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My First Pneumatic Antenna Launcher - They are much smaller now, see below
We keep the Latest news Here CSV19 - Constructing a Compact Low Cost Sprinkler Valve Antenna Launcher DFTV19 - The Darn Fast Turbo Valve Antenna Launcher The Rest of the (Antenna Launching) Story A Tale of Two (Compact) Antenna Launchers QE19 - Constructing a Compact Quick Exhaust Valve Antenna Launcher Visit the NEW Antenna Launching Discussion List Launcher Modelling Results TBL Launcher Article (published in QRP Quarterly, pdf) Launcher Performance Data Measurements Eric's revised Trident Launcher
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http://www.antennalaunchers.com/antlaunching.html
12/05/2011
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Why not use a ... (Slingshot, Bow, Rock, Stick, Crescent wrench, Blackpowder Cannon, 12 Gauge)?
We have used many different systems since the 70's to put lines up into trees. Each system has advantages and disadvantages. Throwing an object over a limb is the easiest, but will not reach very high, and there is a significant chance of getting the object stuck. Slingshots reach higher, and Bows reach higher yet. The main problem with all these systems is the projectile. A lead sinker, arrow or crescent wrench can do a lot of damage if it lands in the wrong place. If you are putting a line over a tree in your yard, there are often local ordinances against using slingshots and bows. What is needed is a really safe projectile, and a means for getting it over the tree precisely for maximum safety and effectiveness. If you have a really tall tree, then a Tennis Ball Launcher will allow you to go higher than most slingshots or bows. Even a small Pneumatic Tennis Ball launcher can reach up more than 150 feet, and it is possible to go much higher with the more effective models. No, We did not try the Black Powder Cannon. I recall seeing an article about that in 73 magazine years ago. I think we've found a safer solution... And the 12 gauge - we've heard details, but we didn't and don't you try that one either...
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Cutting high tree branches using a pull-chain saw Deploying Safety Lines for roof, tree or tower work Putting climbing lines in place for treetop canopies Training dogs for fetching after a mild report Putting a temporary wire antenna part way up a tower without climbing Putting a line across a pond Fishing - Casting far out in the surf or lake
The CSV19 and its smaller sibling the CSV17 are fairly simple to build, and are available in kit form. This may be the
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best compromise and we provide the most detailed information on building this unit, as well as partial and full kits of prepared parts on our Online Order Page. The U37 and DU36 U valve models are simple to build but are a bit larger than some of the newer designs. The original QRP Quarterly article describes building the first (electric) version of this model (U37) in some detail and the pdf is available here. It was designed to fit between the wheel wells of a Toyota 4Runner and is 37" long. I later modified this to pneumatic triggering and it became the DU36. It will not fit in the Rubbermaid(tm) tote boxes that we use for our newer designs. The Field Day 2003 special is not hard to build and does not require exotic tools. It is a bit larger and heavier and more expensive than the newer smaller models. There are some pictures and info here for the Field Day 2003 Special. It also will not fit in the Rubbermaid tote due to the overall length. The QE19 Quick Exhaust Valve design is the simplest to build and is fairly lightweight and small but requires a bit more air pressure to operate. The 3/4" Quick Exhaust valve limits the airflow somewhat, but it does reach up to about 150 feet of height at 70 psi, and it can safely take 100 psi. Due to all the brass parts the cost is somewhat higher as well, but there is no need to bore, drill or tap PVC so construction is straightforward and few tools are required. Eric's Trident design utilizing the soda bottle pressure chamber is the lightest but has some difficult to make threads, and the pressure needs to be kept low to protect the chamber. The DV19 Dual Valve is complicated to build but does not require exotic tools. It has very high performance. Due to the high parts count the cost is on the high side and the weight is high also. It still fits in the Rubbermaid tote, but nearly fills it up. The high performance allows reaching tall heights at low air pressures. I do not provide detailed instructions on building it, but there are several photos in the Tale of Two Launchers page. The DFTV19 Turbo Valve requires a lathe to make the parts. It also provides very high performance. Due to the custom made parts the weight is quite low and the cost is low but the effort required is high. A drawing and some photos are available there for those who have access to a lathe.. The Spud Tech TB500LP is commercially available. It is a bit larger and heavier than our current models but should do the job.
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Also shown are a pair of Twine Reels containing 500 feet of nylon twine. They are available in 270 foot lengths as well. The grey cylinder near the bottom center of the photo is a bicycle type CO2 tire inflator. It can be used with a number of different capacity CO2 cylinders. Using the low-cost 12 gram cylinders produces enough pressure for one good launch per cylinder. Also in this case, but not visible is a 12 oz Paintball CO2 cylinder stored inside the barrel, along with two tennis balls. The CO2 pressure regulator is behind the right end of the ramrod. There are a total of six tennis balls in this photo, two hidden in the barrel and one hidden inside the reel on the lower left. The Mini-Coaxial reel on the lower left is a special reel made for this launcher to fit in the case. It is a scaled-down Zip-type reel with about a one foot circumference. Just behind the launcher's trigger is a bag of 12 gram CO2 cylinders for the bicycle inflator. See the PADS Web Page.
How Small and Light can an Effective Pneumatic Antenna Launcher be?
First, I'll define 'effective' as any launcher that can toss a 4 ounce tennis ball to a height of at least 150 feet towing a fishing line. That is pretty adequate for our purposes. The smallest launcher that meets this criterion that we have built is the CSV17 shown above in the PADS kit. This is a 17 inch long model. The popular CSV19 Compact Low Cost Sprinkler Valve Antenna Launcher and the Quick Exhaust Valve Launcher are only a little larger. At about six pounds, these are small enough to fit into a Rubbermaid tote box, or less than 19 inches in length. There is plenty of room left in the tote box for line, antennas, feedline, and other equipment.
http://www.antennalaunchers.com/antlaunching.html
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The CSV19 Compact Low Cost Sprinkler Valve Antenna Launcher is assembled from plumbing parts most of which are available from local plumbing or home improvement stores for under $100. Some machining is required to make them fit together as shown above. The dark grey barrel is SDR21. Schedule 40 also works, but the ball is very tight. SDR21 fits better but is harder to find. This is the lowest cost simple to construct launcher I have designed (the CSV17 variant is a little easier and even less costly). The link above has fairly complete construction instructions. The collection shown above is shown complete with Saunders Zip Reel with yellow Spectra type synthetic line, and a couple of prepared Tennis Balls sitting on a Rubbermaid 10 gallon tote. The gear fits into the tote with room to spare. QE19 Photo The QE19 Quick Exhaust Valve Launcher is the smallest and lightest of my launchers. It is based on an industrial quickexhaust air valve (the silver item in the photo, linked above). This is an easy launcher to homebrew, but due to the industrial and brass parts costs somewhat more than the model above, about $100. The link above has construction information. This launcher is sitting on top of one of the Rubbermaid (tm) 10 gallon tote boxes that I use to carry equipment to field. There is room for lots of gear in there in addition to the launcher. The lightest launcher we've done to date for Tennis Ball Antenna Line Launching is Eric's Trident which uses soda bottles for the air pressure reservoir and weighs a litte less than five pounds. Eric also came up with a nice mount for an archery fishing line reel that fits around the barrel and feeds line very smoothly. Check out Eric's website at wd6cmu.antennalaunchers.com for his Saunder's Zip-reel mount and Trident Launcher.
http://www.antennalaunchers.com/antlaunching.html
12/05/2011
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The Launcher on the left is the Quick Exhaust model, here shown in the 28 inch configuration with a spinning reel mounted just below the forward end of the barrel (hard to see against the foliage in this photo). This photo was taken before it was shortened to the 19" version shown above. The two launchers in the photo were used on Field Day 2003 to put up numerous antennas. Field Day is an Amateur Radio 'Emergency Drill' essentially, setting up and operating in field conditions for a couple of days. It is a lot of fun and a good test of our equipment and technique, both radio and Antenna Launching.
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and fast. I tested a 6 gallon compressed air tank recently and starting with 100 to 110 psi was able to get about 15 shots at 50 psi from it with the CSV19 launcher. The smaller chambers on the CSV17 and QE19 would get even more launches per fill. Here is a portable battery powered filling station similar to the one I have. This has become a favorite for charging the launcher. It takes about one minute. Mine has a 12 volt 17 amp gel battery and a compressor and was under 50 bucks at Harbor Freight tools. After you launch the antenna you can hook up to the 12 volt gel battery and run the station! Jumpstart Box Photo
Launcher Development and Production News The Rest of the Story (Antenna Launching) Visit the Antenna Launching Discussion List Constructing a Compact Low Cost Sprinkler Valve Antenna Launcher The Pneumatic Antenna Deployment System A Tale of Two (Compact) Launchers Constructing a Compact Quick Exhaust Valve Antenna Launcher The Darn Fast Turbo Valve Antenna Launcher Launcher Performance Data (Measured) my original Antenna Launcher Article (QRP Quarterly Spring 2003) Pneumatic Launcher Calculations Eric's Launchers and Reel System Eric's Trident Launcher Mark's Antenna Launcher
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The SpudGun Technology Center has a wealth of info, parts, and complete units for sale Advanced Spuds
Compressed Air Cannon Tennis Ball Launcher Tennis Ball Cannon Pneumatic Cannon
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Spud Gun Spudgun Spudgun technology Spudlaunch Backyard ballistics Aircannon Production News and Ordering Pages Antenna Launching Home Page Send e mail regarding this page to Alan via AKBiocca at AKBeng dot com Updated 8/2010
http://www.antennalaunchers.com/antlaunching.html
12/05/2011