Not sure how you decided on 18" elements. This is a UHF antenna so the 1/2 wave channel 14 frequency 470 to 476 length for elements is 12.55", or about 13". Looks like a solid build. Good job on the antenna and video.
Awesome antenna Mike. I hooked it up to my tv, stood beside the tv, and picked up about 30 channels. I’m going to put it in my attic and maybe attach a reflector to it . Thanks for the video.
I mount 5 elements to a side making 10 total per wooden pole then make another 10 element pole and mount both on a piece of 2 x 6 pine lumber with both poles wired together. I get 30 channels from as far out as 60 miles . Reception at night is best because the sun does not screw with the signal as much at night. Not bad for a freebie antenna. Beats anything WalMart sells.
This is a revision of my first video which was too long in duration. In this one, I changed the length of the elements from 16" to 18" and made the video much shorter. This way it gets right to the point.
After watching so many videos Of so many interesting people here ..... Building their own antennas..... I built my own It gave me 50 channels And perfect clear image...
Hi Mark. Thank you for your comment. Before I settled with the fractal bowtie design, I used a regular bowtie in my attic for a few weeks as a test run before cancelling my cable service. I didn't have any real luck with reflectors (I used aluminum foil), but I mounted all my antennas around the AC unit in my attic which seems to act as a big reflector. Two issues I faced were power lines that run in front of my house, and the fact that I live a couple blocks away from the interstate. Back in the day of analog, CB'ers would blast through the TV. With digital, this doesn't seem to happen anymore but I do believe that CB activity DOES interfere with reception, we just don't hear them. The regular bowtie seemed to be sensitive to this and experienced short dropouts often. The fractal part of the design seemed to overcome external activity and for me it was a great solution. Without it, I guess I would've had to keep my cable service! I can't promise that i'll do a comparison video since I don't have a whole lot of time on my hands, but I do hope to do one on how to custom build the antenna for the stations viewers are wanting to receive.
I made this antenna with some changes . 10 elements and whiskers attached to where the transformer is . this antenna is awesome, thanks for the tutorial👍
I am guessing just uhf, and would need at least one 30 inch element or two 15 sand a signal combiner for Vhf? . Or would a pole near induce a current if near in the uhf part?
I don't understand throwing this design in an attic, up north. A little work on the center piece aesthetical appeal, add a single Vhf pole, a combiner and strap it to the chimney near the top. You would not loose 30% of the signal and it would be good enough for any wife or house association or nosey neighbors. It is not much different than Christmas or winter decorations as it evokes snow flakes. If you choose wood, it would need an annual restraining. Black frp is what the ai recommends.
As far as I know, the crossover connection in this four bay antenna is just standard. A parallel connection will work but it may be more sensitive to interference. Give it a shot though and let me know how it works for you. Thanks for your comment! :)
Followed your design. Just made each element a bit shorter at 12 inches each. Thanks for posting your video. Antenna drew in 24 channels at a distance of around 15 miles.
bunny Not sure. I don’t use one but as far as I know from watching other videos, 6-8 inches away might be best. Sounds like you have some experiments to do. :)
Mike, Do you prefer this design over the triangle shape fractal you made? Not looking forward to all those bends if there isn't an appreciable difference... I made the Tuxedo with aluminum, want to try a fractal with soldered copper now
The 8 point fractals may work better to stabalize the signal if interference is a problem which was the reason I had to use it. It was my 1st design. If you don't have an interference problem, the fractals may not be necissary at all. I believe the best design I discovered was the Tri-4 labeled "SUPER EASY TO BUILD". (Just throwing it out there)
I used a pair of needle nosed pliers on 12 gauge copper wire. Not the easiest thing to do. But look, if you have wire left that at least 40" long, I published a brand new video with a new design that is much easier to build. ua-cam.com/video/X8VjHEX8czA/v-deo.html
Thanks for your question Robert. This antenna that I built using wood is best mounted in a dry location either indoors or in your attic. Basically an indoor antenna. I have mine in my attic. It is important not to use treated wood because it can be more conductive and deliver a weak signal. If you plan to mount it outside, white PVC material is the best thing to use. PVC is actually best in any case, but dry untreated wood will do fine if you want to build it cheap. I will be posting a new video soon presenting a new and easier design for this antenna. If you're subscribed, you'll get a notification when it publishes. Thanks
At that range it might work if it was high and outside with a booster. Here on my channel, the most successful design I share is the Tuxedo. Danny S Hodges has a channel where he shows some good designs too.
hi, i wonder if you can help me out? i am wishing to make a high gain uhf ham band 433mhz or 70cm fractal antenna. i just don't get how someone is supposed t owork out what fractal shape to use. i am not so bothered about being able to transmit on it,. apparently a fractal can give 20% increased efficiency? i was going to make a double quad with reflector, supposedly around 12dbi gain. can this antenna exceed that and if so how? thanks , peter
Bill Shatner I’m not a technician. Just a guy who discovered a solution for my cable bill problem and wanted to share it with the world. This video is the first of several on my channel that I posted a few years ago but is not the best antenna. My latest video called “Build Your Own” is my best antenna so far. Head over to my channel, click the video section and check that one out. Instead of 56”, make your elements two wavelengths long, divide by 8 and make your bends to those measurements. I can’t guarantee it will work. Btw, out of all my experiments, the triangles work the best in my opinion.
This fractal bowtie design is the first design I had success with but I needed to overcome interference in my attic, not weak signals. It also depends on the station's frequency and transmit power. The bowtie works great for UHF but not so well for VHF in which case, a VHF add on would work well. For long distance the best design I came up with is the Tuxedo. I have a video for that as well on my channel. It's a spin-off of the Hoverman which is also an awesome antenna. I created the Tuxedo so it would fit in one's attic. BTW, what are the call letters of the station you're trying to get? (ie., wxyz)
The call letters are WXII which has a frequency range of 204 - 210. What I read & dont understant is "WXII-TV shut down its analog signal on June 12, 2009. The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 31, using PSIP to display WXII-TV's virtual channel as 12 on digital television receivers." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WXII-TV So do I need to get channel 31 or 12 because 12 is VHF & 31 is UHF? by the way great video!
According to the fcc tv quiery wxii is virtual ch 12 but transmits at RF ch 31 (572 - 578). transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=wxii&arn=&state=&city=&chan=0.0&cha2=69&serv=&type=&facid=&asrn=&list=0&ThisTab=Results+to+This+Page%2FTab&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9#10001 It shows 2 channels from the same tower. I'm pretty sure the one you're looking for is the licensed. Not the construction. It has excellent transmit power but you might have to install your antenna high and outside. The Tuxedo does much better for distance but distant stations may come in great one day and not at all the next. Thanks for the compliment :)
after I started to make the antenna I found the 10.5 inch elements will not work (here's a picture of my first wire bend shopwilkes.net/email-bs/~.jpg )so I guessing I will have to use the V shape for the elements to custom make an antenna to get channel 12 WII How would make it?
10.5 inches is too small. I don't know how you got that. 18 inches should work just fine but if you are looking to custom build it for that station, check out the custom build video on my channel. And while you're on my channel, click the ABOUT tab. There are some helpful links you might find useful. You'll need to copy and paste them into your browser. BTW, if you use the straight V elements and are installing the antenna in your attic, you may experience interference. That was my problem and the reason I combined the the antenna with fractals in the first place. If you install it outside the straight V may work OK.
Not sure how you decided on 18" elements. This is a UHF antenna so the 1/2 wave channel 14 frequency 470 to 476 length for elements is 12.55", or about 13".
Looks like a solid build. Good job on the antenna and video.
Awesome antenna Mike. I hooked it up to my tv, stood beside the tv, and picked up about 30 channels. I’m going to put it in my attic and maybe attach a reflector to it . Thanks for the video.
Best fractal DIY antenna construction video I've seen. Thanks for your time making this video.
Thank you Terry for taking the time to leave your comment. Do you use an antenna for your tv? If so, did you build it yourself?
I mount 5 elements to a side making 10 total per wooden pole then make another 10 element pole and mount both on a piece of 2 x 6 pine lumber with both poles wired together. I get 30 channels from as far out as 60 miles . Reception at night is best because the sun does not screw with the signal as much at night. Not bad for a freebie antenna. Beats anything WalMart sells.
This is a revision of my first video which was too long in duration. In this one, I changed the length of the elements from 16" to 18" and made the video much shorter. This way it gets right to the point.
After watching so many videos Of so many interesting people here ..... Building their own antennas..... I built my own It gave me 50 channels And perfect clear image...
This was excellent, very well done and I thank you.
Good video. Interested in seeing a comparison video of the fractal bowtie vs a bowtie with a reflector.
Hi Mark. Thank you for your comment. Before I settled with the fractal bowtie design, I used a regular bowtie in my attic for a few weeks as a test run before cancelling my cable service. I didn't have any real luck with reflectors (I used aluminum foil), but I mounted all my antennas around the AC unit in my attic which seems to act as a big reflector.
Two issues I faced were power lines that run in front of my house, and the fact that I live a couple blocks away from the interstate. Back in the day of analog, CB'ers would blast through the TV. With digital, this doesn't seem to happen anymore but I do believe that CB activity DOES interfere with reception, we just don't hear them.
The regular bowtie seemed to be sensitive to this and experienced short dropouts often. The fractal part of the design seemed to overcome external activity and for me it was a great solution. Without it, I guess I would've had to keep my cable service!
I can't promise that i'll do a comparison video since I don't have a whole lot of time on my hands, but I do hope to do one on how to custom build the antenna for the stations viewers are wanting to receive.
I made this antenna with some changes . 10 elements and whiskers attached to where the transformer is . this antenna is awesome, thanks for the tutorial👍
Thanks for the awesome comment monty. Nice touch with the extra elements and glad to know that the video was helpful! :)
Sure was man , can't wait to take it outside 👍😊
Watch out for them lightning bolts!! :)
Great job,like this video and how you explained everything .
Thank you Marion. Hope it was helpful.
Thank you sir!
Could you tell me why you did not just solder the wires together ??? How did you come up with the different dimensions and angles for this antenna ???
Just want to say Thanks for sharing. :)
I am guessing just uhf, and would need at least one 30 inch element or two 15 sand a signal combiner for Vhf? . Or would a pole near induce a current if near in the uhf part?
I don't understand throwing this design in an attic, up north. A little work on the center piece aesthetical appeal, add a single Vhf pole, a combiner and strap it to the chimney near the top. You would not loose 30% of the signal and it would be good enough for any wife or house association or nosey neighbors. It is not much different than Christmas or winter decorations as it evokes snow flakes.
If you choose wood, it would need an annual restraining. Black frp is what the ai recommends.
Mr. Cordcutter, Nice design. I'm trying it out. Any reason why you cross the connector wires? Could you run in straight down each side? Thanks,,,,
As far as I know, the crossover connection in this four bay antenna is just standard. A parallel connection will work but it may be more sensitive to interference. Give it a shot though and let me know how it works for you. Thanks for your comment! :)
Followed your design. Just made each element a bit shorter at 12 inches each. Thanks for posting your video. Antenna drew in 24 channels at a distance of around 15 miles.
Awesome!
Are the dimensions/angles of the "fractal" sections important?
Would having the reflector on the back be better further way or real close. Thanks for your help. Gino.
bunny
Not sure. I don’t use one but as far as I know from watching other videos, 6-8 inches away might be best. Sounds like you have some experiments to do. :)
Mike, Do you prefer this design over the triangle shape fractal you made? Not looking forward to all those bends if there isn't an appreciable difference...
I made the Tuxedo with aluminum, want to try a fractal with soldered copper now
The 8 point fractals may work better to stabalize the signal if interference is a problem which was the reason I had to use it. It was my 1st design. If you don't have an interference problem, the fractals may not be necissary at all. I believe the best design I discovered was the Tri-4 labeled "SUPER EASY TO BUILD". (Just throwing it out there)
How did you bend the wires like that?! I'm having a really hard time trying to bend them in that shape
I used a pair of needle nosed pliers on 12 gauge copper wire. Not the easiest thing to do. But look, if you have wire left that at least 40" long, I published a brand new video with a new design that is much easier to build.
ua-cam.com/video/X8VjHEX8czA/v-deo.html
When you say the length of the element is 18 inches, do you mean before you bend it?
yes
Can you use this inside the house or does it have to be outside?
Thanks for your question Robert. This antenna that I built using wood is best mounted in a dry location either indoors or in your attic. Basically an indoor antenna. I have mine in my attic. It is important not to use treated wood because it can be more conductive and deliver a weak signal. If you plan to mount it outside, white PVC material is the best thing to use. PVC is actually best in any case, but dry untreated wood will do fine if you want to build it cheap. I will be posting a new video soon presenting a new and easier design for this antenna. If you're subscribed, you'll get a notification when it publishes. Thanks
No reflector ?
I tried a reflector on one of these in my attic but it didn’t make a difference in my situation not saying it wouldn’t work in yours. :)
Anyone know if these antennas are directional? Or are they omni-directional?
Lol
you didnt said how much range of this antenna..... for me iam 100 miles from tv transmitter.... this will work or not?
At that range it might work if it was high and outside with a booster. Here on my channel, the most successful design I share is the Tuxedo. Danny S Hodges has a channel where he shows some good designs too.
hi, i wonder if you can help me out? i am wishing to make a high gain uhf ham band 433mhz or 70cm fractal antenna. i just don't get how someone is supposed t owork out what fractal shape to use. i am not so bothered about being able to transmit on it,. apparently a fractal can give 20% increased efficiency? i was going to make a double quad with reflector, supposedly around 12dbi gain. can this antenna exceed that and if so how? thanks , peter
Bill Shatner
I’m not a technician. Just a guy who discovered a solution for my cable bill problem and wanted to share it with the world.
This video is the first of several on my channel that I posted a few years ago but is not the best antenna. My latest video called “Build Your Own” is my best antenna so far. Head over to my channel, click the video section and check that one out.
Instead of 56”, make your elements two wavelengths long, divide by 8 and make your bends to those measurements. I can’t guarantee it will work.
Btw, out of all my experiments, the triangles work the best in my opinion.
Thanks for the info. that is the sort of answer i was looking for, what is the best shape. i will check out you're other videos. thanks.
Is this the Fractal Bowtie design best for a weak signal (the station is 60 miles away) I only want one Chanel where I live is a bad reception area
This fractal bowtie design is the first design I had success with but I needed to overcome interference in my attic, not weak signals. It also depends on the station's frequency and transmit power. The bowtie works great for UHF but not so well for VHF in which case, a VHF add on would work well. For long distance the best design I came up with is the Tuxedo. I have a video for that as well on my channel. It's a spin-off of the Hoverman which is also an awesome antenna. I created the Tuxedo so it would fit in one's attic. BTW, what are the call letters of the station you're trying to get? (ie., wxyz)
The call letters are WXII which has a frequency range of 204 - 210. What I read & dont understant is "WXII-TV shut down its analog signal on June 12, 2009. The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 31, using PSIP to display WXII-TV's virtual channel as 12 on digital television receivers." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WXII-TV So do I need to get channel 31 or 12 because 12 is VHF & 31 is UHF? by the way great video!
According to the fcc tv quiery wxii is virtual ch 12 but transmits at RF ch 31 (572 - 578). transition.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?call=wxii&arn=&state=&city=&chan=0.0&cha2=69&serv=&type=&facid=&asrn=&list=0&ThisTab=Results+to+This+Page%2FTab&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&NS=N&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=&EW=W&size=9#10001
It shows 2 channels from the same tower. I'm pretty sure the one you're looking for is the licensed. Not the construction.
It has excellent transmit power but you might have to install your antenna high and outside. The Tuxedo does much better for distance but distant stations may come in great one day and not at all the next. Thanks for the compliment :)
after I started to make the antenna I found the 10.5 inch elements will not work (here's a picture of my first wire bend shopwilkes.net/email-bs/~.jpg )so I guessing I will have to use the V shape for the elements to custom make an antenna to get channel 12 WII How would make it?
10.5 inches is too small. I don't know how you got that. 18 inches should work just fine but if you are looking to custom build it for that station, check out the custom build video on my channel. And while you're on my channel, click the ABOUT tab. There are some helpful links you might find useful. You'll need to copy and paste them into your browser. BTW, if you use the straight V elements and are installing the antenna in your attic, you may experience interference. That was my problem and the reason I combined the the antenna with fractals in the first place. If you install it outside the straight V may work OK.