Build a Large DB8 HDTV Antenna: Big Bertha

Step 7 Ganging two arrays (optional)

As you can see in the following pictures I created two reflectors to put them together to make an array. One reflector will work perfectly well for up to about 30 miles from a station. Two arrays won't give you double the distance but almost. And I'm counting on the design of these antennas to actually be over 30 miles for one and at least 60 miles for two.

I ganged them together using think 1" aluminum angle bar. I simply drilled and bolted them across the top and bottom of the flat bar braces. I used two screws on each side, so four screws for the top and four for the bottom.

The center of this whole thing is where my U bolts will be placed to mount to the mast pipe. If you use only one reflector then it would go in the center of that reflector.

These reflectors can also be mounted one above the other on the mast but you'd need a longer mast pipe and doing so might facilitate having to use guy wires to steady it in a wind. Alignment is fairly specific for HDTV signals. A bobbing, waving antenna might be an issue.

If you decide to just have one antenna then skip to the section on connecting them. It will be simpler.

Comments

[resago]

when you connected to a combiner, make sure to use exact same length coax jumpers.

[deceiver]

Resago is right. Attenuation is important in antenna's. If your signals are strong you might not notice any issues with it but if not it could make a difference. Some types of antennas particularly in radio communication have attenuators that can tune out differences. Some are even manual. Ham radio operators certainly know about this.
thanks Resago.