Yesterday, we had some folks from Omar’s trim some limbs from the Pin Oak behind our house in preparation for an antenna I have in mind. This is Johan standing on a limb about 45 feet off the ground. He had already trimmed branches twenty feet higher. They had a crew of five that kept very busy. Johan was in the tree for the better part of three hours.
I also learned about a set of arborist tools that put my hand-held antenna-launching slingshot system to shame. They include a “Big Shot” sling, special anti-tangle methods, and a selection of weights just right for throwing a line over a tree. So, you’re thinking… how high of a tree? Think 80 feet or better! And with precision! Watch the video below for more ideas. OK. So, how much? Well… for the complete outfit, think about $300 or more. Wow! Lots of money! Yes. But think of it in terms of getting your antenna higher than you ever dreamed. POTA activations! Cheaper than MFJ-259!
Before they left at the end of a long day, I asked Johan if he would mind casting a line over a reasonably high limb. I now have a halyard up over a branch a good 45 feet AGL! I see an 80m inverted L in my future!
OK… and one more thing. Here is a method of getting your halyards over the limb for the long term. Think of the possibilities!