EcoRenovator - View Single Post

Xringer · 04-26-15, 10:18 AM

Hi Mike, I attempted to post last week, but it didn't take for some reason.
It seems like too much work to capture 450 mHz RF & Decode, since I can just read the cubic feet off the display once a month..

HamsterPower,
Our old e-power meters don't repeat. No piggyback.
They only have a short range 900 mHz transmitter that runs 24-7, for drive-by reading..
http://ecorenovator.org/forum/applia...-dongle-3.html

I think my town is going to have 450 mHz repeaters on poles around here too.
I just have to get out and spot them. It should be easy since the UHF antenna will be a dead-giveaway.
If one is installed nearby, like within line-of-sight, we should be okay.

It's just worrisome these little Neptune modules are so small (and battery powered).
For a UHF antenna to have a have any effectiveness, it needs to be about 1/4 wave length long.
At 450 mHz 1/4~ is about 6.5" long.. To have usable 'gain', it needs to be larger than 6.5"..

At first glance, this module looks like it's going to be weak.. (3" internal antenna?)
But, if covered in about two feet of ice, it's going to be super weak..

I heard these aren't going 'live' until January.

So, maybe the repeaters aren't even installed yet.?.
Have to watch and wait. It's not like I'll be the only one with a problem,
if my concerns actually materialize.. Might be worrying about nothing..

Hey, the city could just wait until we have our first 5 or 6 feet of snow,
then use a mobile rig to scout out the best locations for repeaters..?.

04-26-15, 10:18 AM	#6
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	Hi Mike, I attempted to post last week, but it didn't take for some reason. It seems like too much work to capture 450 mHz RF & Decode, since I can just read the cubic feet off the display once a month.. HamsterPower, Our old e-power meters don't repeat. No piggyback. They only have a short range 900 mHz transmitter that runs 24-7, for drive-by reading.. http://ecorenovator.org/forum/applia...-dongle-3.html I think my town is going to have 450 mHz repeaters on poles around here too. I just have to get out and spot them. It should be easy since the UHF antenna will be a dead-giveaway. If one is installed nearby, like within line-of-sight, we should be okay. It's just worrisome these little Neptune modules are so small (and battery powered). For a UHF antenna to have a have any effectiveness, it needs to be about 1/4 wave length long. At 450 mHz 1/4~ is about 6.5" long.. To have usable 'gain', it needs to be larger than 6.5".. At first glance, this module looks like it's going to be weak.. (3" internal antenna?) But, if covered in about two feet of ice, it's going to be super weak.. I heard these aren't going 'live' until January. So, maybe the repeaters aren't even installed yet.?. Have to watch and wait. It's not like I'll be the only one with a problem, if my concerns actually materialize.. Might be worrying about nothing.. Hey, the city could just wait until we have our first 5 or 6 feet of snow, then use a mobile rig to scout out the best locations for repeaters..?. __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..