Range Degradation Symptom
It is when the remote control no longer responds at a distance where it previously worked. The causes are usually battery ageing, antenna damage, or a change in layout together with new sources of interference on site. The catalogue range describes an open-field condition; the real distance is always below it.
Range is a function of the environment as much as of transmitter power. Three things change over time: the energy source, the antenna system, and the site itself.
- Battery: as capacity drops, the voltage sags further under load. First re-measure with a full battery or a fresh cell.
- Antenna: a broken, crushed or later shortened antenna reduces range noticeably; shortening or extending the antenna cable spoils the length and impedance match. If the antenna is placed inside the panel, the metal enclosure acts like a Faraday cage and cuts the radiation.
- Site: a steel rack, container or concrete wall newly placed in the path; a newly installed inverter or welding station.
For ST series sets a value of approximately 150 m in open field is given, and approximately 100 m for the SF series. These values describe an unobstructed line-of-sight condition; on an enclosed site, plan for a shorter distance.
The context in which this term is used: 433 MHz or 2.4 GHz?