RangePlanner
A field-planning calculator for makers and robotics hobbyists who need to push 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi to its limits — pick your transmitter and antenna, paste two GPS points, and get the EIRP, FCC/ISED compliance verdict, expected link budget, and Fresnel-zone clearance for a long-range wireless link.
DIY makers, FPV-drone pilots, and robotics hobbyists building outdoor projects that need to talk back over long distances
- EIRP calculator with FCC and ISED license-exempt limits, with warnings before a build violates regulations
- Line-of-sight and Fresnel-zone estimator using terrain elevation data between two coordinates
- Pre-vetted antenna kit recommendations (omni, Yagi, dish) for a target range in kilometers
- Exportable aiming checklist with bearing, elevation, and polarization notes for the actual field deployment
Outdoor robotics, FPV drones, off-grid solar cameras, and rural barn-monitoring projects are booming, and hobbyists regularly hit the limit of stock Wi-Fi adapters without knowing how to legally and practically push further.
The cited 2019 HN post had only 60 points/35 comments — modest engagement. Multiple free niche tools already serve this audience (Gera Tools, ToolSamurai, Logizee, Forge Tools, UAS-Forge), indicating real but narrow hobbyist demand.FPV Drone Link Budget Calculator - Gera Tools ↗FPV Link Budget & Range Calculator — Friis + Fresnel ↗
Highly crowded: at least 10+ free web calculators already do EIRP, FSPL, Fresnel, and link budget (LinkBudgetPro, CIDRcalculate, RF Toolbox, Calcimator, Zerdly, Calccore, EngiCalc, 3glteinfo, easycalculator). Plus vendor tools from Ubiquiti/Mikrotik. FCC-compliance-as-judgement feature would need to differentiate.RF Link Budget Calculator — Free Online Tool ↗Fresnel Zone & Line-of-Sight Clearance Calculator ↗WiFi Link Budget Calculator — EngiCalc ↗
Every direct competitor I found is free (LinkBudgetPro prominently advertises 'Free Online Tool'). FPV/hobbyist calculator sites monetize via ads, not subscriptions. Willingness to pay for an RF planning calculator in this niche is weak; one-time purchase or freemium with terrain/regulatory data is the most realistic path.RF Link Budget Calculator — Free Online Tool ↗Forge Tools — FPV Calculators, RF Planners & More ↗
RF propagation math is timeless, but the specific use case of 'pushing 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi to its limits' is fading as 5/6 GHz, LoRa, Meshtastic, cellular, and Starlink absorb long-range hobbyist use cases. FCC Part 15 rules also evolve. Demand profile is narrowing, not growing.
Pure web app with well-documented formulas (Friis, FSPL, Fresnel, EIRP, link margin). No backend dependencies, no ML, no integrations required for v1. Could be a weekend build for a competent solo dev.