The goTenna Pro X was rated as the only product that exceeded performance expectations in an off-grid simulation
October 5, 2021 — Last month, goTenna participated in Tough Stump’s Tech Rodeo, an off-grid communications field test hosted by Tough Stump Technologies and Skybridge Tactical. The goal of the event was to test ATOS, goTenna, Trellisware, Persistent Systems, and Domo Tactical equipment in an environment that encompassed distance, terrain elevation with rural and atmospheric conditions. The testing simulated dangerous scenarios such as military operations, wildland firefighting scenarios, search and rescue missions as well as manhunts.
goTenna’s team was able to transmit Position, Location and Information (PLI) data over a 55 mile-range (88 kilometers) from one goTenna Pro X device attached to a tree on a mountaintop to another goTenna Pro X user in the valley. As a result of the test, goTenna Pro X was the only technology deemed “Better Than Advertised” by the event organizers.
Screenshots of the goTenna Pro X app showing the 55.28 mile / 88.45 km distance between the two goTenna Pro X users. The primary node PLI would not update beyond this point due to the dense vegetation and terrain.
The goTenna Pro X device is shown attached to a tree paired to an end-user device which is also located in a tree from Location 1.
The elevation of the primary goTenna Pro X device was 3,200 feet above the elevation of the valley floor. The true range of the goTenna Pro X was not demonstrated since the limiting factor was the terrain. Due to channelized roadways and private land on either side, the mobile node was not able to gain a line of sight near the end of the route.
"The performance was excellent and we were very surprised to see how easily goTenna's mesh network incorporated other tracking devices like ATOS,” said Tough Stump COO, Benjamin Brown.
Final results after testing ATOS, Trellisware, Persistent Systems, Domo Tactical devices at the Tough Stump Tech Rodeo.
The Granite Creek Training Facility in south-central Montana provided a unique venue to push communication and drone technology to its limits, similar to military and public safety operational conditions. Over the course of five days, participating organizations put their communications tools through rigorous challenges. Each vendor was given the opportunity to gather and push selected data to a staged Operations Center, then relayed to a third party and viewed on a WinTAK device.
Law enforcement and military observers were able to see each vendor’s ability to accomplish the given tasks in real-time. Observers were also able to interact directly with other vendors, allowing a hands-on experience with each system.
A representative from the Army Research Office commented: “The key component was the actual demonstration of the systems with a realistic setting that would show the different radio systems. The range was ideal for testing concepts and gear. The layout of the various locations worked well and the total area covered was a good representation of our mission space.”
In disaster situations where traditional communications infrastructure might be damaged or unavailable, goTenna’s mesh networking radio devices enable off-grid communication via smartphone independently of cell, wifi, and satellite networks. Tough Stump’s test users utilized goTenna Pro X devices with the Android Team Awareness (ATAK) application in order to track individual operator and vehicle locations, share maps and other points of interest, and exchange text-based messages within teams.
“The operational environment provided the perfect setting to push our equipment. This enabled us to emphasize the capabilities and constraints while providing a real-world demonstration,” said goTenna Senior Forward-Deployed Engineer, Michael Gibbs.
About goTenna:
goTenna is the world's leading mobile mesh networking company and provider of off-grid connectivity solutions for smartphones and other devices. goTenna's innovative mesh networking protocol is embedded into low-cost, low-power devices and paired with easy-to-use mobile apps enabling mobile, long-range connectivity even without cell, wifi or satellite. The goTenna vision to create resilient connectivity was ignited during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, when approximately a third of cell towers and power stations were knocked out.
About Tough Stump:
An American Veteran-owned and operated business, Tough Stump Technologies has a passion for innovation. With over 150 years of combined experience in small unit tactics, SUAS operations and air-to-ground integration, we fuse the latest remote sensing technology with the highest standards of integrity and performance. Our team excels in the development and implementation of simple solutions to complex problems, supporting operations across the globe. Learn more about Tough Stump by visiting toughstump.com