[oclug] RFID water readings

[Raj]

On Wed, 2006-08-16 at 10:42 -0400, Brad Barnett wrote:
> On Wed, 16 Aug 2006 10:48:14 -0400
> Bill Strosberg <oclug_mail at strosberg.com> wrote:
> 
> > mlist at safenet-inc.com wrote:
> > > Isn't either the gas or electric metering read by RF already? 
> > > I often see guys treking through the neighborhood with handheld 
> > > units, pointing them at each house for a few seconds, and moving on. 
> > > It only makes sense that private enterprise would have latched onto 
> > > the efficiency and reliability of the method long before government 
> > > would catch on... The private companies have to keep costs down 
> > > and ensure reliability of reporting/measurements/billing.
> > > The city already "loses" millions of gallons of treated water, 
> > >   
> > Follow around a private water truck for an hour - you'll see them attach
> > to unmonitored hydrants in new construction zones, fill up and then
> > re-sell the water to folks for filling pools.  It is not lost, much is
> > stolen.
> > > between the treatment plants and our houses, to leaks in their 
> > > delivery system, so it's not like there's an urgent concern for them.
> > >   
> > Can't be the Gas folks, there is no convenient power available, and
> > batteries aren't an option for the transmitter.
> 
> The gas flow itself could be utilized for power... it isn't as if much
> power is required for this....

except when you're not using any, and there isn't a flow.. i guess the
guy has to wait around for your water heater to kick in or something?
:)


-- 
Raj <oclug at raj.homelinux.com>