A dipole antenna uses electrical voltage to create a electromagnetic field that attracts the TV broadcast signal. Aligning the dipole to take advantage of its maximum sensitivity along the right angles relative to the axis is necessary in order to guarantee correct placement. This proper placement of the dipole antenna makes sure that the TV signal is received, so that it can be transmitted to the television for viewing. The physical manipulation of the dipole requires partial disassembly from the mount to which it has been attached, which will require you to use some common household tools.
Instructions
1. Locate the direction (e.g., north by northwest, etc.) of the local TV broadcast towers relative to your location -- this information can be found on the website of a local TV station or by using a broadcast tower application on a computer or mobile device like a cell phone. Commit this direction to memory.
2. Go outside to where the dipole antenna has been mounted.
3. Hold the compass in front of you. Note the position of "North" on the compass -- the direction in which the needle on the compass points. Determine the direction of the local TV broadcast towers using the information learned in step one and the points of the compass.
4. Loosen the screws from the mounting collar surrounding the pole holding the dipole antenna with the Phillips-head jeweler's screwdriver.
5. Rotate the pole so that the line created by the two antennas of the dipole is at a right angle to the direction of the local TV broadcast towers.
6. Tighten the screws back in with the Phillips-head screwdriver. Straighten any wires of the dipole antenna that may have become bent with a pair of pliers.
Tags: broadcast towers, dipole antenna, local broadcast, local broadcast towers, dipole antenna