Surprisingly, a large number of cell phone customers complain about not receiving signals inside their homes or workplace. To seek a signal most people try standing on a chair, crawl under their desks, or even strike some kind of yoga pose! All this can be infuriating. What can be done? While commercially available cell phone signal boosters can help, their cost can be significant for most people. Additionally, antennas, amplifiers, repeaters, and even mini-towers are available but again, they are expensive as well. Don’t worry, we have you covered!In this article, we discuss how to make a homemade cell phone signal booster. Interestingly, this signal booster can be made using inexpensive items from a local hardware or electronics store. There are different ways and methods to build a homemade cell phone signal booster and most of them require simple changes to one or two of the materials. Let’s dive!
What are the different methods to make homemade cell phone signal booster?
1. Tin Can signal amplifier
Supplies you need:
2 coffee cans, a metal cookie canister, or something similarPigtail connector compatible with your cell phone modelAntenna connectorHeavy-gauge copper wireSoldering gunSolder
Method:
First,remove any labels or paper wrappers from the exterior of the cans and wash them thoroughly.Allow them to dry.Next, cut both ends from one can to form a tube and leave one end intact on the other can. Heat a soldering gun and carefully solder the open ends of both the cans together to form one tall can. Before adding the solder, apply heat to the area to be soldered with the tip of the gun. Alternatively, you may choose to use adhesive-backed copper tape, overlapping the joint between the two, and seal the tape to the metal on either side, firmly. Next, use a knife to cut a round hole 3.75 inches up the side from the closed bottom. Measure the neck of the antenna connector to know how large the hole needs to be. Take a 3-inch length of copper wire and attach it to the antenna connector by pushing it firmly into the end. Next, solder the copper wiring instead of taping with masking or duct tape as it will dampen the effect. Your antenna is ready. Push the antenna connector with copper wire attached through the hole on the outside of the can just till the shoulder of the antenna connector reaches the inside of the can. Place the nut on the shoulders of the antenna connector from inside and tighten it. If the hole is too large, you may need to add washers to complete this part. Now that the antenna array is complete on the inside, tighten the pigtail connector onto the end of the antenna connector that remains outside of the can. Plug the other end of the wire on the pigtail connector onto the end of the antenna connector into your phone’s antenna port. Make sure that the other end of the pigtail connector fits your phone’s charging port. Plug the unit into your cell phone. It is now ready to use. Remember to aim the open end of the can in any direction till you get a strong signal to make a call.
2. Mini external antenna
Another way is to use any slim metal tube like a pen or drinking straw (metal) to form an antenna. Simply tape one end near the top of your phone such that the tube extends upwards from the phone. Next, plug your cell phone into the USB charger and wrap the cord around the metal tube. Use a metal spring clamp to clip the end. You should be able to see an increase of one or two bars in signal strength.
3. Twist tie signal booster
Using twist ties is a simple and effective way to boost your cell phone’s signal. This works great for cell phones having an antenna stub. All you need to do is wrap the twist tie around the lower end of the stub a couple of times, leaving an inch or two of length protruding beyond the end of the stub. This will extend the antenna thereby increasing signal strength and stability. Tape the wrapped end to secure it in place.
4. Internal antenna extension
To make this signal booster, slide the back off of your cell phone and access the internal antenna port. Next, using an insulated magnet wire, remove a small piece of insulation( half an inch) from one end using a nail file or sandpaper and insert the stripped end into the antenna port. Without including this wire, carefully cut the wire to a 6.3-inch length( one-fourth of a wavelength). Now, bend the wire over and tape it on the back of the phone. Run the wire to the top of the phone and extend it like an antenna. Allow the wire to stay while replacing the back.
Some points to remember are:
Try to keep your cell phone charged all the time as a weak battery generally cannot pick up cell signals. Whether you are using a homemade cell phone signal booster or a commercial one, battery power can drain more quickly. If you don’t see a boost in signal while using your DIY cell phone signal booster, go to higher ground or an intersection or clear space where trees and buildings will not obstruct the signal. While these methods are simple and easy, they will not work with all cell phones. Your phone could be damaged in the process or you could void your warranty due to changes in your phone. We recommend that you consider making a homemade cell phone signal boosteror inserting anything into your phone only when it is an emergency. Perform all these variations at your own risk.
