Frequent Wifi interruptions

[horchi]

I have a Tasmota based on an ESP8266EX at a distance of 5 meters from the Wifi AP.

Generally I get a connection, the data/level in the picture below.

Now I have interruptions several times a day so that the tasmota is no longer accessible. Sometimes this resolves itself, sometimes only after hours. After a reset it usually reconnects immediately

What I have tried so far:

I tried a reset 3 with a full power cycle, tried with WifiConfig 4 and 5. Set the AP to a fixed Channel.
And last bought a new Wifi AP.

What can I try, what could be the reason?

[Jason2866]

The wifi signal is horrible (34%). Try to find the reason for.

[horchi]

I have tried that, in my opinion it is not due to the AP as all other clients showing a signal

[wasi54]

Have you modified the board ? Make sure there is no wire near the antenna. Do not mount the device on or near a metal plate, as this will influence the antenna signal. Some devices are bad as new, as i had some them.

[horchi]

That’s like it’s mounted

[horchi]

I have this board without modifications

[Jason2866]

And the box has probably a metal door.

[horchi]

as I said, there is a visual connection (I have unhinged the door)

[Jason2866]

Remove from the smart meter and have a look if RSSI gets better. Try a different power supply. If nothing helps the esp8266 board is a bad one.

[horchi]

If I take it off the meter and move it another half meter outside the cabinet closer to the AP, I get RSSI 8%, -96 dBm
or do you mean disconnect the esp8266 from the smart meter board and supply it directly with 5V?

A different power supply unit does not change anything

[sfromis]

Getting to -96 dBm much worse, basically disaster zone. And taking it off the meter (away from the breaker box) is indeed a good test. Try moving further towards your AP, and follow the values. Signal propagation can be strange depending on metals nearby.

[horchi]

20 cm next to the AP: RSSI 38%, -81 dBm

[sfromis]

Smells like bad hardware.

-81 dBm is "barely functional", but may get through often - without being stable.

You didn't change the WifPower setting?

[horchi]

not changed, ist 12

14:15:59.022 CMD: WifiPower
14:15:59.028 MQT: stat/tasmota/RESULT = {"WifiPower":12.0}

[sfromis]

No problem there. Those ESP-01 modules can be dubious, but of course needs good power, 3.3V and at least 150 mA available. That should come from the next board, assuming that your USB power input is good.

[horchi]

I have tried three different power supplies, currently a Raspberry Pi power supply

[horchi]

then it's best to exchange it? I only bought it on the 17th

[sfromis]

Yeah, unless you are able to analyze/handle details of it failing to get good Wifi signal.

[horchi]

Thanks for the help!

The reader going back, I have now ordered this one, so I can also place the circuit board outside the control box

[horchi]

The new HW for the tasmota witch same AP and same power supply
RSSI 98%, -51 dBm
:)