DIY: WiFi USB Antenna From Satellite Dish

Typical TV satellite dishes are offset so the focal point isn't the middle of the dish.

The only difference between a Wi-Fi signal and a satellite TV signal is the frequency. The same dish can be used to focus Wi-Fi radio waves just as easily and all of the difficult parts are taken care of already. Using a metal can, some tape and a few bolts, you can dramatically boost your Wi-Fi reception. The dish has an arm mounted at the perfect focal point for the size and shape of the parabola, so you can simply put your Wi-Fi adapter there to get the best signal amplification.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Screw drivers, Phillips- and flat-head
• Metal food can
• Drill
• Metal file
• Nuts and bolts
• Glue or duct tape
• USB extension cord

Instructions

1. Remove the receiver for the satellite TV. It may be bolted on or screwed in place. Remove the mounting hardware for the receiver antenna that is at the end of the arm sticking out from the bottom of the dish. Keep the mounting hardware, if you can.

2. Open one end of the metal can and dispose of the contents. Clean the can and completely dry it. Remove the label. Drill a hole half-way up the side of your metal can that's large enough to accommodate your USB Wi-Fi adapter. File the edges of the hole smooth and smooth out the edge where the can was opened.

3. Slide the USB adapter through the can so the USB connection is outside. Tape or glue it in place. Drill holes in the front lip of the can that match the mounting holes on the arm of the satellite dish. If there are no holes in the dish, drill holes that match your bolts and then drill matching holes in the arm of the satellite dish.

4. Mount the can to the arm of the dish so that the opening faces the dish. Use the recovered mounting hardware or bolt it in place with your own hardware. Connect the USB extension cable to the USB adapter and then plug the other end into your computer.

5. Point the dish toward your Wi-Fi signal. Use the guide on the back of the dish to line it up. Don't sight with the can since it's off center. Look at the signal strength on your computer as you adjust the aim on the dish. When the signal is highest, lock the dish in place with the adjustment nuts it has.

References

• Popular Science: Parabolic Cookware Wi-Fi Antenna
• Turn Point: How To Build A Tin Can Waveguide WiFi Antenna