[OKDXA] Getting a SkyWire up in the air the Hyper Dog way!

[Jay Bromley]

Hi gang,

On the OKDXA net tonight I mentioned seeing a new wrist rocket (sling shot) 
that could be used like the EZ Hang antenna launcher and could be made much 
cheaper if built by you.  It has DX appeal since it is much larger than a 
standard wrist rocket.

Launching fishing weights, arrows with a bow/crossbow, etc, are fine in the 
great outdoors, but in a crowded neighborhood these devices are kinda scary 
to use.  So, take a look at this Hyper Dog wrist rocket.  This is a huge 
wrist rocket that is used for dog training, but the neat part is that it can 
launch a tennis ball up to 200 feet!  I don't think a tennis ball would hurt 
anyone or break a window falling down after a launch, however at point blank 
range anything is possible.  That is a big plus in my book for anyone that 
has kids, cars, roofs, windows, and other animals nearby.  So add a cheap 
Zebco fishing reel underneath the Hyper Dog, run a thin wire through the 
tennis ball, and add a snap swivel so you can unattached the ball after the 
launch while you pull back a larger rope through the tree limbs.  End result 
equals big "SkyWire" that gets higher every year!

FYI, I don't have any ties with this particular business or product.  I am 
just sharing information to those that might have a use for it.  The 
Leerburg folks were very nice, but it did take a couple of days for the 
shipment to go out.  I still got my order in under a week.  I gave them my 
arrl.net email so I could track the shipment.  The thing even comes with 
four tennis balls!!  I did a "Google' on Hyper Dog and the prices on the 
internet varied from $19 to just under $40 plus shipping/handling.  These 
have also been seen at TJ Max stores.  Your mileage may vary.

Here is one link for Leerburg's Hyper Dog, for your Hyper SkyWires, hihi. 
http://www.leerburg.com/775.htm

In some cities, writs rockets, spud guns, etc, are not legal to use.  So 
please check and do you homework with the locals before using it.  I don't 
want to be libel for misuse of this device.  I can just see someone thinking 
if a tennis ball can go over a 90 foot tree, then a rock can-------well you 
get the idea.  Use this device at your own risk and treat it like a weapon, 
because it is!  This is not a toy for kids without supervision!!!!!!!!

Now that is out of the way.  Good luck on getting those SkyWires up high for 
DXing, hihi.  After you get those high SkyWires up in the air use it to play 
with your dog.  They will love you for it! :-)

This is another idea I wish I could say was my own.  However I got my 
information from my good friend Dave Yarnes, W7AQK.  Thanks Dave!!  Also in 
the 2005 Fall issue of ARCI's QRP Quarterly on page 58 shows Jerry, W5JH, 
getting ready to launch in those tall Arizona pines.

Good luck and have fun.

73 de jay/w5jay..  ( have balls will travel )  :-)

P.S. For a comparison here is the link for EZ Hang  http://www.ezhang.com/ 
Also a very good product for field launching.