernize the separator for better performance.

4 HYUNDAI H-TAE100

The cheapest digital outdoor antenna
A country: South Korea (made in China)
Average price: 520 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

A simple and unpretentious outdoor TV antenna to ensure a stable TV signal at short distances (up to 8-10 kilometers) from relay towers. It has the ability to capture not only analog, but also digital signals in DVB-T and DVB-T2 formats, for which it often becomes the first choice of city residents. It has a modest, by market competitiveness standards, gain factor of only 5 dB. Which, however, is quite enough for comfortable work from high masts.

As a fastening element, the HYUNDAI H-TAE100 is equipped with a bracket with wing nuts, thanks to which the antenna can be easily dismantled without the use of keys or other tools. Judging by consumer reviews, the most controversial characteristic of this model is the reliability parameter, namely resistance to wind loads. This fact quite strictly limits the possible placement height, but is compensated by the cost of the antenna at the level of standard indoor samples.

3 REXANT DVB-T2 RX-411 34-0411

High degree of structural reliability
Country: China
Average price: 1279 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

An eight-element outdoor receiver for digital and analogue TV signals, which is a prominent representative middle peasants with an optimal balance of price and quality. The built-in amplifier REXANT DVB-T2 RX-411 34-0411 has a gain of 34 dB, due to which it provides excellent picture quality even at low satellite broadcasting. As for the “ground” performance characteristics, for urban realities they are more than reasonable, without claims to outstanding performance. It is advisable to install the model on masts with a total height from the ground to 7 meters. If the antenna is lowered (in an apartment placement “near the window”), there is a possibility of encountering the problem of interference, which leads to periodic failures and “shattering” of the picture. From the standpoint of structural reliability, REXANT DVB-T2 RX-411 34-0411 performs very well, and, according to user reviews, can operate properly even in the harshest climatic conditions for 7 years.

2 BBK DA32

The most powerful digital antenna
A country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 2000 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

Outdoor TV antenna made in Japan, main feature which provides excellent signal reception at a distance of up to 50 kilometers from the nearest repeaters. It has an increased gain (32 decibels), which allows it to easily provide proper picture quality even with weak signal from satellites. According to user reviews, the BBK DA32 provides excellent functionality in the DVB-T (DVB-T2), ATSC and less sophisticated DSB radio frequencies.

The entire set of “stuffing” of the digital antenna is hidden inside a sealed plastic case, which has good mechanical strength and high impact resistance. It comes complete with a factory-made bracket with universal-type fasteners suitable for any installation conditions. The cost of the BBK DA32 is slightly beyond the segment average, but is fully justified by its performance characteristics and practical functionality.

1 Remo Kolibri-A-DX Deluxe

Popular outdoor antenna
Country Russia
Average price: 1299 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

In first place in the ranking of the best outdoor antennas for digital television is Remo Kolibri-A-DX Deluxe. The device is placed on a special mast for best reception signal. As an addition, an amplifier is provided, which helps to receive channels over longer distances. The model has a successful design, thanks to which it is able to easily perceive a signal even in areas where there is no direct visibility of the source.

In numerous positive reviews, buyers talk about high-quality and stable reception, ease of installation and configuration. At the same time, the metal parts of the antenna are coated with powder paint, which protects them from corrosion and meteorological influences. The kit includes a ready-made cable 6 meters long and an amplifier power supply. Among the disadvantages are the unreliability of the power supply and the inconvenience of adjusting the amplifier.

The best satellite antennas (dishes)

Satellite dishes (or simply dishes) are the most modern of all types of antennas. They boast a large range of received signals and good quality. However, their cost is an order of magnitude higher than other types.

2 Lans-65 MS6506

Good signal even in bad weather
Country: China
Average price: 2500 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

In second place in the ranking of the best satellite dishes model Lans-65 MS6506. This plate has a rather unusual design with parabola geometry and special perforation. This combination allows the antenna to clean itself, which has a positive effect on the quality of the received signal. In addition, perforation significantly reduces the wind load of the entire structure and makes it lighter.

Among the advantages in reviews, buyers point to a pleasant appearance, excellent reception quality and ease of setup. A special powder coating protects the plate from premature failure, and the reinforced fastening allows you to smoothly adjust the elevation angle. The disadvantages of using it include periodic signal surges.

1 AUM CTB-0.6 DF - 1.1

Best signal quality for NTV+ and Tricolor TV
Country: Belarus
Average price: 1150 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

First place in the ranking of the best satellite dishes occupied by the AUM model CTB-0.6 DF - 1.1. The product from the Belarusian manufacturer is recognized as one of the most suitable for working with NTV+ and Tricolor TV. The device has a good gain, which allows it to function in cities even with dense buildings. A distinctive feature of this antenna is not a round, but an ovoid shape, which was done to improve reception.

In reviews, users talk about high quality manufacturing, low cost and ease of setup. For quick installation, all necessary fasteners are included in the kit. If necessary, the standard rod can be easily replaced with a longer one to improve the quality of reception. The only disadvantages include poor quality packaging of additional components.

How to choose a good antenna

The choice of television antennas, like many other devices, is accompanied by some nuances that should be discussed in advance. We strongly recommend that you pay attention to the following parameters:

Antenna type. Depending on the place of application, antennas are divided into indoor, outdoor and hybrid, which can be placed in both conditions. If the received signal is sufficiently stable and reliable, you can get by with a simple indoor antenna. Otherwise, you should give preference to hybrid or full-fledged street options.

Antenna range. IN in this case antennas are divided into two types: broadband and narrowband. The first option is advisable to use when the frequency of television broadcasting is unknown in advance. This option is suitable for thrifty owners, in case new channels appear on television. Narrowband antennas are oriented to a specific frequency and it is impossible to adjust them to other bands without losing the current one.

Signal amplification. This function is exclusive to active antennas, the design of which provides for the presence of an additional module. This design option is suitable when the received signal requires amplification to generate a clear and high-quality image on the TV screen.

Directivity of antennas. A simple and unpretentious way to improve signal quality by shifting the radiation pattern allows antennas to provide focused reception only at a strictly defined azimuth. This effect allows you to avoid interference caused by the reflection of various signals from the walls of residential buildings and other “initiating” objects.

Antenna internal resistance. It is very important that this parameter matches the resistance of the cable connected to the device. The standard resistance of equipment for receiving a television signal is 75 Ohms, and for a radio signal - 50 Ohms.

Design. The aesthetic side of the issue when buying a television antenna should also not be left aside. Often, a pleasant appearance indirectly affects the improvement of the quality of the signal used, since the correct geometry and rational arrangement additional elements is reflected in physical parameters.

Antenna is a radio device designed to receive and emit electromagnetic waves through the air.

To watch TV shows in high quality, it is best to connect the TV to cable network. In conditions of great distance from the city, an alternative is a satellite television antenna (dish). But there are situations when these options cannot be used. In this case, you can make a simple television antenna from scrap material with your own hands.

If you live at a distance from the direct line of sight from a television tower, then a simple indoor television antenna, the design of which is presented in this article, is quite suitable for receiving analogue and digital television signals. This indoor television antenna is designed to receive television broadcasts in the UHF range (470-790 MHz), but with a sufficiently powerful signal, it also satisfactorily receives a meter range signal (48.5-100 MHz, 174-230 MHz).

The design of a television antenna is simple and does not require special knowledge to repeat. To make it you will need 70 cm of copper wire with a diameter of 2-3 mm, a piece of double-sided fiberglass sheet, 1.5 m of coaxial television cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms and an F-plug.

Instructions for making a UHF television antenna

The first thing you need to do is select a piece of copper wire with a diameter of 2-3 mm and a length of 70 cm. For these purposes, a single-core copper wire is well suited for laying electrical wiring. If there are several conductors in the cable, then you need to carefully cut off one conductor along the groove, being careful not to damage the insulation. It is not needed for the antenna to work; the insulation is left only for aesthetic appearance. An aluminum wire will also work, but then it will have to be connected to the contacts of the matching transformer board using a threaded connection. Please note that the nut should not touch the shielding foil of the transformer; if it does, then you need to lay an insulating washer or trim the foil.

If you use a wire without insulation, you can put a vinyl chloride tube on it for beauty.

Next, the wire needs to be bent into a ring with a diameter of approximately 220 mm. High precision is not needed here. A paint bucket holder or any other round container of suitable size works well for this.

When the antenna ring is ready, you can begin manufacturing the printed circuit board for the matching transformer.

The printed circuit board is made of fiberglass or getinax, foil-coated on both sides, 1.5 mm thick, 25x30 mm in size. The photo shows the appearance of the transformer printed circuit board on both sides.

This photo shows a negative of the antenna circuit board. The width of the current-carrying tracks is 1 mm, the distance between the tracks is 1.5 mm. Antenna board size 25×30 mm.

If it is not possible to make an antenna printed circuit board chemically, it can be done mechanically. To do this, you need to remove unnecessary sections of the foil, leaving only the contact pads, and lay out the current-carrying paths from copper wire with a diameter of 0.3-0.5 mm, gluing it to the board, for example, with “Moment” glue.

To give an aesthetic appearance and increase the mechanical strength of the antenna, the transformer is placed in a plastic or metal box, in which holes for the ring and antenna cable are pre-drilled.

When all the parts are prepared, you can begin assembling the antenna. The ends of the ring, pre-tinned with solder, are inserted into the box and bent at a right angle at a distance of 3 mm. Next, the ends are inserted into the printed circuit board of the antenna transformer and soldered with solder using a soldering iron.

The antenna board is rotated to the bottom of the box and secured with an M3 screw and nut.

A television cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms, 1.5-1.8 m long, is threaded into the hole in the box. You can learn about choosing the type of cable, cutting it, and installing the F-connector from the article “Connecting a TV to an antenna cable.” You first need to install a television F-connector on one end of it, and cut the other one and solder its ends onto a printed circuit board. The center core of the cable is soldered directly to the right end of the ring, and the braided shielding is soldered directly to the foil of the antenna board.

For reliable operation of the antenna, you need to solder or attach the cable in the following order. First, the shielding braid is soldered, then you need to pull the cable well to remove the slack, and only then solder the central core. In this case, when moving the antenna to find a place in the room with the maximum signal level and stretch the cable, the central core will not break.

If the cable screen is made of aluminum foil, then it can be pressed to the foil of the board using a metal clamp placed on a screw and secured with a nut. The technology for attaching the screen with a clamp is discussed in the article “How to make a TV crab with your own hands.”

All that remains is to close the box with a lid, insert the connector into the TV and tune the channels to necessary programs. In order to ensure image quality with minimal noise, you need to move the antenna around the room to find a place with the maximum television signal.

How to replace the matching printed circuit board
cable loop

Using a printed circuit board to match the antenna with coaxial cable allows you to make the antenna more compact.

If there is no desire or opportunity to make a printed circuit board, then without losing the quality of the antenna’s performance, it can be replaced with a loop, which I also call a U-elbow, which is a section of television cable bent in half, connected to the antenna according to the circuit, as in the photograph below.

To make a matching loop, you need to take a piece of television cable 162 mm long, with which the antenna will be connected to the TV. Cut its ends and solder the central cores to the ends of the ring, the distance between which should be 60 mm. Next, the end of the cable going to the TV is cut and its central core is soldered to either end of the antenna ring, and the shielding wire is connected to the shielding wires of the loop, as shown in the photograph.

When soldering the shielding braid, care must be taken so that the insulation of the central core does not melt and the braid does not come into contact with it.

The photo shows the soldering of a cable to an antenna ring made of aluminum wire with a diameter of 3 mm. Since it is difficult to solder wires to aluminum with soft solder, the ends of the ring were slightly flattened, holes were drilled in them, and brass petals were secured with rivets. The central cores of the cable are soldered securely to the petals.