EXTERNAL UHF ANTENNA OF INCREASED EFFICIENCY
For radio waves, a large modern city is, figuratively speaking, a heap of “mirrors” and “screens”, which are bridges, factory pipes, high-voltage lines. High-rise buildings, like a passive repeater, re-radiate waves from the transmitting antenna. The nature of the propagation of radio waves is very complex, even near the transmitter. In the radio shadow of obstacles, a weakened useful signal is received, reflected signals, noise and interference become more noticeable. In wet walls of houses, in wet trees, the signal is weakened more strongly. The maximum attenuation of the signal received by an antenna located in the radio shade of trees occurs in summer. The addition and subtraction of the main and reflected radio waves leads to the amplification of some television signals and the attenuation of others.
Loop antennas give good results in these conditions due to the attenuation of reception in the lateral and reverse directions, they are less affected by electrical interference and, in particular, interference from the ignition of internal combustion engines.
For long-range television reception, the most stable image is provided by loop antennas, one of which is described in this article.
Antenna parameters
Frequency range of received signals, MHz……530 – 780
Main received TV channel ….38
The range of received television channels ... 30 - 57
Polarization of received signals………horizontal
From a wide variety of loop antennas for the range DMV often make an antenna "triple square". What if the gain of the triple square is not enough, and other antenna designs are not suitable for the range of television channels of interest? At the same time, there is absolutely no place to get a sufficient number of aluminum tubes of the required diameter and specific fasteners, there is no way to assemble and install an antenna, the dimensions of which are measured in meters. Can an antenna amplifier be used that will amplify the main wave of the TV signal along with the reflected waves received by the antenna? The solution to this problem was the combination of four triple squares into an antenna system - a phased array. The antenna gain far exceeds one triple square, and the dimensions are quite acceptable. The dimensions of the construction of one of the four triple squares are shown in the figure.
For the manufacture of a triple square, galvanized steel wire with a diameter of 3 mm is required. Galvanized is a wire that has a tin coating. Such wire is easier to solder and does not rust in the open air. It takes 2 meters of wire to make one triple square. The piece of wire must not have sharp bends, dents, scratches, rust or other defects. Before manufacturing the antenna, the wire blank is thoroughly wiped with a solvent. The wire is bent according to a pattern showing the construction of a triple square. The wire joints at the top of the squares are soldered. The sections of the wire at the joints are covered with a flux prepared from hydrochloric acid by etching with zinc. With a soldering iron with a power of forty watts, and preferably sixty watts, the sections are covered with fusible solder, as far as the power of the soldering iron allows. Then the joints are pulled together with one or two turns of tinned copper wire with a diameter of 0.6-1 mm and soldered again. Finally, the joints are well soldered over the gas stove burner using solder and rosin. The remaining rosin is removed from the resulting structure and washed off with a solvent. The solder joint should be well tinned, providing reliable contact and mechanical strength. Triple squares must not be painted or varnished.
Before combining the triple squares into a phased array, each one needs to be checked and adjusted. Checking and adjustment is carried out indoors. A television coaxial cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms is connected to the triple square, as shown in the figure. The image on the TV screen when setting up the antenna in the room may be black and white with a lot of noise.
Triple square adjustment is performed based on the least amount of noise on the TV screen. If one triple square does not give a color image, it does not matter, when combined into a phased array, the image quality will increase significantly. Having connected the triple square to the antenna input of the TV, it is necessary to find the point of soldering the cable to the lower vertical part of the antenna structure by moving the connection point vertically. When moving the connection, the center core of the cable and the cable screen must be connected at the same level. In some copies of the triple square, the best image on the TV screen can be obtained by soldering the cable almost at the closing horizontal section at the very bottom of the antenna, in other copies, as shown in the figure in the third copies in the middle. Each triple square has its own optimal cable connection point. After finishing the setup and checking the triple squares, it is important not to mix up the cable connection points.
To obtain a good quality of the antenna, 6-8 triple squares should be made, from which four giving the best results should be selected.
Triple squares, which are elements of a phased array, are connected by a coaxial cable. The basis of the antenna design is a wooden frame. The length of the vertical cable segments connecting two triple squares is selected experimentally. It is impossible to accurately determine the length of the cable segments in advance due to differences in the parameters of different types of cable and the unpredictable properties of the triple squares made.
Two triple squares are fixed by wrapping a PVC tube on one vertical frame element, which is a wooden block. In turn, identical pieces of cable 220, 240, 260.280, 300 millimeters each are connected to the triple squares. The opposite ends of the cable segments are connected to the screen-screen and core-core and connected to the cable going to the antenna input of the TV. The length of the vertical cable segments connecting two triple squares is selected according to the best image quality. The main contributor to the tuning is the length of the cable segments compared to the distance between the triple squares. When setting up, you can reduce or increase the distance between the triple squares, but this will not give much effect, so the distances in the design drawing between the triple squares are not given. The image on the TV screen should be better than when received on one triple square.
The frame is temporarily assembled from four wooden bars fastened together with a rope. Four triple squares are installed on the frame, connected by vertical cable segments. The length of two identical horizontal cable segments connecting the vertical segments with the cable laid to the TV antenna input is specified experimentally. For the final adjustment, two identical horizontal segments with a length of 130, 150, 170 or 190 millimeters are alternately soldered.
For the final manufacture of the frame, four wooden bars 8-11 millimeters thick, 60-70 millimeters wide, 520 millimeters long and three wooden bars of the same thickness and width 490 millimeters long will be required. The ends of the bars are coated with epoxy resin and dried for five days, then the entire surface of the bars is coated with epoxy resin and dried for five days. After coating with epoxy resin, wooden bars are painted with nitro paint at least twice. Before installing triple squares and cable segments that combine triple squares into a phased array, the first part of the frame is assembled from two vertical and two horizontal bars. The contacting surfaces of the bars are coated with epoxy resin, connected with screws and dried for at least three days. After the epoxy resin dries, the two screws connecting the upper horizontal bar with the vertical bars are unscrewed. Four screws securing the central horizontal bar remain.
Triple squares are installed on a wooden frame, connected by pieces of a coaxial cable. Triple squares are attached to the frame with several turns of PVC tubing. A cable is soldered to the antenna, going to the TV of the required length.
For correct phasing of the antenna system, the center conductors and screens of the coaxial cable segments are connected to triple squares in accordance with the phasing scheme. The end of the cable connected to the antenna is enclosed in a PVC tube with a diameter of 10-12 millimeters and a length of about three meters to protect the antenna cable from the weather. The PVC tube and cable are fixed with a thread on a horizontal bar. The soldering of the screen and the central core of the cable segments are isolated from each other with electrical tape. On top of the installed triple squares and cables, two vertical bars are installed, on top of them in the center is one horizontal one.
The frame parts are connected with screws with a diameter of 6 millimeters. When installing the screws, the holes left after unscrewing the screws connecting the upper horizontal bar with the vertical bars are used. Coaxial cable segments and parts of triple squares are enclosed within a wooden structure that reliably protects the solder points from the weather.
The gaps between the bars from the sides and ends are sealed using building sealant "liquid nails".
The antenna is mounted on the mast using clamps corresponding to the diameter of the pipe. Screws pass through the holes in the horizontal bars. The antenna is fixed at two points. By loosening the clamp screws, you can precisely orient the antenna to the transmitter.
Galvanized wire, pipe clamp, epoxy, paint can be purchased at a building materials store. A coaxial television cable with a wave impedance of 75 ohms should be selected with a central conductor of copper and a double screen consisting of foil and braid of copper conductors. Best results can be obtained by using the largest diameter cable with as many strands as possible in the shield.
The distances between the elements of the phased array, the dimensions of the triple square and the length of the cable segments were chosen through numerous experiments in order to ensure the reception of the largest possible number of television channels and at the same time the smallest possible dimensions, reducing the mass of the antenna and facilitating installation. Reception on the antenna is possible through an obstacle from closely spaced trees. The antenna has a low windage. Due to the location of the cables inside the wooden sealed frame, a long service life and protection from the influence of weather factors are ensured. The quality of the received image does not depend on the time of year and time of day.
Denisov Platon Konstantinovich, Simferopol
Download: HIGH PERFORMANCE UHF OUTDOOR ANTENNA Triple Square
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In summer cottages, a television signal can rarely be received without amplification: it is too far from the repeater, the terrain is usually uneven, and trees interfere. For the normal quality of the “picture”, antennas are needed. Anyone who knows how to handle a soldering iron at least a little can make an antenna for giving with his own hands. Aesthetics outside the city is not given so much importance, the main thing is the quality of reception, simple design, low cost and reliability. You can experiment and do it yourself.
If the repeater is located within 30 km from your dacha, you can make the simplest receiving part in design. These are two identical tubes connected by a cable. The output of the cable is fed to the corresponding input of the TV.
The design of the antenna for the TV in the country: it is very easy to do it yourself (to increase the size of the picture, click on it with the left mouse button)
First of all, you need to find out what frequency the nearest TV tower is broadcasting on. The length of the "whiskers" depends on the frequency. The broadcast band is in the range of 50-230 MHz. It is divided into 12 channels. Each needs its own length of tubes. A list of terrestrial television channels, their frequencies and parameters of a television antenna for self-production will be given in the table.
| Channel number | Channel frequency | Vibrator length - from one to the other end of the tubes, cm | Length of cables for matching device, L1/L2 cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 MHz | 271-276 cm | 286 cm / 95 cm |
| 2 | 59.25 MHz | 229-234 cm | 242 cm / 80 cm |
| 3 | 77.25 MHz | 177-179 cm | 187 cm / 62 cm |
| 4 | 85.25 MHz | 162-163 cm | 170 cm / 57 cm |
| 5 | 93.25 MHz | 147-150 cm | 166 cm / 52 cm |
| 6 | 175.25 MHz | 85 cm | 84 cm / 28 cm |
| 7 | 183.25 MHz | 80 cm | 80 cm / 27 cm |
| 8 | 191.25 MHz | 77 cm | 77 cm / 26 cm |
| 9 | 199.25 MHz | 75 cm | 74 cm / 25 cm |
| 10 | 207.25 MHz | 71 cm | 71 cm / 24 cm |
| 11 | 215.25 MHz | 69 cm | 68 cm / 23 cm |
| 12 | 223.25 MHz | 66 cm | 66 cm / 22 cm |
So, in order to make a TV antenna with your own hands, you need the following materials:
It would be nice to have a soldering iron, flux for soldering copper and solder on hand: it is advisable to solder all the connections of the central conductors: the image quality will be better and the antenna will work longer. The places of soldering then need to be protected from oxidation: it is best to fill it with a layer of silicone, you can use epoxy, etc. As a last resort, seal it with electrical tape, but this is very unreliable.
This homemade TV antenna, even at home, will be made by a child. You need to cut the tube of the length that matches the broadcast frequency of the nearby repeater, then cut it exactly in half.
The resulting tubes are flattened on one side. With these ends they are attached to the holder - a piece of getinax or textolite 4-6 mm thick (see figure). The tubes are placed at a distance of 6-7 cm from each other, their far ends should be at the distance indicated in the table. They are fixed to the holder with clamps, they must hold firmly.
The installed vibrator is fixed on the mast. Now you need to connect two "whiskers" through a matching device. This is a cable loop with a resistance of 75 ohms (type RK-1, 3, 4). Its parameters are indicated in the rightmost column of the table, and how it is done is on the right side of the photo.
The middle cores of the cable are screwed (soldered) to the flattened ends of the tubes, their braid is connected with a piece of the same conductor. It is easy to get the wire: cut off a piece from the cable a little more than the required size and free it from all shells. Strip the ends and screw to the cable conductors (it is better to solder).
Then the central conductors are connected from two pieces of the matching loop and the cable that goes to the TV. Their braid is also connected with a copper wire.
The last action: the loop in the middle is attached to the bar, and the cable going down is screwed to it. The bar is raised to the required height and “tuned” there. Two people are needed to set up: one turns the antenna, the second watches TV and evaluates the picture quality. Having determined where the signal is best received from, the do-it-yourself antenna is fixed in this position. In order not to suffer for a long time with the "tuning", look where the neighbors' receivers (terrestrial antennas) are directed. The simplest antenna for giving with your own hands is made. Set and "catch" the direction by turning it along its axis.
Watch the video on how to cut a coaxial cable.
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This do-it-yourself antenna is a little more difficult to manufacture: you need a pipe bender, but the reception radius is larger - up to 40 km. The starting materials are almost the same: a metal tube, a cable and a rod.
The bend radius of the pipe is not important. It is necessary that the pipe has the required length, and the distance between the ends is 65-70 mm. Both "wings" should be the same length, and the ends should be symmetrical about the center.
Homemade antenna for a TV: a TV signal receiver with a reception radius of up to 40 km is made from a piece of pipe and cable (to increase the size of the picture, click on it with the left mouse button)
The length of the pipe and cable is shown in the table. Find out at what frequency the repeater closest to you is broadcasting, select the appropriate line. Saw off the pipe of the required size (diameter is preferably 12-18 mm, for them the parameters of the matching loop are given).
| Channel number | Channel frequency | Vibrator length - from one end to the other, cm | Cable length for matching device, cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 MHz | 276 cm | 190 cm |
| 2 | 59.25 MHz | 234 cm | 160 cm |
| 3 | 77.25 MHz | 178 cm | 125 cm |
| 4 | 85.25 MHz | 163 cm | 113 cm |
| 5 | 93.25 MHz | 151 cm | 104 cm |
| 6 | 175.25 MHz | 81 cm | 56 cm |
| 7 | 183.25 MHz | 77 cm | 53 cm |
| 8 | 191.25 MHz | 74 cm | 51 cm |
| 9 | 199.25 MHz | 71 cm | 49 cm |
| 10 | 207.25 MHz | 69 cm | 47 cm |
| 11 | 215.25 MHz | 66 cm | 45 cm |
| 12 | 223.25 MHz | 66 cm | 44 cm |
The tube of the required length is bent, making it absolutely symmetrical about the center. One edge is flattened and brewed / sealed. Fill with sand, and close up the second side. If there is no welding, you can plug the ends, just put the plugs on good glue or silicone.
The resulting vibrator is fixed on the mast (rod). They are screwed to the ends of the pipe, and then the central conductors of the matching loop and the cable that goes to the TV are soldered. The next step is to connect a piece of copper wire without insulation to the braid of the cables. The assembly is completed - you can proceed to the "configuration".
Despite the fact that she looks frivolous, the image becomes much better. Checked multiple times. Try it!
We collect like this:
End the other end of the cable with a suitable plug, plug it into the TV socket you need. This design, by the way, can be used to receive digital television. If your TV supports this signal format (DVB T2) or there is a special set-top box for an old TV, you can catch a signal from the nearest repeater. You just need to find out where it is and direct your own television antenna made from tin cans there.
Simple homemade antennas can be made from cans (from beer or drinks). Despite the frivolity of the "components", it works very well, and is made very simply.
The same design can be adapted to receive VHF channels. Instead of 0.5 liter jars, put on 1 liter. Will receive MW band.
Another option: if you don’t have a soldering iron, or you don’t know how to solder, you can make it easier. Tie two cans at a distance of a few centimeters to the holder. Strip the end of the cable by 4-5 centimeters (carefully remove the insulation). Separate the braid, twist it into a bundle, make a ring out of it, into which you insert a self-tapping screw. From the central conductor, make a second ring and thread the second self-tapping screw through it. Now, at the bottom of one can, you clean (with sandpaper) a speck to which you screw the screws.
In fact, soldering is needed for better contact: it is better to tin and solder the braid ring, as well as the place of contact with the metal of the can. But even on self-tapping screws it turns out well, however, the contact is periodically oxidized and needs to be cleaned. As it "snows" you will know why ...
Antenna design - frame. For this version of the receiver, you will need a crosspiece made of wooden boards and a television cable. You will also need electrical tape, a few nails. All.
We have already said that to receive a digital signal, you only need a decimeter terrestrial antenna and an appropriate decoder. It can be built into TVs (new generation) or made as a separate device. If the TV has a signal reception function in the DVB T2 code, connect the antenna output directly to the TV. If the TV does not have a decoder, you will need to purchase a digital set-top box and connect the output from the antenna to it, and it to the TV set.
In Russia, a program has been adopted, according to which towers are constantly being built. By the end of 2015, the entire area should be covered by repeaters. On the official website http://xn--p1aadc.xn--p1ai/when/ find the closest tower to you. It shows the broadcast frequency and channel number. The perimeter of the antenna frame depends on the channel number.
For example, channel 37 broadcasts at a frequency of 602 MHz. The wavelength is considered as follows: 300 / 602 \u003d 50 cm. This will be the perimeter of the frame. Let's calculate the other channel in the same way. Let it be channel 22. Frequency 482 MHz, wavelength 300/482 = 62 cm.
Since this antenna consists of two frames, the length of the conductor must be equal to twice the wavelength, plus 5 cm per connection:
Copper wire is best used from the cable that will go further to the receiver. That is, take the cable and remove the sheath and braid from it, freeing the central conductor of the desired length. Be careful not to damage it.
The distance from one nail to another must correspond to these parameters. The laying of copper wire starts on the right, from the middle, moving down and further along all points. Only in the place where the frames come close to one another, do not short the conductors. They should be at some distance (2-4 cm).
When the entire perimeter is laid, the braid from a cable a few centimeters long is twisted into a bundle and soldered (wound if it is not possible to solder) to the opposite edge of the frame. Next, the cable is laid as shown in the figure, winding it with electrical tape (more often, but the laying route cannot be changed). Then the cable goes to the decoder (separate or built-in). All the antenna for giving with your own hands for receiving digital television is ready.
How to make an antenna for digital television with your own hands - another design - is shown in the video.
The purpose of television antennas has long been known to everyone and everyone - these are devices designed to receive and transmit a digital or analog signal to TV equipment. Traditionally, antennas are divided into three types: indoor, outdoor and hybrid, combining the features of both types at the same time.
Initially, when TV broadcasting was just beginning to develop, and TVs did not have such a multifaceted functionality, the signal quality (especially at a considerable 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 the antennas began to be equipped with special amplifiers that repeatedly increase the quality of the signal entering the TV receiver.
To date, a huge number of companies around the world are developing antennas, but not all of them are suitable for domestic data transmission standards and requirements for perceived frequency ranges. As a purchase recommendation, we have selected seven of the best television antennas in three main categories that received the highest ratings from consumers.
The choice of devices was made taking into account:
Indoor antennas operate in the decimeter or meter range, receiving a signal at a distance of up to 30 km. Such devices have some restrictions on the quality of TV waves, and need to be carefully configured. However, they are compact, inexpensive and can be moved to any place without any problems. The manufacturer Remo is considered the leader in the market of indoor digital television antennas.
Best desktop antenna
Country Russia
Average price: 870 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The top four indoor antennas for digital television are closed by Remo Inter 2.0. The device has a fairly affordable price, while having good functionality, which makes it one of the best on the market. The receiver is able to work with 20 digital, 10 analog and 3 radio signals, unlike competitors that work only with digital. Convenient control of the antenna will allow you to set the required level of signal amplification and achieve maximum quality.
Among the strengths of this device in reviews, buyers highlight low cost, excellent design and ease of installation. The antenna body itself is collapsible, but it is assembled literally in a jiffy. 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 poor-quality plastic case.
High-quality indoor antenna with balanced characteristics
Country: China
Average price: 990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
One of the typical representatives of Chinese indoor antennas for receiving a digital signal, 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 at a high level. The reason for this is a good regular amplifier (with a coefficient of about 28-30 decibels), closed with a sealed plastic case.
As for the aesthetic component, consumers, in general, are satisfied with the external data of the RA-A30, noting only a strong soiled front panel. The reliability parameters here are not the most optimal, but for stable operation for several (and with proper care - for 5-7) years it is enough. Thus, this antenna is a great option for those who are looking for an inexpensive solution for the home, coupled with good performance.
Excellent adaptability to the configuration of structural elements
A country:
Average price: 680 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
An interesting example of a home antenna for analog and digital television, showing, in general, similar results with models like the HARPER ADVB-2120. The closed circuit of the original form is combined here with two "horn" antennas (articulated with the body), which provides extensive tuning options for normal signal reception. By the way, 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 performance indicators identical to its competitors, this model has a disproportionately large tuning radius of the receiving elements, which is especially important in conditions of interference concentration.
The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: China
Average price: 570 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The second line in the ranking of the best indoor digital television antennas 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. A wide range of captured frequencies (from 87.5 to 862 MHz) and the ability to amplify not only digital, but also analog channels (FM, VHF and UHF) are included in a pleasant "synthesis" with an original design, thanks to which the antenna is able to fit into any interior. The fact that the signal amplifier is powered directly from the receiver or TV is also important, since it does not have an external network adapter. This imposes some restrictions on the use of the antenna (since not all models of digital technology support the possibility of direct power supply), but it has a positive effect on its compactness.
Ergonomic characteristics of the HARPER ADVB-2120 are also on top: the antenna can be easily placed on a plane if there is enough 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.
Best price
Country Russia
Average price: 850 rubles.
Rating (2019): 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 a relatively small size and convenient mounting, which allows you to install it directly on the TV. When properly configured, the device is able to perceive the waves of 21-69 different channels. The antenna has a built-in amplifier, which qualitatively affects the signal level.
In the reviews, buyers talk about the excellent reception quality, convenient connection of the amplifier via USB and the ability to work with the reflected signal as the strengths of the model. The antenna has a sufficiently strong housing that will save the insides in case of a fall. There are no problems with connecting the device. The mass 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.
Outdoor antennas for digital television have a high power, thanks to a 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 can interfere with the passage of television waves. Devices are able to receive a signal at a greater distance, but in this case, you should pay attention to models with an amplifier.
Best value for money (signal reception)
Country Russia
Average price: 510 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The next place in the ranking of the best outdoor antennas for digital television is Remo "Dvina-DX". Despite the low cost, the device has a decent level of signal reception, so it can be used to work 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 the reviews of buyers include a good level of 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 carrier bar is made of strong and lightweight aluminum, and the receiving parts are powder coated to prevent premature failure. Powerful mounting bolts securely fix the structure on the bar. The disadvantages of this antenna include some difficulties with installation and the need to independently upgrade the separator for better performance.
The cheapest digital outdoor antenna
A country: South Korea (made in China)
Average price: 520 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
A simple and unpretentious outdoor TV antenna to provide a stable TV signal at small (up to 8-10 kilometers) distances from relay towers. It has the ability to capture not only analog, but also digital signals in DVB-T and DVB-T2 format, for which it often becomes the first choice of urban residents. It has a modest, by the standards of competitiveness in the market, gain, which is only 5 dB. Which, however, is quite enough for comfortable work from high masts.
As a fixing element, the HYUNDAI H-TAE100 has a bracket with wing nuts, thanks to which the antenna can be easily dismantled without the use of keys and other tools. Judging by consumer reviews, the most controversial characteristic of this model is the reliability parameter, namely the resistance to wind load. This fact quite strictly limits the possible placement height, but is offset by the cost of the antenna at the level of standard room samples.
High degree of structural reliability
Country: China
Average price: 1279 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8
An eight-element outdoor digital and analog TV signal receiver, which is a bright representative of the middle peasants with an optimal balance of price and quality. 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 with weak satellite broadcasts. As for the "ground" operational characteristics, for urban realities they are more than reasonable, without pretensions to outstanding performance. It is advisable to install the model on masts with a total height from the ground of up to 7 meters. If the antenna is lowered (apartment placement “near the window”), there is a possibility of encountering the problem of interference, which leads to periodic failure and “shedding” of the picture. In terms of structural reliability, REXANT DVB-T2 RX-411 34-0411 performs very well, and, according to user reviews, can work properly even in the most severe climatic conditions for 7 years.
The most powerful digital antenna
A country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 2000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
An outdoor antenna for a Japanese-made TV, the main feature of which is 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 a weak signal from satellites. According to user feedback, the BBK DA32 provides excellent functional performance in the DVB-T (DVB-T2), ATSC and less fancy 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 with a factory bracket with universal type fasteners, suitable for any installation conditions. The cost of BBK DA32 is slightly beyond the average for the segment, but it is fully justified by performance and practical performance.
Popular outdoor antenna
Country Russia
Average price: 1299 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9
In the first place in the ranking of the best outdoor antennas for digital television is Remo Hummingbird-A-DX Deluxe. The device is placed on a special mast for better signal reception. An amplifier is provided as an addition, which helps to receive channels at longer distances. The model has a successful design, thanks to which it is able to easily perceive the signal even in areas where there is no direct line of sight 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 covered with powder paint, which protects them from corrosion and meteorological influences. The kit includes a ready-made cable with a length of 6 meters and a power supply for the amplifier. Among the shortcomings, the unreliability of the power supply and the inconvenience of adjusting the amplifier are distinguished.
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.
Good signal even in bad weather
Country: China
Average price: 2500 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6
In second place in the ranking of the best satellite dishes is the Lans-65 MS6506 model. This cymbal has a rather unusual design with a parabola geometry and special perforations. This combination allows the antenna to clean itself, which positively affects 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 the reviews, buyers point to a pleasant appearance, excellent reception quality and ease of setup. A special powder coating protects the cymbal from premature failure, and a reinforced mount allows you to smoothly adjust the elevation angle. The disadvantages of using include periodic signal jumps.
Best signal quality for NTV+ and Tricolor TV
Country: Belarus
Average price: 1150 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7
The first place in the ranking of the best satellite dish dishes is occupied by the AUM CTB-0.6 DF - 1.1 model. 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 round, but an ovoid shape, which is done to improve reception.
In the reviews, users talk about the high quality of workmanship, low cost and ease of setup. For quick installation, the kit includes all the necessary fasteners. If necessary, the standard stem can be easily replaced with a longer one to improve reception quality. The disadvantages include only 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 dealt with 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 confident, you can get by with a simple indoor antenna. Otherwise, hybrid or full-fledged street options should be preferred.
Antenna range. 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 the air. Narrowband antennas are oriented to a strictly defined frequency and it is impossible to rebuild them for other ranges without losing the current one.
Signal amplification. This function is inherent only in active antennas, the design of which provides for the presence of an additional module. This embodiment is suitable when the received signal requires amplification to generate a clear and high-quality image on a television screen.
Directionality of antennas. A simple and unpretentious way to improve signal quality by shifting the radiation pattern allows antennas to perform accented reception only at a strictly defined azimuth. This effect avoids interference caused by the reflection of various signals from the walls of residential buildings and other "initiating" objects.
The internal resistance of the antenna. 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 quality of the applied signal, since the correct geometry and rational arrangement of additional elements is reflected in the physical parameters.
Despite the huge number of television antennas on the consumer market, which can be easily purchased at any electronics store, interest in how to make a do-it-yourself TV antenna does not disappear. Such interest can be explained by the reluctance to spend money on buying an antenna, being away from retail outlets (if you are in the outback or in the country) or the failure of the purchased one.
Antennas for a television receiver can be divided into several types.
All-wave TV signal catchers are also called frequency-independent (CNA). Their designs may be different.
The figure shows an all-wave antenna made of two metal plates triangular shape and two wooden slats, on which copper wire is stretched in the form of a fan.
Copper wire can be taken of any diameter, it does not play a special role. The ends of the wire are fastened at a distance of 20 to 30 mm between each other. 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 of a homemade antenna has a square shape, its height will be equal to the width, and the angle between the canvases will be 90 degrees. Zero potential point marked in yellow in the figure. Soldering the cable braid in this place is not required - a tight tie will be enough.
The television signal receiver assembled in this way in the form of two petals is capable of receiving both all decimeter channels and meter ones. Moreover, it catches the signal well in all directions. But if you install the CNA in the zone of poor signal reception from the TV tower, it will only work normally with amplifier. Others can be applied as well.
Do-it-yourself TV antenna can be made in the shape of a butterfly. To make this fairly powerful antenna yourself, you need to prepare a plank or plywood with dimensions of 550 x 70 x 5 mm, a wire with a copper core section of 4 mm, and, accordingly, a PK75 cable.
That's all - you made an antenna for the TV with your own hands.
To make such an original CHNA, you will need 2 cans (0.5 l or 0.75) of beer or another 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 1 meter 75 ohms. How right? Pay attention to the fact that the central core is strong, and the braid is double and solid.
Do not forget, the longer the cable, the stronger the signal attenuation will be, which is especially important for receiving meter waves, unlike 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 adhesive tape and, if possible, a soldering iron with tin.
Antenna from beer cans can receive both decimeter and meter wavelengths.
For clarity of the whole process, you can watch the video.
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 bought 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 taken as the basis.
When the soldering is completed, the manufacture of the device can be considered complete and you can start testing your creation.
Homemade decimeter signal catchers can have a variety of shapes and designs, from the simplest to manufacture to more complex devices.
The simplest design for receiving UHF can be done in a short time with your own hands from improvised materials. All you need is a coaxial cable and a piece of plywood of the right size.
Now all this needs to be collected:
If your TV receiver is using such an antenna, try making a more complex device.
A do-it-yourself home UHF antenna can be made from wire in the form 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 a PK75 cable. During the manufacturing process, you will also need glue gun.
Manufacturing progress.
Such a UHF receiver can be placed anywhere, and it does not require an amplifier. Unless, an amplifier may be needed if the device is outdoor, and the cable length is significant. In this case, to compensate for signal loss, you will need to install it.
A do-it-yourself television antenna can also be made 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 - 5.5 m. The ring will require 55 cm of pipe, and the rack - 14 cm, which is equal to a quarter of a wavelength. This serves to better match the outer sheath of the cable and reduces high frequency currents.
The cable outlet 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 nut). Such a homemade product works well as a room antenna in apartments with reinforced concrete walls that do not transmit the television wave well. Thanks to the extended cable, you can take it out to the balcony or put it on the windowsill - the reception quality will only improve.
Another design of the UHF antenna is assembled in the form of a frame. It will be made from aluminum plates(bands).
Thus, do-it-yourself antennas will help you save money on their purchase, and in some cases get out of a situation where there is a TV, but the standard antenna is out of order, or it is not there at all. Moreover, the quality of receiving homemade products is not worse than factory counterparts. If you do not want to make the device yourself, then you will need information about that in the store.
Today we share life hacks on how to make a TV antenna with your own hands. An antenna is a device for emitting or receiving radio waves. There are transmitters, receivers, and transmitters. The editors learned that a simple design can be made from copper and brass wire, copper pipes, wires, and even tin cans.
You can make a TV antenna yourself, from improvised materials, even from empty beer cans. This method is the fastest and easiest. You can make a design of electrodes and disks. The maximum number of channels will be seven.
You will need:
The room design guarantees reliable reception of an analog signal within the city and without coordination for a cable (with a length of up to 2 m).
Distance between banks:
where λ is the wavelength. Dipoles should be no more than 3-4 pieces. If there are fewer of them, the gain will be insignificant, more - there will be problems with cable matching.
The signal quality will noticeably improve if you place a metal mesh screen on the back.
Distance between screen and main structure:
How to make a design:
How to improve the antenna?
An amplifier is needed if the translator is far away. With an amplifier, the design receives the signal more reliably, but the DIY option may not work here.
You can use a magnet around which several turns of a television cable will be wound (it is assembled near the TV and on the antenna).
If the question is how to amplify the signal of a home structure so that instead of 7 20 channels are clearly broadcast, you must:
- buy a special TV signal pre-amplifier;
- find the place of ideal signal reception;
- get rid of the interference that metal objects create.
How to make a fast antenna:
How to assemble an antenna for digital TV?
Homemade design should be:
- carefully manufactured with a high degree of accuracy without loss of signal power;
- strictly directed along the axis of the electromagnetic wave emanating from the transmitting center;
- targeted by the type of polarization;
- have protection against side interference signals of the same frequency coming from any sources: electric motors, radio transmitters, generators.
How to make your own antenna for digital TV (DVB T2):
Simple digital TV antenna: what are the options?
It will require a piece of coaxial cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms and a plug to connect the structure.
The algorithm is this:
- with an ordinary knife, the outer shell is cut off from the free end;
- take the length with a small margin, since it is easier to bite off a small segment during adjustment than to run for a new cable;
- the shielding layer is removed from this section of the cable, the inner core is exposed and the insulation is removed;
- insert a plug socket into the connector on the TV signal prefix, direct the bare wire of the inner core across the incoming electromagnetic wave;
- remember about horizontal polarization;
- the terrestrial digital antenna must be fixed on the windowsill or with a piece of adhesive tape on the glass;
- interference and reflected signals are shielded by a strip of foil located at a small distance from the central core;
Types of antennas and which ones can you make yourself?
There are "Polish", "eight" and "square". The digital antennas for the TV tuner and set-top box must be tuned to the same frequency.
IMPORTANT! Both the set-top box and the tuner must be able to decode the signal.
"Polish" antenna and digital TV
It provides high-quality and reliable reception of analog television (+ UHF), but is completely unsuitable for receiving modern digital TV.
"Eight": manufacturing algorithm
Simple design for DVB T2, which can be made from copper wire Ø 3 mm. The reflector is not used. The upper side of the segments is 14 cm, the side is 13 cm.
We measure the wire 112 cm long and begin to bend:
- We bend the 1st segment with a length of 14 cm (for the antenna - 13 cm and 1 cm - for the strength of the loop);
- 2nd and 3rd, like 6 and 7 - 14 cm;
- 4th and 5th - 13 cm;
- 8th - 14 cm - 13 cm and 1 cm - with a strength loop.
We clean the loops, twist and solder - they will become contacts for connecting the cable. For soldering, we strip the cable from the antenna side by 2 cm and 1 cm from the plug side, the joints are sealed with any elastic hot melt adhesive.
What is a "square" and is it worth it to take it yourself?
Modification of the "three squares" design with 6 elements and a transformer, confidently receives digital and analog channels at a distance of up to 10 km line of sight.
- double square
Behind the main frame is a reflector, the side of the main frame is 0.254λ, the side of the reflector is 0.278λ, the distance between the frames is 0.089λ.
Another version of the double square is two rings.
butterfly antenna
Shortwave small-sized antenna, shaped like a butterfly. For its manufacture, a copper wire Ø about 2 mm is required, for external use 4 mm is also allowed, for home use - a conventional television coaxial cable 75 Ohm.
Rectangular wire frame (length and width):
- for TV - 500x200 mm;
- for Wi-fi (omnidirectional) and Bluetooth - 90x30 mm.
We twist the frame crosswise and cut it with wire cutters so that two triangles are formed. We solder the coaxial cable and fix it with brackets (adhesive tape) on the dielectric ebonite, wood or plastic.
Powerful TV antenna: what should I know about it?
In order for the device to function like a conventional antenna, its receiving circuit must be improved.
Algorithm:
- we buy signal amplification equipment;
- connect to the device to eliminate signal interference;
- wrap the cable at both ends with insulating tape;
- we make a screen for high-quality reception: a kind of metal mesh, which is isolated from the TV and fixed behind the receiver;
- an ordinary metal mesh from an ordinary fence will do for the screen;
- add iron bars and connect them symmetrically with the screen to amplify the signal (it is necessary that the entire structure is of the same type of metal to avoid oxidation) $
- in the center of the installation we place another amplifier and solder the contacts to the receiver.
IMPORTANT! Such a television structure is installed on the roof with a reference to the nearest television tower.
Versatile design
Necessary tools and materials:
- copper wire (length 4 m, cross section 4 mm2);
- board of any thickness, but 7 cm wide, 55 cm long;
- soldering iron;
- wood screws;
- tape measure or ruler;
- screwdriver;
- simple pencil.
Algorithm:
- cut the copper wire into 8 parts, the length of each is 37.5 cm;
- remove the insulating layer in the middle part of each of the received parts of the wire;
- cut off 2 more copper wires (22 cm each) and divide them conditionally into 3 equal parts;
- at the inflection points, remove the insulating layer;
- we bend the wire in prepared (bare) places;
- the distance between the ends of the wire bent in half 7.5 cm;
- fix the plug, connect the TV cable.
How to make an antenna for digital TV (DVB T2) yourself:
Log-periodic (all-wave) design
This is a collecting line with halves of dipoles installed alternately on it. The length of a piece of wire forming a half-dipole will be equal to λ/4.
IMPORTANT! Do-it-yourself outdoor structures can give amplification up to 25 dB, about 12 dB indoor.
The LPA is ideal for receiving both analog and digital signals. To calculate the parameters, it is necessary to know the value of the progression index (from 0.7 to 0.9) and the opening angle α (30-60°). We take as a basis the proportion and calculate the necessary parameters:
τ=B2/B1=B3/B2=Bn/(B(n-1)) = A2/A1=A3/A2=An/(A(n-1))
The gain is better, the larger τ. The directivity can be increased by decreasing the angle α.
Calculation of parameters:
- determine the values of B2 and A2;
- calculate B1 and A1 and other parameters.
What are the types of antennas? Homemade simple homemade antenna
Home construction is mounted from copper or brass wire. Aluminum is not suitable because it oxidizes quickly.
The wire is cleaned from both ends of the insulating material, one end is attached to a pipe or battery, the opposite is inserted into the television connector. The amplifier of the necessary frequencies is a pipe that runs through the whole house and goes upstairs. Immediately there is a signal, the antenna catches 5 channels.
- For an apartment with a balcony
A longer wire is taken, since the TV and the balcony area will need to be connected. The wire is stripped on both sides, one end is connected to the TV in a cable socket, and the other is pulled out to the balcony and attached to ropes or strings. Such an antenna gives a sharper image, and there are more channels with it.
Antenna for giving
Stable signal reception at a distance of up to 30 km is established by passive structures both in winter and in summer. For long distances, more powerful structures are needed, preferably with an amplifier. For hilly terrain and ultra-long-range reception, the antenna must be raised higher using a mast for this.
For a classic design for a summer residence, you will need:
- wire (Ø 1.5 mm) - based on - 1.5-2 m per antenna and 5-6 m at a distance from the structure to the TV;
2. the outer part of the prepared wire (twist 1-1.5 m into a ring, Ø from 356 mm to 450 mm);- the inside of the antenna (make a second ring out of wire, dimensions - 180 mm;
- finished rings - the basis of the future antenna - are fixed on a piece of plywood (a piece of wood is also possible), but so that the tree does not overlap the rings and does not hang out;
- orient the finished structure with rings in the direction of the signal source, rotate the antenna to search for the best signal.
Antenna Kharchenko (biquadrat)
This is an external zigzag design with a reflector.
Z-antenna system with reflector provides the same parameters as
LP antenna. The difference lies in the main lobe - it is twice as long horizontally, which allows you to catch a signal from all directions.The UHF antenna is made of a copper tube and a 6 mm thick aluminum sheet.
Car antenna: internal and external
- Internal
You will need a frame device, which is laid at the back under the glass seal. In the upper part, it is narrower, but the dimensions are not those required at a frequency of 27 MHz. For this reason, a capacitor is installed in the center, with the help of which the TV antenna for the car is tuned to resonance on the desired channel.
IMPORTANT! There are several receiving frequencies - 27 and 65 MHz, 28.2 and 68 MHz.
Manufacturing algorithm:
- we take the MGTF 0.5 wire, which is laid along the edges of the rear window in the form of a trapezoid;
- the same is done with the upper part;
- the poles are arranged so that it is easy to add wires for a matching capacitor;
- to remove the signal, use the RK-50 cable;
- in the center of the rear window, 5-25 PF are fixed, to which both cables are directed strictly vertically.
Universal compact TV antenna in the car:
- External
For a good signal, you need to fix a pair of telescopic antennas from the radio. The case can be taken from the Polish device.
Figure 11 - Polish design - the basis for an internal auto antenna
Supplying power to the amplifier:
- we take the connector for the active TV antenna and solder the wire to it;
- we pass the cable from the TV antenna so as not to pinch it;
- it is screwed to the connector;
- the wire soldered to the connector is connected to the +12 output on the radio to turn on the amplifier or active antenna.
There are active in-salon combined TV antennas with external elements for receiving MV / UHF.
In addition to the above, there are meter (crossed aluminum tubes) and fractal antennas.
Do-it-yourself fractal Wi-fi antenna:
IMPORTANT! All stories about the efficient operation of a mercury antenna are a big misconception. Science does not know a single principle by which a mercury antenna could work. The editors warn that the independent production of a mercury antenna is a so-so idea and a dangerous undertaking.
What is a digital TV multiplex?
A digital multiplex is a set of channels of the same frequency. There are two multiplexes: the first is available in all cities with digital TV, but not all towers are ready for the second. For installation, you will need a receiver and an antenna with DVB T2 support.
