Use this guide when a LoRaWAN or wireless MBus meter is correctly set up but its signal is weak or patchy. It covers how to measure the problem, then the fixes in the order that normally gives the best result for the least cost. If you are not sure the problem is signal, start at Meters Not Reading or Poor Signal: Where to Start.
1. Measure before you change anything
- Note the signal strength and quality the platform shows for that meter over several days, not just the last message.
- Note the spreading factor for LoRaWAN meters. A meter that sits on SF12 has no margin.
- Write down where the gateway or receiver is fitted, where the meter is, and what is between them: floors, walls, metal doors, risers and plant.
- Compare with meters nearby that are working. If neighbours are fine, the cause is local to this meter.
- Decide the target. For LoRaWAN, stronger than minus 110 dBm and an SNR above zero. For wireless MBus, stronger than minus 90 dBm at the receiver.
2. Fixes at the meter
- Make sure the meter antenna is not inside a closed metal box, behind a metal door, or lying against metal pipework.
- Check the meter antenna orientation against the manual. Many antennas work best upright.
- Check the battery. A weak battery cuts transmit power.
- Check the radio is enabled and the interval is the normal one. Return any test interval to normal.
- Where the meter supports it, fit an external antenna on a short lead and place it in the clear.
3. Fixes at the gateway or receiver
- Move the unit towards the meters and higher up. A central position in the building usually beats a corner.
- Keep it away from metal cabinets, lift shafts, large pipework and other radio equipment.
- Check the antenna is fitted, tight and undamaged, and the cable is not trapped or sharply kinked.
- Use a Sycous wireless MBus antenna on a lead for a wireless MBus receiver that is in a metal enclosure.
- Check the mobile signal too. A SIM based gateway in a basement may need a GSM antenna fitted outside the metalwork so its own connection is healthy.
Caution: A gateway with a weak mobile signal can look like a radio problem. Always check the gateway is online and stable before blaming the meters.
4. Add coverage
| Technology | Option | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless MBus | Sycous Wireless MBus Repeater. It repeats T and C mode frames and can double the range. | The receiver is a long way from the furthest meters, or a floor or wing is out of range. |
| Wireless MBus | Move or add a receiver, for example another Elvaco Edge or a CMeX50 on a CMe gateway. | The building is too large or too screened for one receiver. |
| LoRaWAN | Add or move a ZENNER B.One Gateway. The Indoor version suits basements and several floors without extra repeaters. | Meters in the basement or a riser have weak signal and are stuck on a high spreading factor. |
| Either | Ask Sycous for an on site survey to check signal strengths and the best equipment positions. | The site is large, complex or has failed before. |
5. Retest and record
- Wait for at least one full reporting interval after the change.
- Check the new signal values and the spreading factor, then compare with the target.
- Check every meter on that receiver, not just the one you were working on, in case you improved one and worsened another.
- Record what was changed and where, with a photo, so the next visit does not undo it.
| Clue | Likely cause | Best fix |
|---|---|---|
| Meters in the basement are weak and others are fine | Concrete floor or metal plant between them and the gateway | Indoor gateway or receiver lower in the building, or a repeater |
| Signal fine for months then drops | New obstruction, changed antenna, weaker battery or new interference | Check what changed, then antenna position and battery |
| Whole floor weak | Riser, lift shaft or metal door in the path | Place the gateway or repeater on that floor |
| Gateway has strong signal from meters but still offline | The gateway SIM or mobile signal | Check SIM, mobile signal and GSM antenna |
| Many wireless meters but readings missing | Collisions or too many fast transmitting meters | Change intervals, add a receiver or filter the meter list |
Frequently asked questions
How do I improve LoRaWAN signal?
Move the gateway closer and higher, use a properly fitted antenna, keep antennas away from metal, add a gateway for basements or risers, and check the meter battery.
How do I extend wireless MBus range?
Use a repeater, move the receiver to a central position, fit an external antenna, and avoid metal enclosures.
What is a good signal level?
As a rough guide, LoRaWAN stronger than minus 110 dBm with SNR above zero, and wireless MBus stronger than minus 90 dBm at the receiver.
Can I fix poor signal remotely?
Not the radio path itself. You can check intervals, keys and the gateway remotely, but position, antennas and repeaters need a visit.
Need a hand on site? Contact Sycous at info@sycous.com and have the details from the checklist above ready.