Abstract: A method and system by which certain radio transmitters are assigned to certain reception nodes for the purpose of transmitting metering data derived from a plurality of utility meters to a system management computer. The reception nodes are configured to receive and process data transmissions only from those transmitters with data paths assigned to particular reception nodes, and to ignore data transmissions from non-listed transmitters, thereby assuring that on a continuous basis, a majority of the transmitters will utilize only one data path. Lists may be formed for the transmitters and reception nodes in the system management computer and transmitted to the reception nodes. The status of data transmissions through the repeaters may also be uploaded to the system management computer for analysis of data update rates and data path redundancy.

Abstract: A pit transmitter assembly (10) for RF communication of signals representing utility meter data, includes a transmitter (60) supported by a transmitter substrate (61), a planar ground conductor (43) disposed over the transmitter (60), an antenna substrate (42) disposed on edge on the planar ground conductor (43), a flat coil antenna conductor (41) disposed on two opposite sides of the antenna substrate (42) and in which the transmitter (60) includes an L-C circuit (50) connected to the antenna conductor (41) to provide operation of the antenna in the 450 Mhz-470 Mhz frequency range.

Abstract: A method and system by which certain radio transmitters are assigned to certain reception nodes for the purpose of transmitting metering data derived from a plurality of utility meters to a system management computer. The reception nodes are configured to receive and process data transmissions only from those transmitters with data paths assigned to particular reception nodes, and to ignore data transmissions from non-listed transmitters, thereby assuring that on a continuous basis, a majority of the transmitters will utilize only one data path. Lists may be formed for the transmitters and reception nodes in the system management computer and transmitted to the reception nodes. The status of data transmissions through the repeaters may also be uploaded to the system management computer for analysis of data update rates and data path redundancy.