I have an old satellite dish from possibly Primestar?  Not sure, but
it is a smaller dish probably 18" - 24" in diameter.  I would like to
know what kind of cool things I could use it for?  I.E. Boosted cell
phone connection, radio reception, frequency scanner reception, CB
reception etc.  Can I do any good stuff like that with this dish?

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Request for Question Clarification by alienintelligence-ga on 10 Apr 2005 20:21 PDT

Hi jhavey,

I'd mail it to zsl, from 
GA Question #505123,
Strengthening signal on 5.8ghz cordless phone
[ http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=505123 ]
so they can strengthen their
phone reception.  

Giving is cool. =)

Do you have a wireless LAN at home?
A parabola is good at reducing wireless 
leakage.

If you coat it with foil, you could
make a nice sun catcher to brighten
up a dark room.

You could also hang it above your 
bed to keep the aliens (or the govt)
from probing your mind at nite.

@¿@

-AI

You can stick a small microphone at the focus point of the parabola
and listen to birdsong form a distance - it will increase the
sensitivity and directionality of the microphone.

Owain

If it's a metal dish you could also use it as a wok or paella pan.

I assume you are going to choose the best answer and award them the fee.

If so, I think have the best answer: invest in a couple of lengths of
nylon rope (for handles) and turn that puppy into a saucer sled!

KIDZ WORLD
http://www.kidzworld.com/multimedia/105/5069_6.jpg.jpg

tytyzdad-ga

Now while that is pretty cool I was actually looking for a more
practical use.  I am looking for an answer that can utilize the actual
workings of the satellite dish for something.  I.E. Is there a way to
use the dish to pick up weaker frequency scanner signals etc.

Create a radical point to point wireless network!

http://www.hackaday.com/entry/1234000613024686/

Use it for wifi http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/

Thrown it away

Like this?

http://homepage.mac.com/randystankey/.Pictures/Snooper1.jpg

It works pretty well.  It needs a little tweeking, though.  Proof of
concept is there, however.

The LNB housings aren't at the focus point of the parabolic dish.  I
don't know why, for sure.  I've got to modify the position of the arm
so that the mic heads are in the  dish's "hot zone".  Once that's
done, I think it'll be pretty cool!


Will post with developments if y'all like.

Hey that is pretty cool Randy, I'd like more info.