How to Build My Own Outdoor HD Antenna
- 1). Cut the 2x4 board to 30 inches in length.
- 2). Using the screws and washers, mount the grill grate to one side of the 2x4 as it lays on its side. Lay the grate so that the height of the grate runs the same direction as the length of the board. Line up the top edge of the grate with the one edge of the board (this will be the top of the antenna). The grate will be the back reflector for improved signal reception.
- 3). Turn the board over to access the other flat side. Starting at the top, measure every 4 inches and make four marks that are about 1 inch away from the right edge of the board. Repeat this process down the left side of the board to make four marks. When complete, you will have eight marks side by side where the bowties will be mounted.
- 4). Cut the copper wire into eight pieces that measure 14 inches each.
- 5). Using the utility knife, strip about 1 inch of the insulation away in the center of each of the eight wires.
- 6). Bend the eight wires, with the pliers, directly in the middle in the shape of a "V" so that each leg of each bowtie measures exactly 7 inches. There should be exactly a 3-inch spread between the leg of each end of the wire.
- 7). Using the screwdriver, mount the eight bowties, one to each mark, on the 2x4 with the screws and washers. Do not fully tighten the screws just yet. Ensure that the base copper wire on the eight bowties is making good contact with the screws and washers. Trim away any needed insulation to get a good contact.
- 8). Cut a piece of copper wire about 25 inches in length. Strip about 1 inch of the insulation off one end of the wire.
- 9). Mount the wire to the top right-side screw and tighten the screw to a snug fit. Cross over to the two left "middle" screws and mount the wire. Strip away about 1 inch of insulation where the wire will be mounted so the wire makes good contact with the screws and washers. Tighten the screws. Cross back over to the bottom right side screw, measure enough wire to mount to the screw and cut off the extra. Strip about 1 inch of the insulation off the end of the wire and mount it under the screw and tighten to a snug fit.
- 10
Repeat the above process to complete the other side, starting with the top left side screw, crossing over to the two middle right side screws and back over to the bottom left screws. Taking note to remove about 1 inch of insulation where the wire makes contact with the screws and washers. - 11
Mount the balun to the second row of bowties using the screws and washers. Make sure all the screws are snug tight. Make sure all the bowties are straight and that the spread is exactly 3 inches.
