Got the Slingshot Strap

[W1GUH]

Slingshots illegal in NJ... I am forced to climb my trees to put up wire antennae.

Last time I checked, the law was written so that they aren't illegal if you have a lawful explanation. Don't know, really, how that works out.

So go to the Wal-Mart just across the state line in PA and buy a slingshot, the cheapest spin-casting or maybe even spinning reel you can find, a package of weights from the fishing tackle display, and two hose clamps of the appropriate size (the slingshot you're carrying by that time will be a good guide for that). Won't cost very much money at all.

Then, in the parking lot, find a place to mount the reel on the slingshot with the host clamps, then mount it.

If the reel didn't come loaded with line, load it.

Tie one of the weights onto the end of the line.

Pack it up real nice so it's obvious it's a useful tool, not a toy. There's probably a stuff-sack in the Wal-Mart off the parking lot you're working in that will do nicely as a carrying case for your brand-new Antenna Erector. Viola!

[N2RJ]

Last time I checked, the law was written so that they aren't illegal if you have a lawful explanation. Don't know, really, how that works out.

Bows and arrows are not illegal here, and that seems to be a better alternative for many. I might invest in a good crossbow. No permit required and there are no "no discharge" laws here. Funny how they don't have a problem with the bow and arrow but have a cow over a slingshot.

In another club I used to belong to (Ramapo mtn ARC) they had one or two guys who were experts with a fishing pole. They were able to get the lead sinker up so high with just a fishing pole and casting reel. Field day was perhaps more entertaining watching them do that than actually operating.

[W1GUH]

Yea, it was comical when I went to find a slingshot. There I was amongst high-power rifles and ammo, hi-power bows and arrows with razor tips and all sorts of other "safe" stuff. And when the guy answered, when I asked about a slingshot, that "They're illegal" in New Jersey I almost burst out laughing. He told me they're illegal in NY, too.

Bow and Arrow vs. slingshot.

Used both. Didn't like using the bow near other houses -- too powerful; not to mention not recommended if it's been, like, decades since you last shot one. But...with judicious "creeping up on" how far to pull back for the job at hand, I finally got an arrow where I wanted it. But I was worried that a cop was gonna hassle me, or worse, all the time I was doing that.

Slingshot -- MUCH easier (without practice) and, IMHO, safer than the bow. I found it a LOT easier to aim -- got the sinker right where I wanted it the first time I used it. So the time spent outside using it is much shorter than with a bow (at least for a non-expert). YMMV (and looks like it does!)


BTW...the bow and arrows came from a hamfest!

Bows and arrows are not illegal here, and that seems to be a better alternative for many. I might invest in a good crossbow. No permit required and there are no "no discharge" laws here. Funny how they don't have a problem with the bow and arrow but have a cow over a slingshot.

In another club I used to belong to (Ramapo mtn ARC) they had one or two guys who were experts with a fishing pole. They were able to get the lead sinker up so high with just a fishing pole and casting reel. Field day was perhaps more entertaining watching them do that than actually operating.

[WN9HJW]

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[n2ize]

I never had much luck with a slingshot (I have an EZHang).

A couple weeks ago I had a tree service here doing some work. I watched one of the guys use a weight and rope to get a line up into the trees then pull up climbing ropes. He was getting lines up 60+ feet with little effort. Had a brief chat with him about what he was using, then ordered an Arborist Throw line Kit. Used it today to string a 20 meter dipole. Works great with a little practice.

What kind of heights are you achieving with that throwline ?

[WN9HJW]

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[K7SGJ]

I never had much luck with a slingshot (I have an EZHang).

A couple weeks ago I had a tree service here doing some work. I watched one of the guys use a weight and rope to get a line up into the trees then pull up climbing ropes. He was getting lines up 60+ feet with little effort. Had a brief chat with him about what he was using, then ordered an Arborist Throw line Kit. Used it today to string a 20 meter dipole. Works great with a little practice.

I took a look at the site you linked, and couldn't believe the number of different kits available. I'd go nuts trying to decide which one to get. Their marketing department has certainly done it's job. It's the old "for just a few bucks more, you can move up to a little better unit". This is where I start out looking at a $40 unit, and end up with the $2000 upgraded deluxe unit. And it happens by going up $5 at a time. Of course, since my Palo Verde trees are only 20 feet max, a rock and some rope would do nicely, but at that height, the antenna would be useless.

[KJ3N]

Of course, since my Palo Verde trees are only 20 feet max, a rock and some rope would do nicely, but at that height, the antenna would be useless.

Wouldn't be that bad for any dipole made for 17m and up. For 20m and lower, yeah, not so good.

[WN9HJW]

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