[TowerTalk] Ropes in trees

[Kelly Taylor]

I’ve had some success on shorter (40-50ft) trees using a slingshot, with a high-density weight (heavy but not huge). Of course, it helps I can shoot in such a way as to not care where it lands. 

If your trees are fairly dense, a projectile such as a tennis ball may prove problematic: I’ve had tennis balls get caught in the foliage and not be heavy enough (and too large) to fall through. The tennis ball also seems to absorb enough of the slingshot’s kinetic energy, leaving less energy for moving the ball. 

Seeing the projectile can also be a problem, so I’ve tied coloured tape to the projectile (usually a large nut).

Be wary of how you fasten your pull rope to the monofilament: a large knot can get caught in the branches and render the effort futile. I’ve had success tying two overhand knots (one on each) and then taping over the knot to hold the knots and provide a smooth transition. Going slowly once the knot reaches the branch helps. 

A tree climber like Jim recommends or a buddy with a cherry picker would be ideal. 

73, kelly, ve4xt 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 26, 2018, at 18:39, wesattaway <wesattaway at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> Good advice from Jim.  I use a tennis ball launcher, with good results shooting into tall Pines.  It takes some practice to be able to gauge the correct air pressure to use for certain shots.
> 
> 
>    -----------------------------------Wes Attaway (N5WA)(318) 393-3289 - Shreveport, LAComputer/Cellphone ForensicsAttawayForensics.com   ------------------------------------
> -------- Original message --------From: Jim Brown <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com> Date: 12/26/18  6:19 PM  (GMT-06:00) To: towertalk at contesting.com Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Ropes in trees 
>> On 12/26/2018 3:27 PM, Brad Anbro wrote:
>> Hello all,
>> 
>> I imagine that this subject has been covered in the past but rather than search the archives, I thought that
>> I'd just ask the group for some information.
>> 
>> What is available for purchase on the market for getting ropes into trees? I am planning on putting up
>> an inverted L wire antenna and need to get a couple of ropes installed for supporting the antenna.
> 
> What kind of trees? How tall?  Three of the most useful tools are
> 
> 1) the Big Shot, an industrial-strength sling shot from Sherrill Tree 
> Service.  You want it with the fishing reel and several small weighted 
> throw bags. They're in NC.
> 
> 2) the pneumatic tennis ball launcher. When I moved to a redwood forest 
> in NorCal in 2006, K2RD brought his over and cleared the top of my 
> tallest redwood by at least 10 ft on the first shot.
> 
> http://www.antennalaunchers.com/antlaunching.html
> 
> 3) Tree climbers. They're expensive, but good ones can get wires higher 
> in tall trees with pulleys that allow greater tension.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
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