Any way to automate meter reading?

JackSnap

I went for the eco-eye, and would recommend it if anyone is thinking of getting the same.
still waiting for the wifi plugin though which will enable the computer to take and log the readings.

moonrakerz

CitySlicker wrote: »

Smart metering will be a way to penalise your usage further if it doesn't meet the supply curves the distributors would prefer.

Just think what they could charge for the advert break in the middle and at the end of Coronation St !!

barrymung

JackSnap wrote: »

Does anyone know of a way to automate, either gas or electricity readings,
i would like daily if possible,and to be able to get them onto my computer to do some analysis.
I have a pretty old meters, so i understand i cant interface to them directly, but is there any other kind of device that will emable me to do this, and how does it work,

electricity is more of a priority for me, but gas would be great to if one exists.

How about a couple of webcams rigged up to take a single pic every day?

You'd need to view each pic in order to transfer the readings into a spreadsheet (Or whatever) but you'd only need to do this once a month (Or whenever)

barrymung

JackSnap wrote: »

the eco-eye looks like the one im going to go for, even though it looks like i have to wait for the pc side until end of sept.

How much will the eco-eye cost you?

How much will you actually save....?

Will the electricity savings cover the cost of the eco-eye within a year or two? If not, it's a pointless excercise..

Plasticman

JackSnap wrote: »

I went for the eco-eye, and would recommend it if anyone is thinking of getting the same.
still waiting for the wifi plugin though which will enable the computer to take and log the readings.

Have you worked out why your bill is so high yet?

freddysmith

Only practical way I can think of in this situation is to have a Notebook and pen and get in the habit of jotting the numbers down at a set time each day or night. No wires, No web cams, no expense. It will not take long to average out your daily usage.
The one useful item I bought was a £7.99 power monitor from Maplins just to discover what each individual appliance was using. Also have used it for family members and neighbours as its does make other people aware of thier fuel costs and to switch things off when not in use.

JackSnap

Well, I think it's gonna take a while to get the trends, I can see that my usage is about 0.8KW when im in the house, with TV, pc etc.

I've been leaving the pc on 24hrs, which may account for the raise, but i've always done that, although a recent upgrade may account for the increased consumption, Its taking about 280W now! Also I have started cooking my own meals with the thought that I was saving money, but seeing how much electricity the oven gobbles i'm now starting to wonder.

The webcam idea is ok for the gas meter I guess, but I dont have any sockets nearby where I could run a laptop etc.

Logging the meter readings each day with a notepad is fine, but it wont catch any suprise usage by a particular device. ie. I had no idea my shower was taking 9KW (I get up earlier to catch the economy 7 now, lol) But my usage increase is over the day and night readings, which indicates that it's some device that could be on all the time, rather than something like the TV.

One other suprise to me is that with ALL devices turned off in my house, on average 30-40W are bring used, is this normal for just the meter equipment?, by pulling the fuses out in turn I see that this power is used by the up and downstairs sockets circuits. (but theres definately nothing plugged in.)

I do understand the point about the cost of this monitoring being more that i will save, but im so interested to see that i dont mind (within reason)
next bill is due in oct, so will be interesting to see.