Antenna Handbook | Best Antennas, Free Calculators & Top Antenna Deals: 2018

The Very Best Indoor HDTV Antenna for your home

The Best Indoor HDTV Antenna - A streaming channels such as netflix, iflix, apple tv, upstream, all of which are paid monthly channels that charge our monthly fees. With this The Best Indoor HDTV Antenna for your home, you can get free channels without extra monthly fees. 
Never Pay your cable or satellite for television again ! No Monthly Fees, No Increases and No Contracts. No more triple-digit monthly bills! A One time purchase for less than 30$ can save you 80-212$ every month, adding up to 960-2544$ a year! This innovative Indoor flat Digital Antenna is worth every cent you pay. You can Get All local Channels in Crystal Clear HD Quality !
Depending on your location, , the HDTV antenna can receive include NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, PBS, THE CW, QUBO, TELEMUNDO, UNIVISION, RTV, THIS TV, ION, ME TV, TV Showss, News, sitcoms, kids programs, sports, the weather channels and So much more.

Our Pick

Easy Installation Indoor Antenna
Easy Plug and Play Indoor Antenna , out of the way, you can choose the installation position the antenna - on the table, wall or window (strongly recommended).
The compact design plugs directly into 'ANT IN' port and can tuck neatly behind your TV . Easily move TV Antenna between TVs at home or away so your content travels with you. For Home or Apartment, Camping, Yacht and Store/Office.
The U Must Have Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna comes with HD Crystal-Clear 4K Ultra HD and 1080 Full HD & HD Sound Quality.  Powerful Amplifier Signal and Low Noise Filter outs of Cellular and FM signals resulting in clearer picture
Hang the indoor antenna on a window or wall, or better position where owns better reception of your House. Note: Always remember re-scan for channels after moving the Antenna. Visit - "dtv gov maps" information is useful.

Runner Up

Indoor Smart Switch Amplifier Signal Booster
Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna



The Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna come with smart switch control powerful amplifier signal booster next generation & crystal clear filter technology : filter out cellular and fm signals resulting in clearer picture and low noise, enhanced gain, range and frequency performance. Access to more free broadcast TV signals. 

Budget Pick 

1 By One Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna

Built-in high quality state-of-the-art nanotechnology
1 By One Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna
1 By One Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna 

Easy to Install, Lighweight and simple design, beautiful design, you can hide it behind the TV sets, or hang it on the window wall. 
With the nanotechnology for maximum strength increases the  long range reception capacity of the TV Antenna .


Best Long Range Outdoor HDTV Antenna

Best Long Range Outdoor HDTV Antenna as shows by Amazon , with range antenna coverage from 60 miles-150 miles , extremely high performance for Digital HDTV UHF Band.
Available with amplifier signal , 360 degree motorized , and wireless remote control.

150 Miles Range | Receive free digital broadcast High Definition TV signals Full HDTV Support: 720p, 1080i, 1080p Working Frequency: VHF 40~300MHz | UHF 470~890MHz Weather resistant - Watch Your Favorite Channels For Free Including Events Such As The FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games & Much More. Includes wireless remote controller and antenna pole mount
Channels: 1~69 Impedance: 75Ohm Max Output Level:105dB u V Main Voltage: AC-110V/60Hz Operation Temperature: -10° C ~ 50° C Coaxial Cable Length: 40' Dimensions: 18.1" X 3.5" X 11" 

Why 50 Ohm Impedance cable Ideal for Transmitting RF Signals ?

Inspired by Rodrigo , one of this blog reader, who ask about why used 50 Ohm impedance ?

The answer can be shown in the graph above. This was produced by two
researchers, Lloyd Espenscheid and Herman Affel, working for Bell Labs
in 1929.



They were going to send RF signals (4 MHz) for hundred of miles
carrying a thousand telephone calls. They needed a cable that would
carry high voltage and high power. In the graph below, you can see the
ideal rating for each. For high voltage, the perfect impedance is 60
ohms. For high power, the perfect impedance is 30 ohms.



This means, clearly, that there is NO perfect impedance to do both.
What they ended up with was a compromise number, and that number was 50
ohms.



You will note that 50 ohms is closer to 60 than it is to 30, and that is
because voltage is the factor that will kill your cable. Just ask any
transmitter engineer. They talk about VSWR, voltage standing wave ratio,
all the time. If their coax blows up, it is voltage that is the
culprit.


So why not 60 ohms? Just look at the power handling at 60 ohms -
below 50%. It is horrible! At the compromise value of 50 ohms, the power
has improved a little. So 50 ohm cables are intended to be used to
carry power and voltage, like the output of a transmitter. If you have a
small signal, like video, or receive antenna signals, the graph above
shows that the lowest loss or attenuation is 75 ohms.


Still, I get a lot of feedback from people who use 50 ohms for small
signals; you can see above that they are taking a 2-3 dB hit in
attenuation. Excuses I hear are “It's too late to change now!” or “That's the impedance of the box itself.”

This is especially true of most test gear, which is universally 50
ohms. You have to buy a matching network to use it at 75 ohms or any
other impedance. But there are lots of applications where 50 ohms is the
best choice.

( Source : Belden.com)

8 Bit RS-232 D/O Card

For you who wants to experiment with the early computer technology 8 bit Data , this project is very useful to start with, and 8 Bit Data Digital I/O still use in Industrial process , such on factories process control system.

Your old computer still can be use for this experiment, IBM PC XT or AT is fine with Processor 80x86.



And with BASIC computer programming Install, or QBASIC programming . Can Also programming by Turbo Pascal language.   The Circuit Consists Of IC CMOS 4040 , IC 74HC573 & 74HC541 and IC ULN2803.
The Parts lists shown at component lists.

The Design of This Digital Output card is based on accessing PC UART as shown at table2. The basic lines for UART communications is TXD and RXD for Transmit Data and Receive Data. The other lines are DTR, RTS, CTS, DCR, DCD and RI , each for input and output in communication 8 Bit Data via Serial Communication.
The Output voltage level on Serial port RS-232 are represent by +12 V for logic "1" and -12 V for logic "0".
The Connector K1 connected to serial port computer and the output through R1-D1 and R2-D2 and R3-D3 for TXD, DTR and RTS. IC6, IC7, IC8 are optocouplers are safe driving by R1-D1 , R2-D2 and R3-D3 for On/Off transistor inside it , when the voltage +12 V and -12V.  The optocoupler will saturate the transistor if the voltage goes to +12 V and goes to cut off the transistor when voltage goes to -12 V.
The RST and CLK drive 12 bit binary counter, and only 8 bit used . The LEN pulse used to hold latch output from IC2. And IC3 drive LED D4-D11 for shown logic state of DO card.

Computer have four terminal Serial Port ( COM1..COM4) as at table 1 , where each serial port , occupied 8 memory map location. as shown table . The Eight Open Collector Output form IC ULN2803A is final stage of this card, and can apply for switching up to 50V with the total output current not more than 500 mA.

The card can powered from regulate power supply from 9-15 V. On the next article I will show you how to program UART PC.

The PCB for DO Card and the component places.(Souces : Elektor Electronic)

Wideband Active Loop Antenna for Shortwave band general purpose receivers

Active Wide band Loop Antenna for 10-30 MHz Band shortwave band you can construct in your home as Do It Yourself Project (Source article : Elektor Electronics Magazine).

Parts List :

PCB Design and component place :



Loop Antenna is a good indoor antenna alternative for a long wire antenna.

  

Active Wideband Loop Antenna for 10–30 MHz Shortwave Band – DIY Home Construction Guide

The Active Wideband Loop Antenna is one of the most effective receiving antennas for the 10–30 MHz shortwave spectrum. Unlike long wire antennas that require large outdoor space, this compact loop antenna can be built at home as a DIY project while delivering excellent performance for shortwave listening (SWL), amateur radio, SDR receivers, and HF monitoring.

Originally inspired by classic designs published in Elektor Electronics Magazine, this modernized version is optimized for today’s receivers and offers low noise, wide bandwidth, and high signal-to-noise ratio.


Why Use an Active Loop Antenna?

Traditional wire antennas often suffer from high noise pickup, especially in urban environments. An active loop antenna solves this problem by using a small magnetic loop combined with a low-noise RF amplifier.

  • Compact size – ideal for apartments
  • Excellent noise rejection
  • Wide frequency coverage (10–30 MHz)
  • Directional properties reduce interference
  • Perfect for SDR and portable receivers

This antenna is designed primarily for receiving, not transmitting.


Frequency Coverage: 10–30 MHz Explained

The 10–30 MHz HF spectrum covers a wide range of important radio services:

  • International shortwave broadcast stations
  • Amateur radio bands (20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m)
  • Utility and maritime communications
  • Military and aviation monitoring
  • Time signal stations (WWV, CHU)

A wideband loop antenna allows you to monitor all these frequencies without retuning coils or switching antennas.


How an Active Loop Antenna Works

The antenna consists of two main sections:

1. Magnetic Loop Element

A loop of wire responds primarily to the magnetic component of radio waves, which makes it inherently resistant to electric-field noise generated by household electronics.

2. Wideband Low-Noise Amplifier

The amplifier buffers the loop, providing:

  • Impedance matching
  • Flat frequency response
  • High dynamic range
  • Low intermodulation distortion

This design ensures consistent performance across the entire 10–30 MHz range.


Advantages Over Long Wire Antennas

Feature Active Loop Antenna Long Wire Antenna
Size Compact Large
Noise Immunity Excellent Poor
Urban Use Ideal Problematic
Bandwidth Wide Variable

DIY Construction Overview

This project is suitable for beginners with basic soldering skills. All components are inexpensive and widely available online.

Loop Dimensions

  • Loop diameter: 0.8 – 1 meter
  • Wire: insulated copper wire or coax shield
  • Mounting: PVC pipe or fiberglass support

Larger loops improve sensitivity but are not mandatory.


Electronic Circuit Description

The amplifier uses a wideband RF transistor or JFET configured as a low-noise buffer. The design prioritizes stability and flat gain across HF frequencies.

  • High input impedance
  • 50Ω output matching
  • Powered via 9–12V DC or bias-T

The amplifier can be housed in a small waterproof enclosure near the loop.


Component List (DIY Friendly)

  • Insulated copper wire (1–1.5 mm)
  • Wideband RF transistor (2N5109 / J310 / BF245)
  • Resistors (metal film recommended)
  • Capacitors (ceramic + electrolytic)
  • PCB or prototyping board
  • BNC or SO-239 connector
  • 9–12V DC power supply
  • Plastic enclosure

🛒 Recommended Components (Affiliate Links)

Using quality components improves reliability and noise performance.


Installation Tips

  • Install outdoors or near a window
  • Rotate loop to null interference
  • Keep amplifier close to loop
  • Use quality coaxial cable

Performance Expectations

When properly built, this antenna delivers:

  • Strong reception across 10–30 MHz
  • Reduced urban noise
  • Stable operation with SDR receivers
  • Excellent DX capability

Many users report better results than long wire antennas in noisy environments.


Is This Antenna Legal?

Yes. This antenna is receive-only and does not transmit RF energy. It complies with radio regulations worldwide.

Conclusion

The Active Wideband Loop Antenna for 10–30 MHz is one of the most practical DIY antennas for modern shortwave listening. With compact size, low noise, and wide coverage, it is ideal for home construction and urban environments.

Inspired by classic Elektor designs and updated for modern receivers, this project offers excellent performance.

Half Dipole Antenna for TV Reception you can build

I got this design from Antentop.org with title Unusual TV Antenna , is from Magazine 1966 . This antenna design as Tiny Antenna, this antenna can receive for 4 channel at that time, maybe more channel today.
TV station located far about 55 km and 105 km from TV reception.
The Antenna design itself is Dipole Antenna, half of dipole copper rod with 6mm diameter ( 3-AWG), with plastic tube about 36 mm ( 1 1/2 inch) is placed. The tube is filled by Iron sawdust, the length of the plastic is about 2/3 from the length of copper rod. shows in fig 1. for cable TV , you can use 75 Ohm or 50 Ohm impedance


DIY SWR meter





DIY SWR Meter: Build Your Own Standing Wave Ratio Meter at Home

Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) is one of the most important parameters in radio frequency (RF) systems. Whether you are a ham radio operator, CB radio user, or RF electronics hobbyist, understanding and measuring SWR is essential for protecting your transmitter and maximizing antenna performance.

In this in-depth guide, you will learn how to build a DIY SWR meter at home using inexpensive components. This project is inspired by classic RF measurement concepts popularized in publications such as Elektor Electronics Magazine, rewritten here as an original, practical, and beginner-friendly tutorial.

This article is optimized for SEO, Google AdSense monetization, and affiliate revenue, making it ideal for electronics blogs, ham radio websites, and DIY project portals.


What Is an SWR Meter?

An SWR meter measures how efficiently radio frequency power is transferred from a transmitter to an antenna. When the antenna impedance does not match the transmitter output (typically 50 ohms), part of the RF energy is reflected back toward the transmitter.

The Standing Wave Ratio is defined as:

SWR = (Forward Power + Reflected Power) / (Forward Power − Reflected Power)

A low SWR indicates good impedance matching, while a high SWR means power loss, signal distortion, and potential damage to the transmitter’s output stage.


Why Every Radio Operator Needs an SWR Meter

  • Protects transmitter final amplifier
  • Improves antenna efficiency
  • Reduces RF power loss
  • Improves communication range
  • Essential for antenna tuning

Commercial SWR meters can be expensive. Fortunately, a DIY SWR meter can deliver excellent performance at a fraction of the cost.


How a DIY SWR Meter Works

The core of an SWR meter is a directional coupler. It samples:

  • Forward RF power (from transmitter to antenna)
  • Reflected RF power (from antenna back to transmitter)

By rectifying these RF signals using diodes and measuring their relative levels, the SWR can be determined accurately.

This design works best for:

  • HF amateur radio bands
  • CB radio (27 MHz)
  • Low VHF frequencies

DIY SWR Meter Circuit Overview

The circuit consists of:

  • Directional coupler transformer
  • Germanium or Schottky diodes
  • Analog panel meter (microamp type)
  • Calibration potentiometers
  • RF connectors (SO-239 or BNC)

This passive design requires no external power supply, making it highly reliable and portable.


Component List (Bill of Materials)

📦 Core Components

  • Toroidal ferrite core (FT-50-43 or equivalent)
  • Enamel copper wire (0.5 mm)
  • Germanium diodes (OA90 / 1N34) or Schottky (BAT85)
  • Analog panel meter (100 µA or 200 µA)
  • Potentiometers (2 × 10kΩ)
  • Resistors (carbon film)
  • Ceramic capacitors (100 pF – 1 nF)

📦 Mechanical Parts

  • Metal enclosure (RF shielding)
  • SO-239 or BNC connectors (input/output)
  • Knobs and scale plate

🛒 Recommended Parts

Using quality RF components improves accuracy and durability.


Building the Directional Coupler

Wind the toroidal transformer carefully:

  • Primary: 10 turns bifilar winding
  • Secondary: 2–3 turns sensing coil

Keep leads short and symmetrical to maintain RF balance. This step determines measurement accuracy.


Detector and Meter Circuit

The RF voltage from the coupler is rectified using germanium or Schottky diodes. These diodes are chosen for their low forward voltage drop, allowing accurate detection at low power levels.

Each detector feeds the meter through a calibration potentiometer, enabling precise SWR adjustment.


Calibration Procedure

  1. Connect transmitter → SWR meter → dummy load
  2. Set transmitter to low power
  3. Adjust forward calibration control to full scale
  4. Switch to reflected mode
  5. Read SWR from scale

Once calibrated, the meter can be used for antenna tuning and system diagnostics.


Expected Performance

  • Accurate SWR readings from 1:1 to 5:1
  • Usable from HF to low VHF
  • No power supply required
  • Portable and rugged

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using silicon diodes instead of germanium
  • Poor enclosure grounding
  • Long unshielded wiring
  • High transmitter power during calibration

Conclusion

Building a DIY SWR meter is a rewarding project that deepens your understanding of RF systems while saving money. Inspired by classic Elektor-style designs, this project offers professional-level performance using simple, accessible components.

Whether you are tuning an antenna, protecting your transmitter, or learning RF electronics, this home-built SWR meter is an essential tool for every radio enthusiast.


   

Extremely Low Frequency Reciever using Arduino


Using Arduino Uno and ADC module, this circuit can pick up ELF Signal

Car Radio Alarm Circuit


Car Lights Monitor


Brake Lights Alarm Monitor for Car


source : Elektor

Bicycle Lights and Alarm

source : Elektor electronic

Car Alarm



Source : Elektor Electronic

Car Fuse Monitor




Source : Elektor Electronic

Nicad Charger Circuit


Source : Elektor Electronic

Lead Acid Battery Charger




Source : Elektor Electronic

Metal Pipe Detector Circuit

This circuit is useful for trace Metal Pipe Water and Gas.

Metal Detector Circuit with 9 Volt battery


This circuit from 303 Circuit Elektor Electronics . The LC circuit frequency will change when the metal object altered the Inductance of inductor.

TUP, TUN, DUG, DUS

TUP is Transistor Universal PNP, TUN is Transistor Universal NPN, DUG is Diode Universal Germanium and DUS Diode Universal Silicon , are standard components that most retailers have in stock and have minimum specification that use as general purpose diode and low frequencies transistor with different type numbers and have similar specification.