HOW TO MAKE THE GRAY HOVERMAN TV ANTENNA

This is a easy TV antenna to build picks up VHF and UHF .Tested at 60 miles away from TV towers. Air TV channels transmit on frequencies ranging from 170 MHz to 860 MHz. The VHF-Hi band covers 175 to 230 MHz, while UHF covers 470 to 860 MHz. The gap between is used for cable TV. Receiving all these frequencies is difficult when using a single antenna. The Gray-Hoverman antenna has been designed by Doyt R. Hoverman and it was patented in the sixties. His design only covered a part of UHF band. However, with some improvements, the antenna can receive well both the UHF as well as VHF-Hi. This post will show two variants of this antenna that can be used to receive 170 to 230 MHz channels (5 - 12) and a part of UHF between 470 - 720 MHz (21 - 52 channels) with a minimum gain of 5 - 6 dBi. These are the simplest to build. There are however designs that offer a minimum gain of 8 dBi on VHF and 10 dBi on UHF. These antennas can be used for any kind of signal that can be received on the mentioned frequencies: analog TV, DVB-T, DVB-T2, ISDB-T, ATSC.

[@Slugg-O]

I haven't built the Gray Hoverman yet but I have built 5-6 of the ultimate antennas for myself and some friends and hey are awesome antennas. I'm 34 miles S of of San Antonio and pull in 52 perfectly clear channels using a 16 foot mast. I'm even pulling in an old analog channel from Mexico which is about 80 miles away It's snowy but it's there. Would not have had this success if not for Danny's videos. There are several YT clips but none with the detail of Danny's videos. Thanks Danny.

[@timetrialsc]

I built this antenna to replace a directional store bought one. When I pointed the old antenna at our "far away stations" I would lose the local close stations. I added a booster to the Gray Hoverman and now get the 70 mile away stations as well as the locals. We live in a valley and I knew our situation would make it difficult for any antenna. I was very happy with the results. Some of the stations that were pixelating are now clear and we got several new channels as well. Could not ask for more! Thanks for the informative video, I had a set of plans but could not have built this thing without the video.

[@Mike-gz4xz]

Thanks for the instructive video , i'm from the UK ,i bought the heavy gage copper wire and transformer (balen) off ebay , and used cable plastic trunking varying sizes from B&Q and a mesh role of wire square type in stainless from the pound shop ,put it in my loft was total blown away with the power of this thing picked up around 220 channels full strength crisp n clear ,and thats in the loft caped with roof slates . Thanks again Danny .

[@castle1245]

Thanks for the tutorial. I made one of these in about an hour tonight and now I am getting 7 more channels than I was with the store bought antenna.

[@DannySHodges]

thats all right

[@contro2148]

I wanna have a beer with this guy.

[@fredjones0]

My wife heard that there was a power outage there where the towers are and I'll be damned they are coming in now and flawless, It is working better then the clearstream. Thank you so much for getting back to me I appreciate you. No pixelation at all.

[@DannySHodges]

OK BROTHER...I AM GOING TO MAKE A VIDEO OF A VHF ADD ON TO THAT GREY HOVERMAN

[@FESusedabit]

Hi Danny, I made the Hoverman TV antenna. Followed your instructions completly. I jumped for joy, Cuz I was successful. 9 UHF stations. Thanks, now I am certain I will cut the cord to my TV provider.

[@PRBB25]

Thanks Danny, because of you I dropped dish like a bad habbit! I'm now saving over $100 a month. I built me and my father in law an ultimate antenna and are receiving 30+ channels ota. I'm going to give this grey hoverman a try this weekend (looks a little simpler to make, with less contact points) Appreciate all that you do!

[@DannySHodges]

TKS

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@DannySHodges Hello Danny, would using 8 gauge wire make the antenna better in the point of being stiffer ??? How about using a 6 gauge wire if one makes the antenna for oneself ??? Thanks Danny.

[@bradak2001]

You are "the Man." I just combined the Gray Hoverman antenna with your indoor or outdoor antenna, to pick up multiple broadcast towers. Works just like your BEST TV ANTENNA. Yea, I now get all the channels available in my area.

[@DannySHodges]

GOOD..TKS..IM FIXEN TO MAKE A ANTENNA THAT WILL CHAP THEM ALL

[@marklane4893]

Great job on this build Sir.

[@jefftaylor8320]

Thanks Danny love your videos. I'm gonna be building one of these soon.

[@ccalvert40]

I made this antenna and to date have not put the screen on it but I have it in the window of my bedroom and am pulling 38 channels from as Grand Rapids, MI - 75 miles away! NO booster yet either! I'm going to put it in my attic so it will be 30 feet above ground level! I'm super glad I found your channel Danny, thank you!

[@DannySHodges]

tks for letting us no

[@marc-andreservant201]

If you use high quality coax like RG-11 you probably won't need a booster from the attic with less than 50ft of cable. If using splitters to feed multiple TV sets (a splitter obviously drops the signal strength by half) or running long wires outdoors, it might benefit from a booster. For the love of god, pick up a $15 lightning arrester connected to a solid ground if you're going to mount this thing on a mast. In some parts of the country you're guaranteed to fry your TV (or worse) if you build a tall mast with spiky parts aimed at the sky.

[@byronengler6407]

Awesome ingenuity. Thanks for giving us more information. God Bless

[@Charles-ui4rx]

Dear Dr. Hodges You have really inspired me to doing something useful. I WILL BE POSTING A PICTURE OF WHAT CAME TO MY MIND ABOUT HOW TO BUILD A "CHEAP HIGH DEFINITION TV ANTENNA" I LOVE WATCHING YOUR VIDEO'S YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD PERSON YOU JUST GOT TO TELL BETTER JOKES

[@DannySHodges]

I NO THATS RIGHT

[@michaeldevore6575]

Put mine up today,and what an improvement. thanks for the information.

[@DannySHodges]

good tks

[@daniellafond4678]

I made the Hoverman antenna with plastic wood. I mounted it in my daughter’s garage attic south of Portland Maine and picked up 20 channels. It was easy and fun to make.

[@robertbailey2342]

I just did the same thing here in Maine and got same results without a booster!

[@davidstapf]

Thank you for the great videos. I have been watching a lot of video and keep coming back to yours.

[@DannySHodges]

tks David

[@DannySHodges]

TKS I GOT A GOOD ONE COMING UP SOON

[@RavenVargas27]

Hi Danny you make the best antennas, dang that sucker works like a champ and looks damn good too

[@danh1202]

Hey Danny thanks for all the tips. Really looking forward to building an Antenna, Do the lenghts have to be like your plan or is longer better? Thanks again from one Danny to another and from a drummer to another . Keep up the good work :)

[@ronb6182]

Nice to review what i saw years ago. This antenna is like the radio shack antenna that dad bought for me to put up on our farm south of Erie PA. Good design but i bet the rabbit fence works better for a reflector. Which was used on the screen bow tie antenna yesrs ago. If i could find the materials i would build this antenna. I dont like using wood. Plastic is much better and doesn't get water logged. Thanks Danny 73

[@jthonn]

Danny that antenna is great because you made it. I'll stick with the ultimate antenna until you come up with the better one. I honestly think the ultimate antenna is the best, especially since I built one and it works better than any I've used. Back to the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" Once you get your patent, I'm dying to see the one that will beat the ultimate antenna. Thanks for all you do!

[@DannySHodges]

YOU DO NO I GOT TO DO THE ULTIMATE ANTENNA VS THE GREY DONT YA...TKS

[@14hometeam]

Yes, do it please. Was hoping yo would. We're looking forward to it!

[@DannySHodges]

lol ok

[@ronb6182]

Only a parabolic antenna will do better than a bow tie or Gary Hoverman antennas. And the cost is not worth the extra dB gain you would get. Keep antennas simple and they will work fine.

[@ronb6182]

I think that other guy wanted you go to that Web site to get the length of the wires and bend lengths to a desired frequency. He also was wrong on the UHF Band because the uhf band still go from channel 14 to channel 69. I live in florida and there are channels 55 and 66. Thanks for all your how to do videos keep them coming.

[@donmacdonald6939]

Thank you sir. You have a lot of know how.

[@joe01zorn]

Great video, Danny. I have been looking for a cheap antenna that can be used when I'll lose my DTV satellite signal during hurricanes to rain blockage. I'm about 40-70 miles southwest of New Orleans station towers. Hopefully this one will pull in some of those channels.

[@thomasc.pellicer1879]

Hey Danny love your video. Just one thing i got to ask you . What is the best amplifier booster you use on your antenna's ? And will the amplifier work inside out of the weather?

[@kjaxky]

amen brother, that's what I thought. plus h didn't have your intresting stories, tests and GW accent. Thank you Danny!

[@DannySHodges]

LOL TKS

[@freedomfighter4681]

Found you on here last night thought I subscribed then... Now I am 4 sure now. Thanks a lot!!!! I can't afford cable.👍

[@gregghernandez2714]

Hey there Danny! I love coming to your channels for your expertise on this subject. You know more about building antennas than just about anyone. You make us laugh too! I am in the process of building a Gray Hoverman. Can I ask you which Hauppauge device you use for your laptop? It appears to work really well. Thanks again.

[@singingcharlie261]

You are the best and bad to bone .. great video.. I love them trick on the one the old man showed how to straighten the copper wire 👍👍🙏

[@DannySHodges]

TKS

[@DannySHodges]

TKS

[@purelyprimitives]

I watched the video you referenced. At the end, he says that it didn't really perform any better than his old cm4221. Its true though that its easier to make.

[@haroldbrown1389]

looks good I'll try it

[@darienspeech2254]

Don't worry about nobody man you keep doing what you do get your money get your happiness

[@ItsMeJbird]

Hello from Thomasville! Good videos man, keep it up! peace...

[@DannySHodges]

tks

[@scottthompson1426]

nice Antenna

[@scottthompson8875]

cool hoverman tv antenna did it work good danny

[@TimFrentz]

Thank you!!!

[@DustInTheWindAZ]

There seem to be some inaccuracies in your statement. The first that jumps out is that Channel 5 is in the VHF-Hi band, which it is not. VHF-Lo is channels 2 thru 6 (30 thru 87MHz) , and VHF-Hi is channels 7 thru 13 (109 thru 300 MHz), with the FM band (88 thru 108MHz) in between channels 6 and 7. So, you must mean the 170-230 MHz channels are 7 thru 13.

[@larryhaney6608]

Hay Danny where do you get that plastic tubing ? I built one of these and man It works good . I'm picken up all the Dallas stations 100 to 123 miles away acording to tv fool . But its ugly as sin I used 1x4's just to see if it would work . Now I need to rebuild it where it more weather proof and looks better .

[@ricklocascio2606]

Danny, thank you very much for this. My question is the signal meter on your laptop. What program is it ? or can I hook the antenna lead directly to my TV ?

[@DannySHodges]

wintv i have a video on my channel

[@fredjones0]

Danny, can I make a single hoverman antenna twice the size vertically with one piece wires on both sides with the vhf fix on the top and the bottom? I made your ultimate antenna with eight elements side by side. It al most works perfectly but not quite.In stead of makeing one of those I thought I'd make a long hoverman, do you think it would be better?

[@davegeorge7094]

thanks brother!

[@seasparrow7427]

Danny, if you have an antenna that's better than your ultimate antenna, what good is it if we can't use it? It's been 3 years since you made this video, could we use it in our lifetime??? And the frames for these antennas, are the PVC also and if they are, is it standard pieces that we can pick up at the local hardware stores?? Thank you.

[@Marvelous-Marvin]

Great job Danny.

[@DannySHodges]

TKS BROTHER

[@tomwyrick2824]

Hey Danny! Nice work! Are you using acid core solder or rosin core solder???

[@garyabc]

You should only use rosin core solder for electrical work. The acid flux will result in bad connections over time.

[@fredjones0]

by the way it is the double ultimate antenna. My clearstream is up about 15 ft above my roof with a amp. During the day especially in the mornings it goes away and pixelates on almost all the channels. I put the double ultimate antenna up head high with out an amp and channel three and six come in solid but none of the upper channels. When I hooked the clearstream up with the amp it was pixelating on three and many of the higher channels. I( think its going to work better when I get it up but I need ed help to install it and there was no one around.

[@DannySHodges]

FRED THAT PIC DIDNT WORK..THE SIDE BY SIDE ANTENNA WAS MEANT TO USE 2 DIRECTIONS..I WILL BE DOING A STACKED ANTENNA

[@rksg2003]

Danny I love your videos man. But if you had to choose from the Hoverman or ultimate antenna to build which way would you go man..if it makes any difference I'm almost surrounded by trees.. Thanks for these videos man!

[@DannySHodges]

HOLD YOUR HORSES..I GOT A HELL OF A GOOD ANTENNA COMING UP SOON..I ALL READY MADE IT AND WORKED IT OUT IN MY HEAD..NOW JUST GOT TO MAKE IT

[@charlestait5303]

Danny, I see you always like to test at twilight when the sun starts to go down and I know why you do that but I was wondering what you do about mosquitoes. At that time of day they eat me alive! Thanks , Bill

[@kevinschultz6386]

Danny I just made the hooverman do I need a booster for that the furthest tower is 63 miles away

[@GrantP1974]

Hi Danny. Will 10 gauge copper wire work for this? I really enjoy your videos. Grant

[@DannySHodges]

1o is what i use

[@marklane4893]

Computer Modeling software has your Utlimate Antenna acheiving more gain with 4" between the whisker (anywhere from .25 to .53 db higher gain). Would be interesting to see how that stacked up in the real world vs the computer software.

[@donmaguire]

I made this. It works good.

[@truckdriver8416]

How well does this antenna do on the high VH 7 through 13 channels?

[@fredjones0]

I built your ultimate antenna and it took me 1 1/2 days. But I ordered wire that was so damn crooked and bent up it took me awhile to straighten it. I will try it tomorrow and let you know how it does. I have a Clearstream dtv double antenna up so we'll see. The stations are like 60 miles away.

[@DannySHodges]

YES LET US KNOW..60 MILES YOU NEED A BOOSTER U NO FOR DURING THE DAY

[@userfixit]

Mr Danny. I would like to build your antenna. I am Retired in Athens GA. Where do I get the PVC for the Backbone. Support? Thanks for your Hard Work -Bob

[@RedRoyce]

Danny, I know this is an older video and your selling the Ultimate antenna so i'm thinking you like it better then this one. I seen the other video you did on this Gray with the add on for VHF on the top and bottom. I'm like you if i had not seen it with my own eyes (you doing the test) I would have said no way is that going to work not making contact with the rest of the antenna! Anyway a question if you have time if not i understand. My place has 1/2 of it's channels on VHF and the others on UHF. The ones i want most is on VHF (CBS and FOX) i got ordered the parts to make my antenna and was going to go with the one you came up with "The Ultimate Antenna" but do you think this one may work better for me on the VHF side with the top and bottom hates on it? I know you have done all the testing and i trust your option. Thanks for all you do for us !

[@davidhefner5668]

What website do you use to get your channel scan?

[@misterioso2735]

What is the reflector for? I used to have this kind of antennas back in the days. But i have no idea what is for.

[@geogmz8277]

I love the southern accent. 👍🏻

[@luisreyes1967]

Really difficult to understand due to that accent

[@rolandsokratesjost2483]

How did you get your TV on your laptop?

[@gregorybond2859]

Danny have you tested the signal strength of the Altamont Antenna vs. The Grey Hoverman TV antenna? I’m thinking of cabining two of the The Grey Hoverman TV antenna together.

[@DannySHodges]

I HAVENT

[@scottythompson940]

did the grey hoverman tv antenna work good danny

[@kevinrich9471]

Danny- Will your Ultimate Antenna pull stations from 100 miles? Thank you sir! Kevin

[@travishanson166]

If it is at least 35' above ground it should, depending on terrain in your area. I'm at 42' and I pick up stations 130 miles away.

[@brianrick5025]

What kind of glue do you use?

[@victoryfirst2878]

SPEAKING 11:00 GETTING PATENT Danny !!! When are we going to see the secret antenna fella ??? I want one for sure. Thanks 😀😀😀😀

[@bretts1]

Danny lmao I just watched that video and was thinking of you. Bang next video up was You! Thanks Brother 😂😂😂😂

[@fredjones0]

well I put it up today and channels 3,6,12,33 45 all work great but 21 and 24 do not and with my dual clearstream they did come in.Now what can I do to get them? anything? I am 55 miles from all of the towers. 21 has 4 channels on it and 24 has 3. If I cut a couple of the elements for these channels will that work? half wave is 11.3 for 21 ans 11.4 for 24. !/4 wave is 5.72 and 5.6 respectively. what do ya think ?

[@DannySHodges]

all the antennas i put up i install boosters...i do no what to do but its to much typing..i will make a video of that and it does need to be made.

[@scrapironprepper]

Glad you found your camera, I thought you moved to Florida............lol

[@scrapironprepper]

Thanks for sharing, I wont build this one just yet........

[@DannySHodges]

HA..IM GONE GET BACK STARTED

[@bobbythatwasverygoodthanky7141]

Thank you I wanted to make that but He didn’t show us how

[@TheSovereignEntity]

I figure your plastic is 1 1/2" and the short pieces are 1" x 3/4". Just a guess because you said the reflector had to be 4" from the other elements. Am I correct in my assumption?

[@1crazynordlander]

That would be my guess. He talks about the other guy's video complaining about not showing how he built it but fails to mention what size his components are. I guess I am going to go look at his original antenna build. I am about ready to try this. I got the parts but not the same exact PVC size backbone parts. I see the 4" separation also. There is another guy out there in YT Land that doesn't put a back screen or shield on. Easy enough take off and put it back on if it would make a difference one way or the other.

[@kensmolow7759]

where is your ground wire for the antenna

[@AngryPete718]

Hey, Danny another great video. What type of square pipe is that? Every time I go into Home Depot they have no idea of square pipe that isn't metal. Any help would be appreciated. I made your ultimate antenna but with wood and no reflector, as I had spare 2x4 around. I used 4ga copper wiring for the bow ties and 6ga for the connecting wire. I also made a dipole VHF antenna to add to the ultimate antenna out of 4ga. Once I test it out I'll report back. Also my VHF antenna is only for channel 12 for VHF as that the only channel I want that is VHF.

[@DannySHodges]

DONT NO BRO I GET MINE FROM A MAN WHOLESALE..IT COMES IN LIKE 16 FT LINKS

[@kb3svj]

Try the big home improvement box stores like Lowes/HomeDepot etc. I seem to recall seeing square/rectangle extruded plastic parts like in the areas where they have fence stuff. I have taken very common schedule 40 PVC round pipe (3/4 to -1") for may amateur radio antenna builds. Since Danny is using short pieces, you could soften the round stock in boiling water and press it between some lumber to make it flat or oval. Too, if yo can find some scrap out-door flooring planks (generally 6" wide), you can rip, then cut them to length.

[@ronb6182]

I know of an antenna that would be better but I dont want to spill the beans if its the one you thought of. Me being a ham radio operator know about antennas being UHF it would be practical to build a UHF version. Lots of gain. I would use solid bare copper ground wire. 73

[@JLDock]

Do you sell your Ultimate Antenna?

[@poodyfighterlover5832]

U R A Proffessor

[@DannySHodges]

TKS BROTHER YOU GOT TOO SEE THE ONE I GOT COMMING..WILL BE SOON..BEEN BUSY

[@nealelliott1360]

I'd buy one from you, just to support your tinkering.

[@fredjones0]

21 and 24 come in at night but not during the day...I am using your ultimate antenns double. I'll get er figured out, if there is a way I will find it

[@DannySHodges]

DID YOU SEE THIS..Gray Hoverman VHF Fix kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5LZlWxjp9Fop7M

[@fredjones0]

yes I did.

[@TheNickybocker]

Danny I love your videos. You sound a little like Larry the cable guy and are funny as well. I just thought of a nick name for you. Danny the cut the cable guy. :)

[@julbertmier8578]

Is the screen ur using is aluminum sir? From Philippines i'll try to make that kind of anthena

[@DannySHodges]

no its cage wire

[@fredjones0]

well I hope I didn't make this side by side ultimate antenna for no reason. I hope it works for me.I am going to put it up where my dual clearstream is with a amp monday I will let you know how it works for sure. I could make in into a antenna like the one in the picture

[@user-fx6uj1hx1g]

ممتاز

[@bentalley2650]

aint gonna bother ya with any talkin lol but ill be watchin and taking notes. learn more from tuning in than broadcasting .thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Jsellers1965]

Does Copper work better than any other metal?

[@DannySHodges]

NOT SURE...IM GOING TO TRY SOME ALUMINIUM SOON

[@fredjones0]

I hate to keep asking questions but where can I get the software for the signal testing

[@DannySHodges]

internet

[@fredjones0]

ordered one. thank you. If I made a hoverman anenna twice as long would it work with solia wire from topto bottom or would I have to make two antennas verticaly? Sure would like to know what you are keeping to yourself

[@OldSkoolF]

My friend Dennis Wright says "Just cause it sounds good, don't mean it's so"....

[@adamrea389]

Danny, how far from Vidalia Georgia are you?

[@DannySHodges]

about 25 miles

[@adamrea389]

@@DannySHodges what would you charge for me to pick an antenna up from you?

[@DannySHodges]

ultimate antenna 65 dollars..I had a few came from Vidalia to get one

[@adamrea389]

@@DannySHodges are you free Wednesday? My email is [e-mail] email me and I'll give you my number to make arrangements

[@MisterKaen]

Bobby Possumcod I presume?

[@freemansoutdooradventures3152]

Danny dose this one pick up VHF as well as UHF

[@DannySHodges]

IT WAS WORKING GOOD..

[@freemansoutdooradventures3152]

Danny S Hodges but will it pick up channels 6/13 on VHF

[@DannySHodges]

WE GOT 3 VHF CHANNELS AND IT PICKED ALL 3 UP

[@DannySHodges]

AND ITS THAT LOW RANGE

[@freemansoutdooradventures3152]

awesome will be building one over the holidays then thank you Sir

[@Jsellers1965]

Tell me about the secret antenna you say is better. I'll keep it to myself

[@DannySHodges]

LOL I AM GOING TO DO THAT...I CANT DO THE ONE IM GETTING THE PATENT ON

[@bobbybatten2901]

Hello friend the one you built in antennas I like your homemade antenna how much is your deluxe TV antenna cost me to get send me a thing vacation note back to me your friend thank you

[@bobbythatwasverygoodthanky7141]

The guy that said he didn’t show ho w long the short Pieces were he show you in his other video

[@Felamine]

Most antennas sold in stores are snake oil junk. The worst are those "TV Free Way" antennas that are just a strip of metal and won't work unless you live right next to the TV towers. Also if your city has VHF stations it won't pick them up at all.

[@DannySHodges]

THATS RIGHT

[@DanaRendahl]

I can I can't figure out how to find your email or phone number I would like to purchase an antenna please my name is Dana .

[@kjaxky]

why do use copper and not aluminum? my commercial made channel master is all aluminum. Since the whisker tips catch the top and bottom of wave, maybe them being connected or 1 peice angled doesn't work as good? You're smoking the entire time you're talking? also the more whiskers the better for farther, weaker signals, is what I understand. yep factories have to factor in profits for importer, distribution, and retail. $80 retail antennas cost $14- $20 factory costs.

[@DannySHodges]

YEP YEP YEP

[@michaelwilt3699]

may i call you...alright ?

[@ThomasCarbine]

make an antenna out of a box spring