FOR ANTENNA LAUNCHING – A WHOLE NEW BAG

December 2005

I am a regular reader of The ARS Sojourner and only wish that it came out more often.

As I read about erecting antennas using everything from slingshots to water bottles, I would like to offer another option.

I carry a few plastic bags used for coins or jewelry – about 2-inches by 3-inches.

When I get to my campsite, I place a handful of pebbles, or sand or even dirt into the bag.

Now I tie it to my twine and sling it off to the top of the trees.

This works well – it means I don't have to carry weights and there is always enough dirt or something that works.

In winter, even a chunk of ice will work.

Anyway, I hope that it makes life as easy for others as it has for me.

Editor’s note – A somewhat larger example of a coin bag – approximately 10.5 X 17 inches – can be seen at the U.S. Mint web site at:

http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=10924&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10156

Also, as I was thinking about VE3AXL’s launching bags a recent trip to Walmart, I ran across the BottleBag hanging on a display panel in one of the department aisles. The bag is designed to keep small water bottles cold and to make them easily accessible on hikes.

Hook ‘em to your backpack or belt, and you’re on your way.

Could such a bag do double-duty as a launching bag for QRP field operations? I had to give it a try. The bag costs only a couple of bucks, so it was worth the gamble.

The accompanying photographs show that the BottleBag served nicely as both a water-toting device and antenna line launching device at KI6SN.

Not only was it just about the right size for accommodating enough sand or pebbles for proper weight to scale trees, it also has a nifty cinch-knob and string to both close the bag during launching and to attach the twine line.

There are many other options, for sure. Letting necessity be the mother of invention can yield some pretty interesting and innovative results. – Richard Fisher, KI6SN
* * * * *
Philip Moorey, VE3AXL, is a QRPer and outdoorsman living in Kakabeka Fall, ONT, Canada.



	FOR ANTENNA LAUNCHING – A WHOLE NEW BAG
		By Philip Moorey, VE3AXL Special to The ARS Sojourner
December 2005 I am a regular reader of The ARS Sojourner and only wish that it came out more often. As I read about erecting antennas using everything from slingshots to water bottles, I would like to offer another option. I carry a few plastic bags used for coins or jewelry – about 2-inches by 3-inches. When I get to my campsite, I place a handful of pebbles, or sand or even dirt into the bag. Now I tie it to my twine and sling it off to the top of the trees. This works well – it means I don't have to carry weights and there is always enough dirt or something that works. In winter, even a chunk of ice will work. Anyway, I hope that it makes life as easy for others as it has for me. Editor’s note – A somewhat larger example of a coin bag – approximately 10.5 X 17 inches – can be seen at the U.S. Mint web site at: http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=10924&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10156 Also, as I was thinking about VE3AXL’s launching bags a recent trip to Walmart, I ran across the BottleBag hanging on a display panel in one of the department aisles. The bag is designed to keep small water bottles cold and to make them easily accessible on hikes. Hook ‘em to your backpack or belt, and you’re on your way. Could such a bag do double-duty as a launching bag for QRP field operations? I had to give it a try. The bag costs only a couple of bucks, so it was worth the gamble. The accompanying photographs show that the BottleBag served nicely as both a water-toting device and antenna line launching device at KI6SN. Not only was it just about the right size for accommodating enough sand or pebbles for proper weight to scale trees, it also has a nifty cinch-knob and string to both close the bag during launching and to attach the twine line. There are many other options, for sure. Letting necessity be the mother of invention can yield some pretty interesting and innovative results. – Richard Fisher, KI6SN * * * * * Philip Moorey, VE3AXL, is a QRPer and outdoorsman living in Kakabeka Fall, ONT, Canada.