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 high flow valve makes one good launch from each chamber full of pressure and must be repressurized for each launch. The 'U' shape makes these launchers compact, easier to transport and less likely to be damaged if dropped. The current threaded models are easier to construct and maintain. 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), and compressed air is more controllable 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.
All our launchers include the special barrel material that has larger inner diameter to fit tennis balls with low friction. The launcher has a small gauge showing chamber pressure, and a schrader valve to fill the chamber through, the same as car tires. The launcher can be filled from manual pumps or electric compressors, and is similar to filling a bicycle tire. CO2 may also be used. The usual pressure range is 40 to 80 psi, depending on the height desired.
Detailed Description of the CSV19 Super ZIP Pre-Assembled
NOTICE - the ZIP Reel is No Longer Available
Saunders Archery corporation manufactured the reel Eric used in the making of the ZIP (tm Saunders) antenna launching reel. Since they no longer make this item, we have substituted our Mini Coaxial reel in the equivalent new packages:
Link to the new Mini Coaxial Launcher
The CSV19 Pneumatic Antenna Launcher is the standard 19 inch long model. This high powered launcher will launch lines typically in excess of 180 feet of height. The 16 inch long tennis ball barrel fits tennis launch balls with low friction. The pressure chamber is 4 inches diameter to create more volume while fitting into the short overall length. It is designed to fit in a 10 gallon Rubbermaid (tm) tote, (available at Lowe's hardware.)
This is a Super Pre-Assembled model. It comes pre-assembled and tested, and in addition includes options and accessories as detailed below.
Included is the optional Trigger Support Strut. The trigger strut provides support for the thumb trigger to keep it from rotating on the threads.
Included is the optional Pressure Safety Valve. This prevents the pressure from exceeding safe levels.
Included is the ZIP Reel with 150 yards of pre-loaded launch line. (discontinued, primary component no longer available from Saunders Archery (tm))
Included is a set of three prepared Launch Balls. They are weighted with sand to a total of about four ounces for better line towing, better momentum and improved descending. They have rugged loops for attaching the launch line. Launch Balls are a consumable item when they get stuck or lost. Consider getting spare Launch Balls.
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).
Included is a Ramrod to push the balls down the barrel during preparations for launch (loading).
You may want to read more about how to use these Antenna Launchers in the Launcher Operating Manual at the link below.
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.