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    Chapter 3: Basic Radio Configuration

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    This guide demonstrates and details how to get started with a basic configuration for current Mesh Rider radios.

    Simple Configuration

    The Simple Configuration menu functions as a setup assistant for the Mesh Rider Radio. It provides users with a selection of commonly used options and applies optimal defaults by selecting various profiles tailored to specific applications.

    Once you've selected your desired Simple Configuration profile, click Save & Apply. The Simple Configuration Menu configures multiple options on the radio in one action, and some actions may take up to a minute or more to complete. This setup is generally a one-time process, with any adjustments to individual parameters being made in the Advanced Settings menus.

    Please note that the settings displayed in the Simple Configuration menu might not represent the radio's existing configuration. They illustrate the options that will be implemented according to the chosen profile.

    What profile & settings should I choose?

    When determining the best profile and settings for your needs, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements of your application and the environment in which the radio will operate.

    Below, we provide a detailed explanation of the options available and the factors to consider when making your choice. For a comprehensive understanding of the different networking modes, please refer to the Supported Networking Modes guide.

    General Tips & Considerations

    Firstly, consider the band, channel, and bandwidth settings, as these elements significantly influence the radio's performance and range. The band options you can select from will depend on your radio model. Each band has its own characteristics and trade-offs.

    For instance, the 915 MHz band is known for its superior ability to penetrate walls and other obstacles, making it suitable for environments with physical barriers. However, it offers lower throughput and may face Fresnel zone clearance issues, especially if the radio is positioned close to the ground. On the other hand, the 2.4 GHz band is more prone to noise and interference but can provide higher throughput under the right conditions. In terms of bandwidth, opting for a larger bandwidth will typically increase throughput, making it ideal for applications requiring high data transmission rates. However, this often comes at the cost of reduced range, so it's essential to weigh the benefits of higher data rates against the need for extended range.

    Additionally, understanding the trade-offs between throughput and range is vital. Your goal should be to strike a balance that aligns with your technical requirements and operational goals. Consider the environment where the radio will be used and any physical obstacles or interference sources present. For users seeking a deeper dive into radio frequency (RF) properties and how they impact performance, further detailed resources and technical documentation are recommended. These can provide insights into the complex interactions between RF settings and environmental factors, helping you make informed decisions about the optimal configuration for your specific scenario.

    Simple Configuration Profiles

    The available profiles can be selected, with key settings detailed for each one.

    General  

    1. Default profile with most frequently used configuration settings  
    2. Transmit Power Control ON (In all modes) 
    3. Aggressive Transmit Power Control ON (In all modes) 
    4. Wide Bandwidth 
    5. Number of nodes (default: 1 to 2) 
    6. Turn off low latency optimizations 

    UAV/UGV/Robot 

    1. Mesh/WDS Client Only 
    2. GCS Finder or serial port client 
    3. Sense client  
    4. 10-MHz bandwidth 
    5. Transmit Power Control ON (dynamic_txpower) (In all modes) 
    6. Aggressive Transmit Power Control ON (both dynamic_txpower and dynamic_txpower_aggr should be on) (In all modes) 
    7. Turn off low latency optimizations 
    8. Number of nodes (default: 1 to 2) 

    GCS 

    1. Mesh/WDS AP Only 
    2. Sense Master 
    3. 10-MHz bandwidth 
    4. Transmit Power Control ON  (dynamic_txpower) (In all modes) 
    5. Aggressive Transmit Power Control ON (both dynamic_txpower and dynamic_txpower_aggr should be on) (In all modes) 
    6. Turn off low latency optimizations 
    7. Number of nodes (default: 1 to 2) 

    GCS with Internet 

    1. Mesh/WDS AP Only 
    2. Gateway for internet access when Wi-Fi is EUD 
    3. EUD Wizard ON 
    4. Optional serial port server 
    5. Sense Master 
    6. 10-MHz bandwidth 
    7. Transmit Power Control ON (In all modes) 
    8. Aggressive Transmit Power Control ON (In all modes) 
    9. RTK GPS setup 
    10. Choose Wi-Fi or USB. In Wi-Fi mode, enable port forwarding. Detect drone IP address (only 1 DHCP address to serve?) 
    11. Turn off low latency optimizations 
    12. Number of nodes (default: 1 to 2) 

    Factory infrastructure 

    1. WDS AP Only 
    2. Wide Bandwidth 
    3. Transmit Power Control ON (In all modes) 
    4. Aggressive Transmit Power Control OFF (In all modes) 
    5. Turn off low latency optimizations 
    6. Number of nodes (default: 10+) 

    Factory robot 

    1. WDS Client Only 
    2. Wide Bandwidth 
    3. Transmit Power Control ON (In all modes) 
    4. Aggressive Transmit Power Control OFF (In all modes) 
    5. Turn off low latency optimizations 
    6. Number of nodes (default: 10+) 

    Factory Mesh 

    1. Mesh Only 
    2. Wide Bandwidth 
    3. Bridge Loop Avoidance 
    4. Number of nodes (default: 10+) 
    5. Transmit Power Control ON (In all modes) 
    6. Aggressive Transmit Power Control OFF (In all modes) 
    7. Turn off low latency optimizations 

    Connected Teams 

    1. Mesh Only 
    2. Wide Bandwidth 
    3. Number of nodes (default: 10+) 
    4. Transmit Power Control ON (In all modes) 
    5. Aggressive Transmit Power Control OFF (In all modes) 
    6. Turn off low latency optimizations 

    Max Throughput 

    1. Number of nodes (default: 10+) 
    2. Transmit Power Control OFF (In all modes) 
    3. Aggressive Transmit Power Control OFF (In all modes) 
    4. Disable Differentiated Services 
    5. Turn off low-latency settings 
    6. Maximum channel bandwidth (26-MHz or 40-MHz) 
    7. Mesh (default) / WDS AP / Client 
    8. Wide Bandwidth 

    Connecting to Hotspot (Wearable & OEM Models Only)

    Wearable and OEM models feature an additional Wi-Fi interface that can be used either as an access point (AP) or function as a client to connect to an access point. This interface is bridged by default to the other interfaces available on the radio. This interface, if connected to an internet source, can provide internet to the rest of the Doodle network. This interface may also be useful to connect an end user device (EUD) such as a tablet or phone to the network.

    By default, this interface is running as an AP. The network name and password can be configured on the Simple Configuration menu.

    Sharing Internet to Doodle Network

    Sharing an internet connection to connected radios and any device on the network can be done by connecting the Wearable or OEM Wi-Fi interface to an access point such as a standard router or hotspot provided on a mobile phone or via USB/RJ45 ethernet connection. With the GCS with Internet profile selected, an option will be presented to select which interface to connect over.

    To connect to an AP/Hotspot, click the Connect to Hotspot button, which will bring you to the EUD Hotspot Wizard where you can connect to your preferred network. More detailed information is available in our GCS with internet profile guide here.

    GCS Finder

    If you are using a MAVLink-based Ground Control Station (GCS) such as QGroundControl or Mission Planner, you can use our built-in GCS-Finder utility. The connection diagram is assumed to be like the figure below.

    Alt

    The GCS-Finder uses broadcast packets to search for MAVLink-based GCS which are listening for UDP packets on port 14550. The default behavior can be modified by navigating to services -> GCS finder in the web GUI. A screenshot is shown in Fig. 5. After enabling GCS Finder, socat will be disabled automatically.

    With the UAV/UGV/Robot Simple Configuration profile selected, an option to configure the GCS-Finder tool will be presented. Enter your GCS IP, Port, and Baud rate.

    Simple Traffic Prioritization

    At the bottom of the Simple Configuration page, there are options for Automatic C&C (command & control) queue detection. When activated, this feature prioritizes specific traffic based on classification rules. This can be particularly beneficial in a GCS and drone scenario, for example, where the drone transmits both video and command/control data. Giving precedence to command and control traffic ensures that drone management takes priority over video transmission, which is crucial when connectivity is weak. This prioritization allows for maintaining drone control even if video quality decreases.

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