This guide demonstrates and details how to get started with a basic configuration for current Mesh Rider radios.
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.
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.
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.
The available profiles can be selected, with key settings detailed for each one.
General
UAV/UGV/Robot
GCS
GCS with Internet
Factory infrastructure
Factory robot
Factory Mesh
Connected Teams
Max Throughput
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 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.
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.
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.
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.