Yagi Antennas for TV and Radio Broadcasting: How to improve signal strength and reach

by | Feb 7, 2023 | Antennas

Have you heard the term ‘Yagi antenna’ and wondered what it is and why it has such a distinctive name? 

The Yagi is one of the most common types of antenna. It can be an ideal choice for improving the signal strength and reach of TV and radio broadcasting. In this article, we’ll discuss how Yagi antennas work and provide tips on how to improve signal strength and reach.

  • What is a Yagi Antenna?

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Yagi Antennas are a powerful directional antenna designed In Japan in the year 1926.They typically consist of multiple parallel elements       running together along a line.

The Yagi is so popular because the design is simple, it’s easy and  relatively inexpensive to manufacture and it has high gain (redirected power the antenna receives and transmits). A Yagi antenna typically produces gain of 10 decibels (dB) or more.A Yagi antenna comprises a conductor and insulated dipoles parallel to the conductor.

The Yagi antenna is named after Japanese engineer Hidetsugu Yagi. 

Now let’s find out how a Yagi antenna works…….

Antennas are the devices that receive and send signals. When the incoming signal reaches the input terminal of the antenna, an alternating current is produced across its terminals in response to the incoming waves. This alternating current is coupled with the input terminal of the receiver through a coaxial cable or waveguide. In short, the receiver antenna receives electromagnetic waves and converts them into electrical signals, while the transmitter antenna converts electrical signals into electromagnetic waves.

Antennas have various shapes and sizes, depending on the specific application. In a typical antenna design, the conductor is usually bent into one or more geometric shapes such as a horizontal dipole or a folded dipole.

The Yagi antenna is mostly a folded dipole antenna. When an extrinsic excitation is supplied to the dipole. The current flow across the active component creates a voltage across parasitic components which makes the flow of current across it.

Characteristics of Yagi Antenna    

  • A yagi antenna is termed a beam antenna when it has an array of only three components: a reflector, one director, and a driven component.
  • The antenna provides moderate directivity in one direction.
  • The gain level provided by the yagi antenna is nearly 8 dB having a front to back ratio of 20 dB.
  • When there is a requirement to enhance the directivity, one can add more components to the array.
  • Yagi antenna is also called a super-directive antenna because of its maximum directive gain.
  • This is a frequency-sensitive device.  

Advantages of a Yagi Antenna

  • The yagi antenna provides high gain.
  • As directors are used, it has high directional features.
  • These antennas are power efficient.
  • The construction and maintenance are not complex.
  • Pricing is not expensive.
  • It has a good level of suitability for high-frequency activities.

One of the key benefits of Yagi antennas is their ability to focus the signal in a particular direction. This makes them ideal for broadcasting, as the signal can be focused towards the desired location, improving the strength and reach of the signal. 

Yagi Safety Precautions

These, like most antennas, are made of aluminium, a great conductor of electric power besides radio frequency energy. You can be instantly killed if the antenna or support structure being worked with touches an electric power line. Never even think of installing an antenna during rain or wet conditions.

Finally, don’t stand less than 5 feet in front of the transmitting antenna when using a regular 3 watt phone. Don’t install the antenna where the signal has to cross where people will be walking in front of or touch your antenna. While radiation dangers at low power are not proven, don’t take chances with RF emissions.

Tips for improving the signal strength and reach of a Yagi antenna for TV and radio broadcasting, you can follow these steps:

  1. Ensure proper alignment
  2. Increase the Antenna gain
  3. Avoid signal obstructions
  4. Upgrade the Coaxial Cable
  5. Use a Preamplifier
  6. Use a Signal Booster

  To conclude, Yagi antennas are an effective and efficient way to improve the signal strength and reach of TV and radio broadcasting. By installing a Yagi antenna you can improve the overall quality of your broadcast. Whether you are a professional broadcaster or simply looking to improve your home television signal, a Yagi antenna can help you achieve your target.