Randy's Homemade Antenna Launcher

Need to fling a string up into the trees for an antenna? Look no further...  Here is Randy (KI4EZU) showing off his newly made string-flinging antenna launcher!

Above, the man and the machine!!  "You just need one of these, one of theses and one of those...parts from the hardware store says Randy".  A parts list will be added once Randy sends it over for people like me!  

Mike (KB0SVF) wanted to put up a secondary HF antenna today, so Randy headed over with his launcher to assist in getting the antenna up and running.  Randy temporarily taped a fishing reel to his machine, tied a fishing weight to the end of the fishing line and added air to the launcher... 

So the first attempt was a learning experience...don't forget to press the button on the reel to release the line before you shoot the launcher!!  Haha!!!   

So the second attempt...the launcher worked great again however, there wasn't enough fishing string on the reel to lower the weights to the ground.  Whoops!
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Randy attached paracord line to the end of the fishing line...but it was too heavy, the fishing weight would not come down....so...

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It took quite a bit of time to get those fishing weights out of the air, but Randy was able to get them to the ground (poor Randy!).  Once the weights were down, it was determined the branch the line was over was not sufficient for the HF antenna, so a couple more attempts were made but it was very clear, more fishing line was needed for the job which was not available...but fun was had by all!!!  Randy and Mike were able to get the antenna up the following weekend.

Contact Randy for build questions.  Parts needed:

30inch long---------2inch SCH40 PVC pipe
20inch long---------1/2inch SCH40 PVC pipe
1------2inch coupler
1------2inch cap
2------1/2inch coupler (male thread to slip)
1------2inch to 1inch reducer
1------1inch to 3/4inch reducer
1------3/4inch to 1/2inch reducer
1------1/2inch brass ball valve
1------Rubber valve stem (brass would be better but harder to find)
1------Zebco Style Fishing Reel (or whatever you have Just don't use a fly fishing rod)
1------Roll of Teflon tape
1------Can PVC glue

Tools:
HackSaw or PVC pipe cutter
80-100 grit sand paper
2 cresent wrenchs or large plyers.
Drill with a step-bit