mesh

Estimates LoRa maximum communication range by computing the free-space path loss (FSPL) link budget and applying terrain-dependent correction factors. Calculates total link budget from transmit power, antenna gains, and receiver sensitivity, then solves the FSPL equation for distance after subtracting terrain losses (0 dB open to 50 dB indoor). Returns estimated range in km, link margin at 1 km, and effective path loss. Useful for Meshtastic deployment planning and coverage mapping. Terrain corrections are empirical estimates; real-world range varies with elevation, foliage, and weather.

post/api/lora_range_estimate

Request

  • Base URL: https://calc.engineer
  • URL: https://calc.engineer/api/lora_range_estimate
  • Auth: none declared

Request body

tx_dbmnumber

Transmit power in dBm. Typical LoRa: 14-30 dBm depending on region and module.

freq_mhznumber

Carrier frequency in MHz. Common: 868 (EU), 915 (US/AU), 433 (Asia).

tx_gain_dbinumber

Transmit antenna gain in dBi. 2.15 dBi = half-wave dipole.

rx_gain_dbinumber

Receive antenna gain in dBi. 2.15 dBi = half-wave dipole.

rx_sensitivity_dbmnumber

Receiver sensitivity in dBm. Typical LoRa SF10/BW125: -130 dBm. Varies by SF and bandwidth.

terrain'open' | 'suburban' | 'urban' | 'dense_urban' | 'indoor'

Terrain type for path loss correction. open: line-of-sight, suburban: light buildings, urban: moderate buildings, dense_urban: city center, indoor: inside buildings.

Response

Computed result for lora_range_estimate

toolstring required
versionstring required
computed_atstring date-time required

Changes

No recorded changes to this operation across all 1 revision of this API.