You may have heard of some horror stories associated with antennas. Whether it is ghost-like images, fuzziness, distortion, or signal interruptions, there are just some antennas that do not live up to their expectations. It's not that antennas themselves are faulty; some antennas just do not do their job very well. For some people, a small, tabletop indoor antenna picks up signals perfectly from a broadcast tower that is 15 miles away. Other times, someone using a supposedly "top-of-the-line" antenna might not work on their rooftop, even if the same antenna is being used by a neighbor a few houses down on the same block.
Again, it's not that they're unreliable. For some reason or another, certain antennas will fail and will cause some problems. If you are one of those people who have tried many antennas and are simply fed up with the purchasing and returning process, then there is one more option to try before throwing in the towel for good and settling: coat hangers.
Yes, coat hangers! They do work, but you have to construct it properly, and you obviously cannot use plastic hangers. It will take some time and effort on your part, but taking on this task just might give you a sense of accomplishment and pride, especially when it works!
To make a coat hanger antenna, you will need the following items:
12 washers and 12 wood or drywall screws; A single 2.5 - 3 foot long piece of 2x4 wood; Tape measure; Screwdriver, preferably an electric cordless; Pencil for marking; Pliers with wire cutters; TV cable; and UHF/VHF transformer
First, you will need to use the wire cutters to cut the heads off of the coat hangers. Straighten them out and cut them so they are about 14 inches long. Then take one of the straightened coat hangers, shape it in to the letter V, and hold it down with the screw and washer at the base of the V. Don't tighten it all the way because you will need to take another hanger and place it on the V so they are touching. Once you have them touching, go ahead and tighten the screw and washer all the way. Make sure it is tight by tugging on the hangers a little bit.
The hanger that touches the V helps conduct the signal to and from each antenna. You need to construct it in a way so that the hanger will run across. You will want to repeat the process 7 more times until you have 4 V-shaped hangers sticking out of each side. The arrangement should resemble a X (the coat hangers) with O's (the screws and washers) in the X's four corners.
You will then need to attach the two ends of the UHF/VHF transformer to both sides of the conducting hangers. Next, you need to attach your cable to the transformer and then to the back of your TV. If you did it properly, then you should be able to watch digital TV in crystal clear clarity! Enjoy your new and inexpensive antenna!
Author Resource:-
Aydan Corkern is a writer, HD enthusiast, and promoter of tv antenna and plasma mounts.
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