I used a dog training dummy launcher, tied the arborist line (looks like your pull line) around the dummy and fired it over the tree. The dummy launchers use .22 blanks of the same sort that are used for the powder powered tools, a box of 50 is a few bucks. Dummy launchers are not considered firearms in the US, the devices and blanks can both be mail ordered. But it saved a step.
Michel, your excellent comparison between these two books helped me decide which one is for me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Your passion and dedication is infectious. Thank you, Michael.
I built several of these and sold them at Hamfests ( offseting the cost of the one I used for demonstrating ) Thanks for the refresher, video ! Your thoughts & improved features were much appreciated 💡 73 Steve AA4SH
I built a straight PVC launcher several years ago used a basic pvc ball valve. I did however use a threaded connector between the barrel and the valve thus allowing me to break it down and it fits perfectly in a folding chair bag when in two pieces. I also after firing turn the reel and stop the projectile for a more controlled descent on the other side of the tree I am putting it in. Great video enjoyed it.
I used an Air Boss about around 2012, in northern Wisconsin. One shot over a tree at least 80 feet tall, mission accomplished. If you have the space and the trees an air antenna launcher for $80 sure beats thousands of dollars for a tower.
Thanks and good info on the various projectiles. A tip I learned at Field Day is to poke the swivel through the paracord just behind the melted end. 73 de N4WLC Bill
@@hamradiowithkevin Nike, Puma, Adidas...? Any Pair of Runners they are fast enough to get my hairy Ass outa there very quick. Ok Kevin I got you at this Point. Meaning, Buffalo Biker Boots or Flip Flops won't do the Trick.
We made an air launcher for paper rockets that we took to preschools for years. I was trying to figure out how to adapt the concept to make a line launcher for radio antennas (now that I'm a ham). This is it. I don't need to reinvent the wheel, just watch the video. 😊
Many thanks for all the helpful suggestions. There's a 120-foot Tulip Poplar in the wooded lot next to me that's drawn my attention. I'm wonder how well a 5/8-wave vertical on 40 would work QRP.
Kevin what size is your barrel 1&1/2' or 1&1/4"? I made my barrel out of 3/4" for more velocity which may not be necessary . I'm having a hard time finding suitable projectiles I'm going to look around a bit more though before I retrofit
yes I believe the 3/4" size makes is difficult to easily make projectiles. My pipe size is 1 1/2" so that 1 1/4 projectiles slide nicely in the tube. having a heavier projectile makes it easier to get over very tall trees.
what is the pressure rating on the air chamber piece of pipe? lowe’s and home dopie only carry NON pressure drain / sewer pipe in the 3” and 4” sizes and it isn’t a sch 40 pipe either.
Richard, I am not sure what the actual rating is. The pressure tank on mine is Black SCH40 and should handle the 40 psi I fill mine with. I hope that helps. I did get my pipe from one of those two places. You could also check at a pipe supply place for scrap pieces to save from buying a large pipe.
Where can I find the details for how to build one of these things? And maybe a parts list? What is that sprinkler value? How does that trigger work? Thanks!
Great observation. Yes, I have some cane tips so that in certain use cases, they will bounce on pavement and not shatter. I have found that using different materials provides more flexibility for launching situations.
Yes . But mine is a pool stick cut in half. With a zebco®reel and a sling shot. The launch /pilot is a 1 oz sinker pulling 8# test line. Up and up and away sinker painted orange.
I have stuck with 50lb test, I have used lighter line but I have found in some trees, tangle that can happen and require a decent pull to get unstuck. Lighter string flies farther as well 😉
The PVC (Sced 40) Pipe has an inside Diameter of 1 3/8" . This is end at which the projectile launches from. Was that question you meant ? I hope that helps you with the Build . Happy launching and 73
Here is the website for this launcher, however it appears the actual plans have been removed. If I come across the original plans, I will send them to you. www.qsl.net/k8blo/launchers.html
Here is a close variation on the valve mod which is all you need to know: ua-cam.com/video/dkQYgDz8-KE/v-deo.htmlsi=EKjaUOvr24HyuHD5 He built this for surf casting bait but just use lower pressure for antenna needs.
I just stumbled across this video today. I didn't hurt myself. What manual is the irrigation valve you used? I can't seem to find it. If I search for a manual valve. I get info on ball valves. Help please?
It has been a while since that build . Your best bet is, contact your local sprinkler company ask what they have. I am pretty sure they don't carry my specific part. Hope that helps.
Hey Kevin. I found your channel looking for mobile antennas. I was delighted to find your video coming up. We met on a Zoom call with @BasicFilmmaker and the group. It is wonderful to see how well your channel is coming with almost 6000 subscribers and so many wonderfully done videos. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing your new creations. 73 DE VY2MJ. 😀 PS. Still looking for an HF Antenna for an Aluminum body F150 for 20M HF or Multiband.
Hey Michael, those were some fun times indeed with Kevin BFM. IT is some hard work as well as fun to help others. A ham stick or even the hustler system is a great place to start for mobile on a budget. Far cheaper than a screwdriver antenna. Thanks for stopping to say hi . 73 Kevin
40 lbs PSI will get it done almost every time. ;)
I used a dog training dummy launcher, tied the arborist line (looks like your pull line) around the dummy and fired it over the tree. The dummy launchers use .22 blanks of the same sort that are used for the powder powered tools, a box of 50 is a few bucks. Dummy launchers are not considered firearms in the US, the devices and blanks can both be mail ordered. But it saved a step.
Michel, your excellent comparison between these two books helped me decide which one is for me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Your passion and dedication is infectious. Thank you, Michael.
I built several of these and sold them at Hamfests ( offseting the cost of the one I used for demonstrating ) Thanks for the refresher, video ! Your thoughts & improved features were much appreciated 💡
73 Steve AA4SH
greatest idea ever right here
Very cool. I’m gonna try my new drone for this
I built a straight PVC launcher several years ago used a basic pvc ball valve. I did however use a threaded connector between the barrel and the valve thus allowing me to break it down and it fits perfectly in a folding chair bag when in two pieces. I also after firing turn the reel and stop the projectile for a more controlled descent on the other side of the tree I am putting it in. Great video enjoyed it.
Looks like a blast!
I used an Air Boss about around 2012, in northern Wisconsin. One shot over a tree at least 80 feet tall, mission accomplished. If you have the space and the trees an air antenna launcher for $80 sure beats thousands of dollars for a tower.
Thanks !
Thanks and good info on the various projectiles. A tip I learned at Field Day is to poke the swivel through the paracord just behind the melted end. 73 de N4WLC Bill
That is a really good tip Bill ! Thanks
Hung a wire antenna up for my Dad yesterday. While holding my slingshot, I was thinking man I’m building a launcher before doing this again. 73’s
Nice size and launch abilities with your launcher.
About as much fun as you might expect it to be too. 😉
awesome!
Glad you liked it!
Thank you.
Have not gone for that much height.
10 to 20 feet has worked for me.
Thanks again. N0QFT
Glen, it is quite a thrill i must say Thank you for watching and sharing
Zebco 808 is made for bow fishing and would work great for this
thank you for that great idea, that will help someone looking to build one for sure. I appreciate it.
I hope DX engineering appreciates the free advertising--- :) great video-- cool launcher
Thank you, if this is Jeremy, you have used this very unit 🤩
@@hamradiowithkevin this is jeremy, and yes i have used that very launcher!
@76ers Net yes you have my friend 😉
This useful Tool could fit in my Antenna Bag very well...😍💯👍
Not just useful, that tools is flat out FUN. 73 To you UG, Kevin
@@hamradiowithkevin Correct! I would even use it to defend myself against Grizzly Assaults. 💯😂😂😂👍🙋♂
@@DK5ONV , make sure your running shoes are on, because you only get one shot ;)
@@hamradiowithkevin Nike, Puma, Adidas...? Any Pair of Runners they are fast enough to get my hairy Ass outa there very quick. Ok Kevin I got you at this Point. Meaning, Buffalo Biker Boots or Flip Flops won't do the Trick.
We made an air launcher for paper rockets that we took to preschools for years. I was trying to figure out how to adapt the concept to make a line launcher for radio antennas (now that I'm a ham). This is it. I don't need to reinvent the wheel, just watch the video. 😊
Great job, thanks.
I thank you very much.
Many thanks for all the helpful suggestions. There's a 120-foot Tulip Poplar in the wooded lot next to me that's drawn my attention. I'm wonder how well a 5/8-wave vertical on 40 would work QRP.
Just me here... bigger antenna always getter better results for my experiences. I say do it 🙂
I wonder if you put an air tag or tile Bluetooth tracker if it could help triangulate the weight.
Interesting idea
Is this sight by lake Isabella by chance???
It is not
A dog training dummy launcher, powered by blanks, works well also. Tape the line to the dummy and send it.
That's a great idea 💡
@@hamradiowithkevin works well, used it today. Posted a short video on my “channel”. That air launcher looks to work well also.
Kevin what size is your barrel 1&1/2' or 1&1/4"? I made my barrel out of 3/4" for more velocity which may not be necessary . I'm having a hard time finding suitable projectiles I'm going to look around a bit more though before I retrofit
yes I believe the 3/4" size makes is difficult to easily make projectiles. My pipe size is 1 1/2" so that 1 1/4 projectiles slide nicely in the tube. having a heavier projectile makes it easier to get over very tall trees.
I need one. I just made one with a pocket sling shot
Charlie used to be KA8BLO. I see him at the Ham lunch on the 2nd Thursday of the month. He also plays 🎸
Please thank Charlie for making the launcher plans. He has helped many hams with his design.
73
@@hamradiowithkevin I sure will. I should see him in 2 weeks.
what is the pressure rating on the air chamber piece of pipe? lowe’s and home dopie only carry NON pressure drain / sewer pipe in the 3” and 4” sizes and it isn’t a sch 40 pipe either.
Richard, I am not sure what the actual rating is. The pressure tank on mine is Black SCH40 and should handle the 40 psi I fill mine with. I hope that helps. I did get my pipe from one of those two places. You could also check at a pipe supply place for scrap pieces to save from buying a large pipe.
Where can I find the details for how to build one of these things? And maybe a parts list? What is that sprinkler value? How does that trigger work? Thanks!
Found the sprinkler valve trigger detail here: ua-cam.com/video/H4uT0wUzvK0/v-deo.html
Here's another mod on a different valve: ua-cam.com/video/dkQYgDz8-KE/v-deo.htmlsi=EKjaUOvr24HyuHD5
Are you placing anything inside the projectiles to add weight before sealing the caps on?
I have tried rocks and sand in some and it just makes them too dangerous for me. I use only air now in the little projectiles.
For the projectiles, are they 3/4" PVC with 3/4" caps? (I see some are cane tips)
Great observation. Yes, I have some cane tips so that in certain use cases, they will bounce on pavement and not shatter. I have found that using different materials provides more flexibility for launching situations.
Yes . But mine is a pool stick cut in half. With a zebco®reel and a sling shot. The launch /pilot is a 1 oz sinker pulling 8# test line. Up and up and away sinker painted orange.
Stephen, that is a nice design, simple, affordable and light weight.
What weight line are you using? Thanks, love the video!!
I have stuck with 50lb test, I have used lighter line but I have found in some trees, tangle that can happen and require a decent pull to get unstuck. Lighter string flies farther as well 😉
do you have a build video?
Sadly no, I built this before I started this channel.
2 years later do you still use this?
Yes
What diameter is the barrel?
The PVC (Sced 40) Pipe has an inside Diameter of 1 3/8" .
This is end at which the projectile launches from. Was that question you meant ?
I hope that helps you with the Build . Happy launching and 73
Got pipe sizes.
Just so you know, that "brace" on your "pistol" has now been determined to be illegal by the ATF.
😃
Do you have plans to how you build this air launcher?
Here is the website for this launcher, however it appears the actual plans have been removed. If I come across the original plans, I will send them to you.
www.qsl.net/k8blo/launchers.html
Here is a close variation on the valve mod which is all you need to know: ua-cam.com/video/dkQYgDz8-KE/v-deo.htmlsi=EKjaUOvr24HyuHD5
He built this for surf casting bait but just use lower pressure for antenna needs.
I just stumbled across this video today. I didn't hurt myself. What manual is the irrigation valve you used? I can't seem to find it. If I search for a manual valve. I get info on ball valves. Help please?
It has been a while since that build . Your best bet is, contact your local sprinkler company ask what they have. I am pretty sure they don't carry my specific part. Hope that helps.
What is the symbols on your shirt mean?
Thanks Francis, "FOX" for Fox racing shocks. 😉
Get some high visibility fishing line that would help you find your line easily
Thanks Jimmy , nice idea. 73
Nice rig but you could have done it in half the words/time. Sorry
Hey Kevin. I found your channel looking for mobile antennas. I was delighted to find your video coming up. We met on a Zoom call with @BasicFilmmaker and the group. It is wonderful to see how well your channel is coming with almost 6000 subscribers and so many wonderfully done videos. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing your new creations. 73 DE VY2MJ. 😀 PS. Still looking for an HF Antenna for an Aluminum body F150 for 20M HF or Multiband.
Hey Michael, those were some fun times indeed with Kevin BFM. IT is some hard work as well as fun to help others. A ham stick or even the hustler system is a great place to start for mobile on a budget. Far cheaper than a screwdriver antenna. Thanks for stopping to say hi . 73 Kevin
@@hamradiowithkevin Thanks, Kevin. Keep up the good work and have a nice weekend.
We are almost a match with Callsigns, 73 de VK7SW
That's really close ! 73