News Update April 12, 2006The new Product Pages are up, and they have shopping cart buttons integrated. Please use the new pages instead of this page. If you have a problem with the new page you may use this one, but please let us know. Thanks. |
News Update April 1, 2006Moved to a new server, bookmark 'antennalaunchers.com'. The site structure will change as I evolve to something a bit better, but the recent unavailability of qsl.net accelerated my plans to upload the site to the new servers. Welcome!!! |
News Update March 8, 2006The thread came in but was quite disappointing, so I moved ahead with a new plan that had been in the works for awhile. Starting with orders received today I am using a new type of line loop on the pre-prepared tennis ball loops. This new material is really nice - a black nylon coated stranded stainless steel material. It costs a little more but makes a very nice strong and stiff loop on the ball. |
News Update February 25, 2006Caught up on all orders, and have a few launcher parts sets ahead, though we are waiting for heavy thread for tennis ball loops. The thread is due this coming week. Launcher orders coming in now should ship in approximately 1 week. Zip Reels (made by Eric WD6CMU) may require some extra time as the inventory is not as deep. |
News Update February 20, 2006Just added the new Deluxe PADS Super Kit to the product line. This is a launcher in a hard case kit based on the CSV17 Super-II Kit and a new Custom Mini-Coaxial Reel. For details see below. |
News Update February 19, 2006Balun inventory is VERY low. We are about to order the next batch of balun parts. After the present inventory is depleted there will be an interruption in balun availability, possibly several weeks in duration.Balun Shipping has been adjusted to handle other foreign destinations (not just Canada and UK). |
News Update February 8, 2006I have returned from Quartzsite (had a great time, and a good launcher demo) and am ramping up on Launcher Kits. I received a new batch of Barrel material, and the PVC shortage seems to be over on the various small parts. I am turning, cutting and milling parts and should be on schedule for the next batch of kits on about 15 Feb. |
More News Here |
The
Triple Ratio Balun
Kit includes the high quality double sided FR4, plated through, solder reflowed,
silkscreened PC Board, low-loss cores, wire, fiberglass tape and the BNC
and Antenna connectors - 19 pieces in all.
It also includes one set of Anderson Powerpole connectors for the
antenna side of the selectable impedance antenna connection.
(Additional Anderson Powerpole connectors are available from many vendors and Amateur
Radio stores).
The contents of the kit are listed in the instructions on the web
via the link above.
Balun Kits are shipped by First Class mail,
usually within two business days, to US destinations.
Contact us via email for other shipping arrangements.
The Balun Kit costs $35 plus $4 shipping and handling to US destinations.
Balun Kits are OUT OF STOCK. | |
The
Triple Ratio Balun
Kit shipped to most non-US Addresses via Airmail Letter Post.
NOTE THAT THE RECIPIENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DUTY, ETC.
WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST FOREIGN SHIPMENTS.
Extra paperwork and procedures are required. Kits are usually shipped
within five business days via airmail letter post.
The Balun Kit costs $35 plus $8 (US$) foreign shipping and handling.
Balun Kits are OUT OF STOCK. |
|
Which Launcher to Order?
We offer two basic launchers. The CSV19 is the most popular. It is 19 inches in length, uses 4" pipe in the chamber and is designed to fit in a 12 gallon Rubbermaid(tm) tote. It can reach up to 200 feet in height in good conditions (height depends on conditions that may vary). The smaller CSV17 is 17 inches long, and uses 3" diameter pipe in the chamber. It is designed to fit in a 18 inch tool case. The CSV17 reaches up to 150 feet in height under good conditions. Each launcher is available in four configurations. Basic Kit, Super Kit, Super + Zip and Assembled. The Basic kit includes the parts for the launcher. This includes the SDR21 barrel, machined barrel endcap, elbows, main valve, pressure chamber, pressure gauge, fill valve, trigger, and the various couplers, adapter, etc to put them together with. The Basic Kit DOES NOT include epoxy, cement, tennis balls, reel, reel mount, line, ramrod, tap, tools, etc. To build the Basic Kit you need PVC primer and cement, epoxy, mixing cups and stirring sticks, some alcohol and Q tips, some newspapers, a 1/8 NPT tap, drill and bit, a philips screwdriver, a brillo pad, a pencil, a few index cards and scotch tape, some masking tape, a few paper towels, and some wrenches. The Super kits are the most popular, and these include the Basic Kit discussed above, plus Epoxy, Mixing Cups, Stirring Sticks, Prepared Tennis Balls (3), Ramrod, Pressure Safety Relief Valve, 1/8 NPT tap and Reel Mount for your fishing reel. The Super+Zip kits start with the Super-II kit and then include Eric's Zip Reel, with Spectra line instead of the fishing reel mounting collar. The new PADS (Pneumatic Antenna Deployment System) is a CSV17 with a custom Mini-Coaxial Reel in an 18 inch hard case for ease of transport. The Assembly option can be added to a Super (or PADS) Kit, and we will build the launcher for you. This takes a bit longer, of course. Which Reel to Order? You could just lay our line on the ground, and some do, but it is more convenient to use a reel. If you already have a moderate size spinning reel (or closed face spin-cast reel) they work fine. They can be mounted on a PVC slip-collar with some hose clamps, which is provided in the Super Kit. You can even hose-clamp a fishing reel directly on the barrel of a launcher, though it is a bit less convenient to hold the whole launcher when retrieving the line instead of removing the coupler and holding only the reel and coupler. Instead of a fishing reel you can mount a large spool of monofilament on the coupler using an L bracket from the hardware store and a bolt. It is a bit more effort to wind up, but it works! The best feeding reel is the Zip Reel. This reel is nearly 2 feet in circumference and feeds line with little friction, producing the greatest height launches. It is preassembled and loaded with 150 yards of quality 50 lb test Teflon-impregnated Spectra line by Eric WD6CMU. This is included with the Super+Zip kits. The Zip reel can hold a great deal more line if you are careful to avoid tensioning it too tightly on the spool. The Custom Mini-Coaxial reel is provided in the PADS kit. This is essentially a scaled down version of the Zip Reel designed to fit in the space available in the PADS Hard Case. It works well and feeds about a foot of line per turn. This reel holds 150 yards of the 50 pound Spectra type line. | |
| The NEW CSV19 Antenna Launcher SUPER-II Kit includes all the parts for the CSV19 launcher, plus most of the accessories required for launching antennas. The CSV19 reaches up to about 200 feet of height. This kit includes the precision machined parts plus the hard to find SDR21 Tennsi Ball Barrel, the trigger valve, a small pressure gauge, and more. This version of the launcher uses the standard 4" diameter chamber and is 19" in overall length. The CSV19 weighs about 6.5 pounds. PLUS this SUPER-II KIT includes the EPOXY kit, the Ramrod kit, the Reel Mount for your fishing reel, and 3 Prepared Tennis Balls. PLUS it now includes the Pressure Safety Relief Valve, and the 1/8 NPT Tap!!! Just add PVC cement and a few simple tools and assemble your own compact high performance Pneumatic Antenna Launcher. Then add your reel and line and source of compressed air, and go launch antennas! The CSV19 web page contains the complete information and assembly instructions for the launcher. The kit does not include PVC cement or accessories such as the reel or line. An air pump or source of compressed air will also be required to pressurize the launcher. Launcher Kits are built on order. Parts are usually in stock, but it may require between two days and two weeks to prepare and ship the kit. The CSV19 SUPER-II Kit sells for $149 plus $20 shipping and handling. | |
| The CSV17 SUPER-II Kit is the same as the CSV19 Super-II Kit above except for the lighter, smaller overall size sub-compact launcher that is 17 inches long and uses a 3" diameter pressure chamber. The CSV17 reaches up to 150 feet of height or more. The CSV17 SUPER-II Kit sells for $145 plus $19 shipping and handling. | |
| The CSV19 SUPER+Zip Kit is the same as the CSV19 Super-II Kit above except it includes the Zip Reel and Line made by Eric, WD6CMU instead of the Reel Mount Collar normally provided with the Super kits. The CSV19 SUPER+Zip Kit sells for $219 plus $25 shipping and handling. | |
| The CSV17 SUPER+Zip Kit is the same as the CSV17 Super-II Kit above except it includes the Zip Reel and Line made by Eric, WD6CMU instead of the Reel Mount Collar normally provided with the Super kits. The CSV17 SUPER+Zip Kit sells for $215 plus $24 shipping and handling. | |
|
The Deluxe PADS (Pneumatic Antenna Deployment System) Super Kit
includes a CSV17 Super-II Kit (as described above, less the fishing reel mount), plus
a fitted Hard Case and a custom-made Mini-Coaxial Reel pre-loaded with 150 yards of
teflon coated Spectra type line, plus a pair of Twine 270 foot nylon twine reels.
Add your antenna and a source of air pressure or CO2.
The air chamber of the CSV17 is sized to get a good launch from a 12 gram CO2
cylinder. You can get a CO2 charger that uses 12 gram cylinders at the local
bicycle shop. This compact pressure source fits into the hard case and insures that your
launcher is always ready to go for Emergency Communications or Field Day.
Assembly Required.
See the PADS Pages for further info.
PADS kits are prepared on order and may take up to three weeks to ship. The PADS Kit sells for $249 plus $28 shipping and handling. | |
| CSV17 or CSV19 Antenna Launcher Assembly Service. We will assemble and test your CSV launcher as a service for those who need this. Launcher Kits are assembled on order. Parts are usually in stock, but it may require two to four weeks to prepare and ship the assembled unit. The CSV17 or CSV19 Kit Assembly costs $75 plus $4 shipping insurance. This MUST be purchased together with a SUPER-II, Super+Zip or PADS Kit above. | |
| The CSV19 Antenna Launcher Basic Kit includes the parts for the CSV19 launcher. This includes the precision machined parts plus the hard to find SDR21 Tennsi Ball Barrel, the trigger valve, a small pressure gauge, and more. This version of the launcher uses the standard 4" diameter chamber and is 19" in overall length. The CSV19 weighs about 6.5 pounds and will reach up to 200 feet in height. Just add cement, epoxy and a few simple tools and assemble your own compact high performance Pneumatic Antenna Launcher. The CSV19 web page contains the complete information and assembly instructions for the launcher. The Basic Kit does not include cement, epoxy, tennis balls or accessories such as the reel, line or mount. Launcher Kits are built on order. Parts are usually in stock, but it may require between two days and two weeks to prepare and ship the kit. The CSV19 Basic Kit sells for $99 plus $20 shipping and handling. | |
| The CSV17 Antenna Launcher Basic Kit is the same as the above CSV19 Basic Kit above except several parts are changed producing a more compact and lighter weight launcher. The CSV17 uses a 3" diameter chamber and is 17" in overall length and it weighs just under 5 pounds. It reaches up to 150 feet in height. Just add cement, epoxy and a few simple tools and assemble your own sub-compact high performance Pneumatic Antenna Launcher. The CSV19 web page contains the complete information and assembly instructions for the launcher. (The assembly is the same as the CSV19, only four parts are changed in size). The Basic Kit does not include cement, epoxy, tennis balls or accessories such as the reel, line or mount. Launcher Kits are built on order. Parts are usually in stock, but it may require between two days and two weeks to prepare and ship the kit. The CSV17 Basic Kit sells for $95 plus $19 shipping and handling. | |
| The Antenna Launcher Tennis Ball is just the right weight for Antenna Launching - about 4 ounces. It has a loop of line to attach to - a NEW IMPROVED nylon coated stranded stainless steel wire is used (starting March 8, 2006). Order several, it is a good idea to carry a couple of spares. Starting in January 2006 NEW tennis balls are used. We have run out of good used tennis balls. The cost is $3 each. This item must be ordered with a kit - see other listings below for separate shipment. Limit 6 additional balls per kit. Additional shipping $.50 per ball. | |
| The Antenna Launcher 3 Tennis Ball Set contains three of the above Antenna Launcher pre-prepared Tennis Balls. They are just the right weight for Antenna Launching - about 4 ounces. They have loops of line to attach to fastened inside the ball. The cost is $8 for the set of 3 plus $5 shipping and handling, Limit 12 balls per order. Additional shipping applies for more than 3 balls. | |
|
The
Antenna Launcher Zip Reel is designed and assembled by Eric WD6CMU.
It includes the commercially manufactured Reel combined with his custom lathe
turned and milled mounting collar and aluminum brackets PLUS
150 yards of 50 pound hi-tech Spectra hi-visibility line already spooled on the reel.
It is assembled and ready to go!
It friction fits on the end of the PVC barrel and can easily be removed for rewinding
and transporting the launcher.
This is the Cadillac of launcher reels. It has a clever pair of 'fingers' that hold the line but releases it perfectly on every shot. The line feeds from the side of the reel and has about the minimum possible resistance to the ball. The circumference is about 21" so I measure launch height by counting the turns to replace the line on the reel after launching straight up (not over a tree). The Zip reel and line is included in the above Super+Zip kits. Reels are made on order and may take up to three weeks to ship. More info on Eric's website: Antenna Launcher Zip Reel The Zip Reel costs $83 plus $9 shipping, handling and insurance. | |
|
The Pressure Safety Relief Valve that is included in the Super-II Kits
is available here as an add-on.
This prevents accidentally exceeding the safe pressure for the launcher.
It is factory set to bleed off pressure at 100 psi.
This is useful if your pressure source can exceed 100 psi - especially for
electric compressors or CO2 systems.
It threads into a 1/8-27 NPT threaded hole.
The Pressure Safety Relief Valve costs $8 plus $4 shipping and handling. | |
| The CO2 Charging System includes a high quality pressure regulator with a tire fill adapter pre-installed, and a removable 12 ounce refillable CO2 bottle. This is the safest and most convenient way to fill the Antenna Launchers. The CO2 system can be carried right to the launch point, and the launcher filled immediately prior to the shot. You can see a photo of it in the CSV19 kit. It is the black bottle just above the launcher in the photo. The high quality CO2 regulator is adjustable and is preset to 100 psi. It will fill the CSV19 launcher in a few seconds and has capacity for about 20 to 30 launches on the CSV19, even more for the smaller CSV17. It is shipped without CO2 and can be refilled at most outlets carrying paintball supplies for a few dollars. CO2 systems are made on order and may require up to 2-3 weeks to ship. The CO2 Charging System sells for $150 plus $7 shipping and handling. | |
| The Additional 12 oz CO2 Tank is the same CO2 tank supplied with the CO2 kit above. This tank is shipped empty and costs a few dollars to fill at a local paintball supply store. It holds enough CO2 for about 30 or more launches. Having two tanks increases launch capacity and reduces waste by not having to fill partially full tanks. The Additional 12 oz CO2 tank costs $35 plus $5 for shipping and handling. They usually ship within a few days to two weeks, depending on stock. | |
| Twine 270 Reel, loaded with 270 feet of nylon twine. This line is pulled up and over the tree with the fishing line. The twine is adequate to support most wire antennas and can be used to pull up heavier line when required. The convenient plastic reels hold the line and facilitate both feeding the line and winding it back up. 270 feet is enough to go up and over a 130 foot tree. Trees that tall aren't too common, so this reel is adequate for most uses. Twine reels ship in a few days to three weeks, depending on stock. Twine 270 Reels sell for $9 each plus $5 shipping and handling. Additional reels in the same order add only $1 shipping per reel. | |
| Twine 500 Reel, loaded with 500 feet oF nylon twine. This line is pulled up and over the tree with the fishing line. The twine is adequate to support most wire antennas and can be used to pull up heavier line when required. The convenient plastic reels hold the line and facilitate both feeding the line and winding it back up. 500 feet is quite a long line. It allows for really tall trees, large spacing between the trees, and cutting some off the end now and then with no worries about running out. Twine reels ship in a few days to three weeks, depending on stock. Twine 500 Reels sell for $13 each plus $5 shipping and handling. Additional reels in the same order add only $1 shipping per reel. | |
| Hi-tech Spectra Line is excellent for the greatest launch height. This small diameter 50 pound test high visibility yellow line is the best choice for getting the tennis ball way up there. Virtually no stretch. Teflon impregnated to slide easily over branches. The 150 yard spool of yellow Spectra sells for $16 Plus $5 shipping and handling. | |
|
SDR21 Tennis Ball Barrel material is just the right diameter for
tennis balls. The walls are thinner than Schedule 40 so the Tennis Balls
fit snugly whereas in Schedule 40 they are very tight.
This is dark grey 200 psi rated PVC. It is also very smooth. I special order it in the
proper diameter for Tennis Balls which fits the regular 2.5 inch PVC fittings.
It is cemented with the regular PVC cement.
This is available in several lengths.
Actual length is within approximately 1/4".
32" Tennis Ball Barrels cost $17 plus $14 shipping and handling. | |
|
SDR21 Tennis Ball Barrel material is just the right diameter for
tennis balls. The walls are thinner than Schedule 40 so the Tennis Balls
fit snugly whereas in Schedule 40 they are very tight.
This is dark grey 200 psi rated PVC. It is also very smooth. I special order it in the
proper diameter for Tennis Balls which fits the regular 2.5 inch PVC fittings.
It is cemented with the regular PVC cement.
This is available in several lengths.
Actual length is within approximately 1/4".
16" Tennis Ball Barrels cost $10 plus $9 shipping and handling. | |
| In order to bring you the most up to date and highest quality kit instructions (complete with color photographs) at the lowest cost they are posted here on the web. If you need to have an off-net copy you may purchase this CDROM of Kit Instructions. This is a CD recordable that we prepare after receipt of order, so it is up to date. This usually can be prepared and shipped within three business days. The cost is $1 for preparing the CDROM and $2 for shipping and handling. |
| Review your Shopping Cart and Securely Check Out using the link on the right, or the shopping cart window that appears after clicking any of the "Add to Cart" buttons. If you prefer not to use PayPal see below for other options. |
|
Ordering is best handled via PayPal by using the shopping cart above.
PayPal may also be sent directly to AKBiocca at comcast.net.
Make sure to specify what you want and add applicable sales tax and shipping
as well as a shipping address.
Make sure your Paypal email address is correct as I will send confirmations
to this address, and you will not receive them if it is not working.
We acknowledge orders by email and send another email when the product ships. Make sure that you whitelist our email address to get it through your filters. Alternately you can send a check to Alan Biocca WB6ZQZ, 5027 Sweetwood Drive, Richmond, CA 94803. Specify the product(s) and the shipping address. Even if you order by mail please specify an email address and we will notify you via email when the order is received and when the order is shipped. All payments must be in US currency drawn on on US Banks. Be sure to include Shipping and 7.25% California sales tax if applicable. Foreign Orders, and orders to Alaska and Hawaii may incur additional shipping. We will bill the additional shipping via PayPal before sending the order (if PayPal was used). For other payment methods request a specific quotation before ordering. The Customer is responsible for any duties and taxes. Printed instructions are not included with Kits, they are provided here on the web. We can cut a CD as a special service with the instructions in html format, include it in your shopping basket above. Contact me via email for any questions or special price quotations. My email address is AKBiocca at comcast.net or wb6zqz at arrl.net. Please include the words "Balun" or "Antenna Launcher" in the subject line to help separate it from the junk email. Make sure you put our address in your whitelist so the response does not end up in your spam box. I generally reply to email within two business days (usually quicker). If I have not replied within that time it may be lost and you should resend. |
|
Purchasers of Launchers, Launcher Kits and CO2 systems must be 18
years of age or older.
LAUNCHERS ARE NOT TOYS. THEY MUST BE USED IN A SAFE RESPONSIBLE MANNER. CARELESS USE CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR POTENTIALLY EVEN DEATH. LAUNCHERS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE SAME SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AS A FIREARM. KEEP LAUNCHERS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. DO NOT LOOK DOWN THE BORE. CHOOSE THE LAUNCH TRAJECTORY AND LANDING AREA CAREFULLY. PRESSURIZE THE CHAMBER ONLY WHEN READY TO LAUNCH, AFTER OTHER PREPARATIONS ARE COMPLETE. |
| We do not share customer information with anyone except as needed to complete the transaction or as required by law. PayPal handles credit security so we do not have your credit card information. Prices, availability and products subject to change without notice. Quantities limited. Launcher kits and CO2 system components sold only to adults 18 or older. Precharged CO2 cylinders may not be shipped via air and so are limited to the continental US. |
| Triple Ratio Balun, TRB, TBL, CSV, Pneumatic Antenna Launcher and Pneumatic Antenna Deployment System (PADS) are trademarks of Biocca Engineering. Components, Specifications, Prices and delivery subject to change without notice. |
You may email author Alan Biocca via wb6zqz at arrl.net
Order Form Ver 1.65 3/14/2006
This web page is complete!
