Pat - Everything the website says about the pneumatic launcher is true! I
just completed assembling one last week, and the first 80 psi test firing
sent an untethered tennis ball out of sight straight up. The height is
controlled by the amount of pressure you pump into the storage tank, and
that's easily done via a high-pressure bicycle pump - no compressor needed.
A couple of test firings at lower pressures sent the ball exactly where we
wanted it. I've used a slingshot for years to get antennas into the trees,
but no more of that.
Quite a bit of engineering work went into the launcher, and there are some
specialized parts that are machined by the seller and included in the kit.
While you could certainly homebrew one, it would be a trial and error
process and you'd likely end up with something much larger than the kit
provides. Anyone contemplating a $99 slingshot is definitely a candidate
for the pneumatic launcher.
73, K8AC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Pat Barthelow" <aa6eg@hotmail.com>
To: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 3:11 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] EZ-Hang
> Folks:
> I had a friend in 6th grade lose an eye with a simple rubber band and
> paperclip that rebounded back into his eye when he shot it...Please wear
> Goggles....
>
> Also, a while back I came across the mother of all antenna launchers...
> This
> should have been featured in the show, "Home Improvement", with "Tim The
> Tool Man Taylor..."
> The PVC pipe, compressed air, pneumatic system is fairly cheap, easily
> homebrewed, and sends tennis balls with antenna attached, as high as 160
> ft.
> Test shots send un tethered tennis balls 600 ft high...
> [600 ft is hard to believe, in my opinion, but would be VERY impressive,
> at
> field day, if true]
>
> The maker lists some reasons. by his experience, for use over slingshots,
> etc, including safety, [hmmmm...] ease of shot weight retrieval, etc...
> He describes how to make them, and also sells a variety of models...
> I have no pecuniary connection with the site, or products..
> 73, DX, Merry Christmas, de Pat AA6EG aa6eg@hotmail.com
>
> Check out:
>
> http://www.qsl.net/wb6zqz/antlaunching.html
>
>
>>We don't have trees that high. With the right weight 120ft is within
>>reach.
>>It fired over a 60ft tree with out any problem.
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
>>[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of lew
>>Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 12:05 PM
>>Cc: towertalk@contesting.com
>>Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] EZ-Hang
>>
>>W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:
>>
>> >I built one using a Crossman wrist rocket and fishing reel for a lot
>> >less than the $99 they want for it. I found that a reel that has an
>> >offset worked better. Just clamp the reel to the wrist rocket with worm
>>clamps.
>> >Then use some heavier lead weights to tie on to the end of the fishing
>>line.
>> >You might want to put a swivel on.
>> What is the highest elevation you can get the line up and over with a
>>slingshot/reel combo? With just the slingshot and the 60# test line pulled
>>off in front of me with out a reel I can get up to about 90'. Can you get
>>up
>>and over a 120' tree using a reel with the slingshot? What's the best
>>weight fishing line?
>> 73 and I remain,
>> Lew W7EW/W7AT
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
> Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with
> any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
>
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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