The following is a preliminary set of testing instructions designed to verify the module’s accuracy and ensure functionality in different scenarios.
Test 1: 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.
Test 2: 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 logged data as well as general documentation for the progression and accuracy of the data and if the obstructions led to any significant effects.
Assuming the 2 tests above were successfully performed without major issue(s), the module can now begin to put into motion.
Test 3: Moving without Blockage
The test starts with person A and B adjacent to one another to help create a baseline set of data points. From here, person A is to walk 20m with the antenna away from person B, stop, and begin to walk back towards person B until they are in their starting positions again. Repeat this test again with a linear path. Afterwards, repeat both linear tests at a jogging/running pace.
Following this, repeat this procedure with a 2 non-linear paths starting at walking pace and advancing to running pace. Person B is to closely monitor the data and document how speed and path affect accuracy. Below are simple examples of linear and non-linear paths to test.
Test 4: Moving without Blockage (Long Range)
Person A is to take the antenna and walk more than 100m away from person B who is logging the data. Once person A has created more than 100m of separation, they are to remain stationary. Person A is to use a trusted GPS software such as google maps and document this location for future comparison. Walk around again to 2 different locations all within 100-250m of person B and record the location each time. Tip: it might be easier for person A to bring a laptop to obtain measurements from, instead of a mobile device.
Once back, begin to compare the accuracy of the trust GPS coordinates with the data generated by the module. Ideally, all the test points should lie within a 2.5m radius circle mentioned in test 1.
After tests 1-4, the module (if deemed accurate enough) can begin to be integrated into the car. Work with the Electrical and Mechanical team to begin securing the module inside the Front Electrical Enclosure. More information about the car’s board layout can be found here:MSXIV Board Layout
By placing the module here, it can be easily connected to the nearby center console and is sheltered by the car’s interior against potential environmental impacts. It is highly suggested that as the team is beginning to test the mobility of the car, they replicate tests 3 and 4 to verify that performance inside the car is equal to that outside the car. It is likely that the location of the antenna will have to be slightly modified to consistently obtain the most accurate data.