All posts by Smitty (WB1G)

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Antenna Launcher

AI6US Antenna Launcher

A pneumatic line launcher built entirely from locally sourced PVC and irrigation
parts. Assembly takes a few hours; let the PVC joints cure for a full day before pressure testing.

Where to buy: Sierra Pipe, Home Depot and Ace Hardware each carried all the parts.
Start at Sierra Pipe.

Parts List

PVC Pipe

  • 16″ of Schedule 80 — 4″ pipe
  • 24″ of Schedule 40 — 2.5″ pipe
  • 24″ of Schedule 40 — 1″ pipe (ram rod)
  • 3″ of Schedule 40 — 1″ pipe

PVC Fittings

  • 1×4″ Sch. 40 cap
  • 1×4″ Sch. 40 slip to thread
  • 1×4″ male to 2″ female threaded reducer
  • 1×2″ male to 1″ female threaded reducer
  • 2×1″ to 1″ threaded coupler
  • 2×1″ slip to 1″ thread 90°
  • 1×1″ female to 1.5″ male threaded reducer
  • 1×1.5″ female thread to 2.5″ male slip
  • 2×2.5″ female slip coupler

Valve & Air System

  • 1×Rain Bird irrigation valve, 1″ female threaded in/out
  • 1×1/4″ NPT tank valve
  • 1×1/4″ NPT 100 lb air pressure gauge
  • 1×1/4″ NPT 90°
  • 2×1/4″ NPT to 1/4″ NPT
  • 1×1/4″ FNPT to 1/4″ FNPT shut-off valve
  • 1×1/4″ NPT to 1/4″ FNPT 90°
  • 1×1/4″ NPT air nozzle (removable tip)

Line & Projectile

  • 1×Open fishing reel
  • 1×350′ of 15–20 lb braided fishing line
  • 1×Tennis ball
  • 2×3″ hose clamps

Adhesives & Sealants

  • Teflon tape (or pipe dope)
  • PVC primer
  • PVC glue
  • Epoxy glue

Converting the Rain Bird Valve to a Manual Trigger

  1. Unscrew the Rain Bird solenoid.
  2. Remove the 6 screws securing the diaphragm top.
  3. Drill and tap the center of the diaphragm cover for the 1/4″ NPT air nozzle — this becomes the trigger release.
  4. Seal the solenoid air pass-through holes left behind with epoxy.
  5. Reassemble the diaphragm and secure it with the 6 screws.
  6. Use Teflon tape or pipe dope on all threads during final assembly.

Curing & Pressure Testing

Let all glued joints cure a full 24 hours before applying any pressure. Then step
the pressure up gradually, inspecting between tests.

Test Pressure Notes
1 20 lb Initial test after 24 hr cure
2 30 lb Check all joints and fittings
3 40 lb Check all joints and fittings
4 50 lb Tennis ball sailed away, never to be found. 🙂
Max 50–70 lb Do not exceed

Best regards!
Brian Gohl — AI6US


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Leadership Roles | Event Chair (Tile)

Role Description: EVENT CHAIR(S)

Event Ownership & Planning
An Event Chair is appointed to lead a specific club event. Whether that be Field Day, a hamfest, a public service activity, a picnic, a campout,  or a special event station. Scope varies widely by event, and some events are led by co-chairs. The Chair defines the plan, sets the timeline, identifies what’s needed, and carries the event from concept through completion.

Coordination & Communication
The Chair recruits and organizes volunteers, coordinates with officers on budget, equipment, and site logistics, and works with the Public Information Officer and Webmaster to publicize the event. They keep participants informed and serve as the central point of contact before, during, and after the event.

Operational Contribution & Reporting
Event Chairs are typically asked to present progress updates at club meetings leading up to the event, and to deliver a debrief afterward covering attendance, results, expenses, and lessons learned. Documenting what worked and what didn’t gives the club a reusable playbook, and a well-run event strengthens member engagement and the club’s standing in the community.

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Leadership Roles | Webmaster (Tile)

Role Description: WEBMASTER

Site Stewardship & Technical Maintenance
The webmaster owns the club’s WordPress site and keeps it running reliably. They manage hosting, domain and SSL renewals, WordPress core, theme, and plugin updates, backups, and security hardening. Their focus is on uptime, data integrity, and ensuring the site remains stable and recoverable.

Content & Member Support
The webmaster publishes and maintains site content. They work with the Public Information Officer, Secretary, and other officers to post accurate, timely material, and assist members and contributors who need help getting information online.

Operational Contribution
While rare, the webmaster manages WordPress user accounts and roles, maintains navigation and page structure, and ensures the site is mobile-friendly and accessible. They document credentials and procedures so the role can be handed off cleanly, and coordinate with the board on changes. The work of the webmaster makes the club easy to find, easy to join, and credible to the public.

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Leadership Roles | PIO (Tile)

Role Description: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO)

Communications & Public Representation
The Public Information Officer is the club’s primary voice to the outside world. They prepare and distribute press releases, media advisories, and public announcements, and serve as the point of contact for local news outlets, community organizations, and served agencies. Their focus is on presenting the club accurately, professionally, and consistently.

Outreach & Community Engagement
The PIO promotes club activities—Field Day, license classes, public service events, and demonstrations to audiences beyond the membership. They work to raise the visibility of amateur radio locally, cultivate relationships with schools, civic groups, and municipal partners, and identify opportunities to attract new and prospective hams.

Operational Contribution
Maintain the club’s public-facing materials, including content for the website, social media, newsletters, event photography, and media kits. The PIO coordinates with officers to ensure messaging is timely and approved. The work of a PIO strengthens the club’s reputation and supports a welcoming, visible presence in the community.

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