How to Make a TV Antenna with a Potato

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Is your digital terrestrial TV signal coming in weak? Are you constantly amazed by the conductive properties of the Almighty Potato? If so, this experiment is for you!

Steps

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    Any variety will work, but choose medium or large-sized one. Wash it to remove any dirt and dry thoroughly before using.
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    Between 3' and 6' should be more than enough.
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    The pin inside the tip of the lead is the only part that should be pressed into the Potato. Take care not to break or bend the tip.
    • (For a coaxial TV cable, only the inside pin needs to go into the potato. The metal casing should be pressed into the skin to help secure it.)
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  • Question
    Does that really work?
    Alice Pawsome
    Community Answer
    Yes, it does work!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 25
  • Question
    Is the reception improved if you add butter and sour cream?
    Community Answer
    Most likely not, since this experiment is demonstrating the conductive power of the juice in the potato. But then again, I have not tried it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Will the channels come through clear?
    Community Answer
    This is just a fun experiment, so you will almost certainly get poor reception.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • You can try this trick with your PC if you have a USB ATSC tuner by plugging the aerial lead into the the end.
        Thanks
      • You can also make a simple TV aerial antenna by using a coat hanger attached to a cable with electrical tape.

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      Warnings

      • The potato antenna is a fun experiment but will most likely not provide the best TV reception.
        Thanks
      • Because broadcast television has been converted to digital, to receive reception with an antenna you must have either a digital TV or the digital converter box. The requirements can be found at the FCC .
        Thanks
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      Things You'll Need

      • A Potato
      • A length of common coaxial cable
      • Electrical tape
      • A digital TV or analog TV with a digital converter box.

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