Antenna Launchers

CSV17 PADS

What is an Antenna Launcher?

If you want to learn more about the history and development of Antenna Launching and Pneumatic Antenna Launchers, please visit our Antenna Launching FAQ. If you are interested in our Launchers, read on.

Which Launcher to Order?

Comparison Chart

New Launcher Comparison Chart Here These charts show a lot of comparison information between the various launchers, reels and kit contents. It opens in a separate window.

We offer two sizes of launcher. The CSV19 is about 19 inches in length with a 4″ diameter chamber and is designed to fit in a 10 gallon Rubbermaid(tm) tote. It can reach about 180 to 200 feet in height in good conditions (height depends on conditions that may vary). The smaller CSV17 (example shown in photo above) is about 17 inches long, and uses a 3″ diameter chamber. It is designed to fit in an 18 inch case for protection and ease of transportation and storage. The CSV17 reaches about 130 to 150 feet in height. The CSV17 is a bit ‘more efficient’ and will make a good launch on a single 12 gram CO2 charge (use a bicycle tire filler adapter or a paintball type system). The CSV19 is more of a magnum launcher with slightly greater capability but it weighs more and requires more air.

Threaded versus Cemented Launchers

Launchers can be made using threaded or cemented parts. Traditionally we have used cemented parts, but starting in March 2010 we have been using threaded parts. Each has advantages and disadvantages. The cost is about the same. Threaded launchers are a bit easier to assemble and are easier to repair if damaged. Cemented launchers are slightly stronger and have slightly better performance. The performance difference is most visible in the smaller CSV17 launcher. Trajectory heights vary due to many influences, but measurements indicate about a 10-15% difference in the CSV17. The difference is not significant in the larger CSV19. So which type should we make? If you have preferences let us know. We may offer cemented launchers again later, or even both types if there is enough demand. At the present time we are making threaded models only.

Launchers are available in several configurations:

  • Basic Kit
  • Super Kit
  • Super-Zip Kit
  • PADS Super Kit (CSV17 Only)
  • Assembled versions of the Super (and PADS) Kits.

The Basic Kits include the parts for the launcher. This includes the special and hard to find SDR21 barrel and the precision machined parts, the pressure gauge, the fill valve, the trigger and the modified main valve. You will need PVC Primer and Cement, and a few tools to assemble the launcher as listed below. You will also need to prepare Tennis Balls, and you will need some accessories to Launch for Antennas.

The Super Kits go one step further. They include the Basic parts for the launcher, a launch ball loop kit for five tennis balls including a trigger support strut, safety ball holder, a ramrod, a pressure safety relief valve, a tap for the holes, and either a reel mount for a fishing reel (fishing reel not supplied) or the Zip Reel with the special High Visibility 50 pound test Spectra type Launching Line, depending on the kit model (Zip reels in Zip kits only).

The Deluxe PADS Super Kit (Pneumatic Antenna Deployment System, shown at the top of this page with optional accessories) goes one step further yet (beyond the Super Kits) and includes a special Mini-Coaxial reel with Spectra-type Launch Line, a pair of plastic reels of nylon twine and a Hard Case for the CSV17 launcher and accessories.

Higher end combinations are often available – see the comparison chart and catalog pages for details.

Recommended Tools

To build a Kit you need (some kits include some of this):

  • PVC primer and cement
  • Q tips and paper towels
  • newspapers
  • 1/8 NPT tap, drill and bit
  • phillips screwdriver
  • brillo type scrubbing pad and running water
  • fine sandpaper or sanding block
  • pencil and tape measure
  • a few index cards and scotch tape
  • masking tape
  • wrenches
  • tennis balls
  • utility knife
  • leather sewing needle
  • clean sand
  • postal scale (to weigh 2 ounces)
  • hot melt glue gun and glue
  • source of air pressure
  • ability to follow instructions
  • a place to work that is not too cold and has good ventilation, away from small children
  • a little patience

The Pre-Assembled Version can be selected on the Super or PADS Kits, and we will build the launcher for you. This takes a bit longer, of course. These come with Pre-Prepared Launch Balls but do not include the tap, loop kit or safety ball holding tool. Just add air and launch!

Selecting a Reel

You could just lay the 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, such as provided in the Super Kit (this is called the Fishing Reel Mount). 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 medium size spool of monofilament on the coupler using an L bracket from the hardware store, a long bolt, some washers and a hose clamp. It is a bit more effort to wind up, but it works!

Zip Reel

The best feeding reel is the Zip Reel. This reel is nearly 2 feet in circumference and feeds line freely without snags, producing the greatest height launches. It is pre-assembled and loaded with 125 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 wrapping it too tightly on the spool.

The Custom Mini-Coaxial reel is provided in the PADS kit (photo at the top of this page). 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 15 inches of line per turn. This reel holds 125 yards of Launch Line which is included. It is also available separately.

Ordering and More Info

For more information please visit:

NOTE – details subject to change without notice. These launchers are built from available parts and materials and availability controls what we can use (and it changes slightly with time).

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