The following is a preliminary set of testing instructions designed to verify the module’s accuracy and ensure functionality in different scenarios.
1st Test: Stationary with No Blockage:
Once stable communication has been established, 2 team members walk to an open area with no major blockages such as walls, cars, etc. Person A is responsible for holding the antenna and measuring the distances shown below. Person B is responsible for logging the data and ensuring no damage is done to the connection(s).
The red triangles represent the 4 testing positions of person A and the central star represents person B. The module is rated for this exact accuracy. If there is no difference in logged data, extend the radius up to 5m and repeat. By taking 4 stable & stationary measurements, we can gauge whether the module can perform under the best-case-scenario.
2nd Test: Stationary with Blockage
Repeat the 1st test but set the antenna on the ground and gradually build a containment around it with materials of varying densities. It is recommended that person A starts with thin materials such as cloth and slowly advances to denser materials such as metal, brick, or fabricated carbon fiber. Be very careful not to crush the antenna during this process. Person B is responsible for noting any large spikes in data as well as general documentation for the progression and accuracy of the data and if the obstructions led to any effects.
More non-stationary testing procedures to come…