TV Aerial Experiment

[Bill Wright]

I see from your signature that you have an interest in quality ales.

Bill

[meow2222]

Thanks everyone! Now I know.

NT

[kim]

Something no-one mentioned here was the lack of a balun which could wreak havoc with weak digital signals due to standing waves on the cable. The most popular home-made types these days seem to be the bow-tie + reflector + balun design.

(kim)

[Ian Jackson]

Does the lack of a balun actually cause standing waves on the cable?

[kim]

No but it helps eliminate them :o)

(kim)

[meow2222]

Is there a way to make a balun that wouldnt cost more than 10p?

NT

[The Natural Philosopher]

Suyrem if you buy the toroids in bulk. Or nick them from scrap items.

[kim]

Yes. I think the ones sold by Maplin cost less than 10p each to make :o)

(kim)

[charles]

I'm sure there was a Wireless World article called "a balun for 10p" - some

40 years ago, I suspect.

[Frank Erskine]

In that case wouldn't it have been "for 2/-"?

;-)

[charles]

make it 36 years ago.

[alan holmes]

This one of course!

MBQ

[alan holmes]

Oh dear, my brain, such as it is, substituted the 'l' for an 'n'!

[Adrian]

Which one? This thread is crossposted.

[meow2222]

Well I finally got a few minutes to spare and made one. Didnt have time to measure an existing one, so just vaguely guessed. It works, albeit rather badly. Picture is quite a lot better than it was with no gain though, so there must be a handful of dB there. Unfortunately me camera's broke though.

NT

[kim]

A Yagi design isn't the best basis for a home made aerial, particularly if it's to be used indoors. The bi-square is a lot better for analogue and the bow-tie plus grid-reflector seems to be very popular for digital.

(kim)