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I know this is a common question but I am wondering how to increase range on my Lora 'LoStik' device. https://www.crowdsupply.com/ronoth/lostik

I am trying to send data from one LoStik to another. Both are plugged into Raspberry Pis. Data packets are small, maybe a string of 50 or 60 characters.

The data sheet claims around 15 km, but I can barely manage 2 km. I have read up on spreading factor and have increased both Spreading factor and the Tx power to the maximum.

I am beginning to think I will need to use a different type of antenna to achieve maximum distance. Is this correct? What type of antenna should I use?

Aside from that, what else can be done to increase Lora Range? I am using two LoStiks to communicate with each other to simulate (on a small scale) the deployment of cheap Lora hardware. Should I be focusing on different hardware? Is it more efficient to setup a LoraWan gateway than having a bunch of LoStik end nodes talk with one another?

I haven't even begun to consider security issues....

Thank you for the help!!

Ola Ström
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Tuomas Talvitie
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2 Answers2

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You can do the following to reach longer distance:

  • Increase the spreading factor to SF12
  • Repeat every message multiple times
  • Increase the TX power to the maximum that is allowed by your local regulator (don't forget deducting the antenna gain fron your actual TX power when check if your within the limit of real allowed radiated power.)
  • Try to keep the antenna cable short. The device should be close to the antenna.
  • Install your antennas as high (preferably on roof tops) as possible (this usually means that the modem should be on the roof top too)
  • Try to maintain line-of-sight between the antennas
  • Use a special high gain antenna (e.g.: 8dBi antenna) at the receiving device.
    An example of that high gain antenna is this one.
Norbert Herbert
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To increase range you can't really buy a 'more powerful' antenna, just a 'more directed' one, since power transmitted by antenna isn't limited by the device or by antenna design, but instead by laws in your country, which limit the power emission by antennas, based on frequency that's used. So to get better range you must be creative - use directed antenna, repeat messages, remove obstacles in a way, use channel that's not used by others around you, etc.

cactusresistance
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