How to Use a TV Antenna to Pick Up Wireless Internet

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A Wi-Fi connection can be received from any antenna that is able to transfer the wireless signal to a Wi-Fi device--for example, a wireless router. To use a rabbit ear TV antenna to pick up a Wi-Fi signal, adapt one of the two antenna rods. A few supplies will be needed from a hardware store or hobby shop, along with household tools. Adult supervision is suggested if you are underage since a soldering iron will also be used.

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Step 1

Place a sheet of newspaper on a table to protect the surface. Compress one of the two antenna rods on the rabbit ear antenna. Clamp the jaws of the pliers around the base of the compressed rod. Twist the pliers to separate the rod from the base. Pull the rod off the base.

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Step 2

Heat up the soldering iron for five minutes. Cut off the female connector from the Pigtail N adapter with the scissors. Separate the two wires from the cut end.

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Step 3

Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off each of the two wires with the wire strippers. Push the exposed end of one of the two wires through the hole in the lug at the bottom of the antenna rod. Solder the exposed end of the wire to the lug. Let the solder cool for a minute.

Step 4

Place the exposed end of the other wire against one of the sides of the antenna rod at the bottom next to where the lug meets the antenna. Solder the exposed end of the wire to the side of the antenna rod. Let the solder cool for two minutes.

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Step 5

Insert the male plug of the Pigtail N adapter into the antenna port on the wireless router--if there is a protective plug covering the antenna port, flick the plug off with your fingernail first.

Step 6

Extend the antenna rod to its full length. Place the base of the antenna rod against the back of the wireless router. Tape the antenna rod to the router with strips of masking tape so that it remains in an upright position.

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