[oclug] RFID water readings

[Brad Barnett]

On Wed, 16 Aug 2006 16:02:31 -0400
Raj <oclug at raj.homelinux.com> wrote:

> 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?
> :)
> 


When the gas flows, the resulting output could be used to charge some
cell.  The unit could sit in listen only mode, and switch to transmit when
it detects a specific signal...

Still though, getting to be a bigger pain, and summer gas use is
significantly less than winter.  I also know people that shut off their
hot water tank for a vacation. 

Oh well ;)