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Reviews For: Joplin Amateur Radio Club Antenna Launcher Kit

Category: Antennas: HF: Verticals; Wire; Loop

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Review Summary For : Joplin Amateur Radio Club Antenna Launcher Kit
Reviews: 33MSRP: 50 including freight in the USA
Description:
Pneumatic Antenna Launcher Kit
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.joplin-arc.org/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
22.5333.9
K8JH Rating: 2013-11-23
great wire ant tool Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have used this unit multiple times installing wire antennas in 50' trees. It works very well. I am well satisfied with its performance. It takes a little practice with air pressure and launch angles, but it is a very effective antenna installation tool. A great investment.
KB3NFM Rating: 2013-10-19
Practical and FUN Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
The Antenna Launcher Kit is both practical and FUN! As stated in the clear and precise instructions, be sure to use PVC cleaner and adhesive to securely bond the parts together. I filled the projectile with sand and a few lead weights. With a little practice and using good old “Kentucky Windage “ its easy and fun to place the projectile where you want it. As with any launcher you must be careful of what’s beyond your intended target. I’ve tried strong fishing line but prefer masons line in bright florescent colors. I justified the purchase to my wife not as a toy spud gun but a technically advanced, sophisticated antenna installation tool. It also helps support the Joplin ARC. Did I mention it’s also Fun?
N9QGU Rating: 2013-09-01
It is easy to assemble and gets the job done. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This kit is easy to put together. Make sure you read the instructions and take your time. Prime the PVC first and make sure you use enough glue to get a good seal. The whole process took about 20 minutes.

I found a really nice assembly video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2MO0N4cewo

The kit comes with PVC projectiles. The projectiles are used to carry fishing line that is then used to pull the antenna support rope over the trees. I live in a neighborhood with small yards and big houses. I was afraid that the PVC projectiles might take out a window. So, I made a modification. So that instead of using the PVC projectiles, it now propels a miniature tennis ball. These tennis balls are smaller and much thicker than a standard tennis ball. They are sold in pet stores for dogs. I found that they fit nicely in a 2 inch PVC.

I went to my local Home Depot and was able to find the appropriate pieces to adapt a 2 inch barrel to the 1.25 inch connector on the launcher. Using 50lbs of pressure it is capable of launching the tennis balls several hundred feet in the air.

There is also a much smaller "Kong" tennis ball that is sold in the pet aisle of my grocery store. It is about the size of a golf ball. I found these to be too light.

Overall I am very pleased with the purchase. Yes, I could have bought the parts myself, cheaper. But probably not that much cheaper. Considering I would have had to buy a tap for the Schrader valve. Besides,the profit goes to a good cause. It helps support a radio club.