If you've recently joined the ever-growing ranks of the cable cutters, you're far from alone. More and more people (myself included) are getting fed up with service providers' outdated subscription models and absurd pricing—and canceling their service.
And why not?
There are more legal alternatives than ever, and if you're willing to wait a little longer to catch up on your favorite shows, you can save a ton of money.
In addition to online services like Netflix, Hulu, and Crackle, you can still watch some over-the-air channels like ABC , NBC, FOX, and PBS free of charge, but you have to be able to pick them up. There are plenty of antennas you can buy to help boost your signal strength, but few of them are as effective as the Gray-Hoverman antenna.
Invented and first patented by engineer Doyt R. Hoverman in 1959, the device is called a "super antenna" because it greatly increases the range and number of channels you can pick up. Users are commonly able to tune in to stations broadcasting 30-40 miles away, and sometimes more.
Both of the two patents on the device have since expired, making it easier than ever to build your own at home. There are a number of tutorials using different materials, but one of the simplest comes from tech blogger John Biggs, using foam core board and copper tape for a light, inexpensive antenna that can be mounted indoors.
How to Build a Gray-Hoverman Super Antenna
Putting it together is easy. In addition to the foam core board and copper tape, you'll also need a really cheap balun transformer (which you can get at any electronics store), two wood screws (or solder) to attach it, and a coaxial cable to connect it to.
John created the diagram below and used a ruler and protractor to draw it on the board before laying down the tape. It's important to pay close attention to the measurements and be as precise as possible as your results will be determined by how accurate they are.
When you start taping, it's important to fold the tape at each corner rather than cutting it, so each side is one continuous piece. The top and bottom pieces (shown in black in the diagram) should be exactly 6mm from the sides (shown in blue).
The gap in the center between the two sides (shown in red) should be 81mm after you've finished taping, and this is where the balun will be attached. You can either solder it on or use two wood screws to connect it to the copper tape.
Mounting and Finding Stations
The antenna can be mounted pretty much anywhere, but you do need to make sure it's facing the right direction to pick up any stations. The model that John used (the GH0n) should be able to pick up digital HDTV channels that you're within range of, and works better with UHF or ultra high frequency channels (channels 14-51) than VHF or very high frequency (channels 2-13).
To find out which stations your antenna will receive, you can use the FCC's online tool, or a different one like TV Fool, to locate stations in your area that broadcast for free. The tool will also tell you which direction they are broadcast from so you know how to position your antenna.
Once you've got it positioned correctly, just plug in your coaxial cable and run a scan on your television to find channels. The settings are different for each brand, but you should be able to find an auto-scan option on the menu under Cable or Antenna.
You can find more information and technical specs on the Gray-Hoverman antenna here, and more details on building your own over on John's blog.
Cover photo by CrEST
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