Field Test Update
Published on January 21, 2025 by Watchara Amasiri
Dear Supporters and Enthusiasts,
We recently conducted our first field test of the NPR GO BOX as part of our efforts to establish resilient communication systems for disaster prevention and relief in Thailand. While the test provided valuable learning opportunities, it did not go as planned. The NPR modem consistently detected signals (indicated by the RX light being on), but the connection was not successfully established. This suggests the presence of unwanted noise or other issues interfering with the system's performance.
Observations and Hypotheses:
- Persistent RX Signal: The RX indicator remained active, possibly due to interference or noise in the test environment.
- Connection Timeout: It is possible that the system did not have enough time to establish a connection.
- Amplifier Malfunction: The amplifier might not be functioning correctly, and the Fast Switch with the Pin Diode could also be an issue.
Planned Adjustments for the Next Test:
To address these challenges, we will take the following steps:
- Proximity Testing: Conduct tests in a controlled environment at closer distances to minimize potential interference.
- Master Unit Verification: If the issue persists, we will thoroughly check the Master unit for configuration or hardware errors.
- Simplified Setup: As a last resort, we will remove the amplifier and connect the antenna directly to the modem to rule out amplifier-related issues.
We remain committed to improving and optimizing the NPR GO BOX for real-world applications. This initial setback has provided us with critical insights, and we are confident that with these adjustments, the next test will bring us closer to achieving our goals.
Thank you for your continued support and patience as we refine this vital technology. We will share further updates after our next test.
Best regards,
Watchara Amasiri
Project Lead, NPR GO BOX Deployment in Thailand