Build a 50 Mhz Dipole from Crutches
From: Nuts & Volts Magazine - 08/2015
By: Bob Fischer

Just as other sculptors are blessed with the vision to see their works of art
hidden in wood and marble, I have developed the ability to see antennas
hidden in metal. After working with antennas for a while, I believe most
everyone can probably develop an eye for dimensions that are quarter-wave
multiples of their favorite frequencies.

A couple of months ago, my wife had an accident that injured her right foot.
X-rays confirmed bones were broken, and an orthopedic surgeon sent her home
with a cast and a set of shiny, new, adjustable aluminum crutches.

When all the medical excitement was over, I had time to take a closer look at
her hobbling around on those crutches. That’s when I spotted the six-meter
antenna hidden in them. A few minutes with the tape measure not only
confirmed the 6M antenna, but also discovered a 4M dipole. All I needed to do
was get the wife healed up and the crutches would be mine.

Eventually, the broken bones did mend and the crutches became surplus to her.
That made them prime material for a novel antenna that would also become an
eye-catching conversation piece.

Read the entire article at:
http://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/article/august2015_fischer

Photo:
http://www.nutsvolts.com/uploads/articles/NV_0815_Fischer_Large3.jpg