Nothing will spoil a day of activating a park like snafus when hanging your dipole, end-fed, or other wire antennas. Whether you’re into Parks on the Air® (POTA) or need a sure-fire solution to string your permanent backyard wire antennas, there’s a powerful tool that gets the job done faster and without hassle so you can enjoy more time on the air.
Now available at DX Engineering, DX Launcher Compressed Air Cannons from HamRadio 24-7 accurately launch weighted tennis balls attached with strong fishing line over tall canopy heights or into hard-to-reach areas with ease using controlled PSI, making it an effective tool for installing wire antennas. Rugged and field-tested for on-the-go setup, the launchers use compressed air and a durable valve system to help you get your lines exactly where you need them without climbing, frustration, or tangled messes.
The integrated drill adapter allows for powered retrieval using any standard cordless drill—just fire, reel in, and you’re ready for the next launch. Manual winding is just as easy with the comfortable built-in hand grip. DX Launchers are compatible with standard air compressors or bike pumps.
Watch this video of Tim Duffy, K3LR, DX Engineering CEO, interviewing the team from HamRadio 24-7 (Ray, W2RE, and Bobby, KC2UPN) about the origins of the DX Launcher and its capabilities:
Choose from 2 Models: the DX Launcher & the DX Launcher Plus
The DX Launcher Compressed Air Cannon features reinforced PVC/steel construction and is designed to launch balls 100-plus feet at 40 PSI, 150-plus feet at 60 PSI, and approximately 200 feet at 80 PSI (its maximum air pressure)*. It includes:
- DX Launcher body (assembled)
- DX Reel with drill adapter for quickly reeling in line using a power drill or by hand
- 3 weighted tennis balls for optimal distance and stability
- 350-foot spool of braided 30-pound high-test, high-visibility line
- Ram rod for consistent ball loading
- Quick-start/safety guide
Note: PVC is not recommended by the manufacturer for use with compressed gasses due to potential fragmentation if it is broken while containing pressure. This launcher operates considerably below the rated working pressures of the PVC materials for an extra margin of safety. The pipe and fittings are rated at 200 PSI or greater in this design.
The DX Launcher Plus Compressed Air Cannon delivers regulated pressure for predictable arcs over tall limbs. It features a two-gallon steel tank with removable barrel and handle, built-in liquid pressure gauge, safety blow-off valve (max 70 PSI), and portable design with reinforced fittings for reliability in the field. It is designed to launch balls 100-plus feet at 20 PSI, 200-plus feet at 60 PSI, and approximately 300 feet at 70 PSI (its maximum air pressure)*. It includes air cannon body (assembled), DX Reel with drill adapter, three weighted tennis balls, ram rod, 350-foot spool of line, and quick-start/safety guide.
* Actual range depends on conditions and technique. Never exceed rated pressures.
Safety guidelines for DX Launcher Compressed Air Cannons:
- Always inspect the tank, fittings, and valve for damage before each use.
- Do not exceed recommended PSI limits (80 PSI, DX Launcher/70 PSI, DX Launcher Plus) UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. It could cause serious injuries or death.
- Wear proper eye and hearing protection when operating.
- NEVER aim the launcher toward people, animals, vehicles, buildings, or power lines.
- Only use approved DX Balls and DX Reel system.
- Read the full safety manual before operating.
Disclaimer: Air-powered launchers may be restricted by state/local law. Buyer is responsible for verifying compliance before purchase, shipment, possession, or use. Must be 18 or older to purchase. DX Launcher and affiliates assume no liability for misuse or illegal operation. Use safely and solely for launching lines for ham radio antenna work.
