Simple Antenna: Practical Tips for Streaming, Broadcast, and DIY
Need a quick antenna solution for a live stream, wireless camera, or local TV reception? A simple antenna often gives you exactly what you need: better signal, fewer dropouts, and a cheaper fix than buying expensive gear. This page covers the basics, a straight DIY dipole you can build in an hour, and real-world placement tips that actually improve performance.
Simple DIY dipole antenna (one-hour build)
A half-wave dipole is the easiest effective antenna to make. You only need two equal lengths of wire, some coax cable, and a connector. First, pick the frequency you want to use. For example, for 100 MHz FM, each half of the dipole should be about 75 cm long. Use the formula: length (meters) = 150 / frequency (MHz) for each half.
Materials: two pieces of insulated copper wire cut to length, a short piece of coax (RG-58 or similar), a simple antenna connector or solder, and electrical tape. Strip the wire ends and solder one wire to the center conductor and the other to the shield of the coax. Spread the wires in a straight line opposite each other so the feed point is in the middle. Mount it horizontally for FM/TV or adjust to vertical for many wireless mics or Wi‑Fi signals.
Match the feed: a basic dipole often works without extra matching, but if you see big signal loss or erratic SWR, add a simple 1:1 balun or a short section of coax as a matching stub. Don’t connect an antenna to mains-powered gear. If you’re unsure about soldering, use crimp connectors or a terminal block to keep the connection solid.
Practical tips for placement and use
Height and clear line of sight beat fancy antenna shapes every time. Put the antenna as high as possible and avoid metal obstacles or thick walls between the antenna and the transmitter. Small changes—moving it a meter or rotating it 90 degrees—can change reception a lot.
Match the antenna to the job. For local FM/TV or Wi‑Fi streaming, a simple dipole or small directional element works fine. For longer range video uplinks or wireless camera feeds, consider a small Yagi or panel antenna for more gain and a focused beam. Remember, higher gain narrows the beam: if the transmitter moves or the angle changes, the signal can drop.
If you use wireless video kits for webcasting events, pair the antenna type to the transmitter and check polarization (horizontal vs vertical). Mismatched polarization cuts signal strength. Also test your setup before the event—do a dry run from the actual camera positions.
Finally, keep connectors clean and check coax for damage. A cheap coax or loose connector causes more problems than most people expect. With a simple antenna, good placement and a solid feedline often solve reception problems faster than expensive gear.
Want links to builds for specific frequencies or tips for pairing antennas with streaming tools like OBS? Check related how-tos on broadcast gear and live streaming to match your antenna to the exact use case.
How to build a simple antenna for a remote control drone?
In my latest blog post, I guide you through the process of building a simple antenna for a remote control drone. We start with gathering the necessary materials, which include a coaxial cable, wire cutters, and a soldering iron. Then, we delve into the steps of cutting the cable to the appropriate length, stripping it, and soldering the ends. I also share important tips on how to properly install the antenna to ensure optimal drone performance. Lastly, I explain how to test the new antenna to make sure it's functioning correctly.
20.07.23
Maverick Renfield
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