How To Make Antennas For Costume

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Antennas capture wavelengths in the air and convert them into sound and visual signals that y'all tin can sentry on Goggle box or listen to on the radio. If y'all desire to build your own antenna to tune into frequencies better, all you need are a few tools and supplies. Television antennas crave multiple extensions, or ears, to transmit channels to your television while FM radio antennas simply crave 2 ears to maximize the frequency. When you're finished with your antenna, mount it somewhere in your home then you can adhere it to your receivers.

Things You Should Know

• Create a simple TV antenna using a coaxial cable and tinfoil or a jumbo-sized paperclip.
• Make a HDTV antenna using copper wires and a wooden board. Avoid using insulated wire.
• Create an FM radio antenna by dividing cutting an aluminum pole to the correct length for your radio frequency. Find the length past dividing 468 by the frequency you want to tune into.

1. one

   Strip the insulation off the end of a coaxial cable to create a unproblematic antenna. Get a coaxial cable that's long plenty to go from your Tv set to the nearest window so yous can go the best reception. Use a pair of wire strippers to remove the last half-dozen inches (fifteen cm) of insulation from the end of the coaxial cord. One time the wire within is exposed, straighten it out by hand and put it vertically near your window. Run the other stop of the string to the port on your Idiot box to attach the antenna.^[1]

   • You may just become 5-x channels using a simple antenna.
   • You lot could exist able to increase the point of the antenna by wrapping the exposed end of the coaxial cable in aluminum foil.{{greenbox:Tip: If you still aren't getting channels on your TV, check the settings to brand sure the input is set to "Antenna" or "Air" instead of "Cable."

2. 2

   Endeavor putting an unbent paper clip directly into the coaxial port on your Telly. Use a jumbo-sized paper prune to get the most channels from your television. Unbend the paper clip past mitt or with a pair of pliers until information technology has an Fifty-shape. Push the brusk terminate of the unbent paper prune into the small hole in the coaxial port on your Goggle box. In one case your antenna is in identify, you'll be able to receive a few Goggle box channels.^[two]

   • A newspaper clip antenna works all-time if it'southward 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.

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3. 3

   Create an FM radio antenna by stripping the end from an ethernet cord. Use a pair of scissors to cut off one end of an ethernet cord. Strip virtually two–iii inches (5.1–7.half dozen cm) of the insulation off of the ethernet string then the wires are exposed underneath. Twist the wires together by hand as tightly every bit yous tin can so they come to a point at the end. Plug the other end of the ethernet cord into your radio receiver and hold the antenna up to receive your stations.^[3]

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1. ane

   Cutting 8 pieces of copper wire that are each 17 inches (43 cm). Become 12-judge uninsulated copper wire to make your antenna. Measure out 8 separate pieces that are 17 inches (43 cm) long and mark the lengths with a marker. Use a pair of wire cutters to snip the wires on your marks then you have 8 pieces.^[4]

   • Yous can get uninsulated wire from your local hardware store.

   Warning: Don't use insulated wire for your antennas since they won't pick upwardly the bespeak as strongly.

2. 2

   Bend the wires into V-shaped ears and so the ends are 3 in (7.6 cm) apart. You can bend the wire past hand or employ a pair of pliers if it's easier. Catch the ends of one slice of wire and bend it in half so the ends touch 1 another. Unbend the wire so it looks like a V-shape and the ends are 3 inches (7.vi cm) autonomously. Repeat the procedure with the residuum of the wire pieces.^[5]

   • Bending the wires helps them choice up frequencies better and then you lot go a clearer prototype.

3. 3

   Drill holes every 8 in (xx cm) on the sides of a 32 in (81 cm) lath. Put a drill bit in your drill that has a diameter ¹⁄_eight  in (0.32 cm) smaller than the screws yous plan on using. Position the outset hole on a 32 in (81 cm) lath so it's along the longest side and one inch (2.5 cm) down from the end. Continue adding holes every viii inches (20 cm) down the length of the board before drilling holes on the other side.^[six]

   • Make sure the holes are in line with i 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.

4. 4

   Feed screws and washers into the holes you just drilled. Line upwards the centers of the metallic washers with the holes you but drilled in the woods. Feed the ends of ⁱ⁄_two  in (1.three cm) woods screws into the holes and turn them clockwise past hand. Continue turning the screws until they're stuck in the piece of wood.^[vii]

   • Don't tighten the screws completely since y'all still need to fit wires underneath each of the washers.

5. 5

   Wrap the antenna ears around the screws so the ends bespeak out. Lift one of the washers upwards then information technology's pressed against the top of the screw. Position one of the antenna ears y'all aptitude underneath the washer so the ends indicate out and away from the piece of wood. Make sure the curve in the wire is pulled tightly against the base of operations of the spiral so it doesn't move or shift around. Repeat the process for the other screws.^[8]

   • In total, you lot'll have 4 antenna ears on each side of the wooden board.
   • Don't let the individual antenna ears touch 1 another since it could negatively bear upon the signal strength.

6. 6

   Thread 34 inches (86 cm) wires between the ears so they zig-zag. Cut two pieces of your copper wire to 34 in (86 cm) lengths. Wrap the end of the wire once effectually the topmost screw on the left side of the board. Guide the wire around the 2nd and 3rd spiral from the top on the right side of the board. Bend the wire back toward the left side of the board and so information technology goes underneath the bottom left washer. Add the other wire so it starts on the meridian right screw, crosses and goes around the second and third screws on the left, and ends on the bottom right screw.^[9]

   • These wires are known equally the "phasing bars" and they connect the antenna ears to help boost the frequency between them so you receive a meliorate image.

7. 7

   Tighten the screws and then the washer holds the wires in place. Use a screwdriver to finish tightening the screws on your board. Go along turning them clockwise so the washers press downwards on the wires underneath them and concur the wires securely against the wood. Lightly pull on the wires to brand certain they don't come loose.^[10]

   • If the wires pull out or come loose from under the washers, reposition the wires and continue tightening the screws.
   • Brand sure none of the antenna ears touch one another after you tighten the screws or else the betoken won't be as clear.

8. eight

   Tape the sections of the phasing bars where the wires intersect to separate them. There volition be two points in the middle of the lath where the phasing bars intersect ane some other. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around each of the wires at the intersection to foreclose them from touching ane another. Tape the other intersection the same manner to keep the wires separate.^[11]

   • If the phasing bar wires touch, it could cause the channels to look fuzzy or short out the antenna.

9. 9

   Solder an impedance-matching transformer to each of the phasing bars. An impedance-matching transformer (IMT) has a coaxial port that connects to your Tv and 2 end wires that attach to the phasing bars on the antenna. Position the IMT in the middle of the antenna and curve the ends out then they bear upon the wires of the phasing bars. Oestrus upwardly a soldering iron, and solder the ends of the IMT so they're secured to phasing bar wires. Let the solder dry out for about a minute before standing.^[12]

   • Yous tin buy an IMT from an electronics or hardware store.
   • Don't touch a soldering iron while it's hot, or else yous could burn yourself.

10. 10

    Connect a coaxial cablevision to the end of the IMT. Coaxial cables are standard for attaching your TV to an antenna or cable betoken then the image appears clearly on screen. Screw the terminate of a coaxial cable directly into the port on the IMT until it's mitt-tight. Adhere the other finish of the coaxial cable to the port on the dorsum of your Goggle box to connect it.^[13]

11. 11

    Position your antenna until y'all get a clear TV prototype. Keep the antenna vertical so you can go the all-time bespeak. Turn on your TV so you tin can look at the image, and movement the antenna effectually your room until you get a articulate picture on the Telly. Cycle through the channels to see what'south available from your new antenna.^[14]

    • You may need to reposition the antenna frequently depending on the channel and signal force.
    • Don't put your antenna outside since there is exposed wiring and you could cause it to short out.
    • The channels y'all receive will vary depending on your location and the force of the signal.

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1. i

   Divide 468 past the frequency y'all want to tune into to find the antenna length. In order to receive the best signal from a radio frequency, you need to observe the right length for your antenna. Choose an FM radio station yous heed to the nearly to choose as the chief frequency y'all're trying to receive. Separate the number 468 past the frequency to find the full length in anxiety for the antenna you need.^[15]

   • For case, if y'all want to receive the frequency 98.3, yous would calculate: 468/98.3 = 4.76 anxiety (1.45 m). You will receive the all-time indicate on 98.3 if the antenna is four.76 feet (1.45 g) long.

   Tip: You should still exist able to receive other stations with your station, only they may not come in every bit clearly.

2. 2

   Cut an aluminum pole to the antenna length. Go an aluminum pole with a ¹⁄₂  in (1.3 cm) bore and then yous can make your antenna and marking the length you lot need with a marker or pencil. Agree the pole securely in identify while you cut through the marker with a hacksaw. Piece of work slowly so you don't harm the pole or saw while yous're cutting.^[16]

   • Y'all tin buy aluminum poles from your local hardware shop. You may be able to ask the employees to cut the pole to size for yous as well.
   • Information technology doesn't matter if the pole you use is solid aluminum or hollow.
   • If you don't have an aluminum pole, you tin can also utilise an old broomstick as well.

3. three

   Split a speaker wire downward the heart to separate the cables. Speaker wire has 2 cables that are separately insulated from i another. Use a utility knife to carefully piece through the seam between the 2 cables to split them. Take one of the cables in each mitt and slowly pull them apart. Go on separating the cables until they're each 1 foot (30 cm) longer than half the antenna length.^[17]

   • For instance, if your antenna length is 5 anxiety (i.v chiliad), each of your cables should exist iii ¹⁄_ii anxiety (i.1 m) long.
   • Secure a nix tie around the speaker wire if you don't want the cables to split up further.

4. 4

   Strip 1 in (ii.5 cm) off the ends of the cables. Clench a pair of wire strippers effectually the last 1 inch (2.5 cm) of one of your speaker cables. Clasp the handles tightly together, and pull the strippers up toward the end to remove the insulation. Echo the process for the other speaker cablevision then both ends are exposed.^[18]

   • Stripping the ends of the cables allows the radio frequencies to enter them so they can transmit a signal.

5. v

   Wrap the cables effectually the pole starting from the center. Place the section of the speaker wire that splits against the middle of the aluminum rod. Accept i side of the speaker cable and wrap information technology tightly around the rod. Leave enough space in between each of the coils so the exposed wire at the finish of the cablevision is notwithstanding able to accomplish the stop of the pole. Repeat the process with the other cable on the opposite side of the rod.^[nineteen]

   • Make sure to coil the wire in the aforementioned direction or else the radio frequency may non come up in clearly.
   • It doesn't matter how many coils your antenna has as long equally the wire is tight confronting the rod.

6. vi

   Tape the ends of the speaker wires to the ends of the pole. Hold one end of the speaker cable against the end of your aluminum rod and then the exposed wire is flush with the edge. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the wire so the cease is however exposed, or else you lot won't be able to receive frequencies. Tape the other end of the cablevision to the opposite side of the rod so it doesn't uncoil.^[20]

   • Y'all can tape multiple places along the rod if your coils are coming loose. Just leave the ends of the wires exposed.

7. seven

   Hang the antenna vertically nigh a window. The FM radio antenna works best when y'all stand the rod upright. Find a location that'south close to your radio receiver and near a window so you can get the strongest signal. Position a piping straps every 12–xviii inches (xxx–46 cm) along the rod and blast them into place on your wall to secure the antenna.^[21]

   • Don't attach the antenna exterior since at that place are exposed wires and electronics.
   • Yous don't need to attach the antenna to your wall if you don't desire to.

8. 8

   Plug the other end of the speaker wires into your receiver. Run the unsplit end of the speaker wire to the back of your radio receiver, and look for the FM input ports. Push the ends of the speaker wire into the FM port, and plough on your radio to the frequency you lot made the antenna for. Exam other radio stations and frequencies to see if yous're able to pick them up as well.^[22]

   • 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.

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Add New Question

• Question

  Can this receiving antenna be used for a transmitter?

  

  Dscholten

  Community Answer

  No, information technology can't, or at least not very well. Typically, a transmitting antenna volition be measured to a special length, depending on the signal being transmitted. Receiving antennas are less picky about their length, as stated in the article.

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Thank you for submitting a tip for review!

• Be conscientious while working with a soldering iron since information technology can go hot and cause burns.

• Keep your antennas within so they don't short out or cause harm in inclement weather.

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Things You'll Need

• 12-approximate copper wire
• Wire cutters
• 32 inches (81 cm) of 2 in × 4 in (v.1 cm × 10.ii cm) lumber
• Drill
• Washers
• ⁱ⁄₂  in (1.3 cm) wood screws
• Screwdriver
• Electric tape
• Soldering atomic number 26
• Impedance-matching transformer (IMT)
• Coaxial cable

• Aluminum pole
• Hacksaw
• Speaker wire
• Wire stripper
• Electrical tape
• Pipe strap
• Nails
• Radio receiver

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