Automated Meter Reading Pilot Program a Success!
On
June 30, 2008, PAWSD commenced its project to install Datamatic’s
advanced MOSAIC Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system throughout its
service territory. Datamatic technicians, pictured below, installed an
initial 1000 Fireflys on meters throughout the western portion of
PAWSD's service area. This pilot installation was successful, and the
technicians have moved on to install Fireflys on the remainder of the
5255 meters.
What is that black thing on my meter? A FireFly!
MOSAIC
is a “mesh” network. This means that all FIREFLY Meter Interface Units
(FF) also function as repeaters for the transmissions of other
neighboring FFs. Data is transmitted – or “hopped” – from FF to FF
toward a gateway, similar to the way someone might jump from rock to
rock to cross a river. Transmissions follow any path necessary to
efficiently navigate the network; circumventing environmental obstacles
along the way. Should any path become unavailable, the network
“self-heals” and dynamically routes data via an alternate path.
The
benefits of AMR are tremendous, including year-round meter reading,
increased ability for leak detection, decreased personnel costs and
data that can be analyzed to track water conservation measures and
programs and meter accuracy.
The
Datamatic crew will work south from the Hatcher/Highlands area towards
Highway 160 and then east towards downtown Pagosa Springs. System
installation is expected to be completed by October.
About Datamatic, Ltd.
Datamatic
is a leader in utility data collection solutions. The company’s
innovative ideas virtually created an industry when it installed the
first electronic meter reading system in 1980. For nearly a quarter of
a century, Datamatic has been at the forefront in the design,
implementation and support of advanced utility meter reading and field
data collection solutions for water, gas and electric utilities.
Additional information about Datamatic is available by calling Scott
Black at (214) 520-3430 or on the Web at www.datamatic.com.
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