[SEDXC] Additional info on how to pay out line without tangling it

[Tad Williamson]

If you want to skip to the info about the reel and line I use, skip the first few paragraphs.
 
First off, I use a Pneumatic Tennis Ball launcher.  I built it from a kit from www.antennalaunchers.com
 
On that site, you can find all the info needed to build one of these launchers, or you can click on the link and order a kit like I did.
 
I use tennis balls weighted with sand (non-weighted tennis ball is about 2 ounces).  I have a non-weighted, one with 2 ounces of sand (total 4 oz.) and one with 4 ounces of sand (total 6 oz).   The 6 ounce will knock down most dead pine tree limbs it hits.
 
With the launcher and about 75-85 lbs of air pressure, it will send the 6 ouncer over any 100' pine with plenty of clearance.  We actually think it is closer to 150'
 
On to the line and how to pay it out.  I use Power Pro Spectra line---it is a braidied line and the 65 lb. test is the same diameter as 16 lb. Monofilament line and is not nearly as stiff.  We have used this line the last few seasons and have never broken it when pulling larger lines even through snags.  Warning; use gloves because it will cut into your hands.
This line is available at Wal-Mart.
To pay the line out, I use a bow-fishing open spool (not a reel).  The one I use is a Saunders Bowfishing Zip Reel.  They are available online from many archery supply stores.  I got mine from Lancaster Archery.  Mine is mounted on the barrel of the launchers--I used a piece of PVC and added a strap to fasten the Zip reel and the whole thing slips on the barrel of the lanucher.
I have never had a snarl or tangled line in the 50 or so launchings we have done.
 
Hoep that helps.
73, Tad, WF4W 



"What a long, strange trip it's been"
 
The Grateful Dead
 
Truckin'