[CQ-Contest] Compressed Air Antenna Launcher

[Georgek5kg at aol.com]

Mark,

I read with great interest your compressed air antenna launcher.  It is certainly ingenous, and you are to be congratulated for inventing it.

I would like, however, to point out the danger in using it without adequate face and hand protection.  Here is the reason.  I have used a home brew slingshot line launcher with an open faced fishing reel.  In high wind conditions, the fishing line will blow off the face of the reel and, when launched, the line can easily snag causing the weight to snap back and hit the sender.  On two occasions, I had this happen and both times the weight hit my left hand that was holding the sling shot.  The last time it happened, it broke the bone in my ring finger.  This happened three years ago, and the finger still hurts when it rains!

Here is my solution:  1.) I never use the method without a leather glove on the left hand and a full face shield (kind used by woodworkers), and 2.)  I changed to a closed face reel which is much less prone to line snags.

When I saw the photo on your web site with you using your launcher without face and hand protection, and an open faced reel, it sent a chill down my back!

Thought you needed to know.

73, George, K5KG