Groups | Search | Server Info | Keyboard shortcuts | Login | Register [http] [https] [nntp] [nntps]


Groups > comp.sys.raspberry-pi > #37378 > unrolled thread

More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor

Started byThe Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid>
First post2025-12-09 10:47 +0000
Last post2025-12-25 18:44 +0000
Articles 20 on this page of 80 — 13 participants

Back to article view | Back to comp.sys.raspberry-pi


Contents

  More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-09 10:47 +0000
    Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2025-12-09 11:57 +0000
      Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-09 14:07 +0000
        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Rich <rich@example.invalid> - 2025-12-09 19:14 +0000
          Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-09 19:17 +0000
      Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-09 21:19 -0500
        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2025-12-10 05:18 +0000
          Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-10 00:27 -0500
            Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2025-12-10 05:38 +0000
              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-10 02:13 -0500
                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2025-12-10 08:12 +0000
                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2025-12-10 08:15 +0000
                  Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-10 03:56 -0500
                    Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2025-12-10 09:14 +0000
                      Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-10 09:59 +0000
                      Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-10 05:02 -0500
                        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-10 10:24 +0000
                          Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-10 05:53 -0500
                            Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-10 11:45 +0000
                          Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-11 22:06 +0100
                            Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-12 10:26 +0000
                              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2025-12-12 10:39 +0000
                                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-12 11:14 +0000
                                  Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Andy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk> - 2025-12-12 11:41 +0000
                                    Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-12 12:10 +0000
                                    Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-13 01:19 -0500
                              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-12 12:19 +0100
                                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-12 12:10 +0000
                                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-12 23:42 -0500
                                  Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-13 13:30 +0100
                        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-11 22:03 +0100
                  Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-10 09:57 +0000
            Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-10 09:55 +0000
              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-10 05:36 -0500
                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-10 11:33 +0000
        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-10 09:47 +0000
          Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-10 05:29 -0500
            Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-10 11:29 +0000
            Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Daniel James <daniel@me.invalid> - 2025-12-10 13:01 +0000
              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-10 13:05 +0000
                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-10 23:19 -0500
              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-10 23:12 -0500
                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-11 08:48 +0000
                  Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-11 04:19 -0500
                  Cable chasing (Was: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor) Daniel James <daniel@me.invalid> - 2025-12-11 10:15 +0000
                Inside out (Was: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor) Daniel James <daniel@me.invalid> - 2025-12-11 10:23 +0000
                  Re: Inside out (Was: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor) Lars Poulsen <lars@beagle-ears.com> - 2025-12-11 18:16 +0000
                    Re: Inside out (Was: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor) John R Walliker <jrwalliker@gmail.com> - 2025-12-11 18:28 +0000
                      Re: Inside out (Was: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor) "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-11 21:59 +0100
                        Re: Inside out (Was: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor) The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-12 11:21 +0000
                          Re: Inside out (Was: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor) "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-13 13:45 +0100
                            Re: Inside out (Was: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor) Bob Martin <bob.martin@excite.com> - 2025-12-14 06:38 +0000
                              Re: Inside out (Was: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor) The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-15 19:19 +0000
    Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-11 22:18 +0100
      Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-12 10:41 +0000
        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-13 13:57 +0100
      Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-12 11:28 +0000
        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-13 13:56 +0100
          Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor John R Walliker <jrwalliker@gmail.com> - 2025-12-14 19:22 +0000
      Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor mm0fmf <none@invalid.com> - 2025-12-24 07:58 +0000
        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-24 12:16 +0000
          Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor John R Walliker <jrwalliker@gmail.com> - 2025-12-24 14:04 +0000
            Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-24 14:23 +0000
              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Kerr-Mudd, John" <admin@127.0.0.1> - 2025-12-24 17:00 +0000
                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-24 20:07 +0000
                  Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor mm0fmf <none@invalid.com> - 2025-12-24 23:17 +0000
                    Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-25 03:23 +0000
                      Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor rbowman <bowman@montana.com> - 2025-12-25 07:32 +0000
                  Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor c186282 <c186282@nnada.net> - 2025-12-24 21:16 -0500
              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> - 2025-12-27 21:51 +0100
                Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-27 23:31 +0000
                  Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor rbowman <bowman@montana.com> - 2025-12-27 23:58 +0000
            Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Lars Poulsen <lars@beagle-ears.com> - 2025-12-24 23:01 +0000
          Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor rbowman <bowman@montana.com> - 2025-12-25 02:29 +0000
        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Lars Poulsen <lars@beagle-ears.com> - 2025-12-24 22:53 +0000
        Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor Robert Riches <spamtrap42@jacob21819.net> - 2025-12-25 03:25 +0000
          Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-25 03:34 +0000
            Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor "Kerr-Mudd, John" <admin@127.0.0.1> - 2025-12-25 10:43 +0000
              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> - 2025-12-25 11:43 +0000
              Re: More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor rbowman <bowman@montana.com> - 2025-12-25 18:44 +0000

Page 1 of 4  [1] 2 3 4  Next page →


#37378 — More on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor

FromThe Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid>
Date2025-12-09 10:47 +0000
SubjectMore on wifi range - Pi PICO W Oil level sensor
Message-ID<10h8unl$oq21$1@dont-email.me>
First of all thanks to all those who responded on my first efforts to 
put a battery power Pi Pico W outside and have it phone home.

Having eliminated temperature and supply voltage as issues, I delved 
into wifi and router logs, and it was clear that it was sometimes 
getting a DHCP lease and even occasionally opening a TCP/IP connections 
and sending data. And might be dependent on where I parked the car and 
the weather.

I tried putting a tin tray behind the router and that made it worse.

Now the layout was that a ground floor router through the window and the 
garage was not very good at about 30m range.

Then I remembered I had put an Ethernet port in an upstairs bedroom by 
the window in case I wanted to use it as an office.

It was further away - 35m or so - but much less cluttered path. It just 
had to go through a corner of the garage.

Instantly the router reported about 8-10dB more signal and almost 
reliable comms resulted.

Now instead of 1 in 10 connections working,m I have one in ten 
connections *not* working.The limit seems to be about -93dBm reported on 
the Pi Pico and about -90dBM reported on the router/access point.

What seems to be the key is uncluttered line of sight for as much of the 
distance as possible. And wind and rain. There are trees /bushes behind 
and the last two days have been very wet and very windy. And I have seen 
good connections drop without sending data and reported signal levels 
up to 10dB worse.

On the plus side for those contemplating similar, the ultrasonic module 
seems flawless..

(HC-SR04) and the original one worked down to about 4V. I believe newer 
ones will do down to 3.3V.

Also the nano power timers (TPL5110) works OK. Although it needed 100uF 
across the output power rails to stop it oscillating :(

The whole thing seems to be accurate to a couple of litres in a 2500 
litre tank.

(I spent several hours trying to remember enough high school 
trigonometry to work out the area of a chord. )


All in all the reliability of the wireless is about the same as the old 
commercial (465Mhz)  sensor except that that needed the receiver where I 
could read it. The luxury of just looking on a web browser makes the 
whole thing worth while, as is knowing exactly when the batteries are 
running out. So far in about 6 weeks of battery testing the 3 x AAs have 
gone from '4.6V' to '4.4V' . Battery replacement does not need the whole 
unit to be removed. Simply a battery holder and cover with a simple 2 
pin battery plug.

The hassle of setting up the C SDK is worth it as there is much that 
Python cannot do.
And I am hoping never ever to have to spend two hours bleeding 60 metres 
of partially  air filled oil line when the tank runs dry (or is emptied 
by thieves)

There are apparently blue tooth solutions that talk to yiur mobile 
phone, but once again, the phone needs to be in range...

Anyway thanks to all who helped, and the upshot is that liquid levels 
sensing with battery powered ultrasonics and a wifi link is perfectly 
doable and depending on circumstance, very worth doing.

And I knew all that trig would come in handy one day :-)


-- 
No Apple devices were knowingly used in the preparation of this post.

[toc] | [next] | [standalone]


#37382

FromAndy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk>
Date2025-12-09 11:57 +0000
Message-ID<mpqh4mFb4fpU1@mid.individual.net>
In reply to#37378
The Natural Philosopher wrote:

> might be dependent on where I parked the car

Monitoring within the appliance bays of multiple fire stations, 
certainly shows signal levels exhibiting high and low levels depending 
whether the truck is in or out ...

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37383

FromThe Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid>
Date2025-12-09 14:07 +0000
Message-ID<10h9aen$s0tc$1@dont-email.me>
In reply to#37382
On 09/12/2025 11:57, Andy Burns wrote:
> The Natural Philosopher wrote:
> 
>> might be dependent on where I parked the car
> 
> Monitoring within the appliance bays of multiple fire stations, 
> certainly shows signal levels exhibiting high and low levels depending 
> whether the truck is in or out ...
> 
Umm. Well now the rain has gone and the wind died down a little I am 
getting +6dB better signal. I could move the car...

I'll park that one (sic") till  I use the car again, then I'll move it ...

-- 
"A point of view can be a dangerous luxury when substituted for insight 
and understanding".

Marshall McLuhan

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37391

FromRich <rich@example.invalid>
Date2025-12-09 19:14 +0000
Message-ID<10h9sfd$10ppd$6@dont-email.me>
In reply to#37383
In comp.os.linux.misc The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> wrote:
> On 09/12/2025 11:57, Andy Burns wrote:
>> The Natural Philosopher wrote:
>> 
>>> might be dependent on where I parked the car
>> 
>> Monitoring within the appliance bays of multiple fire stations, 
>> certainly shows signal levels exhibiting high and low levels depending 
>> whether the truck is in or out ...
>> 
> Umm. Well now the rain has gone and the wind died down a little I am 
> getting +6dB better signal. I could move the car...
> 
> I'll park that one (sic") till  I use the car again, then I'll move it ...

Water greatly absorbs 2.4Ghz signals, so it is not surprising you see 
stronger signals once the extra "water" is no longer in the signal 
path.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37392

FromThe Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid>
Date2025-12-09 19:17 +0000
Message-ID<10h9sl5$11cvm$5@dont-email.me>
In reply to#37391
On 09/12/2025 19:14, Rich wrote:
> In comp.os.linux.misc The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>> On 09/12/2025 11:57, Andy Burns wrote:
>>> The Natural Philosopher wrote:
>>>
>>>> might be dependent on where I parked the car
>>>
>>> Monitoring within the appliance bays of multiple fire stations,
>>> certainly shows signal levels exhibiting high and low levels depending
>>> whether the truck is in or out ...
>>>
>> Umm. Well now the rain has gone and the wind died down a little I am
>> getting +6dB better signal. I could move the car...
>>
>> I'll park that one (sic") till  I use the car again, then I'll move it ...
> 
> Water greatly absorbs 2.4Ghz signals, so it is not surprising you see
> stronger signals once the extra "water" is no longer in the signal
> path.

I knew that theoretically, but it was interesting to see it playing out 
in practice...
Also the difference waving foliage made...

-- 
"What do you think about Gay Marriage?"
"I don't."
"Don't what?"
"Think about Gay Marriage."

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37394

Fromc186282 <c186282@nnada.net>
Date2025-12-09 21:19 -0500
Message-ID<R4KcneQYkYc3RaX0nZ2dnZfqn_ednZ2d@giganews.com>
In reply to#37382
On 12/9/25 06:57, Andy Burns wrote:
> The Natural Philosopher wrote:
> 
>> might be dependent on where I parked the car
> 
> Monitoring within the appliance bays of multiple fire stations, 
> certainly shows signal levels exhibiting high and low levels depending 
> whether the truck is in or out ...

   Wi-Fi is sometimes just black magic ...

   Simply just moving things just a couple of
   inches oft makes an unreasonable difference.

   2.4 tends to have better range indoors
   than 5ghz - making up for the lower xfer
   rate by being Reliable.

   5G phone can be just as spooky.

   6G phone ... I saw somewhere that a theoretical
   'dynamic signal steering' tech might help - but
   real-world that's still to be seen.

   Robots ... with current tech they will depend on
   being able to connect their tiny AIs to a BIG AI
   somewhere else so they can do much more. BUT, if
   6G is horrible, then what ?

   If monitoring 'emergency vehicles/installations'
   is critical, maybe consider something using lower
   frequencies than wi-fi ??? In USA I think there's
   a designated comm space in the 400mhz band. It'd
   still be good enough for a 1-fps camera feed.

   Ah ... POTENTIAL cheap solution. Haven't fooled
   with it in about 10 years but I think it's still
   possible with Linux. Just buy one of those wi-fi
   extender/repeater thingies (about $50 USD) and
   put it not far from the main router. Make it
   wlan1. At least with wpasupplicant and dhcpcd.conf
   you could designate an automatic "fall over" in
   case the main signal got crappy. Not 100% sure
   what happens now with apps if you list a wlan0 and
   wlan1 at the same time - will the app just use
   whichever, or both, without complaints ???

   Between the two, 'shadow' areas ought to largely
   go away.

   Pity nobody makes a 5ghz "viewer" so you can
   get at least a fuzzy picture of the signal at
   different places  :-)

   I have a repeater to reach an out-building. Gonna
   try to add it as wlan1 just to see what happens ...







[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37395

FromAndy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk>
Date2025-12-10 05:18 +0000
Message-ID<mpse55FksliU1@mid.individual.net>
In reply to#37394
c186282 wrote:

> If monitoring 'emergency vehicles/installations'
>    is critical, maybe consider something using lower
>    frequencies than wi-fi ???

Nah, it was mostly "for interest" to gather a few more values from kit 
that's already being monitored. Someone else mentioned water (presumably 
as rain) don't forget the fire appliances carry around their own water, 
but hopefully it's low down for CoG reasons, while the access points are 
mounted higher up.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37396

Fromc186282 <c186282@nnada.net>
Date2025-12-10 00:27 -0500
Message-ID<tbmcnYMWOsEgmaT0nZ2dnZfqn_SdnZ2d@giganews.com>
In reply to#37395
On 12/10/25 00:18, Andy Burns wrote:
> c186282 wrote:
> 
>> If monitoring 'emergency vehicles/installations'
>>    is critical, maybe consider something using lower
>>    frequencies than wi-fi ???
> 
> Nah, it was mostly "for interest" to gather a few more values from kit 
> that's already being monitored. Someone else mentioned water (presumably 
> as rain) don't forget the fire appliances carry around their own water, 
> but hopefully it's low down for CoG reasons, while the access points are 
> mounted higher up.

   Fair enough.

   Now if real, legal, 'security' was an issue
   then you'd want a solid connection all of
   the time ... and one wi-fi point likely won't
   provide that.

   Did a very quick look at fail-over network
   connections, but almost everything assumes
   multiple routers and perhaps iptables
   nastiness.

   Easiest ... add one wifi extender, log into
   the camera, see whether you get more bars
   with the main or the extender.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37397

FromAndy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk>
Date2025-12-10 05:38 +0000
Message-ID<mpsf9uFl3fkU1@mid.individual.net>
In reply to#37396
c186282 wrote:

>    Now if real, legal, 'security' was an issue
>    then you'd want a solid connection all of
>    the time ... and one wi-fi point likely won't
>    provide that.

Only the largest couple of stations have multiple APs in the bay.  The 
building and individual vehicles have 4G, and the buildings form a 
meshed POCSAG network between neighbouring towns (or parts of cities).

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37398

Fromc186282 <c186282@nnada.net>
Date2025-12-10 02:13 -0500
Message-ID<QvycnZh6Nqk2gKT0nZ2dnZfqn_qdnZ2d@giganews.com>
In reply to#37397
On 12/10/25 00:38, Andy Burns wrote:
> c186282 wrote:
> 
>>    Now if real, legal, 'security' was an issue
>>    then you'd want a solid connection all of
>>    the time ... and one wi-fi point likely won't
>>    provide that.
> 
> Only the largest couple of stations have multiple APs in the bay.  The 
> building and individual vehicles have 4G, and the buildings form a 
> meshed POCSAG network between neighbouring towns (or parts of cities).

   Ummm ... an 'extender' is a bit different from
   an 'access point' (and cheaper). The extender
   binds to the access point/router. Connected
   devices may, as needed, connect to the main
   point or the address of the extender and still
   get net access. Wired equiv is more like a
   hub/switch.

   I do have experience - like last week - with
   extenders. Just got in a cheap spare, had to
   set it up (CAN be slightly confusing but not
   bad at all). My better extender doubles
   the range of my good wifi connection, to
   some out-buildings with some IP cams (and
   soon a home-built "weather" thing (Pi3 based,
   have a couple of spares & some 1-wire sensors)).

   Anyway, judging by the problem you claimed, your
   easy fix is an extender. Use the main point for
   cams/devices at point-blank range and put the
   extender across the bay, best higher up. Use
   whichever is more reliable for the particular
   device in the building.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37399

FromAndy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk>
Date2025-12-10 08:12 +0000
Message-ID<mpsoasFmgd2U1@mid.individual.net>
In reply to#37398
c186282 wrote:

> an 'extender' is a bit different from
>    an 'access point' (and cheaper). The extender
>    binds to the access point/router. Connected
>    devices may, as needed, connect to the main
>    point or the address of the extender and still
>    get net access.

No extenders are in use, but I was indicating that other technologies 
are involved, which don't depend on each other (though have somewhat of 
a mutual dependence on power).

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37400

FromAndy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk>
Date2025-12-10 08:15 +0000
Message-ID<mpsoh2Fmh8iU1@mid.individual.net>
In reply to#37398
c186282 wrote:

> judging by the problem you claimed, your
>    easy fix is an extender.

I didn't say there was a problem, just that you can notice signal levels 
go up and down depending on the presence or absence of a big red truck.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37401

Fromc186282 <c186282@nnada.net>
Date2025-12-10 03:56 -0500
Message-ID<JzCdnUoVx_kqqKT0nZ2dnZfqn_GdnZ2d@giganews.com>
In reply to#37400
On 12/10/25 03:15, Andy Burns wrote:
> c186282 wrote:
> 
>> judging by the problem you claimed, your
>>    easy fix is an extender.
> 
> I didn't say there was a problem, just that you can notice signal levels 
> go up and down depending on the presence or absence of a big red truck.

   I think it was you ... said how a cam would
   more or less drop out when the Big Red Truck
   was there.

   A well-placed extender could end that for cheap.

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37402

FromAndy Burns <usenet@andyburns.uk>
Date2025-12-10 09:14 +0000
Message-ID<mpss0eFn1ecU2@mid.individual.net>
In reply to#37401
c186282 wrote:

>    I think it was you ... said how a cam would
>    more or less drop out when the Big Red Truck
>    was there.
No, maybe TNP said his oil level monitor would drop out?

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37406

FromThe Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid>
Date2025-12-10 09:59 +0000
Message-ID<10hbgam$1di3b$4@dont-email.me>
In reply to#37402
On 10/12/2025 09:14, Andy Burns wrote:
> c186282 wrote:
> 
>>    I think it was you ... said how a cam would
>>    more or less drop out when the Big Red Truck
>>    was there.
> No, maybe TNP said his oil level monitor would drop out?
> 
Well that's what started it. he confirmed it with a Big Red Truck™ anecdote.
Anyway its all more or less confirmation that wifi is unstable and to be 
avoided if possible., and to be treated with suspicion if you have to 
deploy it.



-- 
  “A leader is best When people barely know he exists. Of a good leader, 
who talks little,When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,They will say, 
“We did this ourselves.”

― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37407

Fromc186282 <c186282@nnada.net>
Date2025-12-10 05:02 -0500
Message-ID<u4mdnV7bI6vZ2KT0nZ2dnZfqn_SdnZ2d@giganews.com>
In reply to#37402
On 12/10/25 04:14, Andy Burns wrote:
> c186282 wrote:
> 
>>    I think it was you ... said how a cam would
>>    more or less drop out when the Big Red Truck
>>    was there.
> No, maybe TNP said his oil level monitor would drop out?

   Posting traffic has considerably increased of late,
   partly my "fault" ... but COSLM was kind of dying
   and that would have been tragic. Forgive the sort
   of off-topic stuff, but it DOES keep minds alive -
   you can't ALWAYS think about Linux without kind
   of seizing up :-)

   I do try to insert at least a little computing/
   algo/Linux in as much as opportune.

   I've had to skip subject threading because of all
   the new postings ... just datetime sorting now.

   So, yes, I might have mixed you and another poster
   up a bit.

   However that poster WAS complaining of drop-outs
   due to changes in the physical environ ... ie
   large fire trucks pulling in and blocking the
   wifi signal. For that, my rec of a decently placed
   wifi extender IS a good cheap fix. If you keep
   getting interference, try switching the IP cam
   to the extender and see how that works ....
   a $49.95 solution ........

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37409

FromThe Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid>
Date2025-12-10 10:24 +0000
Message-ID<10hbhol$1di3b$10@dont-email.me>
In reply to#37407
On 10/12/2025 10:02, c186282 wrote:
> On 12/10/25 04:14, Andy Burns wrote:
>> c186282 wrote:
>>
>>>    I think it was you ... said how a cam would
>>>    more or less drop out when the Big Red Truck
>>>    was there.
>> No, maybe TNP said his oil level monitor would drop out?
> 
>    Posting traffic has considerably increased of late,
>    partly my "fault" ... but COSLM was kind of dying
>    and that would have been tragic. Forgive the sort
>    of off-topic stuff, but it DOES keep minds alive -
>    you can't ALWAYS think about Linux without kind
>    of seizing up :-)
> 
I stated for te record and for the interest of others doing outside wifi 
coupled IOT shit that rain wind and possibly cars made a difference.

Someone else remarked that so did fire trucks.

The downside of the new oil monitor is that is is so accurate - to 
within a litre it seems - that I can visibly see how much a shower or 
washing the dishes costs me, and a cold night is very expensive. :-)
LOL.

Now off to write the software that will look at it for me and warn me of 
things by email.
So I can get on with the next project.


-- 
  “A leader is best When people barely know he exists. Of a good leader, 
who talks little,When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,They will say, 
“We did this ourselves.”

― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37412

Fromc186282 <c186282@nnada.net>
Date2025-12-10 05:53 -0500
Message-ID<u4mdnVnbI6uBzKT0nZ2dnZfqn_SdYIGF@giganews.com>
In reply to#37409
On 12/10/25 05:24, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
> On 10/12/2025 10:02, c186282 wrote:
>> On 12/10/25 04:14, Andy Burns wrote:
>>> c186282 wrote:
>>>
>>>>    I think it was you ... said how a cam would
>>>>    more or less drop out when the Big Red Truck
>>>>    was there.
>>> No, maybe TNP said his oil level monitor would drop out?
>>
>>    Posting traffic has considerably increased of late,
>>    partly my "fault" ... but COSLM was kind of dying
>>    and that would have been tragic. Forgive the sort
>>    of off-topic stuff, but it DOES keep minds alive -
>>    you can't ALWAYS think about Linux without kind
>>    of seizing up :-)
>>
> I stated for te record and for the interest of others doing outside wifi 
> coupled IOT shit that rain wind and possibly cars made a difference.
> 
> Someone else remarked that so did fire trucks.
> 
> The downside of the new oil monitor is that is is so accurate - to 
> within a litre it seems - that I can visibly see how much a shower or 
> washing the dishes costs me, and a cold night is very expensive. :-)
> LOL.
> 
> Now off to write the software that will look at it for me and warn me of 
> things by email.
> So I can get on with the next project.

   Somebody said something interesting ... that
   the effect of the Big Red Truck on the wifi
   signal kind of turned it into a radio proximity
   sensor. Ya know, THAT might be useful ......

   As for The Project ... with enough interesting
   input The Project might change ... to something
   More Interesting  :-)

   Hmmm ... My stuff gives off wifi, and there are a
   few neighbors too. MIGHT be I could sample signal
   strength and come up with certain 'fingerprints' -
   like of vehicles driving by or, more important,
   the Amazon truck pulling into my driveway ...
   BEEP !!!

   See how little stuff can spawn bigger ideas ?  :-)

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37415

FromThe Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid>
Date2025-12-10 11:45 +0000
Message-ID<10hbmg5$1di3b$27@dont-email.me>
In reply to#37412
On 10/12/2025 10:53, c186282 wrote:
> On 12/10/25 05:24, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
>> On 10/12/2025 10:02, c186282 wrote:
>>> On 12/10/25 04:14, Andy Burns wrote:
>>>> c186282 wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>    I think it was you ... said how a cam would
>>>>>    more or less drop out when the Big Red Truck
>>>>>    was there.
>>>> No, maybe TNP said his oil level monitor would drop out?
>>>
>>>    Posting traffic has considerably increased of late,
>>>    partly my "fault" ... but COSLM was kind of dying
>>>    and that would have been tragic. Forgive the sort
>>>    of off-topic stuff, but it DOES keep minds alive -
>>>    you can't ALWAYS think about Linux without kind
>>>    of seizing up :-)
>>>
>> I stated for te record and for the interest of others doing outside 
>> wifi coupled IOT shit that rain wind and possibly cars made a difference.
>>
>> Someone else remarked that so did fire trucks.
>>
>> The downside of the new oil monitor is that is is so accurate - to 
>> within a litre it seems - that I can visibly see how much a shower or 
>> washing the dishes costs me, and a cold night is very expensive. :-)
>> LOL.
>>
>> Now off to write the software that will look at it for me and warn me 
>> of things by email.
>> So I can get on with the next project.
> 
>    Somebody said something interesting ... that
>    the effect of the Big Red Truck on the wifi
>    signal kind of turned it into a radio proximity
>    sensor. Ya know, THAT might be useful ......
> 
That was in fact how Radar was born. Engineers noted that HF radio was 
affected by planes flying overhead.

Chain Home was built to run between 20MHz and 55MHz.

The Germans sent a Zeppelin to investigate,m but they spotted it miles 
away and switched it off.

Germany thought the frequency was too low for proper radiolocation. 
They thought it was probably a LORAN style system for navigation.

At that time I don't think a radio valve (tube) was much uses over about 
150MHz. They had to sue klystrons and later magnetrons for transmitting 
GigaHertz stuff.


>    As for The Project ... with enough interesting
>    input The Project might change ... to something
>    More Interesting  :-)
> 
>    Hmmm ... My stuff gives off wifi, and there are a
>    few neighbors too. MIGHT be I could sample signal
>    strength and come up with certain 'fingerprints' -
>    like of vehicles driving by or, more important,
>    the Amazon truck pulling into my driveway ...
>    BEEP !!!
> 
It is certainly doable at 2.4 GHz.

Build a directional mirror - parabolic, and send a wifi signal up it.

Point it away from a similarly equipped receiver, and wait for something 
to reflect it back.

Or just spend $2 for one already built ready to hook up to your Pi.

https://thepihut.com/products/microwave-motion-sensor-rcwl-0516

>    See how little stuff can spawn bigger ideas ?  :-)
> 
> 

-- 
"Women actually are capable of being far more than the feminists will 
let them."


[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


#37431

From"Carlos E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid>
Date2025-12-11 22:06 +0100
Message-ID<3bor0mxr8h.ln2@Telcontar.valinor>
In reply to#37409
On 2025-12-10 11:24, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
> On 10/12/2025 10:02, c186282 wrote:
>> On 12/10/25 04:14, Andy Burns wrote:
>>> c186282 wrote:
>>>
>>>>    I think it was you ... said how a cam would
>>>>    more or less drop out when the Big Red Truck
>>>>    was there.
>>> No, maybe TNP said his oil level monitor would drop out?
>>
>>    Posting traffic has considerably increased of late,
>>    partly my "fault" ... but COSLM was kind of dying
>>    and that would have been tragic. Forgive the sort
>>    of off-topic stuff, but it DOES keep minds alive -
>>    you can't ALWAYS think about Linux without kind
>>    of seizing up :-)
>>
> I stated for te record and for the interest of others doing outside wifi 
> coupled IOT shit that rain wind and possibly cars made a difference.
> 
> Someone else remarked that so did fire trucks.
> 
> The downside of the new oil monitor is that is is so accurate - to 
> within a litre it seems - that I can visibly see how much a shower or 
> washing the dishes costs me, and a cold night is very expensive. :-)
> LOL.
> 
> Now off to write the software that will look at it for me and warn me of 
> things by email.
> So I can get on with the next project.

You mentioned thieves stealing fuel. You can also monitor for that. You 
would need a fuel flow meter on the fuel line, or a sensor telling when 
the furnace is working. Compare with the tank level decreasing rapidly.

-- 
Cheers, Carlos.
ES🇪🇸, EU🇪🇺;

[toc] | [prev] | [next] | [standalone]


Page 1 of 4  [1] 2 3 4  Next page →

Back to top | Article view | comp.sys.raspberry-pi


csiph-web