Antenna made from beer cans. TV antenna made from beer cans

In this article I want to tell “the whole truth” about the beer TV antenna. Let's figure out whether an antenna made from beer cans is a myth or reality. On the Internet, the most common option is the following: two banks are separated by 7.5 cm and connected to the central core and braid of a 75 Ohm television cable. However, this option only works well with a strong signal and with a short cable, i.e. essentially in ideal conditions, when a TV tower is visible from the window of the room, or the TV signal transmitter is located several kilometers away. What if you need an antenna that picks up a signal at a distance of 30 km? Is it possible to do the right thing and most importantly simple antenna For digital television from beer cans? Can! The antenna turns out to be quite broadband. Receives the entire UHF range and strong VHF signals.

First of all, you need to delve a little deeper into the theory. From the point of view of a “classical antenna,” what are two beer cans separated by a distance of 10 to 120 mm? We take two standard sizes of beer cans: 0.5 l (can height 168 mm) and 0.33 l (can height 115 mm) and begin to calculate the relationship between the sizes of the cans and the frequencies of UHF TV channels. Two beer cans with classical point vision (antenna theory) can be either a split half-wave vibrator or a split wave vibrator. I won’t bother you with technical calculations; I’ll immediately give a table of applicability to television bands. Who is interested in calculations, see the book from the old 60s: Karl Rothhammel "Antennas", in the relevant sections. Pictures from the same book.

So, we are primarily interested in the UHF range (this is where digital television is broadcast in the DTV-T2 format). In the UHF range, two 0.5l cans. from beer are a split wave vibrator. Let's look at the parameters of the wave vibrator.

Considering that the diameter of a beer can is in the region of 1/10 of the wavelength, we can roughly determine from the graph (mentally we continue the lines): shortening coefficient K = 0.75 and the input impedance of two beer cans is about 600 Ohms (there is no exact data on this matter I have, but I want to believe that it is so) It turns out that the design replicated on the Internet, this is the antenna

not correct by agreement.E then the emitter with an input impedance of 600 Ohms is connected to a 75 Ohm cable without any matching. As already mentioned, this design only works in the immediate vicinity of a television tower. And we want to receive in difficult reception conditions.

///Added 03/27/2019. The antenna of two cans in the picture above is not entirely incorrect, it is quite possible, but it does not quite fit the frequency range. Two 0.5 liter cans, like a HALF-WAVE VIBRATOR, correspond to frequencies somewhere in the region of 250-400 MHz. Terrestrial digital television channels in this frequency range No. Such a HALF-WAVE split vibrator has a resistance of 60-70 Ohms, which is quite consistent with the RK-75 cable. It will receive, but a strong signal, and in these conditions it is easier to receive digital TV simply with a regular plug. We want more, and we begin to consider two banks as a WAVE vibrator, the antenna operating frequency immediately goes into the desired UHF range, but the resistance of the vibrator increases tens of times!, and the reduction cable is the same 75 Ohms. Without appropriate approval, we significantly underestimate the capabilities of the can antenna.

I didn’t pay attention before, but in the picture the size is indicated as 0.75m! plus cans 2x0.17, i.e. The antenna span should be 1 meter according to the picture. Damn... is this a half-wave vibrator with a frequency of 150 MHz, like the 6th channel of meter waves?! Or wave at 300 MHz... so there is no TV broadcasting at these frequencies. In short, there is some strange size in the picture. If the distance between the banks is 7.5 cm, it still doesn’t go anywhere, but it can still be better!

///

The right beer antenna.

Finally, we move on to a homemade design of a simple but effective antenna from beer cans. We will need (in parentheses the quantity is indicated for an antenna array of 8 beer cans):

• beer cans 0.5l - 4 pcs. (For an advanced version of the antenna array 8 cans);
• aluminum single-core wire with a diameter of approximately 2.5 mm - 1 m. You can use a wire of any diameter (for a grid of 8 cans you need about 2m);
• transformer 300 Ohm/75 Ohm 1 pc. It can also be called “matching device 300/75” or “adapter for telescopic HT antenna”. In the store it costs about $0.5;
• self-tapping screws with press washer 6 pcs. (for grille 14pcs);
• dielectric base, board, plywood sheet, plexiglass, etc. dimensions 150*300mm. (For grid 150*1000)

A diagram of a simple antenna for digital television DTV-T2 made from beer cans is shown below. To points a a" a 300/75 transformer is connected. The figure shows the dimensions for UHF channel 33. The first multiplex in the city of Miass, Chelyabinsk region is on this channel. If necessary, you can recalculate the dimensions to another frequency.

Distance BETWEEN the wires that connect the upper and lower level banks should be 13-14mm, with a wire diameter of 2.5mm. In this case, the wire line has a resistance of about 300 Ohms. This is necessary for approval. If the wire has a different diameter, you need to recalculate the distance BETWEEN conductors, it should be approximately equal to 5.1 wire diameters. (for a wire with a diameter of 2mm, the distance between the conductors = 10mm)

/// Added 03/27/2019. I was asked why in the drawings the size between the wires is different, sometimes 20, sometimes 14 mm? I agree, I missed it. See picture below. to get a power line resistance of 300 ohms, you need a certain distance between the wires, because If we use what we have at hand, then size D" needs to be recalculated to fit your wire diameter. Between the wires is M, and in the center of the wires is D" the same different meanings. Formula indicated, resistance Z=300 Om, substitute the diameter of the wire used, calculate D". You can recalculate, you can take it from the table (see figure below).

Beer cans top level with Rin~600 Ohm. connected in parallel to the lower level banks Rin~600 Ohm. The total resistance at points aa" is about 300 Ohms, which is consistent with the resistance of a two-wire line. In this design, the distance between the upper and lower level banks, in principle, can be taken as another 0.3λ - 0.6 λ, The main thing here is that the antenna feed point is exactly in the middle between banks. The width distance at the extreme points of the cans should be 0.75 of the average wavelength. Let me remind you that 0.75 is a coefficient. shortening the wave vibrator.

Practical implementation of the design of an antenna made from beer cans for receiving digital television.

We mark the board and clean the aluminum. wire from insulation.

We clean the edge of the can from varnish. Use an awl to make a hole for the self-tapping screw. Screw the can from the inside self-tapping screw, he with his hat will press the wall of the can against the aluminum. wire.

Added 11/23/2018: There is flux in stores for soldering aluminum; it is better to solder the can to the wire if the structure will be used outdoors. And after soldering, secure the can with a self-tapping screw.

To tighten the self-tapping screw with a press washer from the inside of the can, we make a technological hole on the opposite side for a screwdriver. No need to drill. Using a stationery knife, make cross-cuts and bend the resulting petals inside the jar. Make slits in the bottom of the jar to allow water to drain.

We screw the cans to the supporting plate. The self-tapping screw presses the wall of the can against the wire. The width of the edges of the cans should be spaced at a distance of 0.75 wavelengths. Distance between wires 13-14mm ("Between" is size M, see above drawing of an antenna made from beer cans. with a wire diameter of 2.5mm). It should look something like this.

Now you need to connect a 300/75 transformer exactly in the middle of the cans. Just like in the photo. There are almost all stores that sell TV antennas.

The transformer screws need to be connected to the wire. A short connecting wire is passed through the board. From the side of the cans we press with a self-tapping screw and ensure contact of the communication line with the connecting wire.

The transformer is attached to the opposite side of the carrier plate. The connecting wire is bent under the screws of the transformer.

Connect the TV connector to a 75 Ohm cable and then to the TV. The cable can be connected with a connector if the antenna will not be used outdoors. If the antenna is intended to be installed outdoors, the television cable must be soldered. The design of the antenna in the photo is intended for use in a place protected from precipitation (attic of a summer house), so everything is assembled with screws, without the use of soldering. Instead of a transformer, you can use a U-shaped elbow, but the antenna will be more narrowband.

The correct antenna made from beer cans according to the drawing is ready.

During the tests, channels from 23 to 60 were taken 15 km from the TV tower and with a 10-meter drop cable. The antenna made from beer cans was compared to the Kharchenko antenna (Gain without a screen is about 6 dB), in the form of a figure 8 with a rhombus side of 1/4 wavelength. From beer cans it turned out to be more broadband, all UHF channels (DTV-T2) andwith satisfactory qualitymeter range channels. The Kharchenko antenna only picks up the UHF range. Cuff. The antenna gain from 4 cans of beer is 5.8 dB (in theory). The disadvantage of an antenna made from beer cans: high windage and large dimensions, compared to the same 8-piece from Kharchenko. Due to its broadband, an antenna made from beer cans picks up more industrial noise, which affects analog signal, for digital DTV_T2 this is not a disadvantage. Kharchenko's Eight for digital TV, not by much, but still better. But in this case, we are primarily interested in the unusual design.

For difficult conditions reception, instead of a 300/75 transformer, you need to connect an amplifier from Polish antenna. You can increase the number of cans to 4 floors, in Rothhammel’s book, in the section “Power supply for multivibrator antennas”,There are diagrams and calculations, but this design is much larger in size. Here are drawings of an antenna made from beer cans. Please note that the distance between the wires is different.

In this design, the distance between connection pointsa a" and upper/lower floors it is fundamentally important - a quarter of the wavelength, taking into account the coefficient. shortening of a two-wire communication line 0.25λ* 0.95 = 0.24λ. These are quarter-wave transformers that “sort of” convert 150 Ohms (4 parallel-connected floors of banks of 600 Ohms each) into the 300 Ohms we need. /// added 03/27/2019 quarter wave tr. are calculated by the formula Ztr = square root of (Za * 2 * Z), where Za = 300 Ohm, this top part. Z =300 is the output to the matching device. coefficient 2 takes into account that it is as if the two previously discussed antennas are added in parallel. Ztr=root(300*2*300)=424 Ohm. Again, we look at the resistance of the two-wire line, in order to get Ztr = 424 Ohm, we need to place the conductors at a certain distance,

///

The upper and lower banks are connected with crossed lines, which allows the signals to be added in phase. The distance 0.48λ is again half the wavelength, taking into account the shortening of 0.5 λ* 0.95. Cuff. antenna gain from 8 cans of beer is 8.6 dB (theoretically).

You can use the map to find your region on the TRRS website, double-clicking on the green TV tower opens a window with digital TV frequencies.

Enjoy watching TV in digital quality.

I’ll tell you about another antenna that, in my opinion, is easier to manufacture. Still, for many, an antenna made from beer cans is not an object of aesthetic admiration.

Literature: Karl Rothhammel "Antennas" section VHF antennas / Multivibrator antennas

08/2015-03/2019 When copying material, please do not be shy and refer to the original article.

Other additions:

03/26/2019 Picture of how to replace a jar with a V-shaped vibrator. The remaining dimensions are retained.

Despite the huge number of television antennas presented on the consumer market, which can be easily purchased at any electronics store, interest in how to make an antenna for a TV with your own hands does not disappear. This interest can be explained by a reluctance to spend money on buying an antenna, being away from retail outlets (if you are in the outback or at the dacha) or the failure of the purchased one.

Antennas for a television receiver can be divided into several types.

1. All-wave antenna– the design is easy to manufacture; it can be made from simple available materials. Catches quite well digital signal outside the city where there is not much interference. When located near a broadcast tower, it can receive analog television.
2. Log-periodic band antenna also easy to make. It has perfect consistency with the feeder across all ranges, without changing its parameters. Since this design has average technical parameters, it can be used in the country, or as an indoor antenna in the city.
3. UHF antenna. A simplified modification of the Z-antenna is often used; it works well, regardless of the signal reception conditions.

All-wave antenna

All-wave TV signal catchers are also called frequency independent (FIN). Their designs can be different.

Of two petals

The figure shows an all-wave antenna made from two metal plates triangular in shape and two wooden slats on which copper wire is stretched in the shape of a fan.

Copper wire can be taken of any diameter, it does not play a special role. The ends of the wire are attached at a distance of 20 to 30 mm from each other. The plates with the other ends of the wire soldered together should be located at a distance of 10 mm from each other.

The metal plate can be replaced with a square piece of fiberglass, which has copper foil on one side.

Since the design homemade antenna has a square shape, its height will be equal to its width, and the angle between the canvases will be 90 degrees. Zero potential point marked in yellow in the figure. There is no need to solder the cable braid in this place - tying it tightly will be enough.

A television signal receiver assembled in this way in the form of two lobes is capable of receiving both all decimeter channels and meter ones. Moreover, it picks up signals well in all directions. But if you install the CNA in an area of ​​poor signal reception from a TV tower, it will only work normally with amplifier. Others can also be used.

Butterfly shaped

You can make a television antenna in the shape of a butterfly with your own hands. To make this yourself it is enough powerful antenna, you need to prepare a board or plywood with dimensions of 550 x 70 x 5 mm, a wire with a copper core with a cross-section of 4 mm, and, accordingly, a PK75 cable.

1. Mark the holes on the plywood and drill them. Dimensions in the picture are in inches. Below the figure is a table for converting inches to mm.
   
   
   
2. From copper wire you need to cut 8 pieces of equal length, 37.5 cm each.
3. In the center of each wire, clear sections of insulation (2 cm each), as in the figure.
   
   
4. After this, you should cut off 2 more pieces of wire, already 22 centimeters each, divide them into 3 equal parts and remove the insulation at the separation points.
   
   
5. Give the segments V-shape. You should be careful to maintain a distance of 7.5 cm between the ends of the wire. This is the optimal distance to receive a clear signal.
   
   
6. Connect all the elements according to the figure below.
   
   
7. Next, you need to purchase a socket to connect the plug to it.
   
8. The cable must be soldered to the coil contacts, as in the figure.
   
   
9. Make 2 more pieces of wire of the required length to connect the antennae to the socket.
   
10. Screw the socket onto the board and connect all the elements.
    
    
    

That's all - you have made an antenna for your TV with your own hands.

From beer cans

To make such an original ChNA you will need 2 cans (0.5 l or 0.75) of beer or other drink. But before you make a television antenna, you need to consider some material requirements. Namely, it is recommended to purchase a high-quality television cable with a resistance of 75 ohms per meter. Which is correct? Make sure that the central core is strong and that the braid is double and continuous.

Don’t forget, the longer the cable, the stronger the signal attenuation will be, which is especially important for receiving meter waves, in contrast to UHF, for which the length of the wire also matters, but not so much.

It will also be necessary to prepare the usual wooden trempel, a couple of self-tapping screws, electrical tape or tape and, if possible, a soldering iron with tin.

An antenna made from beer cans can receive both the UHF and meter wavelengths.

To illustrate the entire process, you can watch the video.

Log-periodic antenna

A log-periodic antenna (LPA) can be used to receive radio waves in both the meter and decimeter ranges. To make such a signal receiver, you can use an aluminum tube with a diameter of 10 mm and metal rods (studs) as a stand, which can be purchased at a store that sells fasteners. Ideally, instead of threaded rods, it is better to use smooth tubes or rods. A plastic U-shaped box is used as a base.

When the soldering is completed, the manufacture of the device can be considered complete and you can begin testing your creation.

UHF antenna

Homemade decimeter signal catchers can have different shapes and designs, from the simplest to manufacture to more complex devices.

Ring-shaped

The simplest design for receiving UHF can be made in a short time with your own hands from scrap materials. All you need is a coaxial cable and a piece of plywood of the appropriate size.

Now all this needs to be assembled:

• prepare a piece coaxial cable(RK75) 530 mm long (a ring will be made from it);
• also cut another piece of cable 175 mm long - this will be a loop;
• make a ring (1), solder a loop (2) and a cable (3) to it, which connects to the TV;
• secure it all to a plywood sheet and point the completed TV signal receiver towards the TV tower.

If your TV receiver uses such an antenna, try making a more complex device.

Figure 8

You can make your own home UHF antenna from wire in the shape of the number 8. To make such a receiver, you can use copper or aluminum wire with a diameter of 3 to 5 mm, as well as PK75 cable. During the manufacturing process you will also need glue gun

Manufacturing progress.

1. Using wire cutters, you need to cut 2 pieces of wire 56 cm each.
2. At the ends of each segment, make a loop, which should take 1 cm.
3. Bend the wire squares and connect the loops. Solder the cable to the squares as shown in the picture. The central core is soldered to one square, and the braid to the other. The distance between the elements should be 2 cm. The entire structure can be secured in the lid of a 20 liter water bottle, filled with glue.

Such a UHF receiver can be placed anywhere, and it does not require an amplifier. Perhaps an amplifier may be needed if the device is outdoors and the cable length is significant. In this case, to compensate for signal losses, its installation will be required.

From a metal-plastic pipe

You can make a television antenna with your own hands from an ordinary metal-plastic pipe. This will result in a device for receiving UHF with a possible range from 480 MHz to 1000 MHz. This “model” uses a pipe with a diameter of 16 mm and a cable of 5.5 m. The ring will require 55 cm of pipe, and the stand will require 14 cm, which is equal to a quarter of the wavelength. This serves to better match the outer braiding of the cable and reduces high frequency currents.

The cable exit in this design is made through a hole in the pipe. The cable braid should be attached with a clamp to the stripped part of the pipe. The central core of the cable is attached to the ring (you can use a screw with a washer and a nut). This homemade product works well as an indoor antenna in apartments with reinforced concrete walls that do not transmit television waves well. Thanks to the extended cable, you can take it out onto the balcony or place it on the windowsill - the quality of reception will only improve.

In the form of a frame

Another design UHF antennas assembled in the form of a frame. It will be made from aluminum plates(stripes).

Thus, home-made antennas will help you save money on purchasing them, and in some cases get out of the situation where you have a TV, but the standard antenna is out of order, or it doesn’t exist at all. Moreover, the quality of reception of homemade products is no worse than their factory counterparts. If you do not want to make the device yourself, then the information in the store will be useful to you.

Sometimes a television antenna breaks down at the most inopportune moment, or it is simply not at hand. For example, during a trip to the country. In this case, the question arises of how to make an antenna for a TV with your own hands from what you have at hand.

Using a homemade transmitter, you can watch a limited number of channels. And the reception may be of lower quality than that of a purchased device. Still, knowing how to make an antenna yourself from available materials can come in handy. An antenna can be either simple or complex. The device will be able to receive almost all types of broadcasts.

Antenna types

Before you start making a TV antenna with your own hands, it’s worth understanding the types and technical specifications television receivers.

Depending on the installation location, indoor and outdoor television receivers are distinguished. Indoor devices are effective only in areas with good signal reception. They are not suitable for country TVs. For rural areas and areas remote from the television repeater, outdoor television receivers are used.

Based on the type of signal amplifier, television receivers are either active or passive. Passive-type structures receive and amplify impulses due to their own geometry. They do not require power supply and do not introduce their own interference and noise into the signal they receive. Making a passive antenna yourself is the easiest way.

Active devices are equipped with a signal amplifier, which is powered from the mains. An active amplifier itself creates interference and distortion in the area of ​​reliable reception if a device that is too powerful or of poor quality is selected.

Broadcasting is carried out on meter or decimeter waves. To receive only meter or only decimeter broadcast bands, band television receivers are best suited. For example, to transmit digital terrestrial television DVB-T2 in our country uses only the decimeter range.

A log-periodic, or all-wave, television antenna can receive waves in both the meter and decimeter ranges. This is a broadband design with 10 vibrators. The log-periodic device in terms of gain corresponds to a 3-4 element all-wave antenna.

Operating frequencies are limited by the largest and smallest vibrator in the receiver. It fits well with the feeder. Its gain does not change, so connecting to the feeder does not require balancing and matching devices.

A cable with a resistance of 75 Ohms enters the lower tube, exits at the end (which is directed towards the television center) and is connected by a braid to the end of the lower tube, and by a core to the end of the upper tube.

Externally and according to the principle of operation, a log-periodic television antenna consists of several channel-wave devices connected together. Moreover, each of them has its own vibrator, reflector and director. When a signal arrives, vibrators closest in size to half its wavelength are excited. Such television antennas are used to receive both digital and analogue broadcasts.

The wave channel type receiver has the most simple design, which can be quickly assembled from simple and affordable materials. It receives an analogue television signal near a television tower and a digital one outside large populated areas, where there is little interference.

We use beer cans

A do-it-yourself dacha antenna made from beer cans is the simplest and most affordable passive type design. It can be done quickly and without basic skills. At the same time, it copes well with receiving UHF broadcasts.

To assemble an antenna from beer cans you will need:

• cable of sufficient length;
• aluminum cans (for the simplest design, 2 are enough);
• 2 bolts or self-tapping screws;
• plug (F -- connector) for connecting the cable to the TV;
• electrical tape or tape;
• a base made of wood or plastic for attaching cans (you can use wooden coat hangers).

The antenna circuit is simple:

1. Each can is attached with electrical tape or tape to the base pin at a distance of 7 cm from each other.
2. The cable is stripped on one side. They are spread out and attached to the rings of the cans or to screwed-in screws. It can also be soldered. A plug is attached to the free end.

This simplest design is suitable for installation both indoors and outdoors. When used externally, the jars are covered with a large plastic container with the neck and bottom cut off. The cable is pulled through a hole made on the side, which can be sealed using boiling water. The finished receiver is connected and configured via automatic search channels.

You can make an analogue with your own hands satellite dish. For this purpose, use a simple umbrella. You will also need:

• aluminium foil;
• copper cable;
• 1 tin can;
• amplifier and power supply for it.

DIY TV antenna made from beer cans

Operating procedure:

1. Measure the umbrella segments between the spokes and cut out elements corresponding to these dimensions from foil. They are sewn to the dome of the umbrella, covering its entire interior.
2. A TV signal receiver is installed at the focal point of the metal grille. The amplifier will be a core from which 4 cm of braiding has previously been removed, and a cable screen that protects against interference.
3. An oval is cut out of an aluminum can. A hole is made in the center of it, through which a bare wire is passed and a contact is soldered. To protect against oxidation and corrosion, the joint is covered with plasticine.
4. The amplifier is powered through a cable.
5. The receiver is attached to the handle of the umbrella with tape so that it does not touch the metal. This will protect against interference and distortion. The junction must be sealed with plasticine.
6. The power supply is placed next to the TV, and the antenna is turned towards the repeater.
7. Channels are established by driving the dish until the best signal is obtained.

This antenna works best if the tower is located no further than 35 km from it.

We use wire

Another simple design is a homemade wire antenna. To make it, you can use copper or brass wire. These materials are resistant to oxidation.

The wire must be stripped of insulation from the ends. One of them is connected to the TV, and the other to the radiator of the heating system. The pipe is led to the roof - it will work as a signal amplifier. Such an antenna will be able to receive no more than 5 signals. The wire can be stretched onto the balcony and secured to a clothesline.

You can make a TV antenna from wire in another way. It will require:

• 2 pieces of copper wire 3-4 mm wide and 1.8 m long;
• a plate of plywood or metal measuring 15 by 15 cm;
• amplifier (you can use old decimeter amplifiers);
• electric drill;
• TV cable;
• iron pipe or fittings for making a mast;
• bolts.

This antenna is made from copper wire assembled as follows:

1. They make catchers by bending the wire in the shape of 2 diamonds with sides of 45 cm. This is the optimal frame length for such a device.
2. The resulting diamonds are fixed on the base. To do this, holes are drilled at the fastening points, flattening the wire, and screws are screwed in.
3. If a metal plate is used as a base, then a welding machine can be used to attach the catcher.
4. We fix the amplifier in the center and connect the cable to it.

The easiest way to use a mast here is to use a metal pipe, which can simply be dug into the ground or attached to any suitable support. The antenna is fixed to the top of the mast, and the cable is pulled through it. The entire structure is painted to protect against corrosion.

Another popular TV receiver made from copper wire that you can make yourself is a small-sized antenna with an unusual “butterfly” shape. For external use, such a device is made of wire 2-4 mm thick, for internal use - 2 mm or thinner.

A frame is made to receive TV channels. Frame length -- 500 mm, width -- 200 mm. It is twisted so that 2 identical triangles are obtained, which are separated using wire cutters and soldered to the cable, leaving a 14 mm distance between the vertices. A plug is attached to the other end of the cable. The structure is taped with adhesive tape or electrical tape to a material with dielectric properties - wood, hard rubber, plastic.

Home digital HDTV device

A powerful antenna for a TV, capable of receiving a signal at 490 MHz, is made from a transformer, which is better to purchase, since it will not be easy to make it yourself. You will also need:

• cardboard;
• scotch:
• foil;
• stapler;
• glue.

To make a television receiver, a diagram is used according to which all the parts are cut out of cardboard. The elements are covered with foil, bent and trimmed. It is best to first find a template and diagram through a search engine and print it out on a printer or copy it from a printed publication.

First you need to make a reflector about 35 cm long and cover it on one side with foil. In the middle, 2 rectangles of the same size are cut to attach the catcher.

The antenna is assembled from the prepared parts. Departing 35 mm from the reflector, butterfly-shaped elements are glued to the plate. They can be attached using a stapler. In the middle of each such element, a hole is made for the cable, to which a transformer is connected and a plug is attached.

Option for apartment

You can make an antenna for indoor use using any of the methods presented above.

Another simple option at home is made as follows.

Simple frame indoor antenna made with your own hands from copper wire or cable with foil in the winding. The device not only receives television channels, but also serves as a selective filter against interference.

To calculate the size of the loop, you need to know the wave frequency for a given region. The length of the loop will be equal to the product of the coefficient (300 units) and the average frequency range.

Cut off the required amount of wire or cable, and if necessary, clean the edges. Make a loop out of it and solder the TV cable leading to the receiver. A plug is connected to it.

The structure can be hung or installed on a stand. This simple device, with accurate calculations, is most effective for digital television.

A reliable device for the home is a diamond-shaped antenna. It is the simplest representative of zigzag television receivers. To improve reception, it is equipped with capacitive inserts and a reflector.

The device is assembled from plates or tubes 1-1.5 cm wide made of brass, copper or aluminum. To make capacitive inserts, foil, tin or metal mesh is used, which is soldered around the perimeter. The cable is laid from the center and along one side, avoiding sharp bends. It should not leave the frame.

When relaxing outside the city, sometimes, in addition to enjoying nature and fresh air, you sometimes want to watch your favorite TV series or an important football match. Unlike the city, coverage of villages with a high-quality television signal leaves much to be desired. In this situation, even purchasing an antenna operating in a wide range of decimeter and meter waves does not guarantee high-quality images.

You can try to assemble the antenna yourself, because a country house is the best place for experiments.

The simplest antenna option

As can be seen in the photograph, the antenna is a simple wave receiver. To manufacture, you will need two tubes and a television cable, as well as knowledge of the signal transmission range of the nearest television tower.

Typically, reception is carried out at frequencies from 50 to 230 MHz, forming twelve channels. For each of them, tubes of certain sizes are used. To receive a signal at a frequency of 50 MHz, the distance between the outer edges of the tubes must be in the range of 271-276 cm. On channel 12, the same distance is 66 cm.

Information on the dependence of the length of the blanks on the receiving frequency, as well as circuits of homemade antennas, can be easily found on similar thematic Internet resources.

To make an antenna in makeshift conditions, we present you a list of what you can make an antenna from:

• Two tubes made of steel, aluminum or any other metal alloy with a diameter of 8 to 24 mm. They must be the same in diameter, material and wall thickness.
• Availability of a television broadcasting cable designed for a resistance of 75 Ohms. The length of the wire is cut at the connection point, taking into account a sagging margin of 50 cm.
• Textolite blank or getinax material (at least 5 mm thick).
• Fasteners for installing pipes on a holder.
• A bracket for a future antenna in the form of a metal pipe or corner. When installing the receiver at a low height, you can use a wooden stand.
• Soldering kit, silicone fluid to prevent oxidation and electrical tape.

Assembly principle

The workpiece, selected according to its length, is divided into two equal tubes, which are crimped on one side. The tubes are fixed at a distance of 6-7 cm from each other, and their ends are attached to the textolite blank with clamps. The resulting structure is secured with a rod in a vertical position.

To connect the cable, you need to lay a loop designed for a resistance of 75 ohms. The middle cores of the cable are stripped and twisted with the ends of the tubes flattened, and the braid connection is made using copper wire. The connection of the rest of the loop and the cable going to the output to the television device follows the same principle.

The resulting loop and the remaining length of the cable should be securely fastened to a vertical stand to avoid interference. The required antenna installation height is adjusted locally by monitoring the signal change.

Beer can antenna

It is one of the most popular ideas for homemade television signal receivers. Instead of tubes, if there is no material, you can use simple beer cans.

To make such a television receiver, you will need the following parts:

• two beer cans of 0.5 l each;
• wooden or plastic blank 50 cm long;
• television cable RG-58;
• soldering iron, flux for soldering aluminum and solder;

To make a beer can receiver, follow these instructions:

• A hole 5-6 mm in diameter is drilled through the bottom of the jar, in its center.
• We lay the cable through the hole in the can and bring it out through the neck.
• The can is evenly fixed on the left side of the workpiece in a horizontal position.
• We bring the cable out through the neck to a distance of 5 cm, trim the insulation by 3 cm, remove the wire braid by 1.5 cm and solder it to the surface of the can.
• Solder the outgoing cable to the bottom of the second can.
• Attach the second can to the first at a minimum distance, using tape or other sticky material.

At the other end of the cable, a connector is installed to enter the TV. This antenna option is also suitable for digital broadcasting. If the TV supports a popular format (DVB T2), or there is a set-top box suitable for the old TV, then the signal can be received from the nearest relay tower. In this case, it is necessary to know the location of the repeater, in the direction in which the antenna should be directed to search for a signal.

This circuit is suitable for making an antenna designed to receive meter wave channels. Just use a liter container instead of half-liter jars.

If you don't know how to solder, there is another connection method. Two beer cans are attached at a minimum distance from the workpiece that holds the entire structure. At the end of the cable, carefully remove 3-5 cm of insulation. Twist the wire braid into a bundle and, shaping it into an eyelet, put it on a self-tapping screw.

In the same way, put the eyelet on the self-tapping screw of the second conductor. Then attach the wires, using self-tapping screws, to each can. From the point of view of long-term contact retention, soldering is much better than mechanical fastening. Before soldering, it is advisable to tinning the surface.

Fastening with self-tapping screws, although reliable, contacts oxidize when moisture gets on the antenna. homemade device, which will result in signal loss.

Photo instructions on how to make an antenna

So, imagine this situation: in the evening you decided to watch your favorite TV program, and suddenly the TV stopped showing - the cable TV was turned off. Or another case: you arrived at the dacha, already prepared for a vacation and discovered that you forgot to buy an antenna for the TV - not a single channel works. What to do in this case? The answer is simple - you need to make a TV antenna with your own hands from scrap materials, because most likely the cause of the breakdown is this device. Next we will look at the most simple options manufacturing that requires a minimum of available parts and time.

Idea #1 – Use beer cans!

This homemade option TV antenna is the simplest and fastest to manufacture. The maximum number of channels that you can catch is 7, but this figure can vary significantly depending on the region, terrain features and distance to the TV tower.

To make a TV antenna from beer cans, you will need the following materials:

• 2 small self-tapping screws, also called “bugs” (not needed if you have a soldering iron);
• 2 prepared beer cans (empty, washed and dried);
• from 3 to 5 meters TV cable(can be taken from a failed device);
• soldering iron and tin (for better fixation of contacts), availability is optional;
• screwdriver;
• wooden trempel (hanger);
• electrical tape or tape.

Finding all the materials in the house will not be a problem, so having prepared them, we immediately get down to business.

In order to make a homemade antenna from cans, you need to complete the following steps:

1. We prepare the cable. First, at a distance of 10 cm from the edge, you need to make a shallow circular cut and remove the top layer of insulation. Having opened access to the screen, we collapse it into one bundle. After this, we cut off the middle insulating layer, exposing the copper core of the cable by a few cm. At the second end of the wire there should be a regular antenna plug.
2. We prepare the jars. There will also be no difficulties with containers that will act as signal receivers. First you need to choose the optimal dimensions of beer cans. It is better to use liter ones, but if these are not available, containers with a volume of 0.5 and 0.75 liters will also cope well with the task.
3. Let's make contacts. At this stage, the twisted cable screen is fixed to one can, and the copper core itself is fixed to the other. Fixation is carried out by bedbugs using a screwdriver or a regular screwdriver. However, it is recommended to fasten the wire not with bugs, but with a soldering iron. The result should look like this:
   
4. We assemble a homemade antenna for a TV. The signal receiver is ready, now we make a supporting structure, which we use as a trempel or a regular hanger. Under no circumstances should it be made of wire or metal. Using electrical tape, we fix the containers to the trempel (as shown in the photo). We draw your attention to the fact that the banks must be strictly on the same straight line, otherwise the homemade product will not work and receive the signal stably.
   
   
5. Setting up an antenna for the TV. Now you need to experiment with the optimal distance between the cans, as well as where to hang the device and its position so that the homemade product catches many channels. We turn on the TV and determine exactly how the receivers should be located and where is the most suitable place for their work. This completes the technology for creating the device.
   
   

As you can see, the whole process is quite simple and does not represent anything complicated. The optimal distance is 75 mm between the ends of the cans, and the best installation location is near a window or on an external mast. In individual cases, the distance between the banks can be made larger or smaller.

Visual video instructions for creating a simple antenna from cans

Idea No. 2 – Use wire

One more no less a good option, which is advisable to use in the village - a homemade antenna made of copper wire with an amplifier.

All you need for production is:

• amplifier (suitable from an old device, for example, a non-working or disassembled antenna);
• two pieces of wire 180 cm each, it is advisable to choose thick and stiff so that the wind does not damage the device;
• a piece of metal (or wood) plate 15*15 cm;
• electric drill with a set of drills (a welding machine is desirable);
• small bolts;
• hammer;
• iron pipe;
• a television cable of suitable length with a plug (sold in radio stores, not expensive, can be removed from a non-working device).

So, to make your own TV antenna from copper wire, you need to complete the following steps:

Please note that in the photo examples, both the amplifier, the reflector, and the wire are covered with paint. Painting protects the structure from corrosion and other adverse factors, significantly extending the life of a homemade TV antenna.

Idea No. 3 – Home HDTV device

If the first 2 options worked at a frequency of no more than 270 MHz, then the next manufacturing method will allow you to enjoy a higher quality picture, because The signal range can reach up to 490 MHz. The only part that is unlikely to be found among household items is a matching transformer from 300 to 75 Ohms. You will need to buy it in advance at a specialized store, but some plugs already contain this part.

Although, there are instructions on the Internet for making a homemade transformer, you can find and use it, this will significantly improve your skills in assembling homemade antennas.

Materials you will need:

1. Scotch
2. Cardboard
3. Stationery knife
4. Foil
5. Stapler
6. Scissors
7. Marker
8. Roulette
9. Glue (pencil or PVA)

Having prepared all this school kit, let's get down to business!

First you need to draw (or print on a computer) this diagram:

Now, according to the diagram, we cut out all the spare parts, including the necessary pieces of foil:

After this, you need to make a reflector with dimensions of 35 * 32.5 cm (height and width). Cover one side with foil.

In the middle we cut out two identical rectangles, which are necessary in order to completely assemble the signal catcher for a homemade antenna for a TV. The rectangle should be 3.5 cm long, its purpose is to maintain the distance between the reflector and the auxiliary parts.

We glue the parts onto the rectangle, and when the glue sets, we drill holes for the television cable.

We connect the transformer and cable using twists, tape or a soldering iron. A more powerful TV antenna is ready for use! It should also be noted that this homemade version is only suitable for indoor use, because The paper will quickly become wet from being used outdoors.

Assembling a digital antenna from a TV cable and a cardboard box

Another option for a powerful device made at home:

HDTV antenna made from improvised means

Idea No. 4 – Apartment option

There is another way to make a powerful antenna for a TV from improvised materials, which is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

To make the device you will need the following materials and tools:

• 4-meter copper wire, cross-section 4 mm2;
• board of arbitrary thickness, 55 cm long and 7 cm wide;
• wood screws;
• ruler or tape measure;
• a simple pencil;
• screwdriver;
• soldering iron;
• antenna plug.

So, first, we transfer the drawing to the workpiece and drill holes in the board:

Then we transfer the drawing data to the board and drill in the appropriate fastening points.

Next, the copper wire must be straightened and cut into 8 equal pieces of 37.5 cm each.

In the middle of each of the 37.5 cm sections, the insulation must be removed (as shown in the picture). To do this, use a sharp knife; a stationery knife is perfect.

We cut off 2 more pieces of wire 22 cm long and divide them into 3 equal parts, bend them slightly and, again, remove the insulation in these places.

We bend the prepared wire in exposed areas. We draw your attention to the fact that for those segments that are bent in half, the distance between the ends should be 7.5 cm (the optimal value for receiving a signal from a homemade television antenna).

Next, we attach the plug to the finished homemade product, and connect the television cable to it.

This concludes the manufacturing process. We select a suitable location and direction where signal reception is best, and install the device.

We tried to select the most simple instructions. We hope that now you know how to make a home TV antenna with your own hands! We draw your attention to the fact that today on the Internet you can find many other options in which inventors come up with more and more new manufacturing options, using, for example, copper and aluminum tubes, disks, electrodes... The choice of components for assembly is usually determined only by their availability, so don’t be afraid to experiment and come up with your own original manufacturing methods.

Related materials: