Antenna Launcher / Slingshot / Tips and Tricks

[@aloats]

That tip at the end about how to wind your cord was gold!

[@redacted2763]

Awesome tips! The tangle-free cordage tip is worth the price of admission alone. Thanks, Steve!

[@eddiewalker4530]

Great information, nicely presented thanks 😊

[@wxfield]

My grandfather, long past now..used to shoot 3 lines up over a branch he wanted to tie into. He used the 3 'pull lines' to assist him in tying knots from below. I can't recall how..but he tied two of the lines to a pulley and looped around one of those lines. Fed some line through the pulley wheel and through a combination of twisting and pulling was able to tie-off the pulley to the tree branch. The pulley ended up with two passes of string through the anchor eyelet and those two would allow the pulley to hang about 12-24" from the branch. He then would hang a sash weight off one end of the pulley's rope and his antenna off the other. His dipoles were always taught and straight as a line no matter what the wind was doing. I have NO CLUE the sequence of knots and twists he used to tie-off that pulley..just remember him saying he had to learn how to re-rig a mast when he was in the merchant marine from a moving, wet deck. Cheers! Thanks for the video.

[@kennethsizer6217]

Awe, man, one more bit of lost wisdom of the ancients! Seriously, though: The mention of "re-rig a mast" might be the clue I need to track this down. Thanks for sharing (and giving me a challenge!)

[@zarfer]

Sash weight. Old time windows had a counter weeight to hold them up which was called a sash weight. Different sizes for different size windows. Small ones were a pound or 2.

[@michaelpaulmcdaniel8870]

So much thought, lessons and experience shared. THIS is what Amateur Radio Service should be. Thank you Sir.

[@SKYGUY1]

K4KID here... Much better method for serious emergency applications. Who is going to have an air compressor or air tank to charge the PVC cannon launchers. This was cheap, highly effective and fairly predictable with practice to learn what to expect. As Siskel and Eibert used to say... TWO THUMBS UP!

[@slcoareschannel1943]

Great video. I too use the figure 8 method. Like you said, there's nothing worse than to spend 30 minutes on a length of cord untangling! As a matter of fact, when I take down my towers in the field and I see people "TRY" to help me by taking the paracord and start winding it up like most people do I say, "HOLD ON EVERYONE... LET ME SHOW YOU HOW I NEED THE CORD WRAPPED". I then proceed to teach everyone how to wind it up in a figure 8. I show them how quick it is and what it does. Most people have never seen that method. Amazing! BTW: it works on much longer lengths as well. I use my forearm and hand to wind up long lengths. I've also created a jig so that when I buy the 100 foot lengths of cord I unravel it and put it on my jig and re-wrap it using the figure 8. MUCH BETTER!!!

[@michaelpaulmcdaniel8870]

Thank you Brother HAM. 73's from KI5PWM. Great job! I learned to wear a glove on my right hand to save injury from braking the line. God Bless you and All whom you Love Sir.

[@jennifer86010]

Steve, thanks for this great video !! I appreciate you laying out all your gear on a table so viewers could see what to use. Your narrative was to the point, camera work was very good, and you performed each step slowly with great explanation so we could see how its done. The rope winding technique is great ! Thanks, especially for not wasting time talking about unrelated or unnecessary things, as so many video people do. You got right to the point and taught us well. Lessons we can remember and use ! -73

[@mattpujol4787]

Nicely done! All good stuff! The reason the figure 8 wrapping technique works so well is the figure 8 takes the twist out of just a circular wrapping of the paracord. Nice trick!

[@georgeaverill36]

Great video! Tip for winding the excess para-cord is something every ham needs to learn! Keep up the good work!

[@hamradioportable1630]

George, I still use some of those knots you showed us in a club presentation. Stay safe.

[@1boortzfan]

Steve the line wrapping tip at the end was worth the whole video. It makes me want to wrap up some para cord.

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks for watching. Maybe i'll video on just the para cord winding.

[@buckeye5704]

I assembled the bits & bobs last week and finally went to have a go at it today. Worked like a charm. Especially when I remembered to take the weight off so the line would come back over the limbs. lol 73 and thanks for this Steve.

[@BurtonChristmasLites]

Now I am rethinking my slingshot method! Made one of the launchers with the wrist slingshot and reel combo. Never thought about the spin reel and it's capacity. I have had it run out several times on a good launch. Looks like a trip to Walmart is in order. Robert KD4YDC

[@hamradioportable1630]

Hey Robert; Tie some Christmas lights on that line and you will be able to launch at night. LoL. Enjoyed your program last night. Steve Ad4xt

[@mitstax]

I'd watched a video a couple of yrs back. It showed using an open bale on and old rod and reel just like this. I painted a 1 oz cannon ball weight orange and shot it over a 40' high redwood tree limb. Thanks for the vid

[@renov8r]

I ended up with almost the same exact solution through trial and error - but needed confirmation that I was on the right track! I just ordered the high visibility filament as an upgrade. Thanks for the great video!

[@daveward1484]

Nice video, that's exactly how I do it. I would be interested in how you anchor the other end of the line after you attach the antenna. I usually wrap it around the tree trunk if I have enough line left.

[@hamradioportable1630]

Yea Dave, wrap it around the tree or limb. Make sure to keep above head height so it's out of the way. Steve - Ad4xt

[@craigguinn5423]

Just did this today, followed the directions pretty closely, worked through a birch and cypress tree. Orange sinkers and lines proved important. Thanks! Only needed 30’, but will hang another wire soon.

[@hamradioportable1630]

Good deal Craig. I'm glad it's working for you. Painting the sinkers orange is a great idea.

[@RC-Heli835]

I've never thought about winding rope in a figure 8 like that. Awesome!

[@KarlWitsman]

I like that blue winder. With some holes along the bottom, a dipole could be attached to both sides and hauled into a tree. Good way to keep track of your winder, as it's up in the tree until you are finished.

[@donalddavis581]

What a great idea with the old fishing rod. I always get a line tangle of some sort on the launch! THANK YOU!!!

[@farmerwayne1404]

Looks good! Paracord sticks to everything...

[@dannyshortwave]

Great tips, I need to get that slingshot. Have a great day. 😊

[@thomashardy9994]

Using the extremely light fishing line is a great idea. Wish I’d seen this earlier.

[@hamradioportable1630]

If it's good, high shot. Pull Mason twine over first. Then, use the twine to pull the paracord over. Steve - Ad4xt

[@fin_jan]

Super good tips. Thanks for sharing your acquired knowledge!

[@joaquintall5180]

Steve, good tip on winding the rope. Mine has been out in the SoCal summer heat for 10 years and still holds the 43' mast strong. I used to use my extended thumb and my elbow to wind all my rope[!] I have used my fly rod {WalMart] for the longest time to launch a small weight into the 60' tall eucalyptus trees on my property, with various degrees of success. Next visit to WalMart, I'll buy the slingshot your recommend. Still waiting for my center insulator [from your other video] for my ZS6BKW. Then order the wire, 450 Ohm ladder-line and the balun. Will send you a note when all is completed. Perhaps, I'll try to make a video as you have. Thanks for yet another great and most helpful video. Vry 73 de Alan

[@W5NEH]

Steve, thank you for the video. I followed you almost step by step and it works very well.

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks Nate, I'm glad it's working for you. I enjoy every outing using my slingshot. Thanks for watching. Steve

[@notthepainter]

Awesome trick on coiling the paracord, thanks!

[@russ_vee_jr4199]

Thanks Steve for posting this. Your vid is filled with great info that I'll put to use soon. I'll be extending my 40M EFHW to a full 80M half wave wire length to be configured as an inverted Ell. It'll go vertical for 25 feet, then gradually slope up and out for 100 feet to various limbs on a very high tree. I was planning on constructing an air cannon like I had 40 years ago, but I'll be trying your method first. My guess is that the $7 Sling Shot may be just shy of the max height I want to go to and may have to upgrade to a $20 model. HiHi I really like your approach and will hop on it next week. Thanks for the demonstration and 73 OM......

[@mikeramsey9747]

You have one of the best methods that I've seen, Thanks

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks Mike; The method is simple , cheap, and it works. That covers all the bases. Steve Ad4xt

[@devinhedge]

Steve, thanks for making this video. It was exactly what I was looking for. 73s

[@warrennetherton6011]

Thanks for the tips and demonstration of your technique. I'll be using those.

[@ehayes5217]

Great info & ideas. And like u, I think I've tried everything, too; however, one method u didn't mention is one I've used quite successfully over the years: using a small rock, one just heavy enough to bring the line back down to the ground, w/ enough "angles" on it to securely wrap a small line around it several times...w/ the rock "hanging" just above the ground (& 2 to 3' below my grasp of the line), I'll fling it, but more like in a half-moon UNDERHANDED throw. I can easily loop it over the top of a 50' tree & once even got it over one that was at least 75' tall. And while this technique will work when targeting just one particular limb, it'll work even better when there's plenty of good, strong limbs at the treetop (or the targeted area), when any limb the line might land on, in or across will work!

[@winstonsmiths2449]

I use the cord trick with my tarp lines. It does save time. Cordage will form the weirdest knots that are hard to untie if not bundled properly. Learning basic knots is also critical to keeping your cordage tangle free, reusable, and maximize its tensile strength.

[@techguy9023]

I use one of the orange plastic extension cord winders that look like an H. Gets about a foot of rope or wire per wind. Make a piece of 1/8 plywood into a winder ( cut a deep groove in each end with a jig saw) works well too.

[@jordantexas]

Using this method for drone-in-a-tree recovery. Thank you!

[@nc4tn]

Thanks for the tips, Steve!

[@Linas_LY2H]

Nice shots! After trying numerous similar methods, I've invested into an EZ-Hang slingshot system, comprised of a slingshot, a fishing line reel, set of weights and a role of signal cord- all in one ! No regrets, no problems since for the last 10+ years :). It's probably a really good idea to make a video on it! 73! Linas LY2H

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks for watching. The EZ-hang is a good system, I just wanted a low cost method that would get the result that I was looking for. :-) Steve Ad4xt

[@lf7961]

These tips and tricks are most helpful. Excellent video.

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks for watching. We had our zs6bkw antenna wire up 75 feet this year for winter field day 2022.

[@sanjithnair3266]

Nice Video I like your code winding technique. And I am going to get a slingshot. Thank You 73

[@zarfer]

Use the figure 8 for electrical cords and hoses. Lay them on the ground and loop back and forth. Pulls out without tangling.

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

A really useful video Steve, thank-you!

[@krazytrinisteve]

I used the sling shot and a number two lead weight and use a fishing spool. The fishing spool allows the fishing line spool out nicely. This is definitely the way.

[@dannybryant4440]

Great video and several great tips

[@ke6ziu]

I've done this with 15 lb test... and a sinker, along with a spin cast reel...

[@akcharlie1960]

OUTSTANDINGLY(?) helpful video. Thx buddy.

[@lexheath8276]

Wife and I both use catapults, and yes I use them for antenna launchers.

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

Excellent, Steve! Thank you for posting. Great information. I’m new to amateur radio (about to take the Tech exam) so practical tips and insights like these are valuable to me. Too, I thought you sounded like a possible neighbor; I’m over in Montgomery. Hope we cross paths sometime. 👍

[@hamradioportable1630]

I have some family in Montgomery. I'm good on qrz. Thanks for watching.

[@Jeepjones85]

I'm definitely going to try this with an Ed Fong pvc antenna

[@jeremygilchrist1956]

Excellent demonstration. I have been experimenting with a slingshot with a reel built on to it about the last week. It has been rather hit or miss so far, gets tangled up a lot. I may be trying your way shortly. THANKS!

[@hamradioportable1630]

Be sure to watch the follow-up video that talks about the rod length. Thanks for watching. Steve- Ad4xt

[@Ronbob59]

Great idea. I'm off to Walmart! Thanks for sharing…

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks Ron. Wear some safety glasses as you first get started. After you pick up some experience your sunglasses will be sufficient. Have fun and enjoy.

[@erickdahan7474]

I can confirm that dacron like cordage is better. I use Mastrant (just buy a big 100' roll and you will be happy). Paracord "bites" into most common tree bark. The mastrant (dacron like cord) slips through, and is less elastic.

[@lobergho]

Thanks, I'll give that a try. However, I will use safety glasses just in case that weight should decide to come back at me.

[@DD-gd3fr]

thank you steve great tip ILL give it a try

[@buckeye5704]

I need to get my EFHW higher. Gonna get me a sling shot tomorrow be better set up for WFD this weekend. That figure 8 wrap is the best. I learned it from some bushcrafter videos a few years ago. Works every time.

[@snippits75]

Awesome video. My old shoulder thanks you!

[@Aduhwan]

I just stumbled across your video while trying to learn more about placing antenna wires into trees. I am impressed with both your presentation and this antenna launching technique. I plan to stop by my local Walmart in the few days and get a rod, reel, fishing line, and a tent stake. Is there a specific spinning reel manufacturer and/or feature set for a spinning reel that you could recommend? TIA. De KM4PBY 73'

[@stevewhittington5829]

Don't spend much. Make sure it will handle 12lb. Test line. Stay safe.

[@G4AKC]

Excellent description Steve... Dave G4AKC

[@tomhendrix1]

awesome video thanks for the training!!

[@S79KW]

Hi !, Enjoying watching in the Seychelles !!< Lovelly intro video and great ideas on the slingshot with braid on the reel. I always suffered line tungling in the grass if the line is left on the ground/grass. 73 from S79KW

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks for watching Kamil; That is one beautiful island you live on. Nice antenna set up too. Hope to make a contact with you one day. Steve Ad4xt

[@stuarthall3874]

Thanks for the video! Some very good tips I picked up.

[@kreynolds1123]

I took down all the high limbs on my tree with a chainsaw on a rope. It was tough with a brick and rope. I borrowed a bow and arrow that helped but this was a slick setup. I now wish I had used a slingshot.

[@williampeacock9473]

Thanks for showing how you put your line up over the tree . I really enjoyed the video Steve great job my friend. 73 AE4OY WILLIAM Peacock EM-81UF God bless.

[@peschpit]

Good video and good information. Thanks. WB8KC.

[@muchmuchmore]

Check out dynaglide arborist rope. Is slides really well through trees.

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks, I will check it out. Steve Ad4xt

[@whaler1355]

Excellent video sir. Thank you for sharing. 73. from NC

[@r6dts256]

Thank you! Nice video

[@2321brendan]

I almost lost an eye doing this. Only had some 50lb line. Had a few practice tries and was working well until.......... The line looped around one of the slingshot arms as I pulled way back for super high launch. I did not see it around the arm , it went about 20ft before coming straight back at me at speed! I barely had time to close my eyes! the small ball sinker got me on the eyebrow. Small cut . Went and grabbed safety glasses like I was thinking of doing before I started.

[@hamradioportable1630]

50lb. is too much. The 12lb. will usually break if it gets hung up. The weight will be lost. Keep a couple extra weights on hand if you are out portable. Safety glasses or some good sunglasses are recommended. I'm glad you are okay. Stay safe. Steve Ad4xt

[@n1ti]

no need to buy an expensive EZ Hang or spud gun. Like the figure 8 stowing tip too. Great vid. 73 de N1TI

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks Tim :-)

[@jes4596]

Thank you very much Steve !!!

[@donaldsmith3048]

Thank you for the information.

[@RadioStormOKC]

Great video and really enjoyed your tips.

[@AA0Z]

I've had issue after issue with the slingshot method. I purchased an arborist Big Shot and have never looked back. I had to make some 8oz to 15oz weight bags depending on the type of bark on the tree paired with Mason line.

[@randyhavener1851]

That is really slick!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@W6IWN_Radio]

Awesome video! What are you using for you rope/wire winders? I've had some struggles with Paracord for! What's the new 3/16 line you're using and where can I get some?

[@hamradioportable1630]

I like to use 3/16 dacron rope when I can. Paracord is okay it seems to work all right. Check my video list I've got a paracord winding video also. Thanks for watching.

[@kc8wvg]

Thanks for your video and advice. I will be giving your tips a "shot" soon. 73's KC8WVG

[@theElderberryFarmer]

Some really excellent tips in this video, sir! Thanks very much for sharing them. 73, KO4AZY

[@brianpeever2300]

Great video, I have most of the items you listed so looking forward to getting my dipole setup. 73 VE3LEG

[@yakovrokhlin316]

That’s awesome! Love your video!!!!

[@hamradioportable1630]

Thanks for watching!

[@markg6jvy135]

Great tips Steve thanks 👍 Would you not be able to cast the weight as far with the rod rather than the slingshot? I’m interested in your experience??

[@stevewhittington5829]

I use to try casting with a rod. No accuracy . 1 shot a done with slingshot.

[@markg6jvy135]

Steve Whittington Ah I see 👍 Thanks for the response & tip 👌

[@027MC7]

Awesome, thanks.

[@nianfengli6121]

Good info. Thanks for sharing.

[@dwayneschank5456]

Awesome Love it thanks!!!

[@tangoseal1]

I just use my recurve bow and a fishing arrow. I can shoot an arrow 150 foot over a tree. Sometimes its ridiculous how far I can get it over a tree.

[@closeoutsaleusa5322]

Good stuff here! I was looking for a way to avoid paying $100 for a slingshot antenna launcher and this showed me how to do it for a fraction! I'll be hanging up my homebrewed 30 meter dipole up in the trees in my backyard this weekend. Thanks a bunch! de KE7LOY

[@sphexes]

Great video! Many good techniques that I'll use. 73 W8XDX

[@ben2e0omr]

Double like Steve!

[@ВикторАрзютов-е1ъ]

MANY, MANY THANKs!!!!!!! FROM US4ET VICTOR . 73!!!!!

[@glasno]

aah! Your cord winding technique will be useful

[@chipfornaris]

Wish you would keep going and show how to pull up an antenna with a pulley?

[@hamradioportable1630]

Not using any pully system when out portable. Pully can be handy when changing out wire antennas a lot at a home QTH.

[@hoytwood4937]

Good Video A+

[@EarthlyVibes]

🇨🇦🇺🇸Thanks for the tips

[@EUC_Senior]

I tried this yesterday using a half ounce sinker. The branch that I was aiming for is probably 60 or 70 feet high. I am unable to reach that height! Would changing the weight make a difference? If so, what should I change it to? Or is this slingshot not powerful enough to go UP 60-70 feet? If you recommend a different weight OR a different slingshot, please tell me exactly which make and model number.

[@hamradioportable1630]

Watch my antenna launcher Rod update to make sure you're using the right type of fishing rod. You can also e mail me. I'm good on qrz. Steve. Ad4xt

[@onemorething100]

So let's say I want to do a horizontal dipole. One end is attached to my chimney. The other leg runs horizontal across my yard and up into a tree. What I don't know how to do is how to tie the leg off? If I use your technique and lob a sinker up and over a bough and pull the leg of the antenna over, how then do I tie off? Can some of the end of the antenna point down to the ground? Thanks

[@hamradioportable1630]

Pull para-cord over your limb first, then tie to the end of your dipole. Pull it tight and tie the cord off near the bottom of the tree. Good luck.

[@paulschumacker9901]

I’ve tried this, but run into problems when the weight hits a small branch and spins around, basically tying the weight in the tree. No amount of tugging and releasing the fishing line can untangle it. I’ve got a Maple tree decorated with a bunch of lead sinkers with strands of nylon line hanging from them. Not sure how to prevent this.

[@hamradioportable1630]

Sorry you're having hang up issues. I have lots of tall pines here in the south that cause no problems. I will use hardwood trees when I have to out portable. Some things to double check. Make sure your reel is full and your fishing line is new and no heavier that 12lb. monofilament. 1/2 ounce egg weight. Some Reel magic spray on the line will also help. I don't aim at any particular limb when using a hardwood tree. I just shoot over the entire tree. If I want the weight to fall thru the canopy of the tree of a hardwood, avoid the middle of the tree. Also shoot the weight at an acute angle up high above the tree and let the gravity feed the weight down thru the canopy. Keep the bail of the reel open with no resistance on the line as it falls. I hope this helps. Hit me up on my e mail if you need more. I'm good on QRZ . Steve - Ad4xt

[@paulschumacker9901]

Thanks - will give this a try! 73!@@hamradioportable1630

[@EUC_Senior]

I am new to a spinning reel. So before you fire the shot, you open the bail, meaning you lift it up? Is that correct?

[@hamradioportable1630]

Yes, watch line around reel once it's open. Don't let any line wrap around anything.

[@EUC_Senior]

@@hamradioportable1630 thank you!

[@SummitBidTech]

About How high up is the limb?

[@fordnut4914]

Bow and arrow in country would work gteat.

[@EUC_Senior]

Are you sure that the sinkers are 1/2 ounce? I believe the 1 on the package suggests that they are 1 ounce and not 1/2 ounce.

[@hamradioportable1630]

Yes they are 1/2 oz. Some of these manufactures of sinkers use a size number instead of weight.

[@EUC_Senior]

@@hamradioportable1630 OK. Thank you! Mark

[@UsMan-kn8hd]

Also no permits 😅 county land free no boom truck 🚛