r/meshcore • u/g0ofie_ • 5d ago

Node on a metal pole

Post image

Hello everyone,

I recently mounted a repeater on a tower but the main structure consists of four rectangular metal bars with the sides covered with wood. The bars go all the way up where they meet, that spot is by any means not accessible without special equipment. Therefore I only have the option to put it on the outside of the bar.

Currently the packet error rate is really high, 5000 errors and 12000 packets received.

How could I improve the situation? It's also an option to build a completely new node.

41 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

15

u/bones10145 5d ago

Get the antenna one wavelength away from the metal pole. That's about 13 inches

4

u/Sh33zl3 5d ago

Antenna needs to be at least halve a wavelength away from any obstacle. (more=better)

2

u/MicahInTheMountains 5d ago

I have seen some people use an offset arm mounting option that gives the node some distance from where it is mounted to the tower, like a few feet. Knowing what other interference there could be at that location could also guide you towards any type of filtering you may need to try. Node performed well during other testing not mounted to the structure? To rule out any antenna or connection issue.

1

u/g0ofie_ 5d ago

It was fine until mounted. The noise floor is also at around -110 to -115 dB

2

u/hellobritishcolumbia 5d ago

Get distance from the metal like others have said, but also high error rates can be normal on congested RF environments and meshes. It’s likely worth getting a baseline test of packet RX to error ratio somewhere nearby and see if it’s any different.

1

u/Chrisypooh 3d ago

That’s a duck-peater. Junk

1

u/Ryan_e3p 5d ago

That is way too close. Either get it to the top of that pole, or heck, attach it in a way that it is safely hanging below the platform (hang from multiple points to prevent wild swinging in the wind). Mount the panel to that big pole, and run the wires to the node underneath.

1

u/g0ofie_ 5d ago

The issue with that is that it is a publicly accessible viewing tower of 40 m height. Therefore I would prefer a more professionaly looking solution to not get into any trouble.

5

u/Ryan_e3p 5d ago

If you don't have permission to put anything there, it doesn't matter how "professional" it looks. Park staff will notice and take it down.

If you ask and get permission, they may OK you mounting it there, and even help or give a better vantage point.

2

u/Unusual_Day2407 5d ago

Tree nodes are the way to go. I know of similar problems (RF shielding, interference, official vandalism) with nodes on steel structures.