SmartSynch News
SmartSynch Introduces Enhanced Coverage Validation UnitNew CVU enables utility technicians to site-validate frequency coverage before SmartMeter deployments, enabling higher deployment success rates at a significant cost savings Jackson, MS — March 10, 2008 SmartSynch has introduced a newer version of its Coverage Validation Unit (CVU) – a highly integrated, ruggedized handheld device that enables utility technicians to verify GPRS, CDMA or Wi-Fi frequency coverage prior to SmartMeter deployments. With competing solutions, utility technicians must rely on a trial-by-error approach, deploying advanced meters first, then returning to their offices to measure their performance. If an advanced meter happened to be positioned where frequency coverage was low, the technician would have to return to the site and relocate the meter on the property. SmartSynch’s new and improved CVU eliminates these uncertainties and the anxiety of not knowing if a newly deployed SmartMeter has sufficient frequency coverage to perform its duties. Featuring a patent-pending SmartMeter antenna simulator attachment and quad-band GPRS module, the CVU provides the information needed to ensure proper network communication at each meter location. Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates can also be calculated and automatically transmitted, along with coverage data, to SmartSynch’s configuration server for storage and analysis. Other intuitive features include an integrated camera, which enables meter technicians to photograph and document the installation site, and a bar code scanner for tracking inventory. In the future, utilities will be able to seamlessly interface GPS data collected by the CVU into their GIS systems to provide detailed and accurate maps of their SmartMeter locations. “Since utilizing SmartSynch’s new Coverage Validation Unit, I have noticed a significant decrease in the time it takes our technicians to deploy SmartMeters,” said Chris Barros, manager of meter reading and data management for NSTAR. “The decrease in deployment time has resulted in an increase in productivity and cost savings. As a result, we have chosen to outfit the majority of our technicians with these new Coverage Validation Units.” The new CVU, which is based on a JETT-eye™ System from Two Technologies, Inc., utilizes the Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Operating System. Its new features include a quad-band GPRS module, GPS receiver, QGVA TFT backlit color screen with integrated touch screen, 2GB flash memory and 5-megapixel internal color camera. For more information, please contact Jimmy Bailey at 601-362-1780, ext. 1055. About SmartSynch Headquartered in Jackson, Miss., SmartSynch has been developing successful Smart Grid Intelligence solutions for the utility industry since 2000. The company’s clean-tech innovations in the two-way delivery of real-time energy usage data over public wireless networks (AT&T, Rogers, etc.), in lieu of private network build-outs, have to date simplified SmartMeter deployments for 70+ major North American utilities, while enabling green-energy initiatives and delivering significantly higher Returns on Resources. Unlike proprietary, closed-architecture solutions, SmartSynch's SmartMeters represent future-proof investments in technology. The standards-based IP connectivity enabled in every SmartMeter deployed makes them adaptable and remotely upgradeable to support today’s sensor and communications needs, as well as tomorrow’s opportunities, better than any alternative. For more information, contact SmartSynch Media Relations at 601-209-1315, or visit www.smartsynch.com.
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