I seem to be having issues getting more than 100-120 m of range before my two EKH01’s drop out. I am using the standalone AP and STA configuration. I have experimented with different bandwidths and channels but honestly had very similar results amongst 2MHz, 4MHz and 8MHZ. My signal strength when the two nodes are right next to each other is -31dbm and drops off to -71dbm at about 70m, before fully dropping out between 100-120m. I am not sure what I am doing wrong. I don’t have a signal analyser but I tested on a regular suburban street in Melbourne, Australia, so I don’t think it can be chalked up to noise or interference alone.
Please advise what I can do to extend the range as much as possible. I have read the RF testing guide and observed a few points (i.e. have not observed all instructions). But, something tells me my issues are beyond what platform the EKH01 sits on or how high above my head I position it.
My signal strength when the two nodes are right next to each other is -31dbm
By “right next to each other” it sounds like the nodes are within 1m of each other. If so, you should be seeing significantly higher signal strength here (in fact, you would be overloading the receiver).
This is slightly concerning, as is the -71 dBm at 70m (presumably line of sight). I would be expecting to see about 20dB higher at 70m if LOS.
There is a Support tab in our evaluation kit Web UI to dump configuration, logs, and other metadata. Please generate this archive and share it with me (you may want to share privately, as it will include passwords in the dumped configuration).
Some of the things which could cause this might include:
A BCF that doesn’t match the module on board - if you haven’t made any software modifications, this shouldn’t be an issue for you.
A broken or improperly connected antenna or internal UFL cable. Have you opened the unit at all?
I knew not to have them within 2m so I did not do 1m. I will share with you the configuration and log stuff tomorrow. Am I able to share things with you privately here?
In regards to software I have made zero changes besides needing to reflash with this file: openwrt-morse-2.9.3-mmx108-ekh01-sdio-squashfs-sysupgrade
I have not opened the unit at all and as far as I could tell, I had the antennas properly attached but I can try again tomorrow and make sure beyond a doubt that they are screwed on tightly.
