There are multiple factors affecting the signal strength from the edge-computing gateways to wireless vibration sensors, such as obstacles, interference, antenna, transmission power, receive sensitivity etc. In an industrial environment, there are many metal objects or concrete walls, which could reduce the gateway’s range to the sensors significantly. To improve the gateway’s range to the sensors, user can follow the steps below:
- Make sure that the gateway’s BLE antenna is secured to the connector. Apply some Loctite screw lock on the SMA connector to prevent the antenna from getting loose in an environment with vibrations.
- Adjust the gateway‘s mounting spot. Raise the gateway 2 meters (6 feet above ground) if possible.
- Adjust the BLE antenna direction, make sure that the antenna body stay away from metal objects and point to the air, ideally to the direction where the wireless vibration & temperature sensors are mounted.
- When there is strong WiFi interference, the BLE signal could be interrupted significantly, since both WiFi and BLE share 2.4GHz band. Move the gateway and sensors away from a WiFi router at least 6 feet away. To lower power consumption, BLE signal is typically much weaker than WiFi signal, which makes the BLE signal overpowered by WiFi.
- Mount the sensor at a high spot that is clear of metal barrier if possible. Make sure that there is a clearance of the sensor’s plastic cap (where the sensor’s onboard antenna is located) from the surrounding metal barriers. The sensor’s signal will be attenuated in a tight space surrounded by metals or liquids. The sensor signal can still get through even if the machine is almost completely shielded, as long as there is 1mm (0.039 in) gap in between.
- Turn off WiFi of the gateway when WiFi is not in use. In default, the WiFi of the gateway is turned off. If the WiFi is turned on, then please turn off the WiFi.