The First Range Test: Two Nodes
This is a first in what will be a series of videos doing range tests with different LARA Meshtastic nodes. In the first few videos I struggle trying to decide what to call these things. Devices, radios, transmitters, transceivers, nodes. I guess typically they are all accurate names, but I'm going with node for now on.... most likely. That seems to be the name most go with.
Bottom Line Up Front: I was pretty pleased with the range. I got about 1.25 miles between one of my Lillygo T-Beams and my RAK.
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In this test I place a Lilygo T-Beam on the console of my truck in the parking area. Then went for a hike with the other node attached to my backpack to see what range I could get in the wooded area.
Yes, having the T-Beam inside my truck limited the range, due to the attenuation that the metal cab would create, and the node not being very high in the air. I would most likely have better results if I would have place the T-Beam on the roof of the truck cab. However I want to have the test be somewhat "real world" in there setup.
In practical use, I would think most people if they were to have a node at their parked, unattended vehicle; they're not going to have it on the roof for anyone to grab. They most likely wouldn't even leave it on the dash. On console or seat (slightly) out of view of passers by would be a more probable location.
The RAK I had attached to one of my backpack straps. Again, thinking this would be a good "real world" example of how someone would carry a node with them. Both nodes at what I call "man height" somewhere on the torso of a average human.
Obviously if I had one or both up on a mast, the range could be better. But since if there are only two nodes in the mesh, they would likely be "man height" the use case I was trying to simulate. Two mobile people staying in communication with eachother.
Not Scientific Range Test Playlist
Here is a collection of range tests I have done with my different Meshtastic nodes. While not scientific by any means, I try to be somewhat logical with and consistent with the testing that I do.
Most of the tests have, and will, take place in a state forest along the St. Croix River just down the from my home. The main location is a loop of cross country ski trails that are open for hiking when there is not enough snow on the ground for skiing.
This makes a great testing ground for me. Besides the convenient location, the trail loops and varying terrain gives me lots of options with distance and terrain for the testing.
I do node to node testing for range, and using multiple nodes to create a mesh network. I plan to take out new nodes and devices when I get them, along with antennas and other items that factor into making a mesh network.
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