Instructions for Using the RF Line-of-Sight Tool (910 MHz) and Node Manager

The RF Line-of-Sight Tool (910 MHz) is a web-based application for analyzing line-of-sight (LOS) for radio frequency (RF) propagation at 910 MHz, used in conjunction with the Node Manager. The Node Manager allows you to create, edit, and organize nodes (locations with geographic coordinates and attributes) and groups for LOS analysis. A group consists of one Primary Node and one or more Secondary Nodes (marked with the "Include" checkbox). Groups are automatically named after the Primary Node, with no option to customize the group name. The LOS tool calculates visibility from the Primary Node to each Secondary Node in a group, displaying results as "clear" or "obstructed" and visualizing paths on a Leaflet map. Data is stored in your browser's localStorage, so export it as a CSV file regularly to avoid loss when clearing your cache or switching devices.

• Node Manager: https://thatsfguy.github.io/Line-Of-Sight-Tool/nodemgr.html
• RF Line-of-Sight Tool: https://thatsfguy.github.io/Line-Of-Sight-Tool/index.html

Getting Started

1. Open the Node Manager: Load the Node Manager page in your browser. You'll see two main sections: Nodes and Groups, each with a table for managing data.
2. Backup Reminder: A note at the top of both tools warns that data is stored in localStorage. To export:
   • In Node Manager, find the "Download CSV" button (typically near the top or in the Nodes section).
   • Click to save your nodes and groups as a CSV file. Import this file later to restore data.
3. Map Interaction: Node Manager includes an interactive Leaflet map. Use it to place and edit nodes:
   • Click on the map to set Latitude (Lat) and Longitude (Lng) for a new or selected node.
   • Click a marker (pin) on the map to edit that node's details.

Managing Nodes in Node Manager

Nodes represent locations (e.g., antennas) with attributes like position, height, and notes, used for LOS calculations.

Adding a Node

1. Fill in the node details in the provided form:
   • Location Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Tower A").
   • Latitude/Longitude: Type values manually (e.g., 37.7749, -122.4194) or click on the map to auto-fill.
   • Height (m): Enter the elevation above ground in meters (e.g., 50 for a 50m tower).
   • Notes: Add optional details (e.g., "VHF antenna installed").
2. Click Add Node to save. The node appears in the Nodes table, and a marker is added to the map.

Editing a Node

1. In the Nodes table, click the Edit icon/button in the Actions column (likely a pencil icon).
   • Alternatively, click the node's marker on the map.
2. Update fields as needed (e.g., drag the marker to change coordinates).
3. Click Save to apply changes. The table and map update automatically.

Deleting a Node

1. In the Actions column, click the Delete icon/button (likely a trash can).
2. Confirm deletion. The node is removed from the table and any associated groups.

Nodes Table Columns

Managing Groups in Node Manager

Groups are used to process LOS plots at 910 MHz. Each group consists of one Primary Node and one or more Secondary Nodes (marked with the "Include" checkbox). Groups are automatically named after the Primary Node, with no option to customize the name.

Adding a Group

1. In the Nodes table, check the Primary box for the node to serve as the Primary Node (only one per group). The group will be named after this node.
2. Check the Include boxes for nodes to include as Secondary Nodes.
3. Click Create Group to create the group.
4. If a group with the same Primary Node already exists, a popup will prompt you to confirm overwriting the existing group. Click OK to overwrite, or cancel to abort. The new group appears in the Groups table, named after the Primary Node.

Editing a Group

1. In the Nodes table, select a new Primary node or adjust the Include checkboxes for Secondary Nodes.
2. Click Create Group.
3. A popup will prompt you to confirm overwriting the existing group associated with the selected Primary Node. Click OK to overwrite, or cancel to abort. If overwritten, the group name updates automatically to match the new Primary Node.

Deleting a Group

1. In the Groups table, click the Delete icon/button in the Actions column.
2. Confirm. This removes the group but keeps the nodes intact.

Groups Table Columns

Running Line-of-Sight Analysis

In the RF Line-of-Sight Tool (https://thatsfguy.github.io/Line-Of-Sight-Tool/index.html), select a group for analysis using the Data Source option, which offers two radio buttons:

1. CSV File:
   • Select the "CSV File" radio button.
   • An upload option appears. Click to upload a CSV file created manually or exported from Node Manager (using the "Download CSV" button).
   • The tool loads the group data from the CSV for analysis.
2. Group from Node Manager:
   • Select the "Group from Node Manager" radio button.
   • A picklist appears, listing groups stored in localStorage, each named after its Primary Node.
   • Select the desired group from the picklist. No CSV upload is needed.
3. Running the Analysis:
   • After selecting a group (via CSV or picklist), ensure it has one Primary Node and at least one Secondary Node.
   • Initiate the analysis (e.g., click a "Run" or "Analyze" button).
   • The tool will:
     • Calculate LOS at 910 MHz from the Primary Node to each Secondary Node.
     • Display results as "clear" (visible) or "obstructed" (blocked by terrain or obstacles).
     • Visualize the paths on a Leaflet map, with lines indicating clear or obstructed paths.

Tips and Best Practices

• Map Usage: In Node Manager, zoom/pan the Leaflet map for precise node placement. Markers may be color-coded (e.g., Primary Node in red).
• Group Setup: Ensure exactly one node is marked as Primary per group and at least one node is marked as Include for LOS calculations. The group name automatically matches the Primary Node.
• Data Persistence: Data saves to localStorage—no login needed. Export CSV from Node Manager after significant changes to avoid data loss.
• LOS Analysis:
  • Accurate node heights and coordinates are critical for reliable RF LOS calculations at 910 MHz.
  • Obstructions (e.g., hills, buildings) are factored in based on terrain data used by the tool.
• Troubleshooting:
  • If the map fails to load, verify your internet connection (uses Leaflet).
  • No LOS results? Confirm the group has a Primary Node and at least one Secondary Node, and check that the group was loaded correctly (via CSV or picklist).
  • For bulk import: Use the "Import CSV" feature in Node Manager to restore previously exported data.
• Limitations: This is a client-side tool with no cloud sync. Desktop browsers provide the best experience.

For issues or advanced features, check the GitHub repo or page source for updates. Happy RF mapping!