The AMRUSB-1 is our first utility meter data receiver product intended for direct PC connection and use by everyday consumers. It has been designed to be easy to connect, configure, and use -- a device that just works. Moreover, its small size makes it discrete enough to leave connected to a PC indefinitely, allowing the user to monitor utility consumption 24x7 with no additional equipment required.
The AMRUSB-1 can receive standard consumption messages (SCM) and interval data messages (IDM) from meters that comply with Itron's ERT over-the-air protocol and digital data packet format. These include all Itron Centron C1SR R300 electricity meters, GE Energy I-210 series and kV2c series electricity meters with Itron ESS module, most electromechanical electricity meters fitted with Itron series 45 ERT transmitters, Itron 60W and 100W water meter transmitters, Itron 100G gas meter transmitters, and many others. See the data sheet for a complete list.
The AMRUSB-1 receiver outputs a well-documented, straightforward serial data stream that looks very much like the NMEA 0183 protocol used by most GPS receivers. For testing, you can connect to the receiver using any serial terminal program. The data can, with appropriate software, be displayed, stored, and charted locally, or streamed to third-party energy management services (the open source development community is actively developing multi-platform software to work with Pachube, Wattvision, Sen.se, WattzOn and others).
Receive range of the AMRUSB-1 depends on where it is installed in relation to the meter it is trying to receive. In unobstructed range tests, the AMRUSB-1 has been shown to reliably receive signals over a distance of several hundred feet from even low-powered transmitters. However, because metal barriers can factor into the receiver's practical range, please take a moment to read through our page on AMR signal propagation if you are not already familiar with the topic.
The target retail price for the AMRUSB-1 when it goes into production is under USD $50. (Volume discounts will be available to utilities.) If you would like to be added to the pre-order notification list, please fill out the form below or drop us an e-mail.
Development kits are presently available to system integrators and open source software developers. The development kit package includes the following:
We have priced the dev kit at $299 for system integrators and at $50 for individual open-source developers. These limited-production, early-release kits are individually hand-assembled.
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Need a custom or embedded solution? Please contact us.

[1] Source: Itron ChoiceConnect Water Video (https://www.itron.com/na/PublishedContent/choiceconnect.flv)