Problems with FT-020T

bryanb
New Member

Posts: 3

Problems with FT-020T Feb 13, 2021 14:02:13 GMT -8

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Post by bryanb on Feb 13, 2021 14:02:13 GMT -8

Hi,

I've been running the WeatherRack2/FT-020T since the kickstarter completed and it's been working pretty flawlessly. However, recently I've noticed that the 20T has been a bit flaky. I know that's an almost useless diagnostic.

It seemed to resolve itself though.

Note: The entire time, the F016THs that I ordered during the kickstarter have been working just fine.

Today, the pi doesn't see the 20T at all. I've reset it. I've changed the batteries. Note: these are alkaline batteries but I have non-rechargeable lithium AAs on the way.

I moved the Pi to a location that's closer to the 20T to make sure it's not a distance problem. It's a clear line of sight, no obstructions.

To remove any of my custom code as a factor, I'm running rtl_433 from the command line look for any sign of life from the 20T. This has worked fine in the past and works for the 16THs as well. Note: I'm using the Pi image published by SwitchDoc.

Any thoughts on other things I can do to troubleshoot the WeatherRack2?

Thanks!
Bryan

SDL
Global Moderator

Posts: 5,655
Raspberry Pi: Yes
Other Device: PC, arduino, beagleBone

Problems with FT-020T Feb 14, 2021 10:05:06 GMT -8

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Post by SDL on Feb 14, 2021 10:05:06 GMT -8

I **think** that it is the Raspberry Pi and/or the antenna and/or the SDR and/or noise near the Pi.

Do you EVER see the WeatherRack2? Or just occasionally does it fail.

Do a complete reboot and swap the SDR to another USB port.

I apologize for the less than perfect instructions here. I'm not 100% sure what is going on.

You do see the LED flash on the bottom of the WeatherRack2 when you push reset, correct? Or change batteries?

BP

bryanb
New Member

Posts: 3

Problems with FT-020T Feb 14, 2021 11:44:11 GMT -8

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Post by bryanb on Feb 14, 2021 11:44:11 GMT -8

Thanks for responding.

TL;DR Moved the Pi much closer (~30 feet) and it started picking up the WeatherRack2 again. I think I was just lucky it was working before.

I went back and reviewed the technical docs and went through the radio reception section. I moved the pi and antenna again; this time it's about 30 feet away from the WeatherRack2 and I'm now seeing data from the station.

Even though my previous location was clear of any nearby noise, I think it was _just_ on the edge of distance limits and I just lucky that it was working.

I'm changing my strategy: I've been monitoring two different 16THs in two different locations plus the FT020T from a single Pi that pushes weather data to MQTT for consumption by HomeAssistant (and other subscribers). I've ordered a second SDR/Antenna from the store here and will update my code to monitor and publish the garage sensors and use my existing pi/sdr/antenna to handle the house sensors and WeatherRack2.

Thanks again for replying. I've really enjoyed tinkering with the WeatherRack2.

SDL
Global Moderator

Posts: 5,655
Raspberry Pi: Yes
Other Device: PC, arduino, beagleBone

Problems with FT-020T Feb 14, 2021 14:44:47 GMT -8 dow4hurst likes this

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Post by SDL on Feb 14, 2021 14:44:47 GMT -8

To improve your range: Add a bigger antenna!

It really works. Find a bigger antenna on Amazon for your RTL. Make sure you get one tuned for 433MHz. Like this:

RF coaxial coax adadpter SMA female to MCX male - amzn.to/3qn4e5V

And then one of many Antenna types available:

10 dbi 433Mhz Antenna Half-Wave Dipole Antenna SMA Male - amzn.to/3qksWUk

You will be impressed on your range increase.

Glad to have helped out. We really like tinkering with antennas here too. This one really rocks:

shop.switchdoc.com/products/yagi-high-performance-directional-antenna-433mhz

BP

bryanb
New Member

Posts: 3

Problems with FT-020T Jul 9, 2021 5:14:10 GMT -8 SDL and dow4hurst like this

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Post by bryanb on Jul 9, 2021 5:14:10 GMT -8

I keep forgetting to report back in - better late than never I suppose.

The 10 dbi Antenna Half-Wave Dipole Antenna fixed the problem. Everything has been working fine since I switched.

thanks again!

Post by bryanb on Feb 13, 2021 14:02:13 GMT -8

Post by SDL on Feb 14, 2021 10:05:06 GMT -8

Post by bryanb on Feb 14, 2021 11:44:11 GMT -8

Post by SDL on Feb 14, 2021 14:44:47 GMT -8

Post by bryanb on Jul 9, 2021 5:14:10 GMT -8

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