Avoiding Wi-Fi (WiFi) Interference on 2.4GHz Frequency Channels

Modified on Thu, Nov 21 at 9:58 AM

Problem

When voting in crowded areas, it is possible for interference from phones, tablets, and other Wi-Fi connected devices to interfere with the communication between the EXT Base receiver and voting keypads, which can create a delay when casting votes.


Here's how to set up your base receiver channels to minimize interference from other devices and ensure that the system is fast and responsive.


Solution

To get started, open up the Tool Kit application and navigate to the "Base Channel" tab near the top. 


Please contact us at support@meridiaars.com or 610-260-6800 if you need access to the ToolKit application. 


Here, you have the ability to select the number of channels as well as choose which channels will be used by the system. Since we have selected four channels, we now have four dialogue boxes where we can switch to a new channel. 



When selecting channels for your voting system, please refer to our channel/frequency band chart. 


Each colored block represents a frequency band, and each column represents a base station channel. When selecting a base channel, it will always correspond to the frequency band that can be found in that same column. For example, if we select channel 1, it corresponds to frequency band 1, as shown by the chart. If we select channel 3, it corresponds to frequency bands 1 and 2. Selecting channel 3 corresponds to frequency bands 1, 2, and 3, and so on. 


When selecting our base channel, we want to avoid a channel that corresponds with frequency bands 1, 6, and 11. This is because channels 1, 6, and 11 are commonly used by the public, and therefore may cause unexpected interference between the base receiver and the keypads. 


Frequencies bands 1, 6, and 11 are commonly used in public, so, as shown in the figure, base channels 11, 12, 24, 36-40 will generally have less interference. 


As shown below, we've selected channels 11, 12, 24, and 40 for our voting session. These channels don't contain overlap with frequency bands 1, 6, and 11, meaning they are less likely to cause unexpected interference when voting. Selecting channel 36, 37, 38, or 39 instead of 40 would also work, since these channels also don't correspond with said frequency bands.



Once your channels are set up, open TownVOTE in the EZ-VOTE Connect Suite and try a test vote for speed, making any necessary adjustments to the channels to ensure responsive communication between the base receiver and keypads.


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RELATED:

Combining Keypads + Base Sets | Keypad and Base Configuration - Free Mode (Dynamic) vs Match Mode (Fixed) 

2.4 GHz Interference and Its Effect on EZ-VOTE Voting Systems

How to Get the Best Reception for Your Keypads? 

How Can I Extend the Range of My ARS Signal?

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