- 1). Measure the 2x4 board to 40 inches and mark the measurement. Using the saw, cut the the 2x4 to that measurement.
- 2). Lay the 2x4 flat on one side. Position the metal grate so the length of the grate runs parallel with the length of the board. Line of the top edge of the grate with the end of the 2x4.
- 3). Attach the grate to the 2x4 using the screwdriver, screws and washers. This will be the reflector for the antenna that will help to improve the signal strength.
- 4). Measure and cut eight pieces of insulated copper wire that measure 14 inches long. Use the wire cutters.
- 5). Cut away 1 inch of insulation, with the utility knife, directly in the center of each of the eight wires.
- 6). Bend each wire in the center, with the pliers, to form a V shape. Leave a 3-inch spread between the ends of each wire. Each leg of the V should measure 7 inches.
The eight V-shaped wires will be used as the bowties for the antenna. - 7). Turn over the 2x4 to the side opposite the metal grate (reflector). Starting at the top, measure down 4 inches and make a mark 1 inch from the left edge of the wood. Repeat this until you have four marks down the left edge of the wood with each being 4 inches apart.
- 8). Repeat the above step, to produce four marks down the right edge of the board, each 4 inches apart.
You will now have eight marks in rows of two. These marks will be where you will mount the bowties. - 9). Place one of the V-shaped bowties on the top mark on the right side of the board. Position the bowtie so that the ends of the wires are pointing away from the 2x4. Mount the bowtie to the 2x4 with a wood screw and a washer.
- 10
Repeat Step 9 until you have mounted all four bowties to the 2x4, one on each mark with the ends of the wire pointed away from the center of the 2x4.
Do not fully tighten the screws at this point. - 11
Strip 1 inch of insulation off the end of a piece of copper wire . - 12
Starting at the screw in the top right corner of the 2x4, attach the wire from Step 11 with the screwdriver. Cross the wire over to the two middle screws on the left side and attach it using the screwdriver. Cross the wire back over to the screw on the bottom right side and attach it to the screw. Cut off any extra wire.
Where the wire is mounted under each screw, cut away 1 inch of the insulation so the wire will make good contact with the screws and bowties. - 13
Strip about 1 inch of insulation off the end of a second piece of copper wire. Starting at the screw on the top left side, attach the wire to the screw. Cross the wire over to the two middle screws on the right side and attach the wire to the two screws. Cross the wire back over to the bottom left screw and attach the wire. Cut off any extra wire.
Where the wire is mounted under each screw, cut away 1 inch of the insulation so the wire will make good contact with the screws and bowties. - 14
Attach one wire from the balun to each of the two screws that are in the second row from the top. Attach one wire to each screw. Tighten the screws to snug fit.
The balun is where you will connect your cable running from the TV. - 15
Tighten each of the screws on the board to a snug fit and make sure the bowties all have a 3-inch spread at the ends. This will help the antenna to be properly phased and thus improve reception.
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