Defence
Detecting a 2-Degree Drift: A Solar-Powered Smart Antenna Alignment Device
An IoT sensor package with AR-assisted remote verification, built to catch antenna misalignment before it degrades telecom connectivity — validated through winter field testing.
Client
A premier provider of telecommunications infrastructure management services, with over 15 years of industry experience ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality connectivity.
Problem Statement
In telecom infrastructure, even a 2–3 degree deviation between antennas can cause significant signal degradation and reduced connectivity. The client needed a low-cost, IoT-enabled solution to continuously monitor and report misalignment from various causes — plus an augmented reality component to remotely verify alignment when physical line-of-sight was obstructed or insufficient.
Solution
Techshlok drew on its experience across IoT, embedded systems, and augmented reality to design a two-phase solution matched to the client’s technical and operational requirements.
Phase 1 — Core Alignment Monitoring
Design & Hardware Integration
- A custom PCB integrating a digital compass, accelerometer, and gyroscope with a low-power microcontroller.
- Lithium-ion battery with solar panel backup, supporting up to 30 days of autonomous operation without sunlight.
Connectivity & Data Protocols
- Wi-Fi connectivity supported by a high-gain, upward-facing antenna for robust connectivity.
- MQTT for lightweight, real-time data communication with central monitoring systems.
Software & Power Management
- Firmware that optimizes sensor readings and manages sleep/wake cycles, continuously comparing live orientation data against pre-stored calibration coordinates.
Field Testing
- A 1.5-month prototype development cycle followed by 10 days of rigorous outdoor testing in winter conditions, validating sensor accuracy, power endurance, and system reliability.
Phase 2 — AR-Enabled Remote Verification
Enhanced Processing & AR Integration
- Upgraded to a Linux-based system on Rockchip SoCs, capable of real-time camera streaming and AR overlays.
- Additional sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, altitude sensor) to accurately project AR pointers for remote verification.
Dynamic Power Management
- A switchable power system toggling between a high-power active mode (for AR functions) and a low-power sleep mode, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
- A command-based control mechanism to remotely activate the camera and AR module when needed.
Software Optimization & Testing
- Python-based sensor fusion algorithms tuned for accurate AR pointer alignment.
- Extensive combined-system testing under harsh environmental conditions to validate performance and operational integrity.
Business Value and Impact
- Enhanced operational efficiency — real-time monitoring and precise alignment reduce maintenance costs and improve service uptime.
- Cost savings — a low-cost, energy-efficient design supports scalability across large telecom networks.
- Technological leadership — the solution positions the client as an infrastructure innovator, applying next-generation sensing and AR to a persistent field problem.
