Collectors

Powerful Mesh Network Collector Technology – As Simple as Installing a Meter
Built with an open architecture, EnergyAxis provides application integration across multiple utility systems, opening the path for seamless business information transactions. Installing residential and commercial endpoint electricity devices along with the A3 ALPHA meter collector builds the advanced metering infrastructure for the EnergyAxis controlled mesh network.

Our proven RF mesh meter network is managed by powerful collector technology. EnergyAxis offers a choice of meter-based or non-meter network collectors, so deploying an EnergyAxis network can be as simple as installing meters. Meter collectors perform a dual function in the network: acting both as a meter and as a data collector for a group of other meters. Pole-mounted units offer collector functionality only.

The simplicity of the EnergyAxis System gives you the flexibility to install the collector anywhere you would install a meter. Because it also functions as a meter, the collector serves a dual purpose—minimizing both expense and real estate required for installation.

The collector provides the added functionality of managing, collecting and transmitting data from 1000+ meters within the sub-network. Unlike competing systems, there is no requirement for costly and time-consuming infrastructure upgrades, such as towers, pole top collectors or substation equipment—but pole-mounted collectors are available for use where utility preference and system performance may require them. EIS can manage the field crews that install the meters and the collectors, cutting the cost for deployment significantly.

Within EnergyAxis, the collector is the interface between the EnergyAxis Metering Automation Server (MAS) and the metering endpoints (electricity, water, and/or gas) within the mesh network. To function as a collector, the A3 ALPHA meter is supplied with an internal LAN collector option board with two-way 900 MHz communications capability as well as a communication board for connection to a WAN. These option boards mount under the cover of the A3 ALPHA meter.

The A3 ALPHA meter collector is designed to work with a wide variety of public and private communications networks. Communications options include telephone as well as most IP-based connections. A3 ALPHA meter collectors have been deployed using such varied WAN solutions as PSTN, 1xRTT, CDMA, GPRS, satellite, fiber, WiFi, Ethernet, and private RF. This flexibility allows utilities to deploy systems with confidence that they can migrate in the future to new and emerging WAN solutions.