TV antennas of the UHF type are purchased if the main meter channels (ORT, Russia, NTV, etc.) are shown acceptable, but you would like to expand the list of received channels by including UHF channels (STS, TNT, MuzTV, MTV, etc. ).

UHF antennas received a “new life” due to the advent of digital terrestrial television DVB-T2. Now, having purchased a digital terrestrial receiver (set-top box) in DVB-T2 format and a decimeter antenna, you can watch various channels in digital quality. Digital television has become especially widespread in Moscow, and it is also available in such Russian cities as St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kaliningrad, Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk, Tver and many others.

Types and various designs of outdoor UHF antennas for digital TV.

There are many types and designs of UHF antennas. The material used is mainly metal or aluminum. The advantages of metal are strength, the disadvantages are weight and corrosion, so when choosing a UHF antenna made of metal, you should pay special attention to the quality of painting and the strength of the bracket. The advantages of aluminum are light weight and greater resistance to corrosion, the disadvantage is less strength. .

There are also many forms, the most effective and time-tested is the standard UHF antenna

On the Internet, many people advise even making a UHF antenna for digital TV with your own hands, it is unlikely to work effectively, and the price for these antennas is minimal, you should not waste your time on it.

UHF antenna for digital TV - use in the country and at home.

At the dacha, you can place an external decimeter antenna on the street, because the range of operating temperatures is wide from -40 to +50 C and it is not subject to external influences (rain, snow). But when using a UHF antenna at home, it is more rational to buy it in an indoor version, as it will be more convenient to catch the desired direction. Indoor UHF antennas are less powerful, but in the city they are closer to the repeater than in the country, and therefore for digital television fit perfectly.

Attention! UHF indoor antennas can be found in the section

When arranging a summer cottage, we try to make it as comfortable as possible for relaxation. This means that over time it acquires the amenities that we are so accustomed to in everyday life– water supply, heating and, of course, electricity. And where the latter exists, sooner or later television will definitely appear. But how, you ask, can you spend it at your dacha if purchasing an antenna, which, by the way, is not cheap at all, is not included in your personal budget? Yes, very simple! A few basics of radio electronics, a couple of pieces of iron and a minimal soldering kit and now, having thoroughly tired of the garden, you settle down on the country terrace to watch the evening news block.

Radio electronics and television broadcasting: simply about the complex

The most important thing for any antenna is its ability to interact with a signal distributed over the air.

Currently, TV broadcasting is carried out in one single band - the decimeter band, and television transmitters cover almost the entire more or less populated territory. This makes it possible to “catch” a TV signal anywhere.

But for this you will have to take into account a few simple nuances.:

Based on this, among the variety of television antennas, the most accessible types for independent production will be the following types:

1. All-wave (frequency independent)

It does not have high parameters, but it is the simplest and cheapest to manufacture - its basis is a metal frame, and ordinary beer cans or other tin containers act as receivers.

1. Log-periodic range

Such an antenna can be compared to a fishing net, which sorts the prey during catching. This type antenna systems also have a simple design, but provide higher parameters than all-wave.

1. Decimeter zigzag

For the decimeter range, the dimensions and complexity of the design of such an antenna are significantly simplified, and it can operate in almost any reception conditions.

Subtleties of making television antennas

The antenna elements through which the useful signal currents pass are always connected by soldering or welding. But if the device is placed outdoors, for example, on the roof of a country house, such contacts will soon be corroded by corrosion.

If we are talking about a homemade antenna for a summer residence, you should not strive for ideal quality of contacts - even if they rust or burst, then at least not soon. But it is desirable that there be as few connections as possible in the antenna design, which will ensure stable and fairly clean reception.

The braid and core of coaxial cables are now made from inexpensive alloys that are corrosion resistant. Unlike classic copper, they are difficult to solder. Therefore, you need to be careful not to burn the cable.

To make the antenna and its cable connection it is advisable to use:

Aluminum wire should not be used to make antenna elements - it will oxidize very quickly and lose its ability to conduct an electrical signal. In the best possible way Copper or cheaper brass is suitable for this.

The antenna reception area should be as large as possible. To do this, several metal rods made of the same metal should be symmetrically attached to the screen - a frame that filters out ethereal and electrical noise.

Buying a simple signal amplifier connected directly to the antenna will solve the problem of a weak and dirty signal.

As a result, the system will provide normal reception power. All you need to do is take the antenna to the roof of the country house and point it towards the nearest television tower.

DIY frequency independent antenna

The simplest all-wave unit is a pair of metal plates mounted on a wooden slats and connected by several turns of copper wire of any diameter. The width of such an antenna should be equal to its height, and the opening angle of the panels should be 90 degrees. It is not necessary to solder the wire to the zero potential point of the all-wave oven - it is enough to ensure that it is securely fastened.

A frequency-independent antenna is capable of receiving both meter and decimeter signals from almost any direction. The disadvantage of this option is the unity gain and zero efficiency factor - an indicator of the ratio of the signal power received at the main lobe of the antenna to the sum of the interference power at the frequency received by the other elements. That is why the all-wave receiver is not suitable for receiving a television signal in an area with strong interference or where the on-air signal is too weak.

To make your own frequency independent antenna you will need:

• antenna cable;
• several tin cans;
• self-tapping screws;
• plug;
• insulating tape;
• screwdriver;
• wooden slats;
• copper wire.

The cans are secured to the rail (mast) using electrical tape at a distance of about 7 cm from each other.

Self-tapping screws are screwed into them, and the stripped ends of the antenna cable are screwed to the protruding ends of them. The latter is fixed to the rail and laid along the external building structures of the country house to the place where you plan to put the TV.

You can improve the design of the all-wave unit by adding a few more sections from tin containers. Afterwards, all that remains is to securely secure its mast in a vertical position, connect it to the TV and set up the tuner.

Another option for an all-wave antenna designed to receive a meter signal is a fan vibrator, which is popularly called a slingshot antenna.

Manufacturing a log-periodic television antenna

The “speech therapy” antenna is a receiving line (a pair of metal tubes) with halves of linear dipoles perpendicularly connected to it - pieces of conductor with a diameter of a quarter wave of the working signal. The length and distance between the latter varies exponentially.

To manufacture a log-periodic antenna, it is necessary to perform a number of calculations:

1. The calculation of the length of the dipoles begins with the second longest one.
2. Taking the reciprocal of the progression index, the length of the longest dipole is calculated.
3. Next, it remains to calculate the shortest - the first - dipole, and then, based on the selected frequency range, the length of the “zero” dipole is accepted.

To achieve maximum reception power, there must be a distance between the dipoles of 0.03-0.05 wavelengths, but not less than double the diameter of any of them.

The length of the finished LP antenna is about 400 mm. The diameter of the base of the LP antenna should be 8-15 mm, and the gap between their axes of the receiving line should be no more than 3-4 dipole diameters.

For normal operation of the LP antenna, you need to select a high-quality and fairly thick (about 6-8 mm in sheath) coaxial cable. Otherwise, you will not be able to compensate for the attenuation of decimeter waves, as a result of which the television tuner will be unable to sense the signal.

The cable to the receiving line cannot be secured from the outside, as this will sharply reduce the quality of signal reception.

When installing such an antenna, you need to ensure its wind resistance, and if you use a metal pipe as a mast, you need to install a dielectric insert - a wooden block - at least 1.5 cm long between it and the receiving line.

You can improve the design of an LP antenna by installing linear or fan-shaped hangers of a meter field on it. This system is called “delta”.

Delta antenna circuit

Zigzag antenna for a summer residence

The Z-antenna system with a reflector provides almost the same TV signal reception parameters as the LP antenna. However, its main petal is horizontally twice as long. This makes it possible to catch a signal from different directions, which is especially important for rural areas.

The decimeter zigzag antenna has small dimensions, but its operating range is practically unlimited. The material for the manufacture of such a system is a copper tube or aluminum sheet about 6 mm thick. If you choose the latter, you won’t be able to solder it with regular solder or flux - in this case, the fastenings are made with bolts. For outdoor installation, such an antenna will be ready only after sealing the connection points with silicone.

The design of the zigzag antenna consists of the following elements:

• rod;
• wire cloth;
• metal plates for fastening the canvas;
• cross slats;
• dielectric plates and gaskets;
• mounting plate;
• feeder line;
• power plate.

Any of them can be made with your own hands from scrap materials or purchased at the nearest radio electronics store.

The sides of the Z-antenna are made of solid metal or in the form of a mesh covered with a sheet of tin. When laying coaxial cable along the body of the antenna, sharp bends should be avoided. To do this, it is enough to reach the side capacitive insert and not let it go beyond it. At the point of zero potential, the cable braid is carefully soldered to the fabric.

This class also includes types of antennas such as ring and reflector, which are also not particularly difficult to manufacture.

Options for making television antennas yourself in the photo

There are other types of antennas suitable for self-production - wave, “Polish”, simple frame and even primitive satellite. But no matter which option you choose, proper calculation of the parameters is required. The technique can be found in the technical literature on radio electronics. However, it is much easier and simpler to ask advice from those who already have experience in making this kind of antennas.

Making your own antenna for a summer house on video

Television antenna - when the need to choose arises, many find it difficult to decide which antenna to purchase to receive free digital television. For this reason, many people buy into advertising gimmicks and there is a high probability of purchasing an unimportant antenna for a lot of money.

Hello dear readers! The author of this blog, Vitaly, is in touch! In my previous article on this topic, I talked about the antenna known as “The Key to Digital Television.” And readers of this note very often ask the question of which antenna should they choose?

In order to answer most of these questions at once, it was decided to write another article which will contain a selection of antennas recommended by me and other experts. And also some explanations and recommendations. Please read them carefully, perhaps this will answer some of your questions.

P.S. The article gives the names of the antennas, but please note that they may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. This means that antennas of a similar type and characteristics can be named LOCUS, DELTA, MERIDIAN, ether, etc. Therefore, it is not necessary to focus on the names given, look at the appearance!

All images in the article will be numbered, but this is only so that I can easily indicate the recommended antennas if asked about this in the future. There is no rating in this numbering! For convenience only. So! Let's go!

Quick navigation through the article

Indoor antennas

Sirius 2.0 indoor antenna without amplifier. Designed for use in a stable signal area. These are settlements in which transmission towers are located and at a short distance from them, 5-15 km. With line of sight. Signal gain 5 dB. Such antennas can also be equipped with an amplifier, but this does not make them suitable for difficult signal reception conditions.

Indoor antenna with amplifier DVS-Z2. Although this antenna has a high gain, up to 32 dB (due to the amplifier), it will be of little use. I also recommend using it in areas of reliable reception and on short distances from the tower 5-15 km. With line of sight. It is good to use such an antenna in the city to receive the reflected signal; an amplifier can be useful for this. And it is powered through a 5 volt antenna plug.

The next group of indoor antennas

They have approximately the same characteristics. These are passive (without amplifier) ​​antennas. Signal gain 4-7 dB. But they will be somewhat more effective than the antennas provided above.

These are not bad antennas; they can be successfully used for receiving Digital Television in areas with both a strong signal and at some distance from TV towers. For example, I receive a signal with antennas of this kind from a distance of about 20 km. and from the first floor, but not everyone is so lucky!

All this depends on many factors. Transmitter power, terrain, clutter with high-rise buildings... In general, if there is nothing like this very close on the way from you to the TV tower, then these antennas can handle it quite well.

Indoor antennas with amplifier

These antennas cope with their task approximately as well as those without an amplifier. But an amplifier in some cases turns out to be useful and helps to pull the weakened signal to an acceptable level. They can be used not only in areas of good signal, but also, let’s say, in areas of slightly complicated or reflected signal.

But still, these are indoor antennas and this limits them. For example, if your windows do not face the TV tower, and there is no way to catch the reflected signal from the opposite side, they may be useless.

By the way! There is no need to underestimate the reflected signal; you can watch digital television perfectly on it.

Locus L999.06 Next — Active broadband antenna. Supplied unassembled. The amplifier is powered by 12 Volts from an external power supply. UHF gain 23-27 dB.

Locus L922.06 Not a bad indoor antenna. It looks neat, there are options with and without an amplifier. The amplifier version is equipped with a power control, which can be very useful.

Delta K131A.02 and the other two from the above group are also active antennas, but with an amplifier supply voltage of 5 Volts. It can be supplied directly from the DVB-T2 set-top box or through a special injector with USB port and LCD TV. The gain of these antennas is up to 22-27 dB.

Active antenna Cayman , - can be in two versions: 1) With power supply via an antenna plug. 2) With a built-in injector for power supply from the USB port, which is very convenient for use with LCD TVs that have this port. There is no need to purchase an additional 5 volt power supply with an injector and occupy another outlet.

Outdoor antennas for digital television

We move on to more serious designs, the task of which is to provide a high-quality signal where indoor antennas cannot cope. Gain from 19 dB to 35 dB.

These are antennas that can be used in more difficult conditions and at slightly longer distances. If you noticed, they are structurally similar to indoor antennas, but only slightly larger. And this is the important factor that makes them more powerful. The longer the arrow in the antenna, the greater its own gain. This is the gain that is achieved not by the amplifier, but by the design of the antenna. And the installed amplifier only “swings” this signal even more.

In addition, outdoor installation allows them to be more accurately directed at the TV tower, avoiding obstacles in the form of walls.

Hummingbird — Interesting antenna. Works in both meter and UHF bands. Its peculiarity is its unusual design, which, despite its small dimensions, provides fairly good signal reception. Very convenient in urban environments and for searching for reflected signals; its short length allows it to be installed in confined spaces. It has several modifications and can be equipped with an amplifier with both 12 and 5 volt power supply.

Locus -14 AF — This antenna also has several modifications, designated AF - with an amplifier, F - without an amplifier. There is also Locus - 20 AF/F has a longer arrow, and therefore more large coefficient own gain. The amplifier operates at 5 volts.

Delta N3111.02 — There are also options with and without an amplifier, in addition, it may have a different name (depending on the manufacturer) and differ in the way the television cable is connected to it.

Meridian - 07 AF — Made of aluminum.

Antennas numbered 11 -14 These are good antennas and affordable, only the “Hummingbird” will be slightly more expensive.

They can be used at a distance of up to 30 km. But again, if there are factors that interfere with the signal, then even at closer distances an even more powerful antenna may be needed.

Powerful antenna for digital television

These antennas are good for long distances and even more difficult conditions, for example if your house is located in a very low area.

At what long distances can they be used? For example, I had to install Ether 18AF (by the way, not the strongest in this trio) on a house located 45 kilometers from the TV tower. The house was located in a low area, and the antenna was attached to the ridge of the roof of the house; there was some kind of pin sticking out there, and the antenna was attached to it. Everything is being received perfectly!

Ether 18 — The antenna is made of steel, powder-coated, there are options with and without an amplifier. The letter A in the name indicates that the antenna is active, with an amplifier. If there is only F in the name, then this is an antenna without an amplifier. Meridian -12 AF/F antennas are also marked

Meridian-12 and Triton — Made of aluminum and even more powerful than Ether-18. The reason is not only in the material, but also in the design. For example, the Meridian antenna is about 1.5 meters long. And the Triton has short arrows, but there are only three of them. It adds up to one long one.

The active antennas of this trio have amplifiers powered by 5 Volts. Which is convenient for use with DVB-T2 set-top boxes. The Triton antenna also has an injector for power via USB, as indicated in the labeling. The gain of these antennas reaches 35 dB. due to the amplifier. But thanks to their design, the amplifier has something to strengthen)))

THOSE. the antenna itself pulls a signal from the air at a level of approximately 10-12 dB (this is called the antenna’s own gain) and the amplifier accelerates it to a level of 35 dB.

The most powerful antenna for DVB-T2

Well, if you carefully read the previous descriptions, then you should understand why these antennas are the most powerful of those presented in this review.

For example, the GoldMaster-GM500 antenna is a passive antenna, without an amplifier. But its own gain, only due to the design, is as much as 22 dB. Such amplification is provided by mid-range antennas, and then only at the expense of an amplifier. And here in its purest form!

The following antennas from this “red zone” are just as effective, plus they are also active. Their amplifiers are powered by 5 Volts. That is, they are designed for digital set-top boxes. Or, if you don’t use a set-top box because you bought a TV set with DVB-T2, then you will need either a separate power supply for the antennas, 5 volts, or an injector for power from USB.

This is the class of antennas that you need to take if you live at a distance of 50 km from the transmitting tower and further and have a very difficult area for receiving a TV signal.

Why you don't need to strive for an antenna with an amplifier

It has been noticed that the word “Amplifier” has some kind of magical property! And when a person chooses an antenna, he gives preference to just such active antennas. Why is this a wrong point of view?

• In the area of ​​reliable reception, the amplifier can lead to the fact that your TV/set-top box will not receive anything at all! Reason: over-amplification of the signal!
• The amplifier amplifies not only the useful signal, but also radio noise. And it is the antenna design that pulls out the useful signal!
• The amplifier is always the weak link in the antenna design. It fails, it is hit by a thunderstorm, it oxidizes from moisture. As a result, periodic intervention in antenna repair is required.
• It is necessary to provide power to the amplifier located in the antenna, and this is another additional weak link, the adapters fail and require replacement. In addition, another connection point, socket or USB port is required, and this is not always convenient!
• If connected, this is much easier to do with an antenna that does not have an amplifier.

When do you need an amplifier?

• If the total length TV cable exceeds several tens of meters.
• If you live at a great distance from the transmission tower, in the area weak signal and the design of the antenna itself does not allow “pulling” the signal to the required level.

Conclusion! - If in the place where you live it is possible to confidently receive a signal on an antenna without an amplifier, always strive for an antenna without an amplifier!

How to power up an active antenna amplifier

There are several ways to supply power to an antenna amplifier.

• If you use a digital set-top box, then power is supplied directly from it, via the antenna cable. There is no need to be clever. Just go to the console menu and find the “Ant power supply” item. on" B different models consoles, this inscription may differ, but the essence is the same. Turn on power to the antenna! Even if the amplifier in the antenna is 12 volt, often 5 volt from the set-top box will be enough.
• If you do not use a set-top box, then to power the active antenna you will need either a special adapter with an injector that can be connected to the USB port of the TV and so power the antenna. Or purchase an antenna powered via USB. These methods are very convenient for LCD TVs, especially those hanging on the wall.
• The classic way, through a power supply for antennas with a voltage corresponding to the amplifier.

Well, I guess I’ll end here! In the “Television” section of this blog, there are many more articles on the topic of antennas, digital set-top boxes and television.

Digital television is broadcast in the UHF range. Therefore, you can use almost any UHF antenna. But I needed simple, easily repeatable and strong UHF antenna range.
Such that you could carry it with you, and on occasion you wouldn’t mind giving it to people for a small amount.

The basis was taken from the famous “ eight“, with the difference that I used it without a reflector.
The material for the antenna sheet can be any conductive material of suitable cross-section. It can be copper or aluminum wire with a thickness of 1 to 5 mm, a tube, strip, busbar, corner, profile... I took copper wire with a diameter of 3 mm. Easy to solder, easy to bend during assembly, easy to straighten if bent.
The outer side of the square is 14 cm, the inner side is slightly smaller - 13 cm due to the fact that the middle of the two squares does not converge, about 2 cm from corner to corner.

So, if you are making an antenna not from wire, then measure it this way - the top sides are 14 cm, the sides are 13.

All sizes are approximate. Don't be afraid to get shortchanged or make mistakes. Our plans do not include making an antenna that meets all standards. We need a simple but workhorse. A surrogate, but reliable. Surrogate because:
1 . Personally, I definitely couldn’t keep the sizes.
2 . There is no reflector.
3 . I took a 50 ohm cable instead of 75 ohm, but with a thick braid. Friends usually used this cable for car antennas for 27 MHz radio stations.
Nevertheless, the antenna works quite well.

A digital signal has a peculiarity; it either exists or it doesn’t. When receiving analog television, different channels were shown with different levels of interference, and when removed, the level of snow on the screen simply increased until the signal disappeared completely. In digital, the signal is almost the same on all channels, and if there is reception, then there is all channels.
I have tested this antenna on more than a dozen TVs in our region.

So. We measure a piece with a total length of 112 cm and bend the wire. The first section is 13 cm + 1 cm for the loop (for strength). The second and third are 14 cm each, the fourth and heels are 13 cm each, the sixth and seventh are 14 cm each, and the last eighth is 13 cm + 1 cm stiffening loop.

We strip 1.5 - 2 cm at both ends, twist the two loops behind each other, and then solder the joint. This will be one cable connection pin. After 2 cm another. It doesn’t matter where to solder the central core or the braid.

Solder spacing 2 cm

I took about three meters of cable. In most cases, it’s enough if you don’t do it for yourself personally. For yourself, measure out as much as you need.

I stripped the cable from the antenna side by two centimeters, to the plug - 1 cm. If the plug is like in the photo. You can take any, stronger.

Stripping the cable

The plug was cleaned with a file and a scalpel.

After sealing, both soldering points are filled with glue from a gun. On the plug, first hot glue is poured into the soldering area and into the plastic cap, with a reserve; the excess can then be removed. Then, before the glue cools down, everything quickly comes together. You can’t gnaw such a joint with your teeth. Reliable, at the same time elastic.

The soldering on the antenna itself is also filled with glue, but for the rigidity of the structure, a frame is taken - any lid, box, .... I took the cap from a 20-liter water bottle, of which I had accumulated a sufficient amount. If you are making an antenna like me for mass production, then it is better to immediately use common materials that are literally lying under your feet for better repeatability of the antenna. If the antenna is made in a single copy for quick riveting, then you don’t have to fill anything at all.

The result is such a design that can be stuck anywhere - on a cornice, on a curtain, on a window frame. To do this, you can carry with you a piece of wire, a couple of screws, a couple of pins...

Antenna assembly

If the antenna is dented during transfer, it can be easily and without damage aligned. This is perhaps its main advantage.
I don’t always carry this design with me, but only when I receive a specific order to connect a DVB-T2 digital television tuner. It fits easily with the tool in my backpack.

It is more convenient to make several antennas at once. Takes less time.

This is how my friend fixed the antenna, using it as an outdoor one. The tower is about 9 km away. Reception is reliable despite the simplicity of the antenna.

How to make an antenna for a TV for reception in the UHF range with your own hands? This question is asked by those who like to do everything with their own hands. Both at home and in the country, the antenna will allow you to watch TV digital format without having to buy a factory-made antenna.

Antenna for digital TV

Digital terrestrial television is the transmission of a television signal using digital coding, which ensures its delivery to receiver with minimal losses. Accordingly, the TV must support a technology called DVB-T2. For reliable reception you need a special antenna, which you can buy or you can make yourself.

There are currently a large number of methods for making antennas with your own hands. Let's look at the simplest and most common ones.

From beer cans

A simple decimeter indoor TV antenna can be made from beer cans.

To manufacture an all-wave homemade antenna of this design, you will need the following materials, components and tools:

• 2 tin cans of 750 or 1000 ml;
• coaxial television cable (RK75);
• antenna plug;
• electrical tape or tape;
• metal screws;
• a polypropylene pipe or wooden stick for attaching cans to it;
• screwdriver;
• wire cutters;
• needle file;
• ruler.

TV antenna made from beer cans

How to make an antenna from beer cans? The manufacturing algorithm is as follows:

• using a screwdriver, make 1 hole in the neck of each can, making sure that it does not become deformed;
• screw the screws into these holes using a screwdriver;
• clean the ends of the cable with a knife, not forgetting to remove the varnish from the copper wire with a file;
• screw the wire and cable braid twisted into a ring to the self-tapping screws (it will be more reliable if it is welded or soldered, but this is only if you have the appropriate tool);
• Securely secure the cans to a pipe or stick using electrical tape or scotch tape for these purposes, maintaining the distance between the cans (it has long been established experimentally, and this size is 7.5 cm);
• Attach a plug to the other end of the cable, which will connect the cable to the receiving device.
• place the antenna in the required place, i.e. where signal reception will be ideal.

The most painstaking work is preparing the RK75 cable. One end must be cleaned from the top shell at a distance of 10-12 cm with a knife without damaging the copper braid. Next, you need to twist this braid into a pigtail and remove the aluminum screen. After this, cut off the polyethylene sheath by 6-7 cm and expose the central core. The resulting copper strand and bare core are then attached to the cans.

The second end of the cable must also be cleaned and a plug consisting of 2 halves must be connected to it. The central core of the cable passes through the hole in one half of the plug, and the braid is connected to the plug body. Both halves are screwed on one another, and you get a reliable device for connecting to the antenna socket of the TV.

If you plan to place an antenna made from tin cans outdoors, then it must be reliably protected from external weather influences. Will fit plastic bottles, in which it is necessary to cut off the neck and bottom and place the antenna elements in them. In such conditions, it will reliably carry out the functions assigned to it.

This is the simplest broadband antenna, made from scrap materials without the use of special tools, and it is made quickly. You can make it yourself and install it in 20-30 minutes. You can make sure that your homemade antenna receives most channels satellite television, including TVB-T2. At a minimum, it receives up to 15 channels.

Figure 8

A home satellite dish can be in the shape of a figure eight. It can also be used for outdoor installation. Works without an amplifier.

Figure 8 TV antenna

To make a figure eight antenna you will need:

• copper or aluminum wire Ø 3-5 mm;
• coaxial television cable RK75 (can be replaced with a densely braided cable with a resistance of 50 Ohms);
• antenna F-plug;
• screwdriver;
• knife or scalpel;
• glue gun;
• soldering iron;
• solder;
• flux paste;
• ruler;
• wire cutters;
• pliers;
• needle file;
• a solid base (a plastic lid will do).

The manufacturing procedure is as follows:

• cut 2 pieces of wire, 56 cm each;
• at each end, after exposing the central core, make a loop (approximately 1 cm on each side will be spent on making it);
• bend the wire into a square using pliers, connecting the loops;
• put the antenna plug on one side of the coaxial cable, first carefully twisting the braid and exposing the central core;
• Solder the second side of the cable to 2 squares as follows: the central core to one square, and the braid to the other at a distance of 2 cm;
• place everything in the lid and fill it with glue.

The picture shows how to do this correctly.

Making a figure eight antenna

Such an antenna can be placed anywhere, and this is its main advantage; you just need to choose the right cable dimensions. You need to know that you don't need an amplifier to operate it. It makes sense to install it on the antenna, with a cable that has a significant length to compensate for losses.

From a cardboard box

A simple satellite antenna for TVB-T2 is made using a cardboard box. To make it you will need:

• cardboard box (can be used as a shoe box);
• foil;
• antenna F-plug;
• screwdriver;
• knife or scalpel;
• glue;
• ruler or tape measure;
• wire cutters;
• needle file

Such a simple homemade indoor antenna will provide high-quality TVB-T2 reception.

Butterfly

A DIY all-wave television antenna can be like a butterfly. Such an antenna is no different from a regular decimeter antenna. It is easier to convert a simple array-type antenna, which can be bought at a low price in a retail chain, into a digital one that will receive satellite (T2) channels. To make it yourself you will need the following materials, components and tools:

• board or plywood measuring 550x70x5 mm;
• copper wire with a central core Ø 4 mm;
• metal screws;
• coaxial television cable RK75;
• antenna F-plug;
• screwdriver;
• knife or scalpel;
• soldering iron;
• solder;
• flux paste;
• ruler or tape measure;
• wire cutters;
• pencil.

TV antenna in the form of a butterfly

Manufacturing stages:

• Mark the board as shown in the picture:

Board for antenna in the shape of a butterfly

To convert measurements in inches to cm, remember that 1 inch equals 2.5 cm.

• cut 8 wires 37.5 cm long;
• strip the middle of each wire by 2 cm;
• bend each wire in a V shape so that the distance between the wires is 7.5 cm;
• cut 2 wires 22 cm long;
• strip these 2 wires where they are attached to the board or plywood;
• assemble all the wires using self-tapping screws, as shown in the figure;

Making a butterfly antenna

• Connect the antenna to the cable using a special plug.

Connecting the antenna plug to the cable

From coaxial cable

There is a DIY UHF antenna made from coaxial cable. To make such a simple antenna you will need:

• coaxial cable RK75;
• plexiglass or plywood;
• matching device;
• antenna plug;
• pliers;
• wire cutters;
• scotch;
• ruler;
• pencil.

TV antenna made from coaxial cable

Manufacturing stages:

• cut a piece of cable 530 mm long;
• strip the pieces of cable from both sides, exposing the central core and connecting the braid into a pigtail;
• twist it into a ring (possibly in the form of a diamond) and secure it to a piece of plexiglass or plywood with tape, leaving a distance between the ends of the cable of approximately 2 cm;
• Make a horseshoe-shaped matching device from a piece of coaxial cable 175 cm long. To do this, you need to strip the ends of the cable in the same way as when making a ring;
• prepare the antenna cable. Place the plug on one side and strip the other side until the central core and braid are exposed;
• align the ends of the ring wire with the matching device and the cable going to the antenna, which will then be connected to the television receiver using a plug.

Homemade antenna. Video

A visual aid on how to make a homemade antenna for digital TV is presented in this video.

It’s easy to make DIY antennas for receiving a digital signal. In terms of reception quality, they are no worse than factory antennas with an amplifier, and their cost is much lower. They can be used in apartments, private houses and country houses. Anyone can make them from scrap materials, you just have to delve into the manufacturing technology.