[K6BW] Warmng Up for Field Day

[Bill Smith]

Here's a treatise on the use of a slingshot to run a line over a tree in
preparation for raising an antenna.  In previous Field Day events we have
used bow-and-arrow, and/or a sling method with a 5-inch bolt as a weight.
We need to check our wire antenna stock and supplies if we are to
participate this year.  We will probably have to build a new dipole or two,
some of the previous field day antennas are now hanging in the air around
the clubhouse.  :^)

Field day will be here before long, it's time to prepare!

>From aa1my, qrp-l:

Practice is the essential missing ingredient, as is prudence. I've been
using sling-shots for most of my long life and it amazes me that they don't
get more favorable coverage. While being very accurate and safe, they
provide great economy and portability.

For beginners, practice somewhere safe, with some kind of back-stop.  Become
familiar with the full draw power shot, with the pouch pulled all the way
back to your ear, posture similar to bow/arrow. With practice you will be
able to hit a 10" paper plate at 50'.   For equipment, I recommend:  buy any
of the better sling shots found in big-box stores. Buy spare rubber too.

* Buy a roll of "Mason Twine" (color is nice) and wind it up on a  better,
larger spool.
* learn to tie fishing knots.
* buy/borrow an inexpensive fishing pole equipped with a spinning reel
* tape or hose clamp the handle to a stout tent peg (etc.)
* load the reel with 10-15 lb monofilament line. Spray the line with
silicone lube. (prevent sap from ruining line)
* buy several 2 and 3 oz. "slider" sinkers, round or oval. (better balance
than tear-drops)
* Paint them day-glow green.
* Tie a heavy sinker on the line. (a small screw-eye makes it easy)  The
heavier sinkers are more self-limiting as to range.

Practiced and ready for vertical shots over a tree?

* stick the tent peg/pole in the ground at least 6-8' BEHIND you, aimed over
the tree. Make sure there is no chance of fouling the line
on grass, weeds, twigs, etc. Pay out just enough line to give you a clean,
full-length draw.
* shoot over the top of the tree, aiming for the most secure crotch at the
top.
* be very picky... don't settle, unless it isn't a long-term antenna.
* as the sinker goes over the tree, grab the line and slow it for a
controlled descent close to the trunk.
* when the sinker is within reach, set the bail on the reel to stop  the
line.
* Tie on the twine and reel in over the tree.

You take it from there!.

Caution:
* Rubber can develop cracks (sunlight degrades it)  near the sling-shot body
or back at the pocket. A broken one can give you a hell of a slap when it
breaks.
* A 2nd person can be a big help, save a LOT of time and frustration, esp.
for beginners.

Good Luck!
72
seab
aa1my