Q&A for How to Make a HDTV Antenna

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What are grill screens?

Community Answer

Aluminum window screen material, hardware cloth, or any type of metal screening that is no more than 1/2" squares. Cut to the proper size, most metal will become a suitable reflector, as long as any holes are under that dimension. This is frequency related and will vary by the signal you're trying to capture.

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Can copper insulated wire be used?

Community Answer

Yes. The velocity factor may be different, but probably close enough to bare wire.

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Question

What gauge wire should be used? Distance from edge for holes? Also, the dimensions shown in the first step don't make any sense, they add up to 58.75 inches. At best, the drawing is poorly done.

Robinson Valderrama

Community Answer

The drawing and measurements are poorly made, the distance between each point is 5.25 inches, this gives a total of 15.75 inches.

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Can aluminum foil be used instead of grill screens?

Robinson Valderrama

Community Answer

yes, but it should be thick enough to maintain the shape. You can make it from a soda can.

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Question

If multiple, interconnected antennas are facing each other, will it increase the strength of the reception?

Community Answer

No, you will actually make your reception worse. Two antennas will cancel out each other to a point, unless you have away of "tuning" the two antennas.

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Does reception depend on compass orientation when making a HDTV antenna?

Community Answer

Yes, your antenna should face the HDTV broadcast antenna. Try adjusting the position until you get best results.

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Would this TV antenna work to pick up a signal in an FM stereo?

Community Answer

No, FM stations are far below the frequencies this antenna is designed for.

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Question

Can I use iron wire instead of copper when making an HDTV antenna?

Community Answer

Yes, see above. I would be concerned about corrosion or rusting if placed outdoors, though.

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Can a duplicate setup be done on the backside when making an HDTV antenna?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as reflectors are used on both antennas. However, each will pick up stations from the opposite directions, and the two cables coming from the balun transformers will need to be joined once they leave the antenna using a diplexer (not a 2 into 1 splitter). Look for these on Amazon.

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Question

How far from a broadcast tower will this antenna work?

Community Answer

The distance depends on your elevation compared to the TV station's, the amount of power the stations has, and the station's transmitting location. It is also dependent on objects blocking the signal.

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What gauge wire is the best?

Community Answer

#10 gauge will hold its shape better. Electronically, there won't be an appreciable difference.

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Can aluminium wire be used to make a HDTV antenna?

Community Answer

Yes. In short lengths, the difference between aluminum and copper is negligible.

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Question

Why does it say to use screws to secure the elements on a HDTV antenna? Should I use something different that's not a conductor?

Community Answer

Using a conductive screw is fine as long as they are screwed into something that is not conductive, like wood or PVC.

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