Optimize Antenna Placement Using the General Panel

Modified on Wed, 22 Oct at 12:15 PM

Overview

The General panel in the Datacasting web interface helps you position your antenna for the best signal quality. This page displays real-time indicators such as Lock, SNR, and RSSI, which update every few seconds. Adjusting your antenna while watching these values ensures stable Datacasting reception.

Step 1: Open the General Panel

On a computer or phone connected to the same local network as your device, open a browser and visit:
```
http://adth.local
```
In the top menu, select the General tab.
Confirm your ReceiverId appears at the top. You should also see fields for Lock, SNR, RSSI, and Service ID.
Make sure your antenna is securely connected before adjusting.

Step 2: Understand the Indicators

Indicator Meaning Recommendation
Lock	Shows whether the tuner has locked onto the selected service	Must show Yes for data reception
SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio)	Reflects signal clarity; higher is better	Aim for above 20 dB if possible
RSSI (Signal Strength)	Indicates overall power of the received signal	Too low can cause drops; extreme highs may cause overload
Service ID	Identifies which service is currently tuned	Ensure this matches the Datacasting service you selected

Tip: The signal indicators update roughly every 3 seconds. Wait a few seconds after each movement before checking results.

Step 3: Adjust Antenna Placement

Move the antenna slightly (5–10 cm or a few degrees at a time).
Pause for 3–5 seconds to allow the SNR and RSSI readings to refresh.
Watch for color or value changes. A stable Lock = Yes with a consistently high SNR indicates a good position.
Repeat until you find the orientation that gives the most stable signal.

Step 4: Secure the Antenna

Once you achieve a steady lock and good SNR:

Fix the antenna in that position.
Avoid placing metal objects or large electronic devices nearby.
For indoor antennas, positioning near a window or higher up usually helps.

Troubleshooting Tips

If Lock or SNR fluctuates:
- Try shortening or replacing the coaxial cable.
- Move the antenna closer to a window or outside wall.
If Lock changes to No, re-run the channel scan from the General tab and reselect your service.
For directional antennas, small angular adjustments often make a big difference.

Expected Results

Lock remains Yes continuously.
SNR and RSSI values stay stable and within optimal ranges.
Files begin appearing under the Downloads tab, confirming that Datacasting data is being received correctly.