HOME BOX OFFICE DECODER PLANS MATERIALS REQUIRED: 1 - Radio Shack mini-box ( #270-235) 1 - 1/4 watt resistor, 2.2k-2.4k ohm (RS #271-1325) 1 - 75pf-100pf variable capacitor (Hard to find) 2 - F61a chassis-type coaxial connectors (RS #278-212) 12" - No. 12 solid copper wire 12" - RG59 coaxial cable INSTRUCTIONS 1. Take a length of No. 12 gauge solid copper wire, remove the insulation and twist the wire around a 3/8" nail or rod to form a coil of 9 turns. Elongate the coil to a length of 1 1/2" inches and form right angle bends on each end. 2. Solder the variable capacitor to the coil. It does not really matter where on the coil you solder it. It still does the same job. The best place for it is in the center with the adjustment screw facing upward. Note: When it comes time to place the coil in box, the coil must be insulated from grounding. This can be done by using Crazy Glue to attach a piece of rubber to the inside bottom of the box and then securing the coil to it. 3. Tap the coil at 2 1/2 turns from EACH end of coil and solder the coaxial chassis connectors at those two points. The tap leads are brought through holes in the chassis box. Use as little wire as possible. 4. Solder the resistor to the center of coil and ground the other end of resistor to the chassis box, using the solder lug and small screw. 5. Drill a 1/2" diameter hole in the mini-box cover to permit the adjustment of the variable capacitor from the outside. Inspect the device for defects in workmanship and place the cover on the mini-box. Tighten securely. 6. Place your completed device in line with the existing cable on either side of the converter box and connect it to the television set with the short piece of RG59 coaxial cable. Set your television set to the Home Box Office channel. 7. Using a plastic screwdriver (non-metallic), adjust the variable capacitor until picture tunes in. If you can adequately see the picture, you are a success. If you enjoyed this project, there are many other fun and knowledge building things you can do with electronics. See your local Radio Shack dealer or similar electronics parts store and see what kits and plans they have available. You may also wish to read some of the magazines, such as "Popular Electronics," "Radio & Electronics," etc.