Perhaps one directly for Technical, but all response appreciated.
I am constructing a "personal area network" (PAN) using a combination of ERFs (PICAXE firmware) and XRFs and SRFs. All working most effectively within a short but reasonable distance. I am sending 6 byte packages through the system to control various devices, with a reply-back protocol to ensure the transmission has succeeded. I am using PANIDs and repeaters. Most of the nodes are connected to 18M2+s but some may have other PICAXEs such as 40X2 later. The throughput of data is low; 6 bytes in, pause for a second, 6 byte reply. Low frequency - once or twice an hour at maximum.
The PICAXE Editor 6 has splendid and effective wizards for setting up these transceivers and my question relates to the optimum settings (Using the interface board that I constructed according to Hippy's directives http://www.picaxeforum.co.uk/showthread.php?26188-Configuring-ERF-with-Wizards-and-Ciseco-Explorer-Plus). My prime concern is achieve maximum range and maximum reliability. Therefore:
1). In the Data Transfer Tab; what would be the optimum data rate to set? Default is 250K. Would a reduction increase range and/or reliability?
2). Is there any advantage to altering the packet length from the default 12 to the standard 6 bytes that I am using?
3). Is there any advantage to altering the TX/RX or RX/TX delays in this application?
4). The default serial port rate is 9600 baud - Obviously for this low data rate I can work with a lower rate, is there any point in changing this?
After a venture into X-Bee, these devices are so comparatively easy and effective, but a little info on optimising the settings would be much appreciated.
I am constructing a "personal area network" (PAN) using a combination of ERFs (PICAXE firmware) and XRFs and SRFs. All working most effectively within a short but reasonable distance. I am sending 6 byte packages through the system to control various devices, with a reply-back protocol to ensure the transmission has succeeded. I am using PANIDs and repeaters. Most of the nodes are connected to 18M2+s but some may have other PICAXEs such as 40X2 later. The throughput of data is low; 6 bytes in, pause for a second, 6 byte reply. Low frequency - once or twice an hour at maximum.
The PICAXE Editor 6 has splendid and effective wizards for setting up these transceivers and my question relates to the optimum settings (Using the interface board that I constructed according to Hippy's directives http://www.picaxeforum.co.uk/showthread.php?26188-Configuring-ERF-with-Wizards-and-Ciseco-Explorer-Plus). My prime concern is achieve maximum range and maximum reliability. Therefore:
1). In the Data Transfer Tab; what would be the optimum data rate to set? Default is 250K. Would a reduction increase range and/or reliability?
2). Is there any advantage to altering the packet length from the default 12 to the standard 6 bytes that I am using?
3). Is there any advantage to altering the TX/RX or RX/TX delays in this application?
4). The default serial port rate is 9600 baud - Obviously for this low data rate I can work with a lower rate, is there any point in changing this?
After a venture into X-Bee, these devices are so comparatively easy and effective, but a little info on optimising the settings would be much appreciated.