From d1cd0a23a2483cfa71f03cf84f741b7d675ca409 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ron Hale-Evans Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2016 17:08:09 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] Nearing end of radio docs --- docs/reference/radio/set-transmit-power.md | 32 +++++++++------------- 1 file changed, 13 insertions(+), 19 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/reference/radio/set-transmit-power.md b/docs/reference/radio/set-transmit-power.md index 10c547dc..e5efb1ff 100644 --- a/docs/reference/radio/set-transmit-power.md +++ b/docs/reference/radio/set-transmit-power.md @@ -1,33 +1,27 @@ # Set Transmit Power -Sets the transmitter power for ``radio`` communications. -The power can be set to a value between 0 (-30dbm) and 7 (+4dbm). +Make the ``radio`` signal of the micro:bit stronger or weaker. +It can be as weak as `0` and as strong as `7`. + +The scientific name for the strength of the ``radio`` signal is +**dBm**, or **decibel-milliwatts**. A signal strength of `0` +can be measured as -30 dBm, and a strength of `7` can be +measured as +4 dBm. ## Range -At power level 7, in an open area without significant interference (coming from WiFi networks or other devices operating on the 2.4 GHz range), you can get a **range of over 70m**. - -Indoors (or with additional interference), range will be significantly reduced. - -## Important Security Consideration - -The functions in the ``radio`` namespace allow the BBC micro:bit to communicate with other micro:bits. - -This API does not contain any form of encryption, authentication or authorization. It's purpose is solely for use as a teaching aid to demonstrate how simple communications operates, and to provide a sandpit through which learning can take place. - -For serious applications, BLE should be considered a substantially more secure alternative. - -```sig -radio.setTransmitPower(1) -``` +If your micro:bit is sending with a strength of `7`, and you are in +an open area without many other computers around, the micro:bit signal +can reach as far as 70 meters (about 230 feet). ### Parameters -* ``power`` -- a [number](/reference/types/number) between ``0`` and ``7``. +* a [number](/reference/types/number) between ``0`` and ``7`` that +means how strong the signal is. ### Example -Sets the transmitter power to full power at 7. +This program makes the ``radio`` send at full strength. ```blocks radio.setTransmitPower(7)