How to Build a Parabolic Satellite Dish Shell
A satellite dish must be able to focus and retransmit broadcast signals sent from an overhead satellite. Build a parabolic satellite dish that will be able to receive satellite transmissions when pointed towards an overhead satellite and used in conjunction with a LNB (low noise block amplifier) module. A few household supplies will have to be assembled for use. Additionally, you will need a few tools that are commonly in most households and a piece of cardboard purchased at a hardware store. No special skills or expertise with electronics is needed to build the basic dish shell.
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Things You'll Need
- 40-by-40-inch cardboard square, one-fourth inch thick
- Aluminum foil
- White glue
- Bonding glue
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Empty cereal box
Instructions
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Place the cardboard square on a table. Apply white glue to the surface of the cardboard. Cover the cardboard with strips of aluminum foil. Press down on the foil. Let the white glue set for an hour. Trim the excess foil off the cardboard with a scissors. Dispose of the excess foil.
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2
Draw a diagonal line from the upper left corner of the cardboard to the lower right corner with a pencil. Draw a diagonal line from the upper right corner to the lower left corner with the pencil. Draw a vertical line down the cardboard so that it intersects where the two diagonal lines cross over each other.
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3
Draw a horizontal line across the cardboard so that it intersects where the two diagonal lines cross over each other.
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Measure an eighth of an inch down from the vertical line at the top of the cardboard. Make a mark with the pencil. Continue measuring down the vertical line in eighth-of-an-inch increments, making a mark each time until you reach the line's bottom.
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Cut off the corners of the cardboard with the scissors to form a circle. Dispose of the excess cardboard in the trash.
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Fold the cardboard so that the first section at the lower left corner is underneath the section directly above it. Continue this folding procedure until you reach the other side of the cardboard. The cardboard has now been folded into a bowl-like shape.
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7
Cut out the front of the empty cereal box with the scissors. Place bonding glue inside the cut-out front of the box. Place the back of the parabolic satellite dish you have made against the inside of the box. Let the bonding glue set for at least four hours before moving the box.
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Tips & Warnings
Heavy duty aluminum foil will be less likely to tear when it is being folded.
