frequently asked questions (2)

Q.         Does the GPRS network suffer from bad reception? Such as a lack of signal on a mobile phone.

A.         There is always a risk that you cannot get a GSM/GPRS connection but very rare that we cannot get a network provider with a signal.  However, in the future, (3 – 6 months) we will be able to get data to the web via a ‘black box’ that sits on the clients computer network (LAN) utilising their current internet connection.

Q.         How are the modules powered? Can we use a battery? Is it likely that these systems will be situated where no plug socket is available 

A.         The radio modules that are connected to the meter are battery powered.  They are supplied with a battery, and the typical life should be in excess of 3 – 4 years.  The RF Gateway is mains powered but this is remote from the meter.  This device receives messages from the Radio Transmitter, (battery powered) and sends them to the internet web server.  Meters are often quite a distance from sockets and the idea is that no power is required at the meter, however, the RF Gateway is positioned within RF range of the meter (within the building) and send the messages.

Q.         Could we set up the system ourselves or would we need your assistance?

A.         You could set up the system yourself.  The system is very simple; connect the radio transmitter to the meter pulse output, plug in the RF Gateway within RF range and within minutes you should see data on the internet.  You would have a template for your reports.  You could be trained to set up the site on the internet or we could provide this service.  We normally set up the web server at no extra cost.

Q.         The systems we require are likely to be installed in the USA, France, Italy, Germany, China, Japan and South Korea as well as in the UK.  If a GPRS network isn’t available, how would the information be uploaded to your server and is there an extra cost involved in this? 

A.         We do not see any issues for GPRS in these countries, nor do we see any issues regarding specific requirements for this technology.  The Gateway and RF frequencies are suitable for these countries.  Japan used to have an obscure frequency for mobile GSM technology some years ago but if this has not changed, we are able to provide a suitable device.

Q.         How can we find out if a GPRS network is available? If a GPRS network isn’t available, how would the data be uploaded to the server?

A.         GPRS is now standard across the world.  Basically, if GSM (mobile technology) is available then GPRS is available too.  However, there are other solutions, soon we will be able to run an application on a PC with an internet connection and synchronise this data with the server.  Alternatives are to use PSTN dial up etc but this is not usual for data transfer these days.

Q.         How secure will the data be on your server and who can access the data?

A.         The data is very secure and cannot be viewed or accessed by anybody who does not have your web entry access code.  Each of our customers sets up their own user names and passwords and can change them individually.  We do not records these, the data belongs to our customers.

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