We opened our copy of QRP Quarterly (it comes in an envelope) and right there on the front cover is one of our CSV19 design Pneumatic Antenna Launchers, complete with Zip Reel in the hands of Bruce Beford, N1RX taking aim at the treetops. Bruce painted the white PVC on his CSV19 yellow, which looks great against the dark gray barrel. Bruce used his launcher at Lobstercon to wow the bystanders and put up some antennas. The article indicates it “proved to be a worthy tool indeed”, and “it was accurate and had the range necessary for just about anything” (page 29). Nice job, Bruce! Article text by Timothy Stabler WB9NLZ.
You can see the QQ cover photo at the QRP ARCI website (for a few months)
We are slowing the order flow so that we can catch up, things have become a bit backlogged lately. Pre-assembled launchers are now listed as out of stock, and we plan to suspend most ordering during December while we finish out all the orders in the queue. Ordering will be returned to normal in January.
Pacificon was fun, and we had a stuffed room for the presentation. We had a lot of good comments from the presentation, and a lot of visitors at the Buddipole booth where Chris Drummond graciously gave me some space.
The order backlog is growing, and this weekend we’re going to work on preparing a bunch of orders for shipment.
We are working on another batch of barrel material, but in the meantime we picked up some of the thicker Schedule 40 barrel material and put it on the website. This thicker pipe works fine, especially with well-worn used tennis balls, or Walmart Fun Balls which tend to be a bit smaller. If you want to change barrels later just friction-fit the barrel or use a little tape, or a couple of small screws to hold it on.
We are working on a strut to provide support for the trigger. It is not ready yet but looks very promising. It is best to avoid glueing the trigger to retain flexibility for service, and this strut may be the best long term solution to that issue.
We will be doing a Pneumatic Antenna Presenation at Pacificon this Saturday at 1:15. We will also be sharing a booth with Buddipole Antennas, so that’s where Alan will be most of the time.