Unlock the Power of Your Blackbird Miner: Maximizing Coverage and Rewards
Just like a bird, a Blackbird miner thrives when perched high, with a clear view and no obstacles in sight. Your small Blackbird has the power not only to provide IoT coverage for your neighborhood but also to connect with other Blackbirds across vast distances, creating a decentralized network — and, as a result, bringing greater $CHIRP rewards to its Keeper. However, to unlock its full potential, it needs to be positioned correctly.
Measuring the Capabilities of Our DePIN Network
Our DeWi IoT network is physically built by miners owned and operated by our community of Keepers. To enhance network quality and expand its reach, we regularly test its coverage. Recently, our team conducted field tests around Frankfurt, using a RAK field tester and an antenna mounted on the roof of a vehicle. The results demonstrate just how powerful your Blackbird miner can be when optimally placed.
The field tester sends radio messages, called Chirps (hence the name of the project), to see how many miners detect them, their distances, and the signal strength to each miner. This data is visualized on a map through the connected dashboard. If you own a tracker, you can add it to your dashboard and observe similar results in the Frankfurt area.
One Blackbird miner is so well positioned that it covers most of Frankfurt, while others fill in the gaps in the surrounding areas. As shown in the image below, the signal spans over 70 kilometers from the miner, and we’ve achieved similar results with a Blackbird set up on Köterberg. These field tests are a reminder that your small Blackbird is more than meets the eye — it’s truly a marvelous piece of engineering.
Why Height and Line of Sight Matter
Your miner emits a radio signal, and when positioned high and unobstructed, its reach is truly impressive. While the world record for long range wireless radio transmission stands at 1,300 kilometers, Blackbird miners have also demonstrated remarkable range, showcasing the power of this compact wireless gateway.
To encourage our community to install their miners at optimal heights, we are working on a ping feature. This feature will measure your miner’s performance and, in turn, reward you for each successful connection with another miner. By visiting chirptoken.io/explorer and clicking on your miner’s hexagon, you can see how well it is positioned and how many miners it pings — the more connections, the higher your rewards.
If you’re the only miner in your area, don’t worry; elevate your Blackbird as high as possible, as it can reach distances of hundreds of kilometers. More connections mean broader coverage and increased rewards — an excellent sign that your miner is well-positioned.
A Real-Life Example of Proper Placement
Let’s look at a properly installed Blackbird. In this example, the miner is set up at an optimal height with a clear view of its surroundings, allowing it to detect other Blackbirds up to 73 kilometers away. This setup enables the miner to form a stronger, more reliable network with better local coverage and enhanced communication with other miners, which translates into greater rewards for the keeper.
Although these results may vary due to terrain, positioning the miner above trees and other obstacles significantly improves coverage.
Why This Placement Matters for Keepers
Currently, your rewards depend solely on your miner’s availability, influenced by the quality of its internet connection and uninterrupted power supply. However, this will soon change after our mainnet launch on the Sui network. In upcoming updates, your Blackbird’s ability to connect with other miners will directly impact your $CHIRP rewards. We’ll be introducing a ping feature that rewards you for elevating your antenna and enhancing its connectivity.
Now is the time to act. By positioning your Blackbird high and ensuring a clear line of sight, you’re preparing for a future where connectivity and collaboration among miners directly affect your earnings. Raising your miner brings more than just personal rewards — the more people who can access the network, the stronger the token and ecosystem will become. As a community, we’re all in this together, committed to providing top-notch service and impressing our clients with powerful features and reliable connectivity!
