range tests
We now have two prototype meshO Controls and one prototype meshO Prime unit, so it’s time to do some range tests.
Starting out in relatively dense eucalypt bush, we achieved approx. 500m range and confirmed the connection by sending punches through the network. We will be doing more testing at local events soon, so it will be interesting to see what kind of range we get in different types of terrain.
But how does this network go with nothing in the way? Well, over a lunchtime we first tested 1km from one side fo the lake to the other, and getting a strong signal it was time to push it further. Sam climbed to the top of Urambi Hill and we achieved 2.5km with still a medium strength signal!
This diagram shows the signal strenth of all the units in the network:
- CTL #250 : this is the one at the top of Urambi Hill
- meshO Control (grey) : about 1.8m high
- meshO Prime : sitting on the ground with just a 5cm wire antenna (!!)
- Control (green) : a bare XBee unit for querying the network strenth.
The meshO Control (grey), meshO Prime, and the Control (green) were all within a few metres of each other, hence why the signal strength between those units was approx. -40dBi (the maximum signal strength).
Signal strengths
- 0dBi to -80dBi : Strong (green)
- -80dBi to -80dBi : Moderate (blue)
- -80dBi to -90dBi : Poor (orange)
- -90dBi to -100dBi : Weak (red)
Many thanks to Sam Wilson for running around with meshO Controls in the bush as the light faded and for scaling Urambi hills during his lunch break :)