This page details how to scavenge wire from vacuum cleaner power cords. Why? Vacuum cleaner cords are usually (a) long enough for making antennas and/or radials (commonly 20+ feet) and (b) have very flexible conductors. I occasionally find vacuum cleaners by the roadside on trash night, so the wire is free for the taking.
Step 1: Remove Outer Jacket
Usually it comes off cleanly by pulling as shown. Sometimes you need to use a knife to cut it off.
Step 2: Remove Cotton Wrap
Usually there are 2 "ropes" twisted around the conductors. I save these ropes and use for tying sticks/branches for yard waste recycling.
Step 3: Untwist Conductors
Step 4: Straighten Conductors
I use a rag or kitchen towel wrapped around the wire (to create some friction) and gently pull/stretch the entire length. Repeat if necessary.
Step 5: Bundle Conductors using Figure-8 Over-Hand
You can now use the salvaged wire to make a "MacGyver Antenna" Plug-In Dipole / Inverted-V.
Comments:
Your idea with the 110 plug antenna! Genius!! I feel like we shoulda seen this before.. Your comments are turned off but I felt the overwhelming urge to tell you that idea is awesome!
Jesse Q
That’s bizarre and awesome at the same time!
Terry B
I like it!
Richard M
Pretty cool bud!
Marcus B
Awesome!
Jim P |
