Video shows Bluetooth reached 12 kilometers on tracker-tag power
nktbuilds used a parabolic antenna and a low-noise receiver to receive a stock coin-sized Bluetooth tag at about 7.5 miles, according to Hackaday.
A video by nktbuilds demonstrates Bluetooth reception working out to 12 kilometers, about 7.5 miles, according to Hackaday. The setup used a parabolic antenna and a receiver with a very low noise floor.
The demonstration used no more transmit power than a stock coin-sized Bluetooth tracker tag. The receiving side did the work, with the antenna and low-noise receiver pulling in a signal from a transmitter no different from an ordinary tag.
According to Hackaday, the setup was not expected to work out to 1,200 meters, a fraction of the distance eventually achieved.
The result points to what a directional antenna and a quiet receiver can do with a low-power radio link, well beyond the short ranges Bluetooth is typically associated with.
Quick answers
How far did the Bluetooth signal reach?
The demonstration showed reception working out to 12 kilometers, about 7.5 miles.
What equipment was used?
A parabolic antenna and a receiver with a very low noise floor, paired with a stock coin-sized Bluetooth tracker tag as the transmitter.
Did the demonstration use more transmit power?
No. It used no more transmit power than a standard coin-sized Bluetooth tracker tag.