Bluetooth range

You are playing music from your device but the Bluetooth range is much lower than you expect.

Bluetooth range can depend on many things:

  1. Objects, walls and people between the device and the Minirig, which can reduce the range by blocking and scattering the signal
  2. The quality of the Bluetooth radio and antenna on the device connected to the Minirig
  3. The placement and orientation of the Minirig

Most issues with range are related to the above. So use the following tips to maximise your range:

  1. Elevate the Minirig off the ground. Even resting it on a jumper or bag can increase the range dramatically as you reduce the radio coupling with the ground.
  2. Try a different device. We have tested many devices and found huge differences in range from device to device. More modern devices can offer more than double the range compared to older ones.
  3. Reduce radio absorbing objects in the signal path. Bodies (water) and metal objects will block the signal really well. As will walls and ceilings, especially with any conductive layers such as foil insulation or old black ash plaster.
  4. Turn the Minirig. The antenna is largely omnidirectional but some angles perform slightly better than others.
  5. Check your wireless environment. In device settings, see how many WIFI and Bluetooth devices appear. If there are many devices competing in the 2.4Ghz band then range will be reduced.

With a good line-of-sight and a good device, you can achieve 30-60m range outdoors.

If you are convinced that there is a hardware issue with your Minirig Bluetooth range, try the following test:

  1. Go outside and try to find a safe open space free from obstacles and traffic.
  2. Place the Minirig on the ground facing upwards.
  3. Orientate the Minirig so the power button is closest to you and your device
  4. Play music and start walking backwards to ensure there is nothing blocking the signal between the Minirig and your device.
  5. When the signal start breaking up, stop walking.
  6. Slowing walk backwards, counting the number of strides it takes to reach the Minirig
  7. A good device will give you at least 30 steps range with this test. A poor older device can start cutting out after 10.
  8. If the Minirig cuts out after just a few steps and you have tried multiple devices, contact support for further assistance.