I created an app in the TTN console, added the device using appkey, etc. But when I try to connect the device, it is always blinking, meaning not able to join the network
I am in Clamart, closed to Paris. Based on the map, there are several gateways. But the community seems very quite.
How can I ensure any gateway is reachable from where I am ?
The ‘idealised’ maps and potential coverage is often discussed on the forum (search top right) and often leads to confusion and high expectations. Everything is dependent on locations (yours and the gw’s and the intervening built environment and topology. How close are you to the target GW’s? What is between you (do you have clean LOS)? What is respective elevation. A crude look suggests 3 or 4 potential GW’s N/NE of where you might be at around 1-5km distance, however can see e.g. Montparnasse/Brest Rail line between which if on an embankment vs a deep cut and if GW’s and device at low position wrt local ground may mean there is RF shadowing. You need to be specific and look at how topology may impact. These pic may help you get to grips:
There appears to be an indoor GW close by (a TTIG) but that doesn’t look to have been online for a while now (shown Red) and such GW’s often have limited longer range coverage as distant RF signals have to penetrate into the host building to reach the GW. The coverage circles are very much ‘idealised’ as you can be <500m from one and not get a signal but may find you are >10km away and get hits fine.
Simples! Get you own! They are not expensive and if you deploy a gateway in your own location you help add to and build the Community coverage and help ‘gap fill’. We usually recommend that if you are looking to do you own development (devices, firmware, s/w, end applications etc.) then that is a must do to ensure you have reliable coverage.
Location of the device may be important if switch/power meter is close to ground level you may also see problems due to Freznel Zone issues (Forum Search and GIYF) so mount (atleast antenna) higher (typically >>1m)
TTN coverage still weak in France , even around Paris
5 years ago , near Saclay and Palaiseau, nones of the apparent TTN gateways could catch my frames , Setting my own low cost TTIG was the only solution, still working OK
Hi. Thank you very much @Jeff-UK for answering. I am indeed in Clamart, and the community map is showing 3 reachable gateways where I am. But indeed, it is probably in theory
So I plan to first test within Paris close to the university where I can see 5 gateways (I guess they have a lab).
I am trying also to get in touch with the main reponsibles of the Paris community but didn’t get any answer right now.
I could indeed put in place my own gateway. But the point was to check if I can avoid any additional gateways as I plan to deploy this kind of devices in different cities. But if I can’t rely on the coverage map, I think I will have to change of approach.
The community map can only show you where the gateways are - it doesn’t and can’t say if they are reachable. You need uninterrupted line of sight from your device antenna to the gateway antenna - and you can’t be sure where & what that gateway antenna is.
It’s simpler to get own a gateway, thus improving the situation for all.
Failing that, get within a few hundred metres of the gateway location, walk about until you are joined and then retreat back to your home address whilst monitoring uplinks. If you bump in to anything large & in the way, that’s the problem for reception.
