The reflector portion of a satellite dish concentrates radio signals into the low-noise block amplifier located in the end of the feed horn. If you have poor reception in your home or at a place you frequent, you can use an old satellite dish to concentrate signals into a cellphone instead of the LNB. You can't do this with a satellite dish you are using for TV reception or any other purpose. Use a cellphone with a speaker.

Things You'll Need

• Satellite dish
• Cigarette box
• Masking tape

Step 1

Use the box from a pack of cigarettes and masking tape to fashion a pocket in front of the feed horn on a satellite that is not connected to a receiver. Remove any foil from inside the box.

Step 2

Place your cellphone in the pocket so that you can see the signal strength meter and point the satellite dish toward the nearest cell tower or metropolitan area. Look for the strongest signal.

Step 3

Remove the cellphone from the pocket but hold it as near to it as you can while marking a number, turn on the cellphone speaker and return the cellphone into the pocket.

Step 4

Place your head as close as you can to the cellphone while talking, but avoid blocking the signal with your head. You may have to speak louder than usual.