A practical solution for meter to hand held computer communications

The impact of increased competition and the effects of privatisation have been to make the UK RECs Regional Electricity Companies sensitive to the needs of rapidly changing future requirements, and thus examine closely the present and future needs of the metering and data gathering infra-structures. From a meter manufacturer´s point of view this means it is necessary to have the capability to supply metering equipment with a high degree of programmable functionality, whilst also offering new features and benefits including compatibility between different manufacturers´ products. The authors identify problems which have resulted, show how they were addressed in the short term, and what changes are likely for the future. The authors discuss the use of hand held computers, and in particular the IBS Radix FW60 trialled by Eastern Electricity. The FLAG protocol and CHIRPS are also discussed