For those assembling kit Antenna Launchers a new cement is available that is easier to use and looks great. This single step cement is easy to apply (no primer needed) and the clear color avoids the tricky stain control required with purple primers. Check your local hardware store or online vendor for Oatey Fusion Single Step PVC cement. Make sure to follow directions and use plenty of cement to lubricate the joint and facilitate fully meshing the parts, and hold long enough to insure they are set before releasing pressure. Get ready for Field Day – time is running out!

It has been a busy new year. January is always full with bookkeeping, taxes, and Quartzfest, so we don’t really get cranked up on making until February. There was a bit of a backlog built up, and we had lots to make. Despite the time spent on April’s taxes we have caught up with the backlog, and as of today there’s only one order in the build que, and it will be done shortly. We have been giving the barrel paint the recommended 7 days to dry to make it as chip resistant as it can be, and we’ve made some new tools to streamline the processing. More component orders will go out shortly and we’ll restock those items we are low on.

It is time to get those Field Day orders in so we can make those in plenty of time for the event. Thanks for your support!

Soon we will head out for Quartzfest, and if you are going to join us for the best week long Ham Gathering of the Year – we’ll see you there. I’ve been invited to do a couple of presentations, one on Antenna Launching where we’ll show you some of the new things we’re working on, and another on DIY Ebike conversions. Come by and say hi! We can’t do business there due to rules regarding the land that we’ll be on, but we will bring some free upgrade parts for AKBeng launcher owners. I’ll try to put some kind of sign on the rig so you’ll recognize it, but be on the lookout for a 20 foot Dunesport trailer and our very rare white 3/4 Ton Avalanche! Hope to see you there!

Alan W6AKB