Almost free yet another dtv antenna.

My over the air dtv antenna. This is basically like the coat hanger antenna, but takes less space, safer if you have children around, and can be hidden behind a picture frame. I almost just poked my out with our coat hanger antenna. It was replaced with another foil dtv antenna. If you made one of those portable dtv converters, this will go perfect with it.

The video I watched to make my first OTA coathanger antenna and gave me the idea for the foil antenna:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/762088/coat_hanger_hdtv_antenna_better_than_store_bought_amazing/

Coming soon: Computer controlled OTA antenna. It's mostly done, Just have not made time to finish it.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Computer-controlled-OTA-TV-antenna/ - still in progress..

New antenna:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Foil-based-fractal-antenna/,
http://www.instructables.com/id/Yagi-foil-HDTV-antenna/

Step 1: Improvement over an existing form.

I took the plans from here (freehdtvsecrets.com), but it does seen to be in service any more) and just doubled it by hooking the ends (stubs) together and connecting the center stubs back to the hdtv converter via a transformer. I used cellophane tape instead of cardboard and paper clips to separate sections so it looks more seamless.

Update: apparently the web site with original instructions is no longer available. I will update this instructable with all the details soon. For the mean time I have some quickie drawings. I think the long sections might have been 14 - 17 inches long. I will have to remeasure everything.

Comments

[Ranie-K]

Here's my antenna using measurements from http://www.tvantennaplans.com

I used picture hanging wire, screws and a small plywood sheet from Home Depot. I drilled holes and looped the wire through the back instead of using tape/plastic to prevent the wires from touching each other when crossed. The balun was found in a box of old cables. It has an integrated splitter.

It works fine for all the regular channels except for the PBS channels. The splitter may be to blame for this.

[Computothought]

The splitter is not the issue, but the antenna direction is.

[Computothought]

Cool. I will try to add it to the hdtv antennas 2 instructable if I get time.

[Ranie-K]

That didn't mean you were allowed to use my photo above without even crediting me like you did!

[Computothought]

I try to pay you a complement and give you free whatever. I get kicked in hte posterior for it. By the way,your antenna idea has already been done by many people including me It is just a copy of their idea.

[kangsci]

Wow this is great! Thank you.  I actually did stab myself with one of the v-shaped coat hangers while building it.  went in an inch but already a recent tetanus shot so was all good cleaned up and finished the job and loved the big bulky thing.  Then fearing for my 2 year old's life took it down. 

[Computothought]

Hope you get better!  Anyway, thanx, a million. The original site where I borrowed the idea from should get the real credit. I just put two and two together,

[Fypsigon]

Hi!

Is it possible to use this concept (tinfoil on cardboard) for wifi antennas? I´m not really into watching tv but a wifi antenna that can be hidden behind a picture frame....yes, that would be a nice thing!

Fypsigon

[Computothought]

I am not an engineer, but I do not see any reason why not. you would have know the wavelength of the frequency your transmitting and receiving at to adjust the lengths. I am currently working on several wifi antennas. It depends also on whether you are looking for a directional or omnidiretional use for the antenna.  You could use http://www.freeantennas.com as a starting place,