Perform a range test

These instructions show you how to use the loopback cluster (0x12) when performing a range test. The benefit of using this type of range test is you do not have to close the loopback jumper of the remote module and the module can work in any operating mode.

  1. In XCTU, open the Tools menu and select the Range Test option.

    The Radio Range Test window opens. Your local device appears on the left side of the Device Selection area.

  2. Select XBEE_A and click the Discover remote devices button .

    The discovery of remote devices starts. When the discovery process finishes, the other device (XBEE_B) appears in the Discovering remote devices dialog.

  3. Click Add selected devices.
  4. Select XBEE_B from the Discovered device drop-down menu in the Device Selection area.

  5. For Range Test type, select Cluster ID 0x12.

  6. Click the Start Range Test button .
  7. If a notification dialog asks you to close the loopback jumper in the remote device, click OK.
  8. Test the signal interference by doing one of the following:
    • Place your hands over one of the XBee modules.
    • Block line-of-sight with your body.
    • Place a metal box over an XBee module.
    • Move the remote XBee module to a different room or floor of the building.

    The Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value will decrease and some packets may even be lost.

  9. Observe how XCTU represents the retrieved data:
    • Range Test chart represents the RSSI values of the local and remote devices during the range test session. The chart also shows the percentage of total packets successfully sent.
    • Local and Remote bar graphs represent the signal strengths of the local and remote XBee modules. These values are retrieved for the last packet sent/received. RSSI is measured in dBm. A greater negative value in dBm indicates a weaker signal. Therefore, -50 dBm is better than -60 dBm.
    • Packets sent and Packets received area shows the total number of packets sent, packets received, transmission errors, and packets lost. The percentage bar graph indicates the percentage of packets that are successfully sent and received during a range test session.

    In the following illustration, the percentage of packets successfully sent is 69% and received is 64%. The actual percentage of packets successfully sent or received may be higher.

  10. Click the Stop Range Test button to stop the process at any time.

  11. When you have completed the range test, click the Remove the list of remote modules button to remove the remote XBee modules from XCTU.