![\"The](\"http:\/\/w4kaz.com\/qth\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/IMGP09121.jpg\")
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<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nThe normal slingshot type Wrist-Rocket\/Crossman slingshot launcher has served the purpose for years, but not always without problems. \u00c2\u00a0A 1-oz(28g) lead weight works, but not without a relatively high rate of mis-fires, line tangles, and “Oh S**t!” moments. \u00c2\u00a0The hyper dog is a lot less likely to draw whining complaints from those inclined to wring their hands and moan about things that don’t really concern them..”See, its just a tennis ball. \u00c2\u00a0Now p**s off!”<\/p>\n
The hyper dog has a much larger pouch designed for use with tennis balls. \u00c2\u00a0A slight bit of hacking to the hardware gives a nice re-purposed tool for lofting lines into all of those beautiful deciduous biological antenna supports lining the back yard. \u00c2\u00a0So far it has been a lot more reliable in actual usage than the ole trusty Crossman, although Field Day\u00c2\u00a0proved\u00c2\u00a0its not impossible to Dork Up. \u00c2\u00a0[You Know Who You Are….lol]<\/p>\n
The reel deal:<\/h5>\n
Here the body was altered by adding a cheap spin-cast zebco reel picked up for $2 at a yard sale.\u00c2\u00a0 A spinning reel or open faced casting reel might be better, but I have used the zebco’s since I was 6yo. \u00c2\u00a0 Being more familiar with the Zebco quirks and limitations is useful. For most, a spinning reel is probably the best option. \u00c2\u00a010 or 12lb test line has proven the best choice over the years – light enough to fly, strong enough to pull, and not impossible to break if it becomes hopelessly snarled at altitude.<\/p>\n
The reel is simply attached below the ball carrier with a couple of hose clamps. \u00c2\u00a0That was later wrapped with an ugly mess of electrical tape just to reduce the number of exposed sharp edges.<\/p>\n
Yes, the tennis balls work FB.<\/h5>\n
To modify the tennis balls, they were \u00c2\u00a0just drilled with a 9\/64 bit.\u00c2\u00a0 A loop of 1\/8th braided nylon cord is secured to a small hardware store drywall toggle bolt\/spring bolt<\/a>. Then just cram the bolt\/cord through the hole, reaming the hole out slightly if needed[leaving most of the loop of cord hanging out!]. \u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0The base of the cord is sealed at the hole with a goop of liquid nails or hot glue or some-such. \u00c2\u00a0The loop of cord is about 6 inches long(~150mm), and the spring bolt serves the same purpose it normally does by providing a large area preventing pull-out. \u00c2\u00a0After drying completely – good to go.<\/p>\n The tennis balls seem to be a good compromise between weight and a non-destructive & non-threatening projectile. [Just don’t try to pull them back up through the tree-too fast!]. \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The ‘trick’ to success<\/strong> with it seems to be making sure the cord on the tennis balls clear the end of the slingshot.\u00c2\u00a0 It seems to work best when the corded end of the ball is facing \u00c2\u00a0up(i.e., at the top of the pouch when pulled back for a shot).<\/p>\n The only genuine problem I have with it is that it has a “long draw”. \u00c2\u00a0Being impishly short my arms are not long enough to get the maximum performance out of the rig.\u00c2\u00a0 But despite that it works much better than the regular slingshot with fewer snags and mis-fires. It easily sends the tennis balls up to about 90 feet(~30m). \u00c2\u00a0The canopy here prevents anything higher, so no real top-end found yet.<\/p>\n I suspect golf balls would be the ultimate high-flying projectile for rural locations.\u00c2\u00a0 Too much window glass and nervous-Nelly neighbors around the home QTH for me to try golf balls here. \u00c2\u00a0 A day-break early morning experiment for the future…. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n There is somebody here on the east coast marketing these re-branded as antenna launchersWhat’s the catch?<\/h5>\n
, and asking $80<\/del>. \u00c2\u00a0See Radiowavz Hyper Hanger, now $90USD….<\/a><\/p>\n