Best DIY Omidirectional TV Antenna??

Here is an easy to make indoor'/outdoor TV aerial with enhanced design, performance and range. Follow my step by step video showing you how to make your own to watch FREE TV.
Links:
My Original Hoop Antenna - • DIY HDTV ANTENNA FOR I...
Is a Balun necessary for my HDTV Antenna? - • Do You REALLY Need a M...

[@marlonfannin8074]

I'm going to build one to mount in my attic! Thanks for sharing!

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Thanks for watching!

[@RavenVargas27]

Wow that is a masterpiece gets plenty of channels thanks love your vids

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@bobbysalinas4845]

Damn bro that was one hell of an antenna , looked a little complicated to make but it was probably well worth it. What will you dream of next? Keep up the good work.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

It's actually pretty easy to build. Thanks for watching.

[@buzzsah]

Good vid, well done.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Thanks for the visit

[@dhelton40]

This antenna is very cool and would be very useful in an urban area where signals come from several directions, but are reasonably stronge. It avoids the problem of combining antennas which can cause multipath problems. It would not be useful in rural areas that are distant to the transmitter.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Thanks for the comment, and watching my channel!

[@InventPeace1]

Great Video ! Advice, try to install the transformers "inside" the tubing to keep the connections out of the weather (mildew, oxidation, corrosion, etc )... Keep ALL electrical connections out of rain, *they sell waterproof rg6 cable, best), so after a few months you still have good performance.. I got 2 DIY hoops on my house (i found that a separate antenna and 20 ft pvc mast for each tv is best ). InventPeaceNotWar !

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Good advice. Thanks for watching

[@lilblackduc7312]

Very good information & tutorial. Thank you...

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Thank you

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 Hands down Mr. Hop To It your channel RULES PERIOD !!!

[@d.j.radioroyspinner8]

Your Project looks good 👍 - For some time I've been building the Gray - Hoverman type antenna with pretty good results - I may try this one and see how is stacks up against the G-H.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Hi DJ. I also have built a few Gray Hoverman antennas, and I have tested this design against a 4 bay. In my situation, this antenna is outperforming the GH as far as total channels received over multiple directions, with better overall signal levels, but if aimed correctly, the GH will pull in a couple of even more distant transmitters. The best design for you depends on your specific reception needs. Thanks for watching my channel!

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 How long have you been in the antenna DIY hobbie ??? I was thinking myself about the Gray Hoverman antenna as many people seem to just love the unit. Would making the element made of 1/2 inch copper water pipe with the right length give a stronger signal since the outer surface area is larger than a 14 gauge copper wire ??

[@virgilmobile1]

I made this without the reflecors and doubled it with 10" seperation.Turned the bottom to offset .It works better than multiple yagies.Yes there is a dead zone where the cable connets.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Interesting. Did you watch my stacked hoop antenna video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGbdn6OKpdNqgtk. It worked but I didn't find it that advantageous over a single hoop. What did you use for the element? How far did you offset the two antennas? Thanks for watching!

[@virgilmobile1]

@@mrhoptoit7835 I used #12 insulated solid core copper wire.Because there ws a 10" span between joints of the octogon,I chose a 10" seperation for the hoops.I did rotate the second hoop for a overlapping element.I originally used 2 yagi antennas but couldn't receive some channels.I tried a third yagi but had a lot of db loss.This design solved my problem.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Thanks for the info. I will have to try your configuration and see how it performs for me in my location.

[@luvdady]

Well as they say mileage may vary . But the way i look at it is a few bucks or just old scrap you got laying around is still cheaper than cable TV and better than a cheap china brand ping ding ching of Amazon antenna.. Plus the look is way cool and im sure it works on the principle of those fertility idol ones best buy sells for a few 100 bucks

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Lol. Good point

[@johnhesch8502]

Nicely done sir....I am going to try your antenna for my cruiser. Should be able to pick up stations all up and down the intrcoastal don't you think?

[@mrhoptoit7835]

John, it works well for my camper. Thanks for watching!

[@r2tv_R47R]

Good like

[@mrhoptoit7835]

👍

[@tomsettles6873]

I appreciate your ingenuity. I've been building & testing some different vertical omnidirectional fm antennas. Would it have been easier to just build a round antenna with a round aluminum flashing reflector? seems like the octagon makes you purchase a lot of parts to make it work.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

I explained at the beginning of the video that I had tried that first, but the results were minimal. I didn't start getting better reception until I changed to this configuration. Thanks for the question.

[@tomsettles6873]

Gotcha. The reflector must need to have some flat surface to reflect enough signal to antenna wire. @@mrhoptoit7835

[@MikeJordanUnCamplicated]

For my outdoor PVC projects I use the grey electrical PVC. It is designed to be outside, so it has UV protection. White plumbing PVC was never designed to be outside, so it has no UV protection

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Mike, you have a valid concern. Grey PVC would work for this antenna, too. CPVC is fine to use if you paint it, as I suggested. This protects it from UV and weathering. I have painted PVC being used outside for over 10 years with no sign of degradation. The choice is up to the builder. Thanks for watching!

[@fredfinstra9228]

Thinking on design it seems the octagon shape would have done better than the circle due the straight sections vs round you may have gotten similar reception without the reflector but I am an HF ant hobbyist using larger antennas of around 18' dipole the design you used is similar to what is known as MOXON box in the hf bands the MOXON box reacts as its own reflector I don't build uhf or " digital" as you call it due materials costs plus I live in so rural area my town barely gets on the digital signal board and the FCC Chart places my area with only 1 useable transmission source in analog days we could get the 5 networks but since digital law forced the switch we lost all reception I spent my last 20 working years in CATV field as system tech and understand the freq needs but enjoyed the ham radio hobby more than watching the TV but lately being disabled after work injury I don't get around well so utilize internet tv and the thousands of FREE channels there

[@m9ovich785]

I wouldn't think it would work either Due to the fact that a Reflector is longer than the Driven Element. In His design it is shorter. Mike M N9IAB.

[@fredfinstra9228]

@@m9ovich785 shorter yes but it has more mass it is physically bigger though it sits within the antenna shape it is physically wider than the antenna creating a larger collector than if he built " wire" reflector like is practice in antennas with reflection which in all other freqs the reflector is roughly 5% larger / longer than the active element so the practice only created a new version of an old style uhf wire dish antenna You do know old style vhf UHF yaggi styles would serve as well actually better for the multiple reflectors and also directors giving larger mass in the package total

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@fredfinstra9228 Would you have any Idea of how to increase the signal strength using this octagon antenna ?? Maybe stacking a few antennas on top of the others or making a different design of the active element in the unit or placing three active elements placed say 1 inch right next to each elements ?? What do you think fella, drop a line.

[@victoryfirst2878]

I really like your go to spirit Mr. Hop TO IT. Am wondering if you could put your mind onto the Gray-Hoverman antenna. How would you make it better fella ?? Thanks

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Interesting thought.....👍

[@daverothermel5471]

Kinda hard to make Gray-Hoverman antenna omni directional. I live in Central Indiana. I have tv stations around me in all directions. Who wants to change directions and rescan over and over.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Valid point fella. Good day too. @@daverothermel5471

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Yes, the Gray-Hoverman is a directional antenna. In the past I have hooked up two together to get reception from different directions with pretty good success. Thanks for the comment!

[@victoryfirst2878]

What mesh size wire would the reflector need to work correctly ?? WInd load where I live is just to great, Mr. Hop To It. Thanks

[@mrhoptoit7835]

I'm not sure on maximum mesh size. I use 1/2 inch because it's easy to find, works well, and is not expensive. It also has low wind resistance. You could try a larger mesh. But mounting it may pose issues.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Got it fella. Thanks@@mrhoptoit7835

[@Left-handed-liberal]

I have some pvc coated coil stock used for fascia wrap. Would the pvc interfere with the reflector?

[@mrhoptoit7835]

I wouldn't think so, as PVC is pretty much RF transparent, but I've never tried it. Thanks for watching., Jeff!

[@jimmynordeckjr9453]

I really like your design. But, consider this, instead of having the terminals on the outside of the antenna, since you have to take each part loose to insert the wire,and cement it, do you think it would still get good signal, if you start at the "T" in the center? That way cable will just come down the "mast", with out dropping across the actagon. I mean, if it would not hamper the way it works the original way. It's just an idea I had to make it more "neighbor friendly."

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Thanks for sharing your idea!

[@trevorolson4264]

I wonder if wrapping the wire within the tubing around a bicycle rim would work as an easy reflector?

[@campkohler9131]

A bicycle rim is much smaller than the reflector in the video, so most likely not, but knock yourself out experimenting. Don't forget that the diameter has to be the same as the original in order that the resonant frequency be the same.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Since the hexagonal antenna works better than the hoop type. Would making two stacked hex elements increase the number of channels you can recieve ??? What I should of asked is what is the total number of channels available according to the channel list from the FCC site. I also have to give you lots of credit for getting an increase in signal strength just using a slightly different shape of antenna. Very nice work Sir too.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

I haven't experimented with multiple antenna stacks, but the idea intrigues me. Currently I'm working on another new design, so keep watching my channel!

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 I look forward to something new from you Sir. Fresh ideas are so nice to see. They keep us all on our toes. Good day fella for sure. vf

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 Would taking the wire inside the 1/2 inch pipe and wind it into a circular design similar to a spring that is slightly stretched help with reception ??? How about using a mesh reflector instead of just sheet metal work out ?? What would be the maximum square hole size of the square mesh wire ??? Thanks and have a Happy Easter fella too. vf

[@mrhoptoit7835]

@@victoryfirst2878 winding the wire like a spring probably would have a negative effect on performance, as the wire length is important and tunes the element for the proper frequencies. I did mention in the video that you can use either aluminum or 1/2 inch hardware cloth as a reflector and they both work fine.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 Would using a larger square hole size of 1 inch negatively affect the reflector performance ??? How about stacking two or three antennas on top of the other increase the signal gain ??? Thank you Sir and have a Happy Easter. Peace vf

[@claudinestone6152]

I have a 4 bay bow tie design directional antennae. Would this antenna be better? I have to rotate the antenna I have now to get better reception of certain channels but I would also like to get more channels if possible. Its indoors but I live in a basement apartment with a lot of building interference.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

This antenna will bring in multiple stations from multiple directions much better than the 4 bay antenna, but it's reception range may be a bit shorter. It will depend on your local factors as to how well it works for you. Thanks for watching.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Could you please tell me what size mesh wire spacing would be needed to work as well as the solid aluminum sheet metal reflector LGTI ??? Would bending the reflective wire in an radius concave shape somehow increase the gain if the signal is being scattered from different directions Sir ?? Thanks for your clinical mind fella.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Just about any metal will act as a reflector. Solid metal, wire mesh or horizontal wire bars all will reflect radio waves. People use 1/2 inch wire mesh because its readily available, not expensive, and easy to work with. SInce radio waves can be directed, reflected, focused, etc, you can try to increase gain by shaping the reflector. I haven't experimented with that, so I can't give you much guidance. Thanks.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Thank you for the information Sir. 😀😀😀@@mrhoptoit7835

[@AL_9000]

@@mrhoptoit7835 The upper end of RF ch. 36 is 608 MHz which has a wavelength of 19.41". 99.9% reflection needs about 1/20 wavelength spacing of the mesh so 0.9705" or smaller mesh would work. Half-inch mesh is the most readily available at Home Depot and Lowes.

[@abelgarcia5432]

How do you add a grounding wire as we occasionally get bad electrical storms? I am planning to mount it outside.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

There are videos on antenna grounding posted. Here's a pretty good one kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5LIqmyoeKhofdUsi=NoogLtxSvtt4kK3F. Thanks for watching.

[@victoryfirst2878]

I have a question for you MHTI. Would making the reflector that is about one in wide bent over to a angle for rigidity the same width as the wide flat on the upper and lower reflector increase the signal gain ?? I am just interested if the channels that were just one bar and jumped to two level increase the strength to higher level say three bars ?? Please drop a line with your thoughts MHTI. Look forward to your answer Sir. Peace vf

[@mrhoptoit7835]

I'm not sure what effect that would have

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 Thank you for your honesty fella. Peace v

[@davidjohnsonsr1st]

Could you please add a list of materials as to make it easier to obtain these items without having to rewatch your videos multiple times? Please 😊

[@electronicartis]

Did you ever try reflector in a circle instead of the octagon.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Yes, but as I said in the video, I couldn't get any significant results. Thanks for watching.

[@daverothermel5471]

The ida is to keep the the spacing at 4 " from the driven element. By having a 3" reflector with 1" 45% top a bottom is genius. Any signal high or low will reflect it to the driven element wire.

[@scottwoempner7373]

Do you think a double loop in the octagonal design would improve performance?

[@mrhoptoit7835]

My thoughts are the single octagon works so well that a second antenna would only increase reception so minimally I doubt it would be worth it. I'm basing that on my location. Your situation may be different. Thanks for watching.

[@davidnjuguna8960]

Is whoop wire element continuous or two halves. How do you comeup with dimensions of whoop or how do you calculate diameter given centre frequency

[@mrhoptoit7835]

The wire is a continuous element. To calculate dimensions I us online calculators, charts, or follow what others are using successfully. Thanks for watching.

[@truckdriver8416]

Are you able to catch High VHF channels with this design question more specifically Channel 7 and channel 10

[@mrhoptoit7835]

This antenna is primarily designed for UHF reception. If the signal is strong enough, it can get Hi VHF.

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

I still find a high gain UHF Yagi antenna with a rotor will out perform any horizontal antenna of an omnidirectional design by a wide margin. Height and clear sight are your best ways to get a strong signal from a distant station with any antenna tho. If you can get a UHF Yagi and rotor at a good price from many outlets today!

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Thanks Jeffrey. Not everyone needs to pull in distant signals, so a yagi and rotor would be overkill for many people, including myself. I always suggest doing your research and finding the antenna set up for your specific needs. Keep watching my channel!

[@victoryfirst2878]

I am looking for a very uncomplicated antenna and not to worry about a rotor with power lines and a controller on top of the TV getting up and changing directions when one decides to change channels. Just an antenna with one wire cable going down to the TV is best for me fella.

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

@@victoryfirst2878 Then a coaxial collinear vertical will give omnidirectional performance and it will still have gain!

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@jeffreyyoung4104 Would you know how much gain this will have Jeffrey ??

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

@@victoryfirst2878 Depends on how many elements are used to make it. Each half wave section adds an amount of gain, but that also reaches a level of diminishing returns.

[@richardpulitjr8826]

Can you use the 6" by 10ft Aluminum flashing and just use one piece 57" (only need one tab) and then measure 1.5" from each side?

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Sure. I made it in two pieces because it was easier to form, but one piece is fine.

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

So what’s the range on this antenna? I live between 2 cities which are 30 miles ti each city. Any chance it would work? No hills, line of sight!

[@mrhoptoit7835]

This antenna may work well for you, depending on the exact signals and channels you are trying to receive. Check out my antenna comparison and see how this antenna does against my other designs. Here's the link - kzbin.info/www/bejne/amO9cniegNh1jNU

[@user-iz9wq9ri3n]

Would useing galvanized flashing instead of aluminum flashing make any difference? I bought the wrong one. A tree took out my old directional antenna so I half baked one of your hoop ones with duct tape and an old croquet mallet. The reception was so much better that I'm building the octagon one. Thank you for both videos they were awesome.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

The option on the video is to use 1/2" hardware cloth (heavy gauge screen) which has Less wind resistance and better for outside mounting. It's galvanized and works fine. Thanks for the comment!

[@daverothermel5471]

Galvanized would make to heavy. The weight and wind would hard to keep it up.

[@markfrommichigan]

How much to make me one?

[@michaelcompton4303]

what is the maximum distance? I am approximately 47+ miles from station transmitter.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

This antenna has pulled in signals from over 50 miles, but distance is only one factor. Transmitter power, terrestrial interference, antenna height, and station frequency are a few factors that can affect any antenna's reception. Thanks for watching.

[@fooplinger]

What is the difference between an ontenna and an antenna?

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Why, Pronunciation, of course.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 Nice response FELLA.

[@sellacct66]

Was wondering the same thing, is an ON-tenna different than an ANN-tenna? I've never heard it pronounced ON before. Weird.

[@ecash00]

Wind tolerance?

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Yes, that could be a concern for some people. I mentioned that you can use hardware cloth instead of flashing. Works the same and low wind resistance. Thanks for watching, Ed.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 What is hardware cloth ??

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Hardware cloth is a rough screen material made from wire and galvanized against corrosion. The screen size that I find the best to use is 1/2". You can see a shot of it in this video at 2:43. Thanks

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 Thanks for clearing that up Sir.

[@ecash00]

@@mrhoptoit7835 nice to know, as we get 60+ winds in this area in S. Idaho. Love watching truckers with no loads..

[@robertmethia7080]

the inside diameter is smaller than the outside. therefor its not a reflector but a director.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Interesting....

[@mangjose9196]

I'll go for hop.. why it has tougher to wind

[@danbasta3677]

Flimsy looking. Doesn't look like it would stand up to weather being installed outside on a roof.

[@mrhoptoit7835]

This was designed for attic use. If you want to build it for outdoors I suggested using 1/2 inch hardware cloth for the reflector. It's actually very sturdy.

[@nickestes6322]

New to the antenna game, from the garden community. @Mrhoptoit7865 could you possibly do a build of a Christophleau device? Basically an omni antenna

[@nickestes6322]

@mrhoptoit7835

[@mrhoptoit7835]

Hi Nick. Interesting device and concept that I was not aware of. This isn't really my area of concentration, but I may have to see what I can do. Thanks for the suggestion, and Thanks for watching!

[@nickestes6322]

@Mr Hop To It it has been a journey through different trades to get here, always out of my depth, thank you for making at least this part of it accessible and simple

[@mrhoptoit7835]

You are very welcome

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@mrhoptoit7835 Would you please let me know what is this device Mr Hop To It does and or IS ??/ Thanks