Start With the Hangers
Wire ones that come from a laundry are ideal. Cut off the curved top and the twisted end of each of eight hangers. Straighten them, and fold the straightened lengths precisely in half to form a "V." Attach them on a 2x4 as outlined below. You use eight V-shaped hangers plus two more crisscrossing the V-shaped wire arrangement to create contacts between them for a total of ten hangers, four on each side of the 2x4. This creates the appearance of bow ties, which is why this DIY HD antenna is also called a "bow tie antenna." It is a homemade version of a DB-4 antenna.
Use a 41" length of 2X4 if the antenna will be mounted outdoors. A 1X4 of the same length is fine if the antenna will be indoors. Precisely measure and mark points 7" apart. Fasten eight wood screws with washers at each of the connection points, four on either side. Remove any covering on all hangers to expose the metal at all points of contact. Attach the two hangers to touch each of four hanger positions with a screw and metal washer. Start at the top end of the antenna, and connect this hanger to the second and third screw positions on the opposite side, crossing again to attach the hanger length at the fourth position on the same side as the first connection point. Repeat this sequence for the second hanger length.
Each leg of each V should be approximately seven inches long. Secure all the V-shaped hangers under the screw/washers, and tighten each screw securely. Make sure all secured V segments are parallel to the ground or backing, with a space of 3-inches at the top of each V. Connect a UHF/VHF cable adapter (75-ohm to 300-ohm converter) at the midpoint of the bow ties, equidistant between hangers 2 and 3.
Boost the Signals With an Aluminum Foil Reflector
For outdoor installation, an additional piece of aluminum-covered plywood, paneling or heavy cardboard can be used as a reflector for improved signal capture. A surface 30" long works well. Cover the surface material with aluminum foil. Attach the "reflector", foil side towards the wire V's, with nail or screws to the side of the 2X4 opposite the hanger sections.
Why HD Reception with Coat Hangers?
This bow tie antenna pulls in signal strengths of 85 or better, generally stronger than the signal strength derived cable/satellite providers. Just remember, those same providers are grabbing the same signals out of the air, and then charging you monthly to receive them via their services.
Charges range from $40 to $70 per month for HD service and rental of digital receivers. Total annual savings can easily amount to $1,000, and for less than one month of the monthly rate for receiving local channels, all over-the-air channels are received every month for free. You do not, however, receive any channels that are delivered over cable, and not over-the-air. Total construction time is approximately one hour. After that, enjoy HDTV for free!
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