PADS Launcher

The Pneumatic Antenna Deployment System

The Pneumatic Antenna Deployment System is a CSV17 Launcher in a Hard Case with a special Mini-Coaxial Reel. Photo includes some optional accessories.

CSV17 Pneumatic Antenna Launcher

The CSV17 is 17 inches long, weighs about five pounds and uses a 3″ PVC pressure chamber that pumps up quickly with any tire pump and is optimized to work well with a single 12 gram CO2 cylinder per launch. It reaches up to about 160 feet in height and fits into an 18″ tool case.

The PADS Kit includes the CSV17 Basic Kit which is the parts for the Launcher:

  • 1 Pressure Chamber Forward Endcap (PVC, w/o hole)
  • 1 Pressure chamber pipe, (PVC)
  • 1 Pressure Chamber Rear Endcap (PVC, with hole)
  • 1 Valve inlet pipe (1″ short grey PVC, thick wall)
  • 1 Reinforcing ring (1″ PVC, fits over valve inlet pipe)
  • 1 Pneumatic valve, modified
  • 1 Brass elbow
  • 1 Trigger Valve assembly
  • 1 Valve outlet Pipe (1″ short white PVC)
  • 1 Bushing (1.25″ PVC, valve to elbow)
  • 1 Elbow, lower (1.25″ PVC)
  • 1 Elbow coupler pipe (1.25″ PVC)
  • 1 Elbow, upper (1.25″ PVC, round end fits into Barrel Endcap)
  • 1 Barrel Endap (2.5″ PVC, w hole)
  • 1 Tennis Ball Barrel (2.5″ PVC)
  • 1 Launcher Label
  • 1 Fill valve (brass tire valve)
  • 1 Pressure gauge

Plus the PADS Kit also includes the Super Kit parts:

  • 1 Pre-epoxied Valve Top
  • Launch Ball Safety Holder
  • Launch Ball Loop Kit for five balls
  • 1 Ramrod Handle
  • 1 Ramrod End
  • 1 Pressure Safety Relief Valve
  • 1 Tap for Pressure Gauge, Fill Valve and Pressure Relief Valve

PLUS the PADS Kit also includes some Accessories:

  • The special Mini-Coaxial Reel (assembled)
  • 150 Yards of Hi-Vis Launch Line (preloaded)
  • Twine 270 Reels, two each
  • Hard Carrying Case

Ordering PADS Kits

Add your antenna and a source of air pressure or CO2. The air chamber of the PADS Launcher 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. Please see the Order Status pages for shipment estimates.

See Online Catalog to Order

PADS Assembly Instructions

The assembly instructions for the PADS are the same as those for the CSV19. Only four parts are changed in size. Prior to ordering a kit you should review the assembly instructions and required tools:

CSV19 Assembly Instructions

PADS Assembly Service

The PADS Assembly Service is provided for those who prefer that we assemble the launcher. This option is available on the various Super Kits. In this case we consume the Epoxy and we drill and tap the holes so we do not supply a tap. Three Pre-Prepared Launch Balls are included instead of the Launch Ball Loop Kit and Safety Holder. The other components of the PADS Super Kit are included with the shipment. Assembly adds one to two weeks to the order preparation process.

PADS GOLD Set

We have put together a really deluxe Antenna Deployment System in a professional rugged Pelican case. The set includes a pre-assembled PADS Launcher set, and in addition includes a CO2 System using a Pressure Regulator and 12 oz Paintball tank. The Pelican case is available in several colors.

See Online Catalog to Order

Launcher Accessories

Separate accessores such as Prepared Tennis Balls, Ramrods and Zip Reels are available on the Launcher Parts and Accessories Page