Pneumatic Antenna Launchers
Pneumatic Antenna Launching Systems
Pneumatic Antenna Deployment Systems
My First Pneumatic Antenna Launcher - They are much smaller now, see below
News and Updates
We keep the Latest news Here
CSV19 - Constructing a Compact Low Cost Sprinkler<br>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<br>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
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pneumatic Antenna Launching?
Pneumatically Powered (Tennis Ball) Antenna Launching.<br>Pneumatic Line launching is perhaps a more apt description.<br>First we need a line in the trees, then we can pull up an antenna, which in<br>most cases is a long piece of wire.<br>In the launcher pictured above a Tennis Ball is propelled by compressed air,<br>towing a fishing line over the tree.<br>Then we pull up nylon mason twine with the fishline, and finally a wire<br>or heavier line as needed.
Why does anyone need to Launch an Antenna?
It is often more convenient to use existing trees than to erect supports for<br>wire or beam antennas, especially when these antennas are required for<br>temporary or emergency field use.<br>We set up antennas for disasters and drills, camping and contests,<br>practice and fun.<br>With all the applications for Homeland Security there are many potential<br>uses for rapid deployment.<br>If you have a need to quickly set up antennas in various field situations,<br>or you have some really nice trees in your backyard,<br>you may have a use for Antenna Launching.
What is a Pneumatic Antenna Launcher?
It is a very simple system that uses the energy in a pressurized volume of<br>gas (generally air), a valve to release the gas, and a projectile (tennis ball)<br>in a tube that is accelerated by the expanding gas giving it the requisite<br>velocity to pull a light line over the tree.
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.<br>Each system has advantages and disadvantages.<br>Throwing an object over a limb is the easiest, but will not reach very high,<br>and there is a significant chance of getting the object stuck.<br>Slingshots reach higher, and Bows reach higher yet.<br>The main problem with all these systems is the projectile.<br>A lead sinker, arrow or crescent wrench can do a lot of damage if it<br>lands in the wrong place.<br>If you are putting a line over a tree in your yard, there are often<br>local ordinances against using slingshots and bows.<br>What is needed is a really safe projectile, and a means for getting it<br>over the tree precisely for maximum safety and effectiveness.<br>If you have a really tall tree, then a Tennis Ball Launcher will allow<br>you to go higher than most slingshots or bows.<br>Even a small Pneumatic Tennis Ball launcher can reach up more than 150 feet,<br>and it is possible to go much higher with the more effective models.
No, We did not try the Black Powder Cannon.<br>I recall seeing an article about that in 73 magazine years ago.<br>I think we've found a safer solution...<br>And the 12 gauge - we've heard details, but we didn't and don't you try that one either...
My slingshot/bow works fine, why consider a Pneumatic Launcher?
You might consider a Pneumatic Launcher if you are interested in more<br>Performance or greater Safety. Slingshots and Bows work, but Pneumatics<br>work better. Eric's big launcher can put a tennis ball up over 600 feet<br>high (with no line). The small CSV19 reaches up to 200 feet towing line,<br>and the dimunitive CSV17 goes over 150 feet towing line. These<br>launchers are 19 and 17 inches long, respectively, and the heights<br>are measured length of line pulled out. Add about 9 or 10 feet to those<br>numbers to get the apogee, since the reel is about 10 feet off the ground<br>when launching upwards. You can make launchers go higher, and we have,<br>but the availability of trees that tall and feedlines that long makes<br>it rarely useful. So I scaled the pneumatics back to the smaller sizes.<br>Also be very careful with the slingshot and bow, there are many<br>injuries each year, especially with the slingshots.
If you are going to put up an antenna in the backyard the tennis ball is<br>a lot safer than a lead sinker, and much easier to explain to your neighbor.
Why use a Tennis Ball?
There are three primary reasons to use Tennis Balls.<br>Safety, Safety and finally, Safety.<br>I have read of so many accidents with slingshots each year that I cannot<br>recommend them.<br>A lead sinker flying through the air is potentially an accident waiting to happen.<br>They bounce off the tree, the line snags and the sinker returns on the line rebound,<br>or they get hung up and come sizzling down when the line is pulled,...