[Scan-DC] PEPCO Wireless Meters Fear -- Hype or Real?

[Eric C. Carlson]

I think you're referring to the close-proximity wireless meter
reading.  The smart meters will be read remotely without a need for a
meter reader (person) at all.  I don't know what Pepco is using
specifically but for example in Houston the smart meters are Itron
models using ZigBee for Home LANs and communication to the
neighborhood node (900 MHz or 2.4 GHz) with backhaul from the
neighborhood nodes to the substations via 3.6 GHz WiMAX.  The GE
meters that Pepco shows on their web site can be configured with a
number of different communications modules depending on the utilities'
desired infrastructure (e.g., mesh/ZigBee, GPRS, BPL or Ethernet).

-Eric

On Thu, Jan 19, 2012 at 8:40 AM, John Wilson <w4uvv at comcast.net> wrote:
>   In Virginia over the past 10-15 years  various companies (i.e.,
> Hexagram, SpeedRead, etc.) have been and still continue to be licensed
> to install these RF meters in various cities/towns/counties.  Typical
> frequencies used are in the 451-452 mhz. and 456-457 mhz. ranges.  For
> example, WPTF355 Hexagram, Inc. was licensed a maximum of 5,000 units
> for installation in the Culpeper area.  Each unit was .5 watt with a
> maximum ERP of .62 watt on 452.4125 mhz..