Designed & Made in the USA Since 1983
Applicable Devices
MicroBase EVO USB A | MicroBase EVO ESB C | Wedge Base EVO | RS-232 Base EVO | Mini Mobile Module | RS-232 V2 Mobile Module | Command Mobile Module | Digital Remote | RS-232 Remote
RF noise is common in manufacturing facilities because they’re packed with electrical equipment that emits electromagnetic interference across a wide range of frequencies. Variable frequency drives, welders, large motors, switching power supplies, compressors, robotic systems, and even LED lighting can generate broadband noise and harmonics, while long cable runs, metal structures, and imperfect grounding can act like antennas that radiate or couple that energy into the air and wiring. The result is a dense, constantly changing RF environment—especially as machines start/stop and loads vary—that can desensitize receivers and intermittently disrupt wireless links.
MobileCollect RF Sniffer makes detecting RF noise in the 2.4 GHz bandwidth easy. RF Sniffer helps you quickly spot true interference by displaying what’s happening across the 2.4 GHz band in real time. RF Sniffer does this by taking 500 measurements per channel before hopping to the next channel. By walking the floor with the sniffer and checking each channel, you can spot unusually high background energy, intermittent spikes, or “hot” areas near machines and power electronics that often correlate with communication dropouts. With this data, you can then select an RF channel with minimal RF noise for MobileCollect to operate on by following the steps below. Selecting an RF Channel with minimal noise will allow your MobileCollect System to operate at peak performance.
Note: RF Sniffer utilizes legacy RM2.4 Hardware. If you have an EVO Base Receiver please request an RF Sniffer Kit here.
The MobileCollect RM2.4 wireless protocol offers multiple RF Channels to maximize the performance of the MobileCollect System. By default, all MobileCollect equipment is set to transmit readings on channel 21. All setup and wireless firmware updating is done on channel 14, which is reserved only for these activities. There are 14 other channels available to avoid any RF interference at your facility.
NOTE: Any change in RF channel will require re-pairing of all transmitters.
RF Channel | Target Frequency, GHz | Description |
|---|---|---|
11 | 2.405 | Available |
12 | 2.410 | Available |
13 | 2.415 | Available |
14 | 2.420 | Reserved for updates and setup |
15 | 2.425 | Available |
16 | 2.430 | Available (Potential default 2.4 GHz Wifi Channel) |
17 | 2.435 | Available (Potential default 2.4 GHz Wifi Channel) |
18 | 2.440 | Available (Potential default 2.4 GHz Wifi Channel) |
19 | 2.445 | Available (Potential default 2.4 GHz Wifi Channel) |
20 | 2.450 | Available |
21 | 2.455 | Available (Default Channel) |
22 | 2.460 | Available |
23 | 2.465 | Available |
24 | 2.470 | Available |
25 | 2.475 | Available |
Andy Duvall is an owner of MicroRidge Systems and serves as the company’s sales director. With over a decade of experience as a product design and launch engineer, Andy works closely with MicroRidge customers to identify and implement the most effective measurement and interface solutions for their organizations.
4 Responses
Is there a way to know what channels are available and which are busy at my facility?
There sure is. Check out the RF Sniffer we built for just what you’re wanting to do. Here is more information about the RF Sniffer.
What is the expected range of the Mini Mobile Module when you put it on a channel with limited interference?
It will depend on what you’re manufacturing and what is between the base receiver and the transmitter but you can expect to get up to 150ft of range on a channel with limited RF interference.