Production-Shipping

Back to Launchers

After returning from a cold and windy Quartzfest we are looking into the leaking launchers from the last manufacturing batch. So far we have found multiple problems including bad pressure safety valves and inadequate thread sealing. On this batch we tried following the manufacturer’s instructions on the sealant which indicates applying it only to the male threads. This technique is apparently not reliable and we are going back to what has worked for us in the past – applying sealant to the female threads (which is more time consuming). We have to work through each one and use immersion to find the multiple leaks and reseal them. If you are working on a leaky launcher take care to not get the pressure gauge dial wet as the gauge cardboard is not waterproof and will be stained.

We are expecting a Prusa Core One 3D printer very soon which will facilitate the use of higher quality materials requiring chamber temperature control during printing. We have already been moving to PETG for most launcher parts, this may allow even more durable and temperature resistant materials to be used. Most all of our launcher parts have been printed on Prusa MK3 and MK4 printers while a few have been printed on Vorons. The multiple printhead Prusa XL has been used for the two color struts whereas in the past a manual filament change was required.

Anyone wanting to be notified of our next batch of launchers should contact us via email and request to get on the notification list as the batches fill quickly so the ordering availability window may be brief.

Thanks to all for your patience as we get this late batch finished up.

73 de Alan, w6akb

Production-Shipping

Quartzfest Update 2025

I delayed my departure for Quartzfest to ship the remaining assembled launchers from the current batch which were nearing completion. Unfortunately they all failed pressure testing and it will require more time to remedy than I have now so it will be addressed after I return from the trip. It appears that the latest batch of pressure relief valves is leaking. I’ve never had such a high failure rate for pressure testing. The kits in this batch which were already sent out used safety valves from previous inventory which did not have the problem. The pressure relief valves can be disassembled and cleaned and we have some instructions for doing that online if you find a similar problem. Hopefully a cleaning will work here, otherwise they will all have to be re-ordered and replaced.

I hope to be at Quartzfest in a couple of days, it is a long drive. Hope to see you there!

My apologies for the lateness of this batch, it has stretched out longer than expected. We plan to start another batch later next month. They fill up fast so make sure you are on the notification email list. Drop me an email if you need to be added to the email list.

73 de Alan w6akb

Antenna Launching, Production-Shipping

Pacificon and Launcher Batch

Thanks to all that put in orders in the recent launcher batch. We have been busy making parts for this batch of orders and will start shipping in a few weeks. Now we’re taking a break to prepare for Pacificon which is this weekend. Dawn will have her jewelry booth near Elecraft on the back wall and you can find me around there from time to time, and I’ll set up at the flea market on Sunday with some flea market stuff and some launcher accessories. I have a K3 to sell, among other things. On Friday I’ll be at the Antenna Forum. There is always something to learn about antennas.

One special feature of the current batch of launchers is that we’ve moved to PETG for the parts on the launcher. This is primarily to avoid problems at high temperatures such as inside a vehicle on a hot summer day. We still do not recommend leaving the launcher in a hot space, but PETG will handle more heat than PLA which is the most common 3D printed plastic. If you have one of our launchers that becomes damaged from heat contact us and we can review options for replacing the damaged plastic.

The next batch of launchers will be made early next year after Quartzfest. We hope to be at Quartzsite this year for the fest. Hope to see you there. After QF we’ll start another batch of launchers. If you want to be on the notification list please let me know to add your email to the list. The batch orders fill up pretty fast, so be ready when we get there. The pattern we seem to be settling into is two batches per year, one early for Field Day, and one late for Christmas. We never know quite how long a batch will take with the variations in the supply chain and the availability of our effort, but every order is filled or refunded, even if it takes longer than initially expected.

Pneumatic Launchers can be repaired or refurbished, as long as it is one we built or one of our kits. Recycling the parts is better than adding to the landfill.

73 de Alan, w6akb