Painting a sector antenna

14 posts / 0 new

Tue, 05/25/2021 - 09:42

VE7TOP

So here is a very low tech question, no electronics or firmware updates required. We are considering the option to place remote solar powered nodes in a variety of out of the way, high elevation locations. As part of that we would like to employ 'security through obscurity' by, as much as possible, not calling any attention to the installation. Hence the desire to 'camoflage' the antennas which would likely be the most visible part. The antenna could be on a pole or attached to the trunk of a tree. I would assume any paint which does not have a metallic content would be transparent to RF. Anyone have any experience with artfully decorating their antenna or have a comment. That largish solar panel will also stand out but could be mounted in a less prominent position.

cheers
Chris
ve7top

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 13:34

KZ0FOX

I have painted several

I have painted several antennas using Krylon Fusion with much success.

https://www.krylon.com/products/fusion-allinone

I acquired a few Ubiquiti Nanostations that were discolored from the sun. You can lightly sand the surface with 500+ grit sandpaper and restore their exterior. Painted matte black they disappear mounted. If you are worried about heat from direct sun choose a lighter color.

Image Attachments:

Wed, 02/01/2023 - 22:56

(Reply to #2) #3

KM4TBQ

No Heat Problems?

Did you not have any heat problems with this being painted black? It looks great, but like you said, heat might be a problem...did it survive?

Wed, 02/01/2023 - 23:34

(Reply to #3) #4

KZ0FOX

It all fades eventually.

I never deployed it. I have a black 5-in-1 (Wi-Fi, LTE and GPS) on a black ground plane on a roof rack build that has held up fine over several months of constant exposure. I used the same paint on the ground plane. If it is up high enough and exposed you won't care about the color of the antenna, as it will fade regardless.

Thu, 02/02/2023 - 22:56

(Reply to #4) #5

KM4TBQ

Good to know it held up.

Good to know it held up. There really wasn't a good reason for me to paint mine. I guess I did it because it was my first used 5G sector, and had tiny scratches? Who knows what goes on inside a ham's head...

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 13:37

AA7AU

I agree. A few years back, we actually did some very informal, hardly scientific tests and decided to use Krylon Fusion based on our results - seemed to be negative effects on 2.4G RF.

- Don - AA7AU

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 17:20

KD1HA

Very good question!!

Very good question!!

...and for whatever reason Ubiquiti uses steel nuts and bolts and other hardware that rust for outdoor equipment!! Why?? ...oh ya cheaper! I'm putting some nodes on a water tower and the Water Department understandably is concerned about rust from our equipment. I'm changing all the above to stainless to cover that issue. Rust stains will give a bad impression on older equipment. Thank you for that!

Denis

Fri, 02/03/2023 - 19:58

(Reply to #7) #8

WB8NQW

Mounting Hardware

If hose clamps are used, be aware that typical hose clamps are stainless except for the screw which is not. McMaster Carr has clamps that are all stainless steel.

Bob

Wed, 02/01/2023 - 22:54

KM4TBQ

Similar question

I just painted the rounded face of a Ubiquiti 5G Sector antenna with grey Krylon spray paint. Only after painting the antenna with two thin coats did I read the ingredients and notice the paint contains titanium dioxide. I can't find information online, and was wondering if anyone here has had any negative effects from painting an antenna with this extremely-prevalent element? The RF does have to penetrate the paint, and my concern is that the paint will attenuate the signal. Any insights? Facts are preferred but experienced opinions are welcomed.

ALSO: I intend to finish the antenna with a small coat of Dupli-Color Acrylic Lacquer ClearCoat to further protect the paint. Any issues there?

Thanks,

Thomas, KM4TBQ

Wed, 02/01/2023 - 23:42

(Reply to #9) #10

KZ0FOX

Clear coat is probably fine, it won't be any worse.

Next time use the Fusion or similarly formulated paint, but it may not noticeably affect performance. If it performs reasonably well declare victory. I don't think the acrylic will affect the physics much further, but then again maybe you want some of that titanium dioxide to wear off? I would be interested to hear back from your real-world experiment.

Thu, 02/02/2023 - 23:02

(Reply to #10) #11

KM4TBQ

Thanks for the insight, and I

Thanks for the insight, and I definitely saw the FUSION talked about after I did the deed....of course. I'm assembling it now, and will go live tomorrow, (maybe two days) after the sealant cures properly. Then, it will be deployed, (no longer testing on my property), and we'll REALLY see what the deal is when we put some miles between nodes...instead of mere yards.I would bet money it's going to be fine....but not a lot of money.

Thu, 02/02/2023 - 23:15

#12

kj6dzb

I suggest a low fill flat

I suggest a low fill flat primer (because it can be found in blue, green, brown) or my favorite is Rust-Oleum 7778830 that comes in black and white. Avoid any thing that's says "automotive hi temp", "filler primer", "gloss enamel", "latex" "Lacquer" "stops rust".

Fri, 02/03/2023 - 17:26

#13

KD1HA

I used white Krylon spray

I used white Krylon spray paint and I have no issues.

Sat, 02/04/2023 - 00:22

#14

KM4TBQ

Thanks

Thanks for all the input. The sector is up and running now, but I'll know for sure once it's deployed and the neighbor node is miles away.

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