Live TV channels are a great option for free TV, but usually require an antenna to get the best reception.
TV antennas are not very expensive items, but DIY units often work just as well as store-bought units.
This is especially true if you live in a city close to broadcast towers rather than rural areas that may be further away.
Build a house television antenna can be done in a pinch when no store-bought units are available.
Although purchasing a TV antenna is usually the best solution, TV broadcast signals can be greatly improved with a DIY TV antenna.
There are many methods to build a TV antenna with a simple option below.
What is the best material to use for a TV antenna?
Aluminum is the best material to use for a TV antenna.
It's inexpensive and widely available, from soda cans to aluminum foil.
Most TV antennas are constructed from aluminum, including both commercial and home-made units.
Items Needed to Make a Homemade DIY TV Antenna
- Plastic hanger
- 2 aluminum cans
- coaxial cable
- Adhesive tape
Several items will be needed, including two aluminum cans, duct tape, a plastic hanger, and a coaxial cable to connect to the TV.
How to make a homemade TV antenna
- Glue one of the cans to the bottom of the hanger. Point the opening of the box toward the middle of the hanger.
- Glue the second bobbin to the other side of the hanger with the bobbin opening pointing inward.
- Strip the wire from the coaxial cable.
- Connect the middle coaxial wire to one of the tabs on the box.
- Connect the external coaxial ground wire to the tab on the other box.
- Glue the coaxial cable to the bracket so that it does not come loose.
- Hang the antenna near the TV and attach the coaxial cable to it.
- Go to TV settings and search for TV channels.
How to make a simple TV antenna?
The TV cable that attaches to the antenna port can hold everyday items such as a paperclip attached like a simple antenna.
The paper clip can be inserted into the center of the cable and can give a little boost.
If the cable is long enough, moving it can also increase the TV signal.
The TV paperclip won't give a huge boost but a small improvement that may work for someone cutting TV broadcast towers.
Can you use a metal bracket as a TV antenna?
Yes, a wire hanger can be used to amplify a TV signal.
The hanger is cut and one side is attached to the center of the TV antenna cable and the other side is the outer side.
The hanger can then be moved or even hung from a pole to attempt to receive the reception.
Although they are not as good as a store-bought antenna, they may work for some people depending on the distance between TV broadcast towers.
Summary
The homemade antenna above should help improve free over-the-air TV signals.
The unit will need to be moved to get the best reception.
Often, once the antenna has been moved, the TV will need to be rescanned to see what channels can be received.
The number of TV channels that can be received depends on the terrain and proximity to TV transmission towers.
For example, if large hills or trees block the line of site to the transmission towers, this might not improve quality.
If you have a clear line of sight to the towers, there should be an upgrade that can be adjusted by moving it.
Do you have a good overview of a TV antenna? Let us know in the comments below.