LoRa: Unlocking AlphaMon’s Long-Range Wireless Communication

The AlphaMon Platform uses LoRa (Long Range Radio) for reliable wireless communication. This technology enables seamless data exchange between your AlphaMon devices, even over significant distances.

What is LoRa?

The patented LoRa technology transmits signals over long distances by spreading them across a wide range of frequencies. This “spread spectrum” technique allows LoRa signals to penetrate obstacles like walls, trees, and hills, making it ideal for challenging environments. The spread-spectrum technique also allows multiple radios to operate together in the same area by automatically switching to sub-frequencies that are less congested.

Key Advantages of LoRa:

• Long Range: Covers vast distances.
• Low Power Consumption: Enables extended battery operation.
• Strong Signal Penetration: Penetrates obstacles that block other wireless technologies.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Relatively inexpensive to implement and maintain.

Improving LoRa Range and Reliability:

• Antenna Placement:
  • Height Matters: Higher elevation improves signal strength and range.
  • Line-of-Sight: Minimize obstructions.
• Antenna Upgrades:
  • Directional antennas: Boost signal strength for point-to-point communication.
  • External antennas: Experiment with different types and sizes.
• Signal Strength Monitoring (RSSI and SNR):

Understanding AlphaMon’s Log Data:

The AlphaMon platform provides valuable insights into signal strength within its log data. Here’s a sample log output and what it means:

01Jan25 01:59:20 LoRaRx: DataIn=[6B2C:2:cd:510:2D] RSSI=-94.00dBm SNR=9.75dB
01Jan25 01:59:20 LoRaRx: Decode=[RegIdx=205 Value=510 REG_CUSTOM_LOAD Addr=0xFFFE] 
01Jan25 01:59:22 LoRaRx: DataIn=[6B2C:2:d0:1533:30] RSSI=-94.00dBm SNR=9.50dB
01Jan25 01:59:22 LoRaRx: Decode=[RegIdx=208 Value=1533 REG_CUSTOM_TOTAL_SOLAR_POWER Addr=0xFFFC] 
01Jan25 01:59:54 LoRaRx: DataIn=[6B2C:2:f:0:65] RSSI=-92.00dBm SNR=10.75dB
01Jan25 01:59:54 LoRaRx: Decode=[RegIdx=15 Value=0 REG_GRID_METER_R_TOTAL_ACTIVE_POWER_1 Addr=0x0021] 
01Jan25 01:59:55 LoRaRx: Bad checksum. Received [2:39:100.00:5BB2C:p] 
01Jan25 01:59:57 LoRaRx: DataIn=[6B2C:2:58:-1027:34] RSSI=-92.00dBm SNR=10.25dB
01Jan25 01:59:57 LoRaRx: Decode=[RegIdx=88 Value=-1027 REG_BATTERY_HOME_R_BATTERY_POWER Addr=0x0126] 
01Jan25 02:00:00 LoRaRx: DataIn=[6B2C:2:cd:502:2E] RSSI=-92.00dBm SNR=10.25dB
01Jan25 02:00:00 LoRaRx: Decode=[RegIdx=205 Value=502 REG_CUSTOM_LOAD Addr=0xFFFE] 
01Jan25 02:00:02 LoRaRx: DataIn=[6B2C:2:d0:1517:32] RSSI=-92.00dBm SNR=10.00dB
01Jan25 02:00:02 LoRaRx: Decode=[RegIdx=208 Value=1517 REG_CUSTOM_TOTAL_SOLAR_POWER Addr=0xFFFC]

• RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator): This value (measured in dBm) indicates the strength of the received signal. Lower (more negative) values indicate a weaker signal (e.g., -94 dBm is weaker than -92 dBm). Aim for the highest possible RSSI values.
• SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio): This value (measured in dB) represents the ratio of the desired signal power to the background noise power. Higher SNR values indicate a cleaner signal and better communication reliability. An SNR of 10 or greater is generally considered good.

Using RSSI and SNR for Optimization:

By analyzing the RSSI and SNR values in your AlphaMon logs, you can:

• Identify weak signal areas: If you consistently see low RSSI values at a particular location, you may need to adjust antenna placement or consider an antenna upgrade.
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues: Low SNR values can indicate interference or other signal quality problems.
• Verify antenna improvements: After making changes to your antenna setup, check the logs to see if the RSSI and SNR values have improved.

Portable Power for Walk-abouts:

All AlphaMon modules can be battery-powered, making them portable and perfect for site surveys or temporary installations. This portability allows you to easily test different antenna placements and find the optimal configuration for your LoRa network. Take your AlphaMon module for a “walk-about” to map out signal strength across your property.

Optimizing Your LoRa Network:

By carefully considering antenna placement, exploring upgrade options, and utilizing the valuable data provided by the AlphaMon platform, you can maximize the performance of your LoRa network and ensure reliable communication across your entire property.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only. Consult the AlphaMon documentation or contact support for specific recommendations related to your particular setup.