Radio Interference from Metalic Paint?
12-10-2002, 03:32 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Cincinnati, OH,
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Radio Interference from Metalic Paint?
Need to know quick about whether metal-flake paint can cause radio interference.
I'm getting ready to paint the Whiplash.
I've done a thread search on this website, and came up with only one thread on this topic, and it had very little discussion.
That thread said that metal flake was okay to use - no interference.
I mentioned that I was getting ready to paint metal-flake on my plane to some guys at my club, and they cautioned me about the possibility of radio interence from the paint. I've never heard of that, but I don't know too much - and those guys seemed to think that it is a concern.
Anybody know for sure?
I'm getting ready to paint the Whiplash.
I've done a thread search on this website, and came up with only one thread on this topic, and it had very little discussion.
That thread said that metal flake was okay to use - no interference.
I mentioned that I was getting ready to paint metal-flake on my plane to some guys at my club, and they cautioned me about the possibility of radio interence from the paint. I've never heard of that, but I don't know too much - and those guys seemed to think that it is a concern.
Anybody know for sure?
12-10-2002, 07:10 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Venus
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
R.F. Interference
Metallic paint won't cause interference but it may attenuate the incoming signal if your antenna is inside the painted surface. If you keep the antenna outside in the breeze you should have no problem. I have been an R.F. Electronic Technician for almost 30 years so I have some idea what is involved. 
12-10-2002, 08:10 PM
#3
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Waseca,
MN
Posts: 8,456
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Metallic paint
If you look at my avatar, that green paint is PPG Deltron Fender Guitar Co. Eric Clapton Metallic Green Automotive paint.
Their is an awful lot of metallic flake in that paint, and I have the antenna running all the way through the inside of the fiberglass fuze (right besides Carbon Fiber Pushrods also). Only about 3" of antenna exit near the tail, which I have taped flat against the side of the plane (against the metal flake paint).
I have never had an issue with interfenance with this plane, In fact most of my planes are painted with Metallic flake paints without a problem.
I'm not gauranteeing that it will not cause a problem, I just know that it has never been a problem for me, with over 10 planes set up similar to my avatar.
Their is an awful lot of metallic flake in that paint, and I have the antenna running all the way through the inside of the fiberglass fuze (right besides Carbon Fiber Pushrods also). Only about 3" of antenna exit near the tail, which I have taped flat against the side of the plane (against the metal flake paint).
I have never had an issue with interfenance with this plane, In fact most of my planes are painted with Metallic flake paints without a problem.
I'm not gauranteeing that it will not cause a problem, I just know that it has never been a problem for me, with over 10 planes set up similar to my avatar.
12-10-2002, 09:07 PM
#4
Senior Member
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Bridgeton, NJ
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Metal flake paint
S3HD:
I agree with Nitrowoman, your not going to get interference
from the metal flake paint but you will loose some range.
I ran a test on a fiber glass fuse covered with flake paint
and lost about 20% range. I still had more range than I
required so it was no problem.
I'm sure you will not be doing any farout flying with the
Whiplash.
If your still concerned, install a mini whip antenna
that they use on the choppers, they work great...
Syd
I agree with Nitrowoman, your not going to get interference
from the metal flake paint but you will loose some range.
I ran a test on a fiber glass fuse covered with flake paint
and lost about 20% range. I still had more range than I
required so it was no problem.
I'm sure you will not be doing any farout flying with the
Whiplash.
If your still concerned, install a mini whip antenna
that they use on the choppers, they work great...
Syd
12-10-2002, 09:41 PM
#5
Member
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Cincinnati, OH,
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Radio Interference from Metalic Paint?
Syd, Nitrowoman, Daven,
Thanks for your fast replies, I really appreciate it. I was really hoping to be able to use the metal flake PPG paint, the Mercedes Benz bright silver is awesome.
Syd, I'm sure you're right about not flying it very far away. I think I'll get the mini-whip antenna.
Are there any drawbacks to the mini-whip antenna? Is anyone using it on their Whiplash?
Okay, who makes the best mini whip antenna?
Thanks for your fast replies, I really appreciate it. I was really hoping to be able to use the metal flake PPG paint, the Mercedes Benz bright silver is awesome.
Syd, I'm sure you're right about not flying it very far away. I think I'll get the mini-whip antenna.
Are there any drawbacks to the mini-whip antenna? Is anyone using it on their Whiplash?
Okay, who makes the best mini whip antenna?
12-10-2002, 10:24 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Venus
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whip Antenna
Seems like the one made for the Whiplash should be good, look under Whiplash accessories.
http://www.aerojetmodels.com/acm/index.html :thumbup:
http://www.aerojetmodels.com/acm/index.html :thumbup:
