You may only get 5-10 channels using a simple antenna. You could be able to increase the signal of the antenna by wrapping the exposed end of the coaxial cable in aluminum foil.
A paper clip antenna works best if it’s near a window. Attach the antenna to a coaxial splitter and then run a coaxial cord from it to your TV is you want to extend the range more.
You can get uninsulated wire from your local hardware store.
Bending the wires helps them pick up frequencies better so you get a clearer image.
Make sure the holes are in line with one another so the antenna ears are directly across from one another. Don’t drill completely through the board or else the screws may not stay secure later on.
Don’t tighten the screws completely since you still need to fit wires underneath each of the washers.
In total, you’ll have 4 antenna ears on each side of the wooden board. Don’t let the individual antenna ears touch one another since it could negatively affect the signal strength.
These wires are known as the “phasing bars” and they connect the antenna ears to help boost the frequency between them so you receive a better image.
If the wires pull out or come loose from under the washers, reposition the wires and continue tightening the screws. Make sure none of the antenna ears touch one another after you tighten the screws or else the signal won’t be as clear.
If the phasing bar wires touch, it could cause the channels to look fuzzy or short out the antenna.
You can buy an IMT from an electronics or hardware store. Don’t touch a soldering iron while it’s hot, or else you could burn yourself.
You may need to reposition the antenna often depending on the channel and signal strength. Don’t put your antenna outside since there is exposed wiring and you could cause it to short out. The channels you receive will vary depending on your location and the strength of the signal.
For example, if you want to receive the frequency 98. 3, you would calculate: 468/98. 3 = 4. 76 feet (1. 45 m). You will receive the best signal on 98. 3 if the antenna is 4. 76 feet (1. 45 m) long.
You can buy aluminum poles from your local hardware store. You may be able to ask the employees to cut the pole to size for you as well. It doesn’t matter if the pole you use is solid aluminum or hollow. If you don’t have an aluminum pole, you can also use an old broomstick as well.
For example, if your antenna length is 5 feet (1. 5 m), each of your cables should be 3 1⁄2 feet (1. 1 m) long. Secure a zip tie around the speaker wire if you don’t want the cables to separate further.
Stripping the ends of the cables allows the radio frequencies to enter them so they can transmit a signal.
Make sure to coil the wire in the same direction or else the radio frequency may not come in clearly. It doesn’t matter how many coils your antenna has as long as the wire is tight against the rod.
You can tape multiple places along the rod if your coils are coming loose. Just leave the ends of the wires exposed.
Don’t attach the antenna outside since there are exposed wires and electronics. You don’t need to attach the antenna to your wall if you don’t want to.
Sometimes, the FM port has a coaxial connection. If your receiver uses a coaxial port, then attach the port of an impedance-matching transformer (IMT) to the receiver. Splice the speaker wire onto the 2 ends of the IMT to connect the antenna.
