This is the lead-in page for the CSV17, CSV19 and PADS Pneumatic Antenna Launcher Kit or Homebrew Assembly. Here find last minute updates and links to the assembly procedures. If your build is not completed re-check this page periodically for updates and suggestions. We also recommend that potential kit buyers review the assembly instructions (see link below) and insure they are prepared to build the kit. Builds take about 3 hours and require using PVC primer and cement as well as drilling and tapping a couple of holes in the PVC.

(5/2008) DO NOT GLUE REEL ADAPTERS TO BARREL - There has never been any suggestion or instruction to glue reel adapters (the slip coupler that the reel is mounted on) to the barrel, but we have heard of a couple of folks doing it. There is no problem doing so, however the convenience and utility of the launcher is reduced. It is more convenient to remove the reel from the launcher when rewinding the line, and the packing volume of the launcher is smaller when the reel is separated.

(3/2008) REDUCTION IN EPOXY - Testing indicates that epoxy is not required in the pressure tank and in the barrel endcap. Epoxy is still required in the valve top to plug the small holes and seal the valve. We now consider epoxy optional in the pressure tank and the barrel endcap. The Super kits that used to include epoxy have been adjusted so that now the valve top is pre-epoxied, and epoxy is no longer supplied or required. On basic and economy kits a small amount of epoxy will be required to plug the small holes in the valve top.

(2/2008) THUMB TRIGGERS - the new thumb triggers have arrived and test quite well. They have good flow. They do require a double male short brass adapter tube 1/4 NPT which we include in the kit.

(9/2007) As we finish up the last of the August batch of launchers a change is being made. Due to some recent problems with triggers, a change is recommended. In the past we recommended glueing the trigger. Long ago we used epoxy, then some time back we changed to CyanoAcrylate (CA or Krazy Glue). This glueing does not work consistently - sometimes it holds well, others not. Combined with occasional problems with the triggers, and the problems of getting the assembly apart when glued, leads us to this: We’re not going to glue the triggers on production launchers starting today, and we recommend against glueing them. The alternative is to use teflon tape. This seals well, and leaves the trigger assembly serviceable. The downside is that the trigger can move around if forced. This is not a problem, though it can be annoying. The best solution to the trigger moving is an aluminum strap between the barrel endcap and the top of the trigger.

(5/2007) Some of the recent Trigger Valves have not had sufficient airflow to reach full power. The result is very weak launches, and possibly 'Honking' sounds. Due to this DO NOT GLUE THE TRIGGER. See CsvHonks for further information on the solutions for this problem.

(5/2007) Some of the PVC we have been receiving is not as clean as we would like. It is recommended that the PVC be washed prior to assembly to promote good joint strength and improve appearance. Warm soapy water and a washcloth is advised, avoid harsh solvents that may damage the plastic. Avoid getting the pressure gauge wet. For the straight pipe sections a scouring pad is useful, except for the painted barrel which should not be cleaned with abrasives (if your barrel is unpainted then use the scouring pad on it, too). Dry the PVC thoroughly before cementing. Do not get the PVC hot while drying (do not exceed 100 degrees F or 40 degrees C).

The instructions for building the CSV launchers were written before kits were prepared and have been updated from time to time to cover the different build situations. They contain a lot of information and detail for the different types of builders. Please read them and insure they are understood before building your kit. If you have any questions please contact us before building the kit. We want your build to be successful.

The Instructions for building the CSV17 (or PADS) and CSV19 Pneumatic Antenna Launchers are here:

For initial trigger testing see LauncherTesting

After successful trigger testing, the trigger may be glued using a revised procedure:
See CsvTrigAsm

For final testing see LauncherTesting

In case of difficulty, see CsvTrouble