Re: [Paparazzi-devel] Range testing for Xbee modems (2.4GHz)

[Martin Mueller]

Hi Bao,

the difference between XBee (at least XBee "Series 1") and a 2.4GHz RC is that 
some RC systems change its operating frequency if one is occupied or even jump 
with the frequency all the time whereas XBee stays at a fixed (user changeable) 
frequency. If that frequency is in use by Wifi, Bluetooth, analog video or even 
a microwave oven, the XBee will loose data or stop completely.

The XBee range varies a lot with the noise level you have. It could be > 16km 
in a "calm" alpine scenario or just 100m in a noisy urban environment.

Martin

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Betreff: [Paparazzi-devel] Range testing for Xbee modems (2.4GHz)
Gesendet: Mo, 23. Aug 2010
Von: BX Guan

Hey guys, this is a relatively simply question, but first a bit of background: 
My plane is controlled with a 2.4GHz system as well. Tried to do some simple 
range testing (as in, another group member walking around with it) yesterday on 
my uni ground so it is full of trees and probably lots wireless/bluetooth 
around as well. Now the question: of the several trials, my modems loses 
connection with each other at a very short range, somewhere within the range of 
~100m to ~300m. I was testing the range of the RC system at the same time and 
it responds properly for about 1km, despite growing gradually slower and weaker 
towards the end. I was just wondering what exactly went wrong, as the modems 
themselves should have a range of at least the same if not more than the RC 
system. I had a 9dB gain antenna plugged into my ground modem.  And if anyone's 
wondering, got the modems as part of the bundle from PPZUAV. Any feedback/ideas 
would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Bao  

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