[PVRCNC] Progress Energy RF meters

[Roberts, Will]

Brian,

I know a bit about the meters. I am on the project team for their
rollout. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about
interference-wise. I actually am the 3rd level support for interference
issues for these, and the news is good. Except for the wackos who are
certain that the meters are causing brain tumors / insomnia / cattle
deformities / and other "RF sensitivity" health issues (maladies that
can be remedied by a lawsuit and cured with a large check), real
interference issues have been amazingly small for an installed base of
almost 3 million meters. Real interference follows patterns that most
hams are familiar with: cheap, wide band receiving devices experience
the most. I've seen a few problems with devices like garage door
openers, very cheap 900 Mhz cordless phones, $39 wireless video baby
monitors, etc.

It's currently set up as a one-way system (no polling) that operates at
910-920 Mhz. The meters are low power (<100 mW) spread spectrum. 

I don't have any info. on lightning susceptibility or local RF field
problems. I do know the MTBF numbers are very good, and the Itron meters
we use are practically the industry standard. they are used everywhere.
The meter shop people put them through lots of testing, so I assume they
are happy with high voltage/current performance.

The main thing to check for when they first install it is that the
contractor (UMS) actually puts the correct meter at your house. It is
coded with your account number. If they get it switched, your meter
could get mixed up with a neighbors'. This may actually be a good thing
for you if your neighbor doesn't run a bunch of power-hungry RF
amplifiers in contests all the time!!  

Let me know if you have any problems and I'll come out and see you. 

73,

Will



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Message: 3
Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 22:33:31 +0000
From: alsopb <alsopb at gloryroad.net>
Subject: [PVRCNC] ELECTRIC METERS
To: pvrcnc <pvrcnc at mailman.qth.net>
Message-ID: <4542893B.6010501 at gloryroad.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed


I got a note that they will be installing remotely read (via RF link 
in truck) electric power meters in our area.

I see that sections of Raleigh already have them.

They say they won't intefer with electronics or medical devices.

Anybody (Wil?)know much about these beasties?

1) Are they indeed RF quiet?
2) Likely to get zapped by power line lightning strikes?
3) Likely to get zapped by high local RF fields?

73 DE K3KO


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End of PVRCNC Digest, Vol 33, Issue 12
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