This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
Nowadays LCD TVs are used less and less for watching television. However, such a task is still set for the device, so there is no way to do without an antenna, unless you are connected to cable TV. It is antennas for TVs that will be discussed in this rating. We will talk about both models for receiving terrestrial signals (DVB-T2) and satellite dishes.
Rating of the best antennas for digital television
The best indoor antennas for digital television
One of the most advanced indoor antennas for digital television. It has a plastic body painted white. Signal reception here relies not only on the usual telescopic “horns,” but also on a small loop. But the main feature of the antenna is the built-in block filter, which eliminates interference from mobile phones. This allows you to enjoy a perfect picture, especially if you are close to the transmitter. It is this block filter that requires connection to the electrical network.
As you can understand, this product is primarily designed to receive a signal in the DVB-T2 standard. But the manufacturer recommends not to forget that his creation can also be used in conjunction with a radio receiver. And in some other countries, an antenna would help in receiving a DAB signal - digital radio. This model is connected to the device via a 1.8 m cable.
It remains to add that the product has a fairly large gain. This must be why they are asking more than 1,700 rubles for this television antenna.
Advantages
There is active noise cancellation;
Reliable design;
The antenna is very stable;
The gain is 46 dB;
Easy to use.
Flaws
- The price cannot be called low.
This antenna does not have telescopic “horns”, which makes it extremely unusual. Moreover, the antenna becomes completely invisible. We can say that this is one of the few specimens in our rating that does not spoil the interior of the room at all. However, this model cannot be called low-power. There is a special amplifier inside it, thanks to which even a very small antenna area contributes to high-quality signal reception. The only drawback of this solution is the fact that the product requires an electrical connection.
The antenna body is painted white. This model can be connected to both a set-top box and a TV. I'm glad that the manufacturer supplied his creation with a three-meter cable - it's unlikely that anyone will need an extension cord. It remains to add that the gain here varies from 18 to 24 dB, depending on the range. In short, this is a very good indoor antenna for a TV. And it costs only 600-700 rubles.
Advantages
Optimal price tag;
Modest size;
Does not distract attention;
Very good gain;
The cable has a very decent length;
High quality construction.
Flaws
The antenna turned out to be slightly unstable;
The power cable could have been longer.
One of the most unusual indoor antennas in our rating. Only one telescopic rod is used here; the rest of the device is an oval arch. It's a pity that it is made of plastic. If it were glass or ceramics, the product would turn out incredibly beautiful. But the plastic part does not spoil the interior of the room at all. Also, this design did not greatly affect the price tag - for an antenna in Russian stores they ask for no more than 500 rubles. How much would a porcelain product cost?!
Otherwise, this is a typical antenna, designed to be installed somewhere on a table or even on a cabinet. The device can receive both signals in the DVB-T2 standard and the FM range. HARPER ADVB-2120 belongs to the active type, so the antenna will have to be connected to the mains. It is due to the power supply that amplification of up to 30 dB occurs. In short, this is a good choice for those who want to purchase an unusual-looking TV antenna for very little money.
Advantages
Good gain;
Low cost;
Interesting design;
Good build;
Can work with an FM radio receiver.
Flaws
Not the longest cable to connect;
The noise figure reaches 3 dB.
The best outdoor antennas for digital television
This outdoor TV antenna can be considered traditional. It is completely made of metal, and its installation is unlikely to take much time. It was included in our rating due to its high-quality signal reception. Perhaps you have the electrical connection to thank for this. A special amplifier will try to recognize signals even from a very distant transmitter. This antenna will mainly be used to watch television in the DVB-T2 standard. But, if you are interested, the product can also be used to receive signals in the digital standards TNT, DTT and HDTV. Support for analogue standards, including VHF, UHF and FM, has not gone away either.
The product is connected to a TV or set-top box via a six-meter cable. But the power cord here is much shorter - its length does not exceed 0.9 m. Interestingly, the antenna can be mounted on a mast - you just need to make sure that its diameter does not exceed 70 mm. It is purchased separately - only a standard installation kit is supplied with the antenna.
Advantages
Large sizes for stable reception;
A large number of digital and analog standards are supported;
Can be mounted on a mast;
Long antenna cable;
There is a double corner reflector;
Costs no more than 1400 rubles.
Flaws
- Short network cable.
Another relatively inexpensive outdoor antenna in our rating. It is intended not so much for urban use as for installation somewhere in the country. Like the instance discussed above, it belongs to the active type. This means that the antenna comes with a power supply that connects to the mains. Interestingly, there is a special regulator on the network adapter - it allows you to adjust the gain. The maximum this parameter can reach is 35 dB. In some cases, this value causes interference from cell phones and electrical appliances - it is at this moment that reducing the gain level comes to the rescue.
The antenna is made of metal, so it is not afraid of particularly low and very high temperatures. With its help, you can watch television in a variety of standards, both analog and digital. In particular, DVB-T2 is supported here - the standard in which broadcasting is now carried out throughout Russia.
The antenna cable included in the kit is 6 m long. The network cable is noticeably shorter, but finding an extension cord for it will definitely not be difficult. Perhaps, such an antenna for digital television is well worth the 1,200 rubles they are asking for it.
Advantages
There is a built-in amplifier;
Big sizes;
High gain;
Relatively light weight;
Affordable price tag
Long antenna cable.
Flaws
- The network cable is short.
The best satellite antennas (dishes)
A very popular satellite dish, which is in stable demand throughout Russia. It is offset, and the satellite dish is made of aluminum. Its size is 85x90.5 cm. This should be enough to receive a good signal even at a fairly large distance from the satellite. It should be noted that the antenna is supplied without a mast and converter, which is why the price does not exceed 4,000 rubles.
This model was included in our rating due to its durability. The aluminum design means that the product will definitely not begin to rust. The buyer should also be pleased with the gain factor, which reaches 37 dB. It remains to add that the satellite dish has a wind load of 70 kg. She herself weighs 6.9 kg.
Advantages
Made in Italy;
Can be placed on a mast with a diameter of 30 to 90 mm;
Strong wind is practically not a problem;
High gain;
Optimal sizes;
Made from aluminum.
Flaws
- The price tag will not seem optimal to everyone.
The most inexpensive satellite dish, belonging to the perforated offset type. Its dimensions are 65.6x65 cm, and the cost does not exceed 2000 rubles. We can safely say that the product is intended for installation in a populated area located relatively close to the satellite. In this case, the signal will be reliably received even in bad weather, which is explained by the presence of a self-cleaning function here.
The satellite dish is pleasantly pleased with its reinforced mount, which, moreover, allows you to smoothly adjust the angle. Unfortunately, the product is made of steel. The “plate” will be protected by powder coating for several years. But after a longer period, rust spots may appear. If we return to the advantages of the antenna, we cannot help but note the gain, which here reaches 35-37 dB, depending on the range used.
As you might have guessed, the satellite dish is supplied without a converter and mast.
Advantages
High gain;
Easily withstands strong winds;
Can be installed on a mast with a diameter of 22 to 58 mm;
There is self-cleaning;
The geometry is close to an ideal parabola;
Low cost.
Flaws
The dimensions cannot be called large;
Corrosion may occur in the future.
Conclusion
As you may have noticed, not every antenna costs a lot of money. Many budget models designed for indoor use also do an excellent job. If you live far enough from a television tower, then it is recommended to purchase an outdoor antenna. Its installation will require the use of strength and tools, but the quality of signal reception will be almost ideal. Next, all that remains is to choose a TV set-top box if the TV itself is not trained to receive digital television.
Attention! This rating is subjective in nature, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
Television today is in every home. With the development of technology, the quality of television signals and methods of their transmission change. And if just yesterday antediluvian analogue broadcasting was used, today exclusively digital broadcasting is persistently discussed.
In Russia, television and radio broadcasting is carried out by the state company RTRS. Since 2012, DVB-T2, a multiplex digital broadcasting standard, has been recognized by government decree as a unified standard for digital terrestrial television. The RTRS company, as the only broadcast operator, offers two multiplex packages (RTRS-1 and RTRS-2) for free viewing. All you need is a modern receiver-antenna, one of the options of which today we propose to make with your own hands.
This homemade product is based on the development of engineer Kharchenko K.P., who proposed similar antennas for the decimeter range (DCV), popular in the 90s of the last century. This is similar to aperture antennas, based on a zigzag-shaped feed. The signal is accumulated by a flat reflector, which is at least 20% larger in size than the vibrator.
The television signal is transmitted by waves with horizontal polarization. In a simplified form, such an antenna consists of two horizontal loop vibrators connected to each other in parallel, but disconnected at the feeder (cable) connection point. Overall dimensions are given on the basis of Kharchenko’s article “Antenna of the DCV range”, and are calculated according to the proposed formulas. According to this technology, such antennas can be designed even for a weak signal of about 500 MHz.
What is needed to assemble the antenna
Materials:- Barbecue grill;
- Aerosol paint for cars;
- Solvent or acetone;
- A set of drills for a conventional drill;
- Coaxial television cable – no more than 10 m;
- Half a meter of HV PVC pipe, diameter – 20 mm;
- Metal dowels for drywall;
- Copper wire for the antenna vibrator, core diameter – 2-3.5 mm;
- Two thin metal plates.
- Soldering iron powerful 100 W;
- Screwdriver with attachments;
- Hot glue gun;
- Pliers, hammer, wire cutters;
- Painting knife, tape measure, pencil.
Let's start making the antenna
Making a vibrator frame
We measure the required length of copper wire with a margin of about 1 cm. You can also use a copper or aluminum tube with a diameter of up to 12 mm.
We clear the copper core from the insulation and level it with a hammer on a hard surface. Mark the middle and make a 90° bend. The most accurate way to do this is in a vice, lightly pressing the copper core and leveling it with a hammer.
According to our calculations, the sides of the squares will be 125 mm. We mark them with a tape measure and make bends.
Using side cutters, we bite off a small fragment from one end, making the tip pointed at 45°. After bending the second square, we carry out the same procedure, biting off the final end of the core. The squares can be slightly bent for this purpose.
On the middle bends of the squares we achieve a distance of 10-12 mm. At the ends we make shallow cuts with a needle file. This will help us pull both free ends together and secure them with thin copper wire.
Using liquid rosin or flux, we tin the middle bends with a soldering iron. This must be done on all sides of the copper core of the vibrator.
We strip the coaxial cable by 4-5 cm. We twist the braid or outer conductor into a single wire and wrap it around one of the bends. We solder it to the copper core with a soldering iron.
We strip the insulation of the inner conductor and also wrap it around the next bend of the frame. You need to solder it carefully, holding the insulation with pliers, since the temperature can simply move it away from the center. We first heat the frame in the soldering zone, and only then the conductor itself.
We fix the coaxial cable connection with a nylon tie, degrease it with a solvent and isolate the soldering points with hot glue using a gun. You can correct defects in the resulting cast form of glue with a hairdryer.
Preparing the reflector
We use an inexpensive barbecue net as a reflector or reflective screen. This is a good material, since even steel samples of such products are covered with a corrosion-resistant anodized coating, not to mention stainless steel. A heat exchanger from a modern refrigerator or a dish drying rack would also be suitable. The main thing is that this element, if possible, does not rust in the air.The reflector grid must be larger than the vibrator frame, but does not have to be symmetrical. We cut off the handles from the grille; they will be superfluous in our design.
We place the antenna frame in the middle of the reflector and mark its mounting locations. For fastening, you can use two plates of any metal. We bend them along the grid and drill holes with a diameter of 5 mm.
Assembling the antenna
We cut two pieces of PVC pipe 75 mm long, and screw a self-tapping screw into the end of each, cutting off the protruding parts. We break off the pointed ends of the plasterboard dowels and screw them into the opposite end of the tubes.
We screw both PVC stands to the strips on the reflector with self-tapping screws. We tin the frame at the ends suitable for the racks for better heat transfer.
On the racks we mark the height of 68 mm, and put it at risk. We heat the ends of the frame with a soldering iron and solder them into the racks to the required marks.
Dear readers of the NskTarelka.ru blog, if you are interested in the answer to the question - Which antenna to choose for digital terrestrial TV? - then this article is just for you.
Before we start talking about choosing a television antenna for digital television of the DVB-T2 standard, let's talk a little about terrestrial television itself.
Terrestrial television - broadcast formats, signal broadcast
Free television channels, which we watch by receiving the signal on indoor or outdoor (street) antennas, are the same terrestrial television. A television (radio) signal is transmitted from a repeater into the air, that is, into the surrounding space, via electromagnetic waves. We, as users, use terrestrial antennas to receive this television signal.
To transmit a television signal, meter VHF (VHF) and decimeter UHF (UHF) waves are used.
Digital terrestrial television of the DVB-T2 standard is broadcast via UHF decimeter waves. Accordingly, in order to watch “digital” you need to have the “correct” antenna. It must be either all-wave (VHF + UHF) or UHF decimeter range. With an antenna that receives only VHF band, watching digital terrestrial television will not be possible.
MV and UHF are ultrashort wave (VHF) bands dedicated to the transmission of television signals. The frequency band is from 48 to 862 MHz, conditionally divided into 5 ranges combined into two groups:
- 1-12 channels meter or HF (VHF), bands I, II, III (47-160 MHz);
- 21-60 UHF channels, otherwise UHF (UHF), bands IV, V. (470-862 MHz).
Broadcasting of analogue terrestrial television occurs in both bands, both in HF and UHF. Previously, it was planned to turn off analog TV in Russia by the end of 2015, but now the deadline has been pushed back to 2018.
Which antenna to choose for digital TV?
Since we are choosing an antenna for digital TV, it is assumed that we have a DVB-T2 standard set-top box, or a TV with a built-in DVB-T2 tuner. We have accurate information that in the place we are interested in, where we want to enjoy watching digital television, it is already available.
Not that I’m “captain obvious” or as if for those who are “in the tank,” but you never know, just in case. Suddenly, someone reading is not in the know, and thinks that to watch digital television, the “necessary” antenna is enough. No, that's not true.
So, before you spend money on an antenna, let’s check what’s available. It is quite possible, just connect to the old antenna and everything will work.
If your antenna previously received analogue terrestrial television channels in the UHF range, then digital television will probably work without problems. All you have to do is connect everything and scan the channels.
Why did I write quite possibly? Because there are some nuances. There are such concepts as the difference in altitude between your location and the available repeaters transmitting the television signal.
When the TV tower is in direct view from the window, reception without an antenna is even possible. It is enough to connect a piece of coaxial cable, popularly called an antenna.
When connecting one TV, choosing between the options of a passive antenna or an active one, we give preference to the passive one. Passive is the one without an amplifier. Active with amplifier.
To broadcast the DVB-T2 standard to several TVs, an active antenna is purchased. Since the signal is split into two or more TVs using a divider, losses occur that are compensated by the amplifier. If there is a choice, purchase an antenna with adjustable signal gain. Thanks to this, we can control the signal amplification power.
The proposed selection of indoor antennas may give you a headache. Which one should I buy?
The upper price line is usually not good. Many expensive ones are not good at all.
There is no need to focus on those promoted as specialized for DVB-T2. Often this is beautiful junk for a lot of money. There are no specialized DVB-T2 antennas - this is a marketing ploy.
As I said above, the television signal broadcasts at frequencies of the meter - MV (VHF), and decimeter UHF (UHF) VHF ranges. The UHF range is currently allocated to the DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television standard. And the right one would be a UHF antenna, not a DVB-T2 antenna.
Therefore, if the box says super duper for DVB-T2, this does not mean anything.
If the TV tower is not visible from your window, but it is relatively nearby, it is advisable to purchase an indoor directional antenna. In this case, the signal comes to you reflected from other houses - an indoor directional antenna is the best option here.
In terms of price-quality ratio, an excellent option would be to purchase one of the brands - LOCUS (Locus) Moscow or Delta St. Petersburg.
If possible, before buying an indoor antenna, try to borrow it to test the signal from friends. Or if you buy in a specialized store, you may be able to negotiate a return with a replacement for a street one.
Outdoor (outdoor) antenna
When you can’t catch it with an indoor antenna or, due to the distance, it doesn’t even make sense to try, we use an outdoor (street) antenna. If there is an old one that is already on the roof or on the balcony, or outside the window, first we try to catch it. No antenna, let's go to the store.
What should you consider when choosing an outdoor (street) antenna? To begin with, using a map of the DVB-T2 digital television coverage area, we determine the distance from the antenna installation site to the repeater from which we plan to catch the signal.
When choosing an antenna, take into account the signal strength of the repeater. The power of a tower determines its reception area.
If the terrain is not flat, it makes sense to find out the difference in altitude between your location and the available repeaters transmitting the television signal.
When connecting one TV, as in the case of an indoor antenna, choosing a passive outdoor antenna is preferable to choosing an active one.
When distributing a signal to two or more TVs, we use an active antenna, i.e., with an amplifier. If there is a choice, we purchase it with adjustable gain.
When purchasing, we give preference to an antenna made only for the decimeter range - UHF (UHF). If you plan to watch analogue channels in parallel with digital ones, until they are turned off, purchase an all-wave one that supports both bands. Both meter - MV (VHF), and decimeter UHF (UHF).
In addition to choosing the antenna parameters, remember something equally important that needs to be taken into account during installation. We are talking about the height of the installed antenna. There are cases, and they are far from isolated, when even the most powerful antenna for signal reception will not help. But it is enough to raise the antenna height by a couple of meters, and it turns out that the old, less powerful one would be enough.
International standards for the area of reliable television reception are published based on the calculation of the height of the antenna:
For rural areas at least 10 m
- suburb, at least 20 m
- city 30 m
Therefore, the best solution for mounting the antenna is the highest point, i.e. the roof.
And at the end of the article, I bring to your attention a video from RTRS - How to set up an antenna for receiving digital terrestrial TV. Possible problems and ways to solve them.
Good afternoon, dear readers. I haven’t written on the blog for a long time, due to the May holidays and a lot of work. But I managed to make one craft, very simple and useful - an antenna for digital TV with my own hands. At the same time, I’ll tell you, everything is quite simple.
Of course, cases are different, but before making this antenna, think: do you need it or not. This is what I'm getting at: nowadays it's easier to buy a digital antenna than to make it. If you just want to watch digital TV at home, constantly and preferably without interruptions, or the tower is far from your home, then it is better to seek advice and buy a good antenna in a store.
You need to understand that if you are making an antenna for the first time, you have little experience in electronics, or maybe none at all, then no one will be responsible for the fact that the antenna either will not work at all, or will stop working, and so on.
Personally, I don’t understand much about electronics, but I test what I do in practice and try to understand it as much as possible. The antenna samples presented below are quite simple and easy to manufacture.
Of course, if you need an antenna for a dacha where you rarely go, then a homemade antenna for digital TV with your own hands is perfect. I won’t bore you with calculations and various terms, I’ll just show and tell you, and you choose and try.
Write comments after the article, leave your opinion and, if there are errors, tell everyone about them.
I'll start with this antenna, since I made it myself for the first time. It seemed to me not difficult and at the same time quite powerful. Other sites said it was homemade. But I made it for my mother-in-law, in the village, where it was about 80 km from the broadcast tower to the antenna.
Butterfly antenna
My mother-in-law has been using it for more than two years now and there are practically no problems. Such an antenna is no different from a regular decimeter antenna. It is easier to convert a simple array-type antenna, which can be bought at a low price in a retail chain, into a digital one that will receive satellite (T2) channels.
But you can also make such an antenna for digital TV with your own hands, if you have everything you need, quickly and easily.
We will need:
- board or plywood measuring at least 550x70x5 mm;
- copper wire with a central core Ø 4 mm (6 mm is possible) - 4 m;
- self-tapping screws with caps (or buy washers separately);
- coaxial television cable;
- antenna F-plug;
- screwdriver or screwdriver;
- knife or scalpel; soldering iron;
- solder;
- flux paste;
- ruler or tape measure;
- wire cutters;
- pencil.
We find a board according to size, approximately and mark it as in the picture.
board markingEverything here is indicated in inches, let's translate. 1 inch equals 2.5 cm, it's simple.
We cut 8 wires 37.5 cm long. We strip the middle of each wire by 2 cm.
We bend each wire with the letter V so that the distance between the wires (its ends) is 7.5 cm.
We cut off 2 wires 42 cm long. We strip these 2 wires at the points of attachment to the board or plywood.
Step 5.
Then I cut two more pieces from the same wire to bring the wires from the center to the back wall of the board. Here you can see the dimensions for yourself, or you can avoid making them at all and attach the wire to the front wall.
We assemble all the wires using self-tapping screws, as shown in the figure at the beginning of the article.
Now let's work with a soldering iron. We only need this plug for the correct resistance so that it is 75 ohms at the output.
To do this, open the lid and do as in the picture below. I screwed the cap itself to the antenna.
Then we attach everything in a convenient place and then the antenna itself. Let's try and use it.
This is how I did it I have had this antenna for over 2 years now. The only thing is that sometimes the antennae themselves bend, as if a strong wind bends or heavy birds perch. But everything can be fixed, I removed it, corrected it and continue to use it.
By the way, I tried without this plug, so as not to suffer, everything works, only a little worse.
Wire antenna with amplifier.
Here is another antenna for digital TV with your own hands, perfect for a country house or village. We make everything from copper wire, and the amplifier can be taken from an old antenna or bought in a store.
What we need:
- Two pieces of wire 180 cm each;
- Amplifier (old one will do);
- A piece of metal or wood plate 15 cm * 15 cm;
- A drill or screwdriver, or a welding machine;
- Small bolts with nuts;
- Hammer;
- TV cable of suitable length.
First, we bend the pieces of wire into a diamond shape with sides of 45 cm. This is the optimal length. But if you make calculations for specific frequencies, then the length will be different, but this is for advanced people.
Now we immediately drill holes on the plate in the places where the diamonds are attached, flatten the ends, which we immediately attach to the amplifier. If the plate is metal, then use a welder to attach the catchers to it and that’s it.
We twist everything together and screw the TV cable wires to the amplifier.
Now we attach the antenna to the mast and point it towards the tower. We use it.
Please note that the entire antenna is painted. This will avoid corrosion and the DIY digital TV antenna will last longer.
Beer cans will help you.
This antenna picks up many different channels well. It is better, of course, to use it indoors and where the repeater tower is not far away.
We will need:
- 2 tin cans of 750 or 1000 ml;
- Coaxial television cable (RK75);
- Antenna plug;
- Electrical tape or tape;
- Self-tapping screws for metal;
- A polypropylene pipe or wooden stick for attaching cans to it;
- Screwdriver;
- Wire cutters;
- Needle file;
- Ruler.
Using a screwdriver, make 1 hole in the neck of each can, making sure that it does not become deformed.
Screw the screws into these holes using a screwdriver.
Step 2.
Clean the ends of the cable with a knife, not forgetting to remove the varnish from the copper wire with a file; screw the wire and cable braid twisted into a ring to the self-tapping screws (it will be more reliable if it is welded or soldered, but this is only if you have the appropriate tool).
Securely secure the cans to a pipe or stick using electrical tape or tape for this purpose, maintaining the distance between the cans (it has long been established experimentally, and this size is 7.5 cm).
Attach a plug to the other end of the cable, which will connect the cable to the receiving device.
Place the antenna in the required location, i.e. where signal reception will be ideal. The most painstaking work is preparing the RK75 cable. One end must be cleaned from the top shell at a distance of 10-12 cm with a knife without damaging the copper braid. Next, you need to twist this braid into a pigtail and remove the aluminum screen. After this, cut off the polyethylene sheath by 6-7 cm and expose the central core. The resulting copper strand and bare core are then attached to the cans. The second end of the cable must also be cleaned and a plug consisting of 2 halves must be connected to it.
The central core of the cable passes through the hole in one half of the plug, and the braid is connected to the plug body. Both halves are screwed on one another, and you get a reliable device for connecting to the antenna socket of the TV.
If you plan to place an antenna made from tin cans outdoors, then it must be reliably protected from external weather influences. Plastic bottles are suitable; you need to cut off the neck and bottom and place the antenna elements in them. In such conditions, it will reliably carry out the functions assigned to it.
This is the simplest broadband antenna, made from scrap materials without the use of special tools, and it is made quickly. You can make it yourself and install it in 20-30 minutes. You can make sure that your homemade antenna receives most satellite television channels, including TVB-T2. At a minimum, it receives up to 15 channels.
Antenna figure eight.
Once upon a time, when there was no digital TV yet, we made such an antenna at school. It is quite simple to manufacture and picks up the signal very well.
It’s a lot to write, and I haven’t made it myself for a long time, here you can watch the video:
Of course, such an antenna is not prohibited, this video just describes the process well.
Buy or find copper wire with a cross-section of 2 - 3 mm. in isolation. Bend the antenna to the dimensions indicated by the author of the video, minimally strip the soldering areas of insulation, solder the cable and seal it from moisture.
If you don’t have a copper wire, you can use aluminum; not much will be lost. The grille can be made from wire, not critical, even from an old refrigerator. If you are in an area of good reception, then it is not necessary to install a grille at all; this is digital and not analogue TV where repetitions on the screen can be observed due to the reflected signal.
What I like about this type of antenna is that it is easy to manufacture, does not require a filter for matching, and has good characteristics. You can increase the power of the antenna if you make it from four squares; you also make a cable tap from the middle, the closest distance between the conductors is 10 mm.
Well, here we have an antenna for digital TV with our own hands and in different ways. That's all for me, leave your comments below, also join us in Odnoklassniki. Bye everyone and see you later.
To choose the best indoor antenna for digital TV DVB-T2, you need to take many factors into account. Each apartment has its own conditions - the distance to the transmitter, the height (floor), which way the windows face, whether there are any high-rise structures between the antenna and the transmitter, etc.
They are divided into indoor and outdoor. A separate type is antennas for receiving signals over long distances. Antennas for the DVB-T2 standard are divided into passive and active.
The digital terrestrial television signal of the DVB-T2 standard is in the decimeter range (UHF). This band is designated "UHF", and is between 470 and 862 MHz.
There are no special antennas for DVB-T2 reception. For this standard, any decimeter antennas are used. To improve operating efficiency, you can use a signal amplifier. Selecting an antenna suitable for this standard is not difficult. It is only necessary to take into account 2 main parameters: the terrain and the distance to the transmitter.
If the terrain does not have high mountains, and the distance to the transmitter is no more than 10 km, then you can use a regular antenna without an amplifier. But if it is possible to purchase an antenna with an amplifier for almost the same price (not much more expensive), then it is better to do so. The amplifier can always be turned off.
Indoor antennas operate in the decimeter or meter range. Reliable signal reception distance is up to 30 km. Such devices require careful configuration, because... The quality of received radio waves is not unlimited.
The main advantages of such devices: compact, inexpensive, mobile. The market leader in indoor antennas is Remo.
An example of a passive antenna is Sirius-2.0. Active antenna – “Mini Digital”. Both antennas are manufactured by Remo.
Outdoor antennas can also be passive or active. They are used at a distance of 10 km from the transmitter. When installed, they must be accurately aimed at the transmitting station.
There are broadband antennas, they use MB and UHF elements. These types of antennas can be easily distinguished from each other by their sizes: for the MB band, longer elements are used. In meter range antennas, the length of the elements is 0.5-1.5 meters, in decimeter range - 15-40 cm.
An active antenna has an amplifier and requires a 12 or 5 volt power supply. If you are using a digital set-top box, you can supply 5 volt power directly from the set-top box itself. To do this, you need to find the “Antenna power” option in the menu.
Passive antennas are able to amplify the signal only due to their design features. They can only be used in areas with good signal reception.
Signal reception conditions vary in different areas. This depends on many factors, including the power of the television transmitter, the terrain, the presence of multi-story buildings and other high-rise structures.
Indoor DVB-T2 antennas
Antenna for DVB-T2 without amplifier "Sirius-2.0"
It is used in areas with reliable signal reception - in populated areas that have their own towers located at a short distance. These antennas can be used with an amplifier, but this does not mean that they will be suitable for difficult signal reception conditions.
Indoor antenna “DVS-Z2”
It has an amplifier with high gain, up to 32 dB. But it doesn't matter much. It is also used in areas of reliable reception, at short distances from the tower - 5-15 km. Visibility must be direct. Such an antenna works well in the city to receive a reflected signal, and in this case an amplifier may become unnecessary. The amplifier is powered from the antenna plug with a voltage of 5 volts.
Top 3 passive indoor antennas:
- "Delta-AHT-5.1.0";
- "Delta-K-131/132";
- "Locus L10 - Cayman."
They have approximately the same characteristics. Gain: 4-7 dB. This group is somewhat more effective than the Sirius-2.0 and DVS-Z2 antennas. Good antennas for receiving digital television signals in areas with reliable broadcasting. In some cases, they can work successfully at a long distance (20 km or more) from the translator. But this depends on many factors - the power of the transmitting device, the terrain, the presence of high-rise objects.
Which antennas work more efficiently when the signal is weak?
Indoor antennas with amplifier
Rating of the best indoor antennas with an amplifier
This is one of the best antenna options for digital TV. The operation of this type of antenna is approximately the same as that of passive devices. But thanks to the presence of an amplifier, antennas can receive signals better in places where passive antennas cannot cope.
But all indoor antennas are generally limited in their capabilities. If the windows of your apartment do not face the TV tower, then the antenna may be useless. You can try to catch the reflected signal, but this is not always effective.
"Locus L 999.06 - NEXT"
Active broadband antenna. The sales kit is in disassembled form. The amplifier's power supply provides 12 volts from an external power source. UHF gain 23-27 dB.
It has different options - with an amplifier (and, accordingly, with a power regulator), and without it.
"Delta-K-131-A.02"
Active antenna with an amplifier supply voltage of 5 volts. Voltage can be supplied directly from a set-top box for digital television DVB-T2, or through a special injector from the USB port of an LCD TV. Gain: 22-27 dB.
Active antenna "Locus L 941.10 - Cayman"
It has 2 versions - with power via an antenna plug, and with a built-in injector for power from a USB port. Requires an additional 5V power supply with injector, which requires another outlet.
Do-it-yourself DVB-T2 over-the-air antenna
You can also use homemade antennas. If the device is assembled correctly, it can work no worse than the one sold in the store. You can receive a signal at a very long distance from the tower - 20 km or more.