RX_RSSI values (newbie)

[cosax]

I am struggling to undertstand the RX_RSSI value and why it is what it is. I am running the gateway and node sketches with two moteinos 10 cm apart and I get the following:

Gateway:

[2] 123 A   [RX_RSSI:-27] - ACK sent. Pinging node 2 - ACK...ok!
[2] 123 AB   [RX_RSSI:-28] - ACK sent.
[2] 123 ABC   [RX_RSSI:-27] - ACK sent.
[2] 123 ABCD   [RX_RSSI:-27] - ACK sent. Pinging node 2 - ACK...ok!

Node:
[1] ACK TEST   [RX_RSSI:-5] - ACK sent
Sending[17]: 123 ABCDEFGHIJKLM ok!
Sending[18]: 123 ABCDEFGHIJKLMN ok!
Sending[19]: 123 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO ok!
[1] ACK TEST   [RX_RSSI:-4] - ACK sent

1. why the RSSI values are consistently so different? Their radio configurations are identical.
2. Does the RX_RSSI indicate local receive problem or remote transmit or it could be either?

[hdphilip]

cosax,
maybe their too close, turn the power down and keep them about 3ft apart.

see what happens

I'm assuming your using a straight piece attached to the boards.

Philip

[cosax]

I have tried that. There is always a difference of about 20 between the RSSI readings of the 2 moteinos.

[Felix]

I would get worried when the RSSI is less than -50 or something like that. Too close is no issue.