MasterBlaster
Administrator Emeritus
Just like I can't say "hard-core" here, I guess.
APTA2.0 - The 64 Special
- Thread starter bonner1040
- Start date
- Replies 146
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Burnham
Woods walker
So Nick, my young friend 
...need I remind you of the value of test review by someone held in such deep respect across the universe of treeworkers? No, I think not...it's obvious.
Good on you, brother. Keep it up.
...need I remind you of the value of test review by someone held in such deep respect across the universe of treeworkers? No, I think not...it's obvious.Good on you, brother. Keep it up.
Nick, I have some more feedback on the APTA M85.
First off, let me state that I think this is a very good tool for setting your line. It is simple, smooth, powerful and in some important ways, safer to use than the Big Shot. There are no horns or structure sticking out to entangle the throw line. There are no pre-tensioned rubber bands poised and capable of reversing their direction of force. It is very relaxing to sight down its long length without these things to worry about. It launches the throw bag smooth and straight and it does not flop over if loaded with the bag ring down the launch tube first.
I would like to move the air fill valve away from the launch valve. When you assembled it, did you use thread lock compound or just thread sealer? If I can do it without tearing things up, I will try flipping the air chamber as that will get the fill valve out of my way and that will give me more options in holding it for launch.
Nice tool
David
First off, let me state that I think this is a very good tool for setting your line. It is simple, smooth, powerful and in some important ways, safer to use than the Big Shot. There are no horns or structure sticking out to entangle the throw line. There are no pre-tensioned rubber bands poised and capable of reversing their direction of force. It is very relaxing to sight down its long length without these things to worry about. It launches the throw bag smooth and straight and it does not flop over if loaded with the bag ring down the launch tube first.
I would like to move the air fill valve away from the launch valve. When you assembled it, did you use thread lock compound or just thread sealer? If I can do it without tearing things up, I will try flipping the air chamber as that will get the fill valve out of my way and that will give me more options in holding it for launch.
Nice tool
David
gf beranek
Old Schooler
new version? pics? Video???
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #106
So Nick, my young friend
Good on you, brother. Keep it up.
B, I have thought about circulating one among the TreeHousers but at around $40 shipping I dont know how much sense it would make. If there is interest I will definitely do it though. Once I get the design finalized I will ship one out to you and if there are other people that are interested in trying it they can get in line after you and you can ship it to whoever is next in line. Warning though, I am way behind on production, and have new design ideas so it will be a while before I get it ironed out and have a unit I can circulate.
Nick, I have some more feedback on the APTA M85.
First off, let me state that I think this is a very good tool for setting your line. It is simple, smooth, powerful and in some important ways, safer to use than the Big Shot. There are no horns or structure sticking out to entangle the throw line. There are no pre-tensioned rubber bands poised and capable of reversing their direction of force. It is very relaxing to sight down its long length without these things to worry about. It launches the throw bag smooth and straight and it does not flop over if loaded with the bag ring down the launch tube first.
I would like to move the air fill valve away from the launch valve. When you assembled it, did you use thread lock compound or just thread sealer? If I can do it without tearing things up, I will try flipping the air chamber as that will get the fill valve out of my way and that will give me more options in holding it for launch.
Nice tool
David
Dave,
No locktite or threadlock, just pipe dope putty stuff. It should come apart no problem with a few pipe wrenches. I intended to use the valve shroud as a sort of grip to hold the device while sighting it in from the knee. Feel free to flip it around
Whats your stance like when you are shooting it? are you leaving the pump attached to aim and fire or removing it? Did you add the peep/ring sight we talked about?
How do you feel about the capacity? Is it enough? Perfect? Its hard for me to test different capacities as each configuration has so many variables and the builds are expensive. You mentioned it is pumping up fast, do you wish it had more power?
Could you take some pics before and after you modify it? I was in such a hurry to ship it that I didnt take any pics.
Ger,
Dave has an updated version of the straight pipe setup I originally posted video of last year (calling that the Model85). What I am ultimately working on is the shoulder mounted version which there are pictures and video of in the first post of this thread.
Nick, I think the Model 85's air chamber size is a good combination of ease and speed of filling with plenty of power for most trees. I believe that with the right pump and a verification of how much PSI the 85 can handle, even the tallest west coast trees could be reached.
Winter has come a bit early this year so trying new things loses some priority over getting the job done. I need a lot more time to find the best launch stance. A ground-braced, mortar stance is the most stable and with a bi-pod attached could be bulls-eye accurate. The easiest for me to date has been the shoulder launch. I still have not added any type of sights but with looking down the long barrel when holding it on my shoulder hitting a targeted crotch opening is pretty easy.
Having a handle is a good thought and that is, indeed, what I was using the valve shroud for but I think a better position can be found to off-set the torque from the launch valve. I will try getting some pictures so people can see what we are talking about.
Dave
Winter has come a bit early this year so trying new things loses some priority over getting the job done. I need a lot more time to find the best launch stance. A ground-braced, mortar stance is the most stable and with a bi-pod attached could be bulls-eye accurate. The easiest for me to date has been the shoulder launch. I still have not added any type of sights but with looking down the long barrel when holding it on my shoulder hitting a targeted crotch opening is pretty easy.
Having a handle is a good thought and that is, indeed, what I was using the valve shroud for but I think a better position can be found to off-set the torque from the launch valve. I will try getting some pictures so people can see what we are talking about.
Dave
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #108
Pictures and a review of the 1st APTA 64-S to go out over on the Buzz.
http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showf...=339302&Words=&topic=1&Search=true#Post339302
Brian actually contacted me, and offered to prepay for the 1st prototype of the 2nd gen APTA device... Big thanks to him for that!
His post:
Thanks Nick! The 64 Special arrived, it's everything I've dreamed of. Just a couple of shots posted here so you get the idea. Pumped it up shortly after it came in, no problem with the air compressor I have, and fired off a few rounds before dark -so happy to see smoke pouring out of the barrel!LOL It went 180 feet up a Pine no problem with a 10 oz canvas bag. It's not as loud as you would think and it holds a charge just fine.
Getting a rope installed in a tree is so important for me. It helps to save energy, I'm more comfortable being tied in as I work my way up to the top ect. This gives me another option to work with when I need to get big distance with those tough shots. Where I have found it most useful is when I am able to stand quite a distance from the tree, I can pump the thing up to 140 psi and lob the bag into the upper canopy, shooting 200 ft of line- pull rope up, tie one end off and climb the other. Only downside is my 200ft rope is too short, gotta go with the 300.
This thing is well made, heavy duty, and seems really durable - damn near idiot proof. I love it
http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showf...=339302&Words=&topic=1&Search=true#Post339302
Brian actually contacted me, and offered to prepay for the 1st prototype of the 2nd gen APTA device... Big thanks to him for that!
His post:
Thanks Nick! The 64 Special arrived, it's everything I've dreamed of. Just a couple of shots posted here so you get the idea. Pumped it up shortly after it came in, no problem with the air compressor I have, and fired off a few rounds before dark -so happy to see smoke pouring out of the barrel!LOL It went 180 feet up a Pine no problem with a 10 oz canvas bag. It's not as loud as you would think and it holds a charge just fine.
Getting a rope installed in a tree is so important for me. It helps to save energy, I'm more comfortable being tied in as I work my way up to the top ect. This gives me another option to work with when I need to get big distance with those tough shots. Where I have found it most useful is when I am able to stand quite a distance from the tree, I can pump the thing up to 140 psi and lob the bag into the upper canopy, shooting 200 ft of line- pull rope up, tie one end off and climb the other. Only downside is my 200ft rope is too short, gotta go with the 300.
This thing is well made, heavy duty, and seems really durable - damn near idiot proof. I love it
arborworks1
Treehouser
Nick, I'll be happy to ship mine around when it gets here!!
I'm going to order a pelican case for it. So if will not need to be repackaged.
So if a list needs to be started let's get to it.
I'm going to order a pelican case for it. So if will not need to be repackaged.
So if a list needs to be started let's get to it.
RopeArmour
TreeHouser
Hey Nick
Do you think it possible to modify for use with RopeKnight?
Do you think it possible to modify for use with RopeKnight?
arborworks1
Treehouser
Pelican case arrived today. 64 should be here in a few days.
PCTREE
Treehouser
Scott, what is it with you and Pelican Cases???
Hows that Wraptor holding up without one??
Hows that Wraptor holding up without one??
arborworks1
Treehouser
Paul, I think I need to seek council for my case addiction!!
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #114
Scotts 64 is all done. We are going to be reducing the size and capacity of the next models. There is one on the line for PCTree and Pantheraba, then a rotating one (I will actually start it with TreeSmith Scott, then its off to Burnham, sorry B prior commitments and all!)
Who else wants to get on the list??
Who else wants to get on the list??
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #115
We decided not to sell the model we had ready for Scott, due to issues with finish quality and weight. We were able to get one of the new square tube designs out to him last week.
The size of the air chamber was reduced drastically which makes for much faster filling and great power. An 80 psi shot was higher than I have ever thrown by far.
This is the unit we decided to scrap:
This is the one we sent out to Scott:
I have been meaning to get some good DSLR quality pics but the design has changed so much and we have been so eager to ship them I havent taken the time.
Scotts 64-S has all drilled and tapped connections, a blow off safety valve, and an improved 2/3rds shroud for the fill valve. We are going to build a small inventory of units with this design and see if we can sell them!
Cant wait to see some pics of how it fits in that nice yellow case and hear how he likes it!
The size of the air chamber was reduced drastically which makes for much faster filling and great power. An 80 psi shot was higher than I have ever thrown by far.
This is the unit we decided to scrap:
This is the one we sent out to Scott:
I have been meaning to get some good DSLR quality pics but the design has changed so much and we have been so eager to ship them I havent taken the time.
Scotts 64-S has all drilled and tapped connections, a blow off safety valve, and an improved 2/3rds shroud for the fill valve. We are going to build a small inventory of units with this design and see if we can sell them!
Cant wait to see some pics of how it fits in that nice yellow case and hear how he likes it!
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #116
DMC gets down on some Air Powered Tree Access!
MasterBlaster
Administrator Emeritus
BOOM!!!
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #119
Approximately 105 cubic inches of capacity (on the Scotts production model) compared to the 85 cubic inches of your unit Dave. So my engineering skills say roughly 25% more power/psi.
arborworks1
Treehouser
I just played around with it. But 200' was pretty easy to obtain.
Will have to fine tune the pressure for different heights in the trees.
Quite accurate as well. I am pondering the use of a cheap laser...
I haven't tried to air up with a bike pump, I assume that will not take to much effort though.
Will have to fine tune the pressure for different heights in the trees.
Quite accurate as well. I am pondering the use of a cheap laser...
I haven't tried to air up with a bike pump, I assume that will not take to much effort though.
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #121
I think a cheap red dot would work best Scott.
It could be sighted in easier to handle the trajectory, different reticles, and better daylight performance. However a green laser mounted under the barrel might work as well. but keep in mind you are aiming for a space in the air usually, so a laser might be less than perfect.
$12 @ Wally World
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Crosman-Red-Dot-Sight/10928544
It could be sighted in easier to handle the trajectory, different reticles, and better daylight performance. However a green laser mounted under the barrel might work as well. but keep in mind you are aiming for a space in the air usually, so a laser might be less than perfect.
$12 @ Wally World
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Crosman-Red-Dot-Sight/10928544
PCTREE
Treehouser
wow how thr hell can they make that for $13?????
bonner1040
Nick from Ohio
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #123
The quality of a red dot is based on handling recoil . That is made for air pistols.
CurSedVoyce
California Hillbilly
This rings so true and is good advise.
