NØEQ Camouflage Screwdriver Antenna
... On the road, in the desert Southwest, USA
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Can you spot five antennas on the Astro Van? 1) The stock AM/FM broadcast band vertical, right front fender 2-3) Pair of 24" center loaded CB verticals on ball/spring mounts 4) 19" 2m vertical, between and forward from the two CB antennas 5) Yaesu ATAS screwdriver, dead center of the van roof rearward from the CB twins |
  
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Vertical Antennas, vertical background clutter The more similar the background/ambient visual objects are the more the camo effect "works". Note how either antenna body, seems to "become" the palm tree. And this photo is from about 4 feet away. As the viewer moves BACK, away from the two objects (antenna and tree) the tendency for all the objects to blend together increases. |
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Vehicle Roof Mounting plate for multi antennas This work in progress is a 6x10" steel plate, .125" thick, bolted through the roof of the van. There is an identical size steel plate on the inside of the van, used as a backing plate. The caulking/sealant in the photo is still wet. I haven't yet smoothed it or painted it. Nor have I fully seated the antenna. I left it up a bit to show the mount. Also on the plate, but not visible, are a 3/8 antenna stud mount, a motorola mount and a centralized ground stud. I can use any of the mounts for either antennas or as a cable feed through when the venicle is stationary and temporary base antennas are used. |
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Paint the Stinger The stainless steel stinger on most antennas will be a source of reflections. Kill the reflection by painting the whip. Use light colors and it will tend to blend into the sky. Dark colors will blend into trees. Mix the two colors. Look how the white paint on this whip blends with clouds. We could probably paint it neon pink and as long as the paint sheen was FLAT it would be better disguise than the stock, reflective, stainless steel. |
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Best Camo of All! Obviously, placing the entire vehicle behind a solid block wall is great camo. Notice how the antennas, now without the vehicle "visually attached" seem more natural. As if they were some kind of branch, light pole or other upright. In this photo, you are about 12' away from the van. Much closer than any real world camo situation. The lesson suggests the obvious. When the opportunity arises, use ANY available objects in the environment to assist in breaking up your silhouette or to hide behind entirely. |
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