Abstract: A protocol for utility meter interrogation has a data write portion including: assembling a password transmission sequence having a synchronization string and a message including identification indicia for a select utility meter and a password to activate a select data access level within the select utility meter. This is wirelessly transmitted a first time to a select utility meter. Then, the password transmission sequence is wirelessly transmitted a second time to the select utility meter to confirm the password transmission sequence. A command transmission sequence having the synchronization string and a message including the identification indicia and a write command is assembled to cause the select utility meter to store data in a memory location of the select utility meter corresponding to the data access level activated with the password. The command sequence is then wirelessly transmitted to the select utility meter two times to confirm the command transmission sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unidirectional protocol for communicating data from a plurality of utility meters and a meter adapted to carry out this protocol. The meters are adapted to monitor and measure the respective utility parameters which may include those for gas, water, electric or other utilities, and wirelessly download the information to a meter reading device. The protocol basically includes a synchronization pattern followed by the desired information. For a valid transmission, the synchronization pattern and subsequent data are provided in a first transmission sequence, which is immediately repeated after the end of the first sequence. Preferably, a bit is toggled during the retransmission of the transmission sequence for security.