Our Antenna Launchers use compressed air (or CO2) to propel a tennis ball towing a line over trees, and this line is used to raise antennas for Emergency and Ham Radio operations. The fast acting high flow piloted diaphragm valve makes one launch from the pressurized chamber and must be repressurized for the next launch. The over/under configuration makes these launchers compact, easier to transport and less likely to be damaged than a linear configuration. The current threaded models are easier to construct and repair. Tennis balls modified into launch balls are safer than other projectiles yet very effective for this application, (compared with arrows, hard plastic or metal objects such as lead sinkers), and compressed air is more controllable (and more frequently legal to use) than other mechanisms such as bows, slingshots and combustion powered systems.
A CSV launcher consists of a pressure chamber, the main and trigger valves, the "U" section that makes them compact, and the tennis ball size barrel. A custom spacer and heavy duty plastic strap strengthens the launcher and a trigger strut keeps the trigger system stable. Parts are precision machined or 3D printed for precise fit and alignment. Threaded joints ease assembly and maintenance so cemented joints are kept to a minimum. A coaxial reel or fishing reel mount setup feeds line to the launch ball. The reel is removable for convenient retrieval and storage.
Here is an assembled launcher example:
All our launchers include the special barrel material that has the proper inner diameter to fit tennis balls with low friction and good air seal. The launcher has a small gauge showing chamber pressure, and a schrader valve to fill the chamber through, the same as a car tire. The launcher can be filled with a manual pump or small electric compressor, and is similar to filling a small bicycle tire. CO2 may also be used. The usual pressure range is 30 to 60 psi, depending on the height desired.
Detailed Description of the CSV19 Super Kit
The CSV19 Pneumatic Antenna Launcher is the larger 19 inch long model. It has a 16 inch low friction tennis ball size barrel and a 4x7 inch pressure chamber and weighs about 5 pounds 15 ounces. This makes a capable launcher which reaches typically about 160 feet (measured from the reel at the end of the barrel) in line launching trajectory height. It is designed to fit in a 10 gallon Rubbermaid (tm) tote for protection in transportation and storage, (reportedly available at Lowe's hardware.)
This item is supplied in 'kit' form. It requires assembly which includes cementing PVC as well as drilling and tapping some holes in the plastic. Before ordering review the assembly instructions in the info section of the website to see details of the assembly and decide if you are prepared to assemble one yourself before ordering a kit.
This is a Super Kit model. It includes the required parts for the launcher, and in addition includes options and accessories as detailed below.
Included is the Trigger Support Strut. The trigger strut provides support for the thumb trigger valve to keep it from rotating on the threads.
Included is the optional Pressure Safety Valve. This prevents the pressure from exceeding safe levels. It is especially important if filling from pressure sources that can exceed 90 psi.
Included is the NPT Tap tool required for threading the holes in the pressure chamber for the Fill Valve, Safety Release valve and Pressure Gauge.
Included is Teflon Plumbing tape to seal the threads.
Included is a Fishing Reel Mount. This tube friction fits on the barrel and provides a base to clamp your fishing reel to. (Fishing reel is not supplied, a large ocean type spinning reel is recommended, or our Mini Coaxial Reel is designed for this use - you can order this combination with the Mini Coaxial Reel instead of this Fishing Reel Mount and avoid having both).
Included is a Ramrod to push the balls down the barrel during preparations for launch (loading).
Included is a Safety Ball Holding Tool. This short plastic tube is used to protect fingers from injury when preparing launch balls.
You may want to read more about how to use these Antenna Launchers in the Launcher Operating Manual at the link below.
Always Wear Safety Glasses when using Antenna Launchers.
For more information on our launcher development history and additonal information on Antenna Launching see the following website:
This catalog is being updated. If you see any issues or have any suggestions please let us know by email - sales at akbeng.com. Thanks.