HDTV antenna

[Xpirate]

I used this guy's instructions http://uhfhdtvantenna.blogspot.com/ to build my own antenna. I almost had myself talked into purchasing a $100 antenna until I found this person's website.

This antenna is capable of receiving all of HDTV channels with a signal strength of 75 to 100%. The average is around 85%. Even though it is designed for only UHF, it gets the one HD channel in my area that is broadcast in the high band of VHF. I had to use http://www.tvfool.com to determine the direction to aim the antenna.

It was just about free. I used scrap lumber, cardboard, and hangers. The screws and washers were extras that were unused from other projects which cost money when they were purchased. Then I also swiped my wife's aluminum foil.

Here it is:

[aintnothang]

wow.

[Drum Thumper]

Form follows function. Nice job.

[OvRiDe]

Very cool! Its amazing what you can make vs what you buy with just a little bit of good information.

[jdbnsn]

Hells yeah, stick it to the retail man!

[Xpirate]

I have not had the chance to put it into the attic yet. I'm hoping the signal strength will be even stronger in the higher altitude. Mounting it outside is out of the question because of the Home Awner's Association and the wife. I was impressed with the signal strength.

I also built a smaller one using just two 6 inch lengths of coat hanger, a shoe box, and the aluminum foil. The maximum signal strength I got from it was 78% from just a few channels. After seeing how well that little box performed, I decided to give that blogger's design a try.

Now all I need to do is build an HTPC that will meet with the wife's approval. Then I won't need to subscribe to anything to get DVR and save even more money. Saving cash is cool. It enables you to buy more modding supplies, computer stuff, or Paul Capello's book.

[Luke122]

+rep for the find! According to TVfool, I have 6 hd channels within range of me, and should be able to pick them up with a small set top antenna! I'm looking for plans for a small one right now, and I'll built this thing tonight!

Stoooooked.