How to Make a TV Antenna with a Potato

Last Updated: September 6, 2020

Is your digital terrestrial TV signal coming in weak? Are you constantly amazed by the conductive properties of the Almighty Potato? If so, this experiment is for you!

Steps

1
Purchase a Potato. Any variety will work, but choose medium or large-sized one. Wash it to remove any dirt and dry thoroughly before using.
2
Choose an appropriate length of aerial lead (the cable that attaches the TV to the antenna or, in this case, potato). Between 3' and 6' should be more than enough.

Advertisement
3
Attach the aerial lead to the Potato. The pin inside the tip of the lead is the only part that should be pressed into the Potato. Take care not to break or bend the tip.
- (For a coaxial TV cable, only the inside pin needs to go into the potato. The metal casing should be pressed into the skin to help secure it.)
4
Use a length of electrical tape to secure the lead to the potato so it does not become dislodged.
5
Plug the other end of the aerial lead into the back of your television.

Community Q&A

Question

Does that really work?

Alice Pawsome

Community Answer

Yes, it does work!
Question

Is the reception improved if you add butter and sour cream?

Community Answer

Most likely not, since this experiment is demonstrating the conductive power of the juice in the potato. But then again, I have not tried it.
Question

Will the channels come through clear?

Community Answer

This is just a fun experiment, so you will almost certainly get poor reception.

Warnings

The potato antenna is a fun experiment but will most likely not provide the best TV reception.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 32 Not Helpful 26
Because broadcast television has been converted to digital, to receive reception with an antenna you must have either a digital TV or the digital converter box. The requirements can be found at the FCC.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1