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
cheers
Chris
ve7top
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.
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.
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
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
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
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