Radio technology

The SX12 LRR model is equipped with a 2.4 GHz long range radio and a Wi-Fi radio. It uses a radio antenna that is unique for the model.

The SX12 Wi-Fi HaLow model is equipped with a Wi-Fi HaLow radio and a Wi-Fi radio. It uses a radio antenna that is unique for the model.

Antenna signal direction

The antenna radiates in all directions except from the top and bottom.

To get good radio range it is therefore important that the antennas are oriented in the same direction. As the instrument antenna is fixed in a vertical position, make sure to position the tiltable antenna on the controller in the same vertical position as the instrument antenna.

Poor radio range with controller antenna not in the same vertical position as the instrument antenna

Good radio range with controller antenna in the same vertical position as the instrument antenna

Line of sight

When using 2.4 GHz radios, the antennas must have line of sight to achieve good communication and maximum radio range. Objects between the antennas creates a radio shadow that decreases the radio range with the risk of losing radio connection.

For example, objects like bushes, trees, houses and vehicles can create a radio shadow, but also the human body and the equipment.

If radio connection is lost, try to obtain line of sight between the antennas to restore connection.

Human body creating radio shadow

Equipment creating radio shadow

Environment

In an urban environment the radio signal can reflect between objects, e.g., buildings and parked cars, thereby providing a good radio coverage even without line of sight.

In an open terrain the line of sight becomes more critical as the radio signal does not have anything to reflect against.

To obtain a good radio range, try to position the instrument as high as possible in relation to the surrounding terrain.