Got the Slingshot Strap

[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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[WN9HJW]

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[W9WLS]

Several years ago, I built a "air cannon", like a "potato gun" only work's on compressed air.
I sized the barrel at 1 1/2 " and used PVC (sked 80) for everything.
The barrel will accept a "GOLF BALL" with a little wadding quite nicely, with 80 pounds of air it will send a golf ball out of site.
Drilled several golf balls (a few "squirted"), attached braided line and can now hang a line in ANY tree.
Out here in the "sticks" none of the neighbors get at all excited about much of anything and since the cannon makes very little noise even the xyl doesn't know when I hang a wire,,,, guess there are some advantages to living in the country.

[n2ize]

Several years ago, I built a "air cannon", like a "potato gun" only work's on compressed air.
I sized the barrel at 1 1/2 " and used PVC (sked 80) for everything.
The barrel will accept a "GOLF BALL" with a little wadding quite nicely, with 80 pounds of air it will send a golf ball out of site.
Drilled several golf balls (a few "squirted"), attached braided line and can now hang a line in ANY tree.
Out here in the "sticks" none of the neighbors get at all excited about much of anything and since the cannon makes very little noise even the xyl doesn't know when I hang a wire,,,, guess there are some advantages to living in the country.

Trouble with an urban area is that all the neighbors want to know "what is he doing".

[AE1PT]

First there was the slingshot. It was put together with about $25 worth of stuff from Walmart:



While this worked pretty well for 4 years and three slingshot bands--the best I could really do with it was about 50'. On a good day with no wind...

This year I HAVE THE SOLUTION:



Now this is the real deal. 90' in the air? No problem.

Kits are available, and parts can be had for ~$100. It gets cheaper if several hams go in together and get enough stuff to make a half dozen or so.

[WØTKX]

Yessir, I built myself one of those. Mine is better looking... its blue.

I also use a spearfishing reel instead. POP! Over 120' with 40 PSI.

[KA9MOT]

First there was the slingshot. It was put together with about $25 worth of stuff from Walmart:



While this worked pretty well for 4 years and three slingshot bands--the best I could really do with it was about 50'. On a good day with no wind...

This year I HAVE THE SOLUTION:



Now this is the real deal. 90' in the air? No problem.

Kits are available, and parts can be had for ~$100. It gets cheaper if several hams go in together and get enough stuff to make a half dozen or so.

Pat, what size PVC is the barrel? And do you have any information on the valve?

Thanks!

[AE1PT]

It's 2.5" schedule 40. Here are the instructions on how to modify the sprinkler valve:

http://specialized-weapons.wonderhow...cannon-210134/

One thing--don't use epoxy putty like this guy says. It will leak air slowly around the threads. Put a piece of tape on the underside of the hole, and fill the thing from the top with JB Weld epoxy.

If you want to string 3 9V batteries together, one can keep the solenoid and fire it electrically.