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Author Topic: Can I paint my MURs antenna?  (Read 8528 times)

Offline cerakoter

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Can I paint my MURs antenna?
« on: September 10, 2011, 12:03:43 PM »
I have a couple of driveway boxes I would like to camo.  Would a light coat of Krylon hurt the TX/RX ?
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Offline TexasGirl

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Re: Can I paint my MURs antenna?
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2011, 04:03:17 PM »
Paint should not affect RF propagation if it doesn't contain any metals.  Some reds have significant iron oxide, some white's titanium oxides, etc.  Keep in mind that even if it does affect RF propagation, it may be negligible at the short ranges most MURS applications operate at. 

Can you test by covering the unit with tape and plastic then spray?  If you notice a problem after it dries, strip it and regroup.  If it works fine, strip it and paint a permanent coat.

~TG
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Offline cerakoter

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Re: Can I paint my MURs antenna?
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2011, 04:40:28 PM »
Actually, I can just tape it and coat and leave it that way.  Thanks for the "why didn't I think of that" moment. :)
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Offline rob_ma

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Re: Can I paint my MURs antenna?
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2011, 04:55:40 PM »
I have the antenna of one at my home painted with a spray can of brown paint I got on sale from WalMart for $1. I didn't worry too much about it since it was within 1/2 mile of my home. I didn't notice any degradation. If you are on the fringe you might but if you are near field I wouldn't worry about it too much.

- Rob
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Offline doublehelix

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Re: Can I paint my MURs antenna?
« Reply #4 on: September 17, 2011, 12:30:18 PM »
We routinely paint commercial fiberglass antennas with Krylon Plastic chair paint.

Just stay away from red and other colors with high metal content.
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Offline backwoods_engineer

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Re: Can I paint my MURs antenna?
« Reply #5 on: April 12, 2012, 01:29:17 PM »
Quote from: TexasGirl on September 10, 2011, 04:03:17 PM
Paint should not affect RF propagation if it doesn't contain any metals.  Some reds have significant iron oxide, some white's titanium oxides, etc.  Keep in mind that even if it does affect RF propagation, it may be negligible at the short ranges most MURS applications operate at. 

Can you test by covering the unit with tape and plastic then spray?  If you notice a problem after it dries, strip it and regroup.  If it works fine, strip it and paint a permanent coat.

~TG

TG, are you an RF engineer, as I am?  You sure seem to know a lot about radio.
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Offline RIjake

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Re: Can I paint my MURs antenna?
« Reply #6 on: April 12, 2012, 01:43:42 PM »
I painted my Dakota with camo paint.  No issues.  Also for a more stealthy appearance you can fashion an antenna out of a piece of wire connected to BNC connector instead of the shiny metal antenna that comes with it.
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Offline Hootie

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Re: Can I paint my MURs antenna?
« Reply #7 on: April 12, 2012, 01:56:30 PM »
If you do see problems. I have heard of people using heat shrink tubbing to coverup there antennas.
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