GSM modem shrinks for metering applications

A Jekyll Electronic Technology product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jul 9, 2003

Adding a remote mobile communications capability to an electricity meter couldn't be easier, thanks to the new Telemodem2 Mobile.

Adding a remote mobile communications capability to an electricity meter couldn't be easier, thanks to the new Telemodem2 Mobile.

This compact GSM modem simply plugs into a meter, in the place of a conventional fixed line modem, and operates from the meter's own power source.

It is built to withstand harsh environments for total reliability and includes all the extra benefits of data transfer via a mobile network.

The Telemodem2 Mobile is small enough to fit under the terminal cover of a typical electricity meter, which simplifies installation and safeguards against any tampering.

No extra mains or batteries are required since this GSM modem requires very little power from the meter to operate.

The operations and data interfacing are compatible with fixed line modems, and the unit is configured ready for utility metering applications with a straightforward 'plug-and-play' installation.

Traditionally, fixed line telephone modems have been used for remote collection of electricity meter data.

However, the costs from installation and annual line rental charges often mount up.

Line sharing has gone some way to mitigate some of these costs, but installation remains a hurdle for some.

The Telemodem2 Mobile modem addresses these issues head on and will help those responsible for utility metering harness the power of the vast GSM mobile network, that today offers an almost universal alternative to fixed lines.

Until now, conventional GSM modems were too large to fit underneath the terminal cover of a meter.

The high power demand also meant that the meter power feed, from the communications port area, was insufficient.

The need to build in an extra mains power supply elevated installation costs even further, and the use of batteries always raised questions about charge up time, state of charge, life and disposal arrangements.

The Telemodem2 Mobile solves these problems.

The Telemodem2 Mobile is part of the Telemodem2 line of industrial modems.

Other units in the range include zero power Fast Link units and intrinsically safe custom models.

A Remote Manager software package is also available to ease the remote monitoring, diagnostics and configuration of the entire Telemodem2 range.

This program helps towards the effective allocation of resources and is especially valuable to those with extended modem networks.