Date: May 2026
Amount: $118,250

A key part of FieldKit’s work is collecting data from instruments deployed in remote locations. These dataloggers often require either in-person data retrieval or RF backhaul to transfer data back to a computer. Reliable RF backhaul can provide live or near-real-time data, making it possible to detect environmental changes sooner and respond before they become more serious. However, choosing the right technology can be difficult because power consumption, bandwidth, range, reliability, and other factors vary widely between systems.

FieldKit will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of RF backhaul technologies used with remote sensing systems, including established technologies such as APRS and newer options such as Wi-Fi HaLow. The project will measure power consumption, data rate, error rate, practical range, link and mesh reliability, and performance in both laboratory and field environments.

The team plans to publish the results as a freely available resource that can help scientists, conservationists, and other organizations choose the most appropriate RF backhaul technology for their deployments.