Power Level and Range Query

encima · **Joined:** Tue Nov 29, 2011 1:01 pm **Posts:** 32

I have 2 motes communicating with each other via Digimesh but I have 2 queries.

First is the power level. If I set the power level to 4, that should be the theoretical maximum for Xbee PRO, how do I know I am using PRO or PRO International? Also, why does the documentation show a get power level method, when it is not in the API?

Second is the range. After running an outdoor LOS test, we are achieving just over 100m of range with few obstructions in the way. Can you recommend ways to improve this or a good channel to use? I understand that the RSSI method has not been implemented in Digimesh and returns a 0 when called. Do you know of any way that I can test the signal strength/bit rate of the network?

Thanks! It is worth noting that with Digimesh the LEDs that indicate signal strength do not light up in terms of range, I either get 3 LEDs on for connectivity and then none for no connection. I assume that this is because of my previous point: that the digimesh node cannot measure the signal strength?

libelium-dev · **Joined:** Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:06 pm **Posts:** 7467

encima,

You are right regarding getPowerlevel function. It is a mistake in the documentation, because this function is not included in current API version. It was developed for older versions. We will fix it ASAP.

If you want to know your actual power level, there is a global variable called "powerlevel" storing value.

Regarding your RSSI issue, from DM guide:

From DM guide wrote:

---It reports the Received Signal Strength of the last received RF data packet. It only indicates the signal strength of the last hop, so
it does not provide an accurate quality measurement of a multihop link.

Therefore you probably are getting RSSI levels of the closest mote.

About ranges mentioned in our documentation, they are extracted from DIGI's documentation. They provide this ranges in the best conditions, so probably you only achieve smaller ranges. No matter what channel you use, just avoid obstructions between motes when possible and place motes as close as possible.

Hope this is useful for you. Let us know your comments.

Best regards.

encima · **Joined:** Tue Nov 29, 2011 1:01 pm **Posts:** 32

Ah ok, thank you. I am using powerLevel now so all is well.

The RSSI always shows 0. The same with the signal leds are either on or off, they do not seem to show strength of the signal.

Finally,

How can I tell if the zigbee module I am using is international or not? So I know which power level to use.

Thanks for your help!

libelium-dev · **Joined:** Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:06 pm **Posts:** 7467

Hi encima,

first of all, sorry for the delay in answering.

You can find the information in the labeling of the XBee module, if you check the manual or the Digi website you'll find the information you need for your module:

http://www.digi.com/products/wireless-w ... rfmodules/
http://www.digi.com/products/wireless-w ... sh-module/

Regards.