On 17 Nov 2003 10:30:34 -0800, (mfc) wrote:

I recently made a TV antenna to receive Channel 5 using a paper clip
and 3 feet of rolled up aluminum foil. It works pretty well, but
there are these diagonal lines that keep "swimming" across the screen
from left to right. Also, there's a little room for improvement in
the picture. Does anyone know how I can improve my antenna to get a
much clearer picture? Maybe I should use tin foil instead of aluminum
foil or something like that? Any ideas?

*Part* of the problem is the antenna is too short for channel 5.

I'd start by using *two* 3 foot long pieces of foil, or wire, copper
tube, pipe, or whatever you find that might conduct. In the case of
aluminum foil you are going to need another paper clip. In the case of
copper you can solder the twin lead to the strips. However if you
don't have a solder gun or iron, ... Use paper clips.

Fasten the wires in a piece of twin lead to the two pieces of foil.
One wire to each foil strip. IE wire on one side of twin lead goes to
one strip of foil and wire on other side of twin lead goes to other
piece of foil. Staple, tape, or glue the foil (stretched out to form
a straight line) to a board, or strip of plastic. (something non
conductive and easy to move)

OTOH, if you do have some twin lead, try a piece 6 feet long. lay the
twin lead out flap. Take the two wires on each end and twist them
together. Solder is better. Now, in the center, cut the wires only ON
ONE SIDE. Fasten another piece of twin lead (for a lead in wire) here
and hook the other end of that twin lead to the TV set.

You can tape or glue, or staple (don't put metal staples in so a
single metal staple crosses both wires) the twin lead antenna to a
board, put it on a stick, pole, pipe, or whatever to get it up higher
and now you can rotate it for best reception. You might even be able
to tape it to a wall, or up in the attic and get good reception.

I don't have any twin lead, or I'd make one, shoot a photo, and put it
on a page to view.

Welcome to the world of "Let's see if this' ll work".

Roger Halstead (K8RI EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
www.rogerhalstead.com
N833R World's oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2)

Thanks for all your help.