THE HOURGLASS
Small but powerful
The hourglass antenna for UHF band has been around for many years. I recently tried a few configurations and this model worked very well in the house for towers out to 30 miles.
It worked even better out on the main mast on one of my standard reflectors. All my channels came in with a good to strong signal.
This was developed due to the need for a good interior antenna that doesn't have sharp elements sticking out or up.
This works.
A simple build, it can be mounted in a window or on a pole or tripod in the house so it can be moved around. Tested by apartment dwellers in my area with little experience in OTA with good to great results.
BUILD IT
Start with two straight 26" lengths of #10 copper. Find the exact center of each piece, mark it. Measure from the center mark out 5" on either side, mark it.
ELEMENTS
Using one of the bending methods shown in this site bend at the marks inward to a 45° angle, both sides. Measure from the bend down to 7.5" bend inward to form a loop for mounting, both sides.
Now, do it again for the second piece.
Make up an insulator from PVC wood or any non conductive material you have, I show on this site someplace.
Set the mounting screws 2.5" apart and mount your elements and transformer.
PLANES an ANGLES
Once the elements are mounted line it up to look like an hourglass.
Turn the antenna sideways and observe the vertical plane. It should be in a nice straight line top to bottom to keep all receiving element on the same plane. Tweak if needed. This is important don't blow it off.
Turn the antenna forward and look at the shape. You want two perfect half's of an hourglass. Tweek it if needed .
Tighten the screws.
Mount the finished antenna to whatever you have to hold it. Or add a hook for window mounting. I use my tripod.
Connect the feed line, turn on the tv, run a channel scan and see how it does. You may have to move it around in the house for best reception.
You will have to fiddle around with position to get the most channels clear, you'll figure it out.
Enjoy !
