Antenna physics... Why is my antenna more efficient when I am touching it? And how might I modify the antenna so I don t have to hold it?

Question

I live in an area where I am told you can t get the TV channels from the neighboring city because of a mountain ridge in between.  But just out of curiosity, I bought an indoor antenna anyways.  It s an apartment so an outdoor antenna is not an option.

The results were interesting.  I found that I can receive many channels, most if them in fact, if I hold the antenna placing my hand at a specific spot on the base.  But if I set the antenna in the exact same position and angle but I m not touching it, suddenly the signal dries up.  I know the body can have various grounding and capacitive effects but I don t understand why they can t build a better antenna building in whatever it is my body is doing.

? · Answer

Don't try to modify any antenna.
Anything you can do is likely to make it worse.

Instead, experiment with placement and position.

Usually, the higher it is, the better, 
but in some cases placing it lower will be better.

Try tilting it, too, in every possible direction.

You might try an antenna amplifier, but if you do, 
get one with BOTH high gain (25 to 30 dB)
AND a variable gain control.

One example is the SKY 38323.

>> If it doesn't have a gain control and the signal is too strong, 
you will have as many problems as you would if it wasn't strong enough.

Also...

Consult antennaweb.org and find out about the stations in your area.

Enter your address in the box provided.

Then, based on the estimated available signal strength, 
select an antenna better suited to your location.

Sometimes the only hope for better reception is an outdoor antenna,
and sometimes you can't have one.

khalil · Answer

as you know ... antenna can be optimized with proper dimensions .....resonant antennas ...
when you touch antenna rod ... you make that point as a ground ....V=0 ....and this responses to a specified frequency ..in fact changed the v i  distributions on the rod ...
http://www.radio-electronics.com/images/3halfwavedipole.gif

if you have a free path toward the tower (outside the apartment)... you may use a bow-tie antenna....
https://www.digicircle.com/images/product_image/RadioShack15-234%20UHF%20Bow-Tie%20Antenna.gif

Antenna physics... Why is my antenna more efficient when I am touching it? And how might I modify the antenna so I don t have to hold it?

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