Build Your Own
DTV Antenna


This is my HTML version of the PDF plans I found atWWW.MAKEZINE.TV. I am doing this mostly for people with Webtv/MSNtv units. But it should be ok for those with PC's and Macs. As stated in the origional plans, the following is just a guide. You may switch out items as you see fit. Although, I found the items listed did work for digital tv reception in my local area. I was able to recieve channels up to 75 miles away. Your reception will determine on your area and the location of broadcast antennas near you. Here is what my ANTENNA looks like.



First we will start with the list of items needed to make this simple antenna. Click here for the LIST . Next you will need to decide which ADAPTER you will be using. If you use the top adapter, you will need a length of coaxial cable to connect to your tv or to any converter box you may want to use. If you use the bottom adapter, you will need the heavy duty wire listed. I used a 12 ft. length so to place the antenna closer to the window.



Let's get started. First, cut the top part of the wire hangers off. Next, cut 4 of the hangers at the bottom. Trim the pieces down to 16" lengths. Bend in the middle to form a V of 8", with a 3" opening. Set these 8 pieces to the side.



Next, take the 2 remaining hangers and cut the top off these. Straighten the hanger and trim to a 20" length. Set these aside.



Now drill holes as noted by the black circles on Fig. 1.Once the holes are drilled, take 1 bolt with a washer and place in each hole. Next, loosely screw on a nut to each bolt.



Now take one of the 20" lengths of wire and follow lines in Fig.1. Making sure you use sandpaper and remove any coating on the hanger. You need the bare wire to make connections with the bolts and washers. Start at the outside of the top bolt. Come across to the outside of the 2nd row of blots. Then to the inside of the 3rd row and out to the outside of the 4th row Come back across to the outside of the 5th row. Repeat on the opposite side with the 2nd piece of 20" wire. Now take a small piece of duct tape or electrical tape and wrap one wire where they cross at the top and bottom.



Next place the V-shaped hangers as shown in Fig. 2. Tighten these down and make secure connection with the underlying pieces of hanger. Then place your choice of adapter under the washers in the 3rd row of bolts. Tighten these down also making a secure connection.



Now all you need to do is connect the brackets for the base. The base can be anything you want to use. The suggestion of "L" brackets, to me is the easiest. I used some plastic shelving brackes I had lying around.BASE But a base is not needed. I made one for a neighbor that we attatched a hook and hung in her window from an old planter hook she was not using. It worked just fine.



I do not claim this idea as my own, and I do not guarantee any results. But it did work for me. I had everything around except for the adapter. So for me the total cost for the first one was only $3.99 plus tax. The 2nd and 3rd ones cost me just over $10 each. SO if you need an antenna and don't want to spend the $25 or more for one, give this a try. You may be suprised at the results. Have fun.