DB8 Television Antenna - Guide Parts

This remix includes my modified part, along with a walkthrough of how I built my antenna. Mainly because the article linked in the original model listing is currently dead (as of 12/5/25). When I started this project, I had zero background in antenna design, but I wanted a reliable alternative to YouTube TV after the Disney/ESPN blackout and rising subscription costs. Since I’m close enough to several major broadcast towers, building an OTA (Over-the-Air) antenna ended up being the perfect solution, and it now reliably brings in ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC (along with a lot of others).

Before this project, I had never heard terms like “DB4” or “DB8.” With some research (and AI assistance), I learned that these refer to bowtie-style antennas. Higher numbers generally mean higher gain. Even without any RF knowledge, I was able to get excellent results, so this guide is intended to help others in the same situation.

Helpful Reference Articles

These were the most useful resources during my build:

• Mike’s Tech Blog – DB4 Antenna Build Guide

• International News Hub – DIY DB4 HDTV Antenna

• How to Build a HDTV Antenna…CHEAP!

Prerequisite: Check Your Available Channels

Before building, find out what OTA stations you can receive from your location. These websites (along with many others) all provide similar results:

• AntennaWeb – Antenna Signal Prediction

• Channel Master – Free TV Channels by ZIP

• RabbitEars – Signal Search Map

Use these to identify available stations, distances, and signal strength.

Materials Used (in addition to the printed parts)

• Romex 12/2 wire

• Wooden board, approx. 5–6 ft

• 75Ω to 300Ω Adapter (Balun)

• RG6 coaxial cable (solid copper core recommended for long runs)

• #6 × 3/4" sheet metal screws

• 3/16" stainless flat washers

Printed Parts

I printed all parts in ABS for attic heat resistance.

• 8 × Bowtie Center – Connection points for each bowtie

• 16 × Bowtie End Spacer w/ End Cap – Keeps bowtie ends aligned

• 1 × Middle Bracket – Mounts the balun

• 4 × Xover Insulator – Prevents contact at crossover points

Build Overview

The diagram below best illustrates the layout, but the main measurements are:

• Each Bowtie Center is spaced 8" apart.

• Xover Insulators go between bays 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8.

• The Middle bracket (balun) sits between bays 4 and 5.

Steps

1. Mark and pre-drill holes in the board to prevent splitting.

2. Loosely mount printed parts.

3. Run two stripped Romex copper conductors through the printed guides for the phase lines.

   • Ensure crossovers alternate correctly.

4. For each bowtie, cut 16" of wire, mark the center, and bend around the screw at the Bowtie Center.

5. Place bowties in the channels, add washers, and tighten screws to ensure contact.

6. Attach end caps/spacers.

   • (Optional) Add a drop of super glue so they won’t slip off during handling.

7. Mount the balun to the Middle Bracket using washers and tighten screws to ensure contact.

8. (Optional) Add a small amount of solder to the connections for long-term stability. Mine worked perfectly even without solder.

This table may help break it down even further:

Here's a look at my finished product:

TL;DR Build Summary

This remix includes a modified part and a simplified guide for building a DBX-style OTA antenna (the original linked article is no longer available). I built this to replace YouTube TV after recent channel outages and now reliably receive ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC.

What You Need

• Romex 12/2 wire

• Wooden board, approx. 5–6 ft

• 75Ω to 300Ω Adapter (Balun)

• RG6 coaxial cable (solid copper core recommended for long runs)

• #6 × 3/4" sheet metal screws

• 3/16" stainless flat washers

• The printed parts (ABS recommended for attic installs)

Printed Parts

• 8 × Bowtie Centers

• 16 × Bowtie End Spacers w/ Caps

• 1 × Middle Bracket (balun mount)

• 4 × Crossover Insulators

Key Measurements

• Bowtie Centers: 8" apart

• Each bowtie wire: 16" total length, bent at center

• Crossover insulators placed between bays: 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8

• Balun bracket between bays 4 and 5

Build Steps

1. Mark locations, pre-drill, and loosely mount printed parts.

2. Strip two Romex conductors and run them through the guides.

3. Ensure crossover points alternate.

4. Form each bowtie by bending wire at the center mark and securing under screw/washer.

5. Add end caps, tighten hardware, and mount the balun.

6. (Optional) Add a bit of solder for long-term stability.