Wireless alarm system

• US RE40,111 E1
• Filed: 09/14/2001
• Issued: 02/26/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/1988
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sensus Spectrum, LLC (Xylem, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: M&FC Holding, LLC
• Inventors: Sanderford, H. Britton, Rouquette, Robert E.
• Primary Examiner(s): TSE, YOUNG TOI
• Application Number:
  US09/952,000
• Time in Patent Office: 2,356 Days
• Field of Search: 375/141, 375/142, 375/143, 375/146, 375/150, 375/152, 375/259, 375/295, 375/367, 370/208, 370/210, 370/320, 370/335, 370/342, 370/515, 340/853.2, 340/506, 340/514, 340/3.2, 340/3.5
• US Class Current: 375/141
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/10 using wireless transmission systems G08B25/009 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/7075 with code phase acquisition
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/70756 Jumping within the code, i.e. masking or slewing H04B1/70758 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/70757 with increased resolution, i.e. higher than half a chip H04B1/70758 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/7077 Multi-step acquisition, e.g. multi-dwell, coarse-fine or validation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/708 Parallel implementation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2201/70715 with application-specific features

Abstract

A remote power meter monitoring system using spread spectrum transmitters, fast frequency shift keying, spread spectrum receivers and a computer. The spread spectrum transmitter uses a chip code generator, preamble register, address register data register and oscillator coupled to a microprocessor to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal. The spread spectrum receiver acquires synchronization of the spread spectrum signal using a microprocessor to despread and detect the transmitted information, which relates to data from a power meter.

Claims

1. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer comprising a memory that holds a pseudo random time interval value, said timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said pseudo random time interval value held in said memory,

a pseudo-randomization means for generating and loading said pseudo random time interval value into said timer, and

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each capable of configuration to receive said transmitted information, and validation of said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

7. The system according to claims 1, 3, 4, or 5, wherein respective of said radio frequency transmit-only devices, further comprises:

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate spread spectrum timing for said information generated by said processor,

an oscillator configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated;

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said oscillator in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said oscillator in a reduced current state between transmissions, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when said crystal oscillator and said oscillator are place in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in said oscillator and said crystal oscillator prior to information transmission.

14. The system according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein said radio frequency transmit-only device further comprises an information priority mechanism that is configured to increase a rate of information transmission when said sensor data input to said radio frequency transmit-only device changes.

15. The system according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein said radio frequcny transmit-only device further comprises:

a transmitter oscillator having an enable input being configured to generate a carrier on which said information is carried;

a power amplifier having an enable input and being configured to amplify said carrier prior to transmission of said information which modulates said carrier; and

an enabling device connected to said enable input of said transmitter oscillator and said enable input of said power amplifier configured to enable an active state of said transmitter oscillator and said power amplifier during periods of information transmission and configured to place said transmitter oscillator and said power amplifier in a low current state during periods of non-transmission, thereby reducing current drain.

16. The system according to claim 1, 3, 4, or 5, wherein said radio frequency transmit-only device further comprises:

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted; and

a wake-up circuit that maintains said processor in a reduced current state between transmissions, and upon expiration of said time duration, as determined by said timer, places said processor in a normal operational state.

17. The system according to claims 1, 2, 6, 7, or 10, wherein said radio frequency transmit-only device further comprises a programming connector means for assigning said identification address to said radio frequency transmit-only device using a serial data stream.

18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising a hand held terminal configured to load said identification address in the serial data stream to said programming connector.

19. The system according to claims 1, 2, 6, 9, or 10, wherein said timer is configured to divide said time duration into a very fine number of temporal time slots.

20. The system according to claims 1, 2, 6, 9, or 10, wherein said radio frequency transmit-only device further includes a programming connector means for assigning through a serial data stream said identification address, a type code, and a code division multiple access channel on which said radio frequency transmit-only device is to operate.

21. The system according to claims 1, 6, 9, or 10, wherein said radio frequency transmit-only device comprises a data rate between 14 Kb/s and 21 Kb/s and a chip rate between 1 MHz and 1.3 MHz.

22. The system according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 wherein said pseudo-randomization means is configured to be seeded with said identification address so as to prevent repeat collisions.

2. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising;

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate spread spectrum timing for said information generated by said processor,

a timer configured to hold a pseudo random time interval value, said timer configured to initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said pseudo random time interval value,

a pseudo-randomization means for generation and loading said pseudo random time interval value into said timer,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said processor in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said processor in a reduced current state between transmissions;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each capable of configuration to receive said transmitted information, and validation of said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

3. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish chip code timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is at least equal in length to a number of chips in a chip code sequence used to produce said spread spectrum signal, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer comprising a memory for holding a pseudo random time interval value, said timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said pseudo random time interval value held in said memory,

a pseudo-randomization means for generation and loading said pseudo random time interval value into said timer, and

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configurable to receive said transmitted information, and configurable to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said at least two receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said at least two receivers configured to establish chip code synchronization to said direct sequence spread spectrum signal using said preamble; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

8. The system according to claims 3, 4, or 5, wherein the chip code sequence used to produce said preamble being a same sequence as a data bearing chip code sequence.

4. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish chip code timing synchronization and a second field comparing data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is at least equal in length to a number of chips in a chip code sequence plus approximately five bit times, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising;

a timer comprising a memory for holding a pseudo random time interval value, said timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said pseudo random time interval value held in said memory,

a pseudo-randomization means for generating and loading said pseudo random time interval value into said timer, and

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermine number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configurable to receive said transmitted information, and configurable to validate said information based on said indentification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said receivers configured to establish chip code lock and fine chip code synchronization using said preamble; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

5. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish chip code timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is less than n bit times, where n equals a number of chips in a chip code sequence, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer comprising a memory for holding a pseudo random time interval value, said timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said pseudo random time interval value held in said memory,

a pseudo-randomization means for generating and loading said pseudo random time interval value into said timer, and

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configurable to receive said transmitted information, and configurable to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said receivers comprising respective parallel correlation means for establishing chip code synchronization using said preamble; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

6. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate spread spectrum timing for said information generated by said processor,

a timer configured to delay transmission of said information by a predetermined delay after said expiration of said a time duration so as to allow for crystal stabilization, transmit carrier frequency stabilization and chip code timing generation stabilization,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said processor in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said processor in a reduced current state between transmissions;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each of which being configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

23. The system according to claim 6, wherein a chip code sequence used to provide a preamble of said direct sequence spread spectrum signal is a same sequence as a data bearing chip code sequence.

9. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configurable to transmit information in a message, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration, and

a pseudo-randomization means for randomizing the time duration between transmissions of said message,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said message a predetermined number of times,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate spread spectrum timing for said information generated by said processor,

a carrier generator mechanism configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in a reduced current state between transmissions, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism are placed in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in said carrier generator mechanism and said crystal oscillator prior to information transmission;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

a receiver configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by said receiver.

10. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plarul frequencies, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate spread spectrum timing for said information generated by said processor,

a timer configured to initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times,

a pseudo-randomization means for randomizing the time interval duration between redundant transmissions,

a carrier generator mechanism configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in a reduced current state between transmissions, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism are placed in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in said carrier generator mechanism and said crystal oscillator prior to information transmission;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

a receiver configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by said receiver.

24. The system according to claims 2, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein:

the wake up circuit places said processor in a normal operational state upon expiration of said time duration, as determined by said timer.

11. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish chip code timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is at least equal in length to a number of chips in a chip code sequence used to produce said spread spectrum signal, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times,

a pseudo-randomization means for randomizing the time interval duration between redundant transmissions,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate spread spectrum timing for said information generated by said processor,

a carrier generator mechanism configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in a reduced current state between transmissions, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism are placed in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in said carrier generator mechanism and said crystal oscillator prior to information transmission;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

a receiver configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receiver configured to establish chip code synchronization to said direct sequence spread spectrum signal using said preamble; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by said receiver.

12. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish chip code timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is at least equal in length to a number of chips in a chip code sequence plus approximately five bit times, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times,

a pseudo-randomization means for randomizing the time interval duration between redundant transmissions,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate spread spectrum timing for said information generated by said processor,

a carrier generator mechanism configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in a reduced current state between transmissions, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism are placed in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in said carrier generator mechanism and said crystal oscillator prior to information transmission;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

a receiver configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receiver configured to establish chip code lock and fine chip code synchronization using said preamble; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by said receiver.

13. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish chip code timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is less than n bit times, where n equals a number of chips in a chip code sequence, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times,

a pseudo-randomization means for randomizing the time interval duration between redundant transmissions,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate spread spectrum timing for said information generated by said processor,

a carrier generator mechanism configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in respective active state upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in a reduced current state between transmissions, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism are placed in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in said carrier generator mechanism and said crystal oscillator prior to information transmission;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

a receiver configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receiver comprising respective parallel correlation means for establishing chip code synchronization using said preamble; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by said receiver.

25. A remote power meter monitoring method, comprising the steps of:

retrieving data from a sensing element;

generating information containing the retrieved data, comprising,

generating an identification address field for holding an identification address corresponding to a transmit-only device, and

generating an error correction code;

transmitting the generated information, redundantly at pseudo random intervals from said transmit-only device, comprising,

loading a timer with a pseudo random time interval value,

enabling, upon expiration of said pseudo random time interval value as timed by said timer, a crystal oscillator used to generate spread spectrum timing signals, and a transmitter oscillator used to generate transmission signals,

delaying information transmission for a predetermined time period, relative to said expiration of said pseudo random time interval value, to allow for stabilization of said crystal oscillator and said transmitter oscillator,

transmitting a preamble portion of said information used for spread spectrum timing synchronization, said preamble portion having a length in bit times at least equal to a number of chips in a chip code sequence used in direct sequence spread spectrum format by said transmit-only device,

transmitting the generated information in said direct sequence spread spectrum format based upon said chip code sequence and said spread spectrum timing signals at a predetermined frequency by said transmit-only device, and

disabling said crystal oscillator and said transmitter oscillator, so as to conserve power;

repeating said step of transmitting said generated information redundantly after a pseudo random interval of time so as to provide information transmission redundancy;

receiving the generated information by at least one receiver;

validating the received information based on said identification address and said error correction code;

transferring the validated information to a monitoring mechanism; and

monitoring the received data in the validated information with the monitoring mechanism.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said step of generating information, comprises generating said information to have a data rate of approximately 14 Kb/s to 21 Kb/s and a chip rate of approximately 1 MHz to 1.3 MHz.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of programming said identification address into said transmit-only device via a programming connector prior to installing said transmit-only device.

28. The method according to claims 25 or 26, wherein said step of transmitting said generated information, redundantly comprises the substep of generating said preamble portion using a preamble chip code that is a same chip code sequence as that used with said received data.

29. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a random number generator configured to generate a pseudo random time interval value and to cause the time interval duration between transmissions to be pseudorandom, and

a retransmission mechanism configured to retransmit said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data gathered therein to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring apparatus that is configured to monitor said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

34. The system according to claims 39 29, 30, 31, 32 or 33, wherein said radio frequency transmit-only device further comprises a program connector through which said identification address is input in a serial data stream format.

35. The system according to claims 29, 30, 31, 32, or 33, wherein said radio frequency transmit-only device further includes a program connector through which said identification address, a type code, and a code division multiple access channel on which said radio frequency transmit-only device is to operate are input in a serial data stream.

36. The system according to claims 29, 30, 31, or 33, wherein said random number generator is configured to be seeded with said identification address so as to prevent repeat collisions.

30. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plurality frequencies, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate spread spectrum timing information for said information generated by said processor,

a timer configured to hold a pseudo random time interval value and initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said pseudo random time interval value,

a random number generator mechanism that generates said pseudo random time interval value and loads said pseudo random time interval value into said timer, and

a retransmission mechanism configured to cause said information to be retransmitted a predetermined number of times, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said processor in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information when in said respective active states, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said processor in a reduced current state between transmission times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising,

a data field that holds said sensor data,

an address field that holds an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provide, and

an error field that holds error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring apparats that is configured to monitor said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

31. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish chip code timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is at least equal in length to a number of chips in a chip code sequence used to produce said spread spectrum signal, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a random number generator that generates a pseudo random time interval value and causes the time interval duration between transmissions to be pseudorandom, and

a retransmission mechanism configured to cause said information to be retransmitted a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising,

a data field that holds said sensor data,

an address field that holds an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and

an error field that holds error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said receivers configured to establish chip code synchronization to said direct sequence spread spectrum signal using said preamble; and

a monitoring apparatus that is configured to monitor said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

37. The system according to claims 31, 32, or 33, wherein said timer is configured to delay transmission of said information to be transmitted by a predetermined delay after said expiration of said time duration so as to allow for crystal stabilization, transmit carrier frequency stabilization and chip code timing generation stabilization.

38. The system according to claim 37, wherein said radio frequency transmit-only device further includes a programming connector through which said identification address, a type code, and a code division multiple access channel on which said Radio-frequency transmit-only device is to operate are input in a serial data stream format.

39. The system according to claim 37, wherein said random number generator is configured to be seeded with said identification address, thereby preventing repeat collisions.

32. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish chip code timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is at least equal in length to a number of chips in a chip code sequence plus approximate five bit times, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer comprising a memory that holds a pseudo random time interval value, and configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said pseudo random time interval value held in said memory,

a random number generator configured to generate said pseudo random time interval value and load said pseudo random time interval value into said timer, and

a retransmission device for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising said sensor data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said receivers configured to establish chip code lock and fine chip code synchronization using said preamble; and

a monitoring device for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

33. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency transmit-only devices configured to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish chip code timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is less than n bit times, where n equals a number of chips in a chip code sequence, each radio frequency transmit-only device comprising,

a timer comprising a memory that holds a pseudo random time interval value, said timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said pseudo random time interval value held in said memory,

a random number generator configured to generate said pseudo random time interval value and for loading said pseudo random time interval value into said timer, and

a retransmission device for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide sensor data to said radio frequency transmit-only device, said transmitted information comprising,

a data field that holds said sensor data,

an address field that holds an identification address begin assigned to said radio frequency transmit-only device to which the sensor data is provided, and

an error field that holds error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said receivers comprising respective parallel correlation mechanisms that establish chip code synchronization using said preamble; and

a monitoring device for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

40. A remote meter monitoring system comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration, and

a retransmission device configured to transmit redundantly at least a portion of said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection information; and

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information, and to validate said transmitted information based at least in part on said identification address and said error detection information contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information.

41. A remote meter monitoring system comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices capable of transmitting information at plural frequencies, each radio frequency device comprising,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate data timing for said information generated by said processor,

a timer configured to initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a retransmission device configured to transmit redundantly at least a portion of said information a predetermined number of times, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said processor in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said processor in a reduced current state between transmissions;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection information; and

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information, and to validate said transmitted information based at least in part on said identification address and said error detection information contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information.

42. A remote meter monitoring system comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish data timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, said preamble having a length measured in bit times that is sufficient in length to establish data bit timing used to subsequently decode said information, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a retransmission device configured to transmit redundantly at least a portion of said information a predetermined number of times, and

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection information; and

at least two receivers each configured to receiver said transmitted information, to validate said transmitted information based at least in part on said identification address and said error detection information contained in said transmitted information, said at least two receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said at least two receivers configured to establish data timing synchronization to said information using said preamble.

43. A remote meter monitoring system comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configurable to transmit information at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish data timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a retransmission device configured to transmit redundantly at least a portion of said information a predetermined number of times, and

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address which is unique to the meter being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection information; and

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information and to validate said transmitted information based at least in part on said identification address and said error detection information contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said receivers configured to establish data timing synchronization using said preamble.

44. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer comprising a memory that holds a time interval value, said timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said time interval value held in said memory,

a generating means for generating and loading said time interval value into said timer, and

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each capable of configuration to receive said transmitted information, and validation of said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

49. The system according to claim 44 or 46, wherein respective of said radio frequency devices further comprises:

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate data timing for said information generated by said processor,

an oscillator configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated;

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said oscillator in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said oscillator in a reduced current state between transmissions, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when said crystal oscillator and said oscillator are placed in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in said oscillator and said crystal oscillator prior to information transmission.

50. The system according to one of claims 44 or 46, wherein said radio frequency device further comprises:

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted; and

a wake-up circuit that maintains said processor in a reduced current state between transmissions, and upon expiration of said time duration, as determined by said timer, places said processor in a normal operational state.

59. The system according to one of claims 44-46, 51, 53, 55 or 56, wherein said radio frequency device further comprises an information priority mechanism that is configured to increase a rate of information transmission when said meter data input to said radio frequency device changes.

60. The system according to one of claims 44-46, 51, 53, 55 or 56, wherein said radio frequency device further comprises:

a transmitter oscillator having an enable input being configured to generate a carrier on which said information is carried;

a power amplifier having an enable input and being configured to amplify said carrier prior to transmission of said information which modulates said carrier; and

an enabling device connected to said enable input of said transmitter oscillator and said enable input of said power amplifier configured to enable an active state of said transmitter oscillator and said power amplifier during periods of information transmission and configured to place said transmitter oscillator and said power amplifier in a low current state during periods of non-transmission, thereby reducing current drain.

61. The system according to claim 62, further comprising a hand held terminal configured to load said identification address in the serial data stream to said programming connector means.

62. The system according to one of claims 44-46, 51, 53, 55 or 56, wherein said radio frequency device further comprises a programming connector means for assigning said identification address to said radio frequency device using a serial data stream.

63. The system according to one of claims 44-46, 51, 53, 55 or 56, wherein said timer is configured to divide said time duration into a very fine number of temporal time slots.

64. The system according to one of claims 44-46, 51, 53, 55 or 56, wherein said radio frequency device further includes a programming connector means for assigning through a serial data stream said identification address, a type code, and a code division multiple access channel on which said radio frequency device is to operate.

65. The system according to one of claims 44-46, 51, 53, 55 or 56, wherein said radio frequency device comprises a data rate between 14 Kb/s and 21 Kb/s.

45. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information at plural frequencies, each radio frequency device comprising,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate data timing for said information generated by said processor,

a timer configured to hold a time interval value, said timer configured to initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said time interval value,

a generating means for generating and loading said time interval value into said timer,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said processor in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said processor in a reduced current state between transmissions;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each capable of configuration to receive said transmitted information, and validation of said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

67. The system according to one of claims 45, 51, 53, 55 or 56, wherein:

the wake up circuit places said processor in a normal operational state upon expiration of said time duration, as determined by said timer.

46. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish data timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer comprising a memory for holding a time interval value, said timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said time interval value held in said memory,

a generating means for generating and loading said time interval value into said time, and

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configurable to receive said transmitted information, and configurable to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said at least two receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said at least two receivers configured to establish data timing synchronization to said information using said preamble; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the multiplicity of radio frequency devices is further configured to transmit information at plural frequencies.

48. The system of claim 46, wherein said receivers further comprise respective parallel correlation means for establishing data timing synchronization using said preamble.

51. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information, each radio frequency device comprising,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate data timing for said information generated by said processor,

a timer configured to delay transmission of said information by a predetermined delay after expiration of a time duration so as to allow for crystal stabilization, transmit carrier frequency stabilization and data timing generation stabilization,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said processor in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said processor in a reduced current state between transmissions;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each of which being configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

52. The system according to claim 51, wherein a code sequence used to provide a preamble of said information is a same sequence as a data bearing code sequence.

53. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configurable to transmit information, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a varying means for varying the time duration between transmissions of said information,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate data timing for said information generated by said processor,

a carrier generator mechanism configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when the at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism are placed in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in the at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism prior to information transmission;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection code bits;

a receiver configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by said receiver.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the wake-up circuit is further configured to place the at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in a reduced current state between transmissions.

66. The system according to one of claims 53, 55 or 56, wherein said varying means is configured to provide a pseudo random time so as to avoid repeat collisions.

55. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information at plural frequencies, each radio frequency device comprising,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate data timing for said information generated by said processor,

a timer configured to initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times,

a varying means for varying the time duration between redundant transmissions,

a carrier generator mechanism configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when the at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism are placed in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in the at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism prior to information transmission;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection code bits;

a receiver configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by said receiver.

56. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish data timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a retransmission means for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times,

a varying means for varying the time duration between redundant transmissions,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate data timing for said information generated by said processor,

a carrier generator mechanism configured to generate a carrier on which said information to be transmitted is modulated, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information, said information being transmitted after a predetermined delay with respect to when the at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism are placed in said respective active states so as to allow for stabilization in the at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism prior to information transmission;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection code bits;

a receiver configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receiver configured to establish data timing synchronization to said information using said preamble; and

a monitoring means for monitoring said information as received and validated by said receiver.

57. The system of claim 56, wherein said multiplicity of radio frequency devices is further configured to transmit information at plural frequencies.

58. The system of claim 56, wherein the wake-up circuit is further configured to place at least one of said crystal oscillator and said carrier generator mechanism in a reduced current state between transmissions.

68. A remote meter monitoring method, comprising the steps of:

retrieving data from a sensing element;

generating information containing the retrieved data, comprising,

generating an identification address field for holding an identification address corresponding to a transmitting device, and

generating an error correction code;

transmitting the generated information, redundantly at intervals from said transmitting device, comprising,

loading a timer with a time interval value,

enabling, upon expiration of said time interval value as timed by said timer, a crystal oscillator used to generate data timing signals, and a transmitter oscillator used to generate transmission signals,

delaying information transmission for a predetermined time period, relative to said expiration of said time interval value, to allow for stabilization of said crystal oscillator and said transmitter oscillator,

transmitting a preamble portion of said information used for data timing synchronization, said preamble portion having a length in bit times at least equal to a length of a code sequence used by said transmitting device,

transmitting the generated information based upon said code sequence and said data timing signals signals at a predetermined frequency by said transmittng device, and

disabling said crystal oscillator and said transmitter oscillator, so as to conserve power;

repeating said step of transmitting said generated information redundantly after an interval of time so as to provide information transmission redundancy;

receiving the generated information by at least one receiver;

validating the received information based on said identification address and said error correction code;

transferring the validated information to a monitoring mechanism; and

monitoring the received data in the validated information with the monitoring mechanism.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein said step of generating information, comprises generating said information to have a data rate of approximately 14 Kb/s to 21 Kb/s.

70. The method according to claim 69, further comprising the step of programming said identification address into said transmitting device via a programming connector prior to installing said transmitting device.

71. A remote power meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a number generator configured to generate a time interval value and to cause a time interval between transmissions to vary, and

a retransmission mechanism configured to retransmit said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data gathered therein to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring apparatus that is configured to monitor said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

75. The system according to one of claims 71-74, wherein said radio frequency device further comprises a program connector through which said identification address is input in a serial data stream format.

76. The system according to one of claims 71-74, wherein said radio frequency device further includes a program connector through which said identification address, a type code, and a channel on which said radio frequency device is to operate are input in a serial data stream.

77. The system according to one of claims 71-74, wherein said number generator is configured to provide a random number to avoid repeat collisions.

78. The system according to one of claim 71-74, wherein said timer is configured to delay transmission of said information to be transmitted by a predetermined delay after said expiration of said time duration so as to allow for crystal stabilization, transmit carrier frequency stabilization and timing generation stabilization.

79. The system according to claim 78, wherein said radio frequency device further includes a programming connector through which said identification address, a type code, and a channel on which said radio frequency device is to operate are input in a serial data stream format.

80. The system according to claim 78, wherein said number generator is configured to produce psudo random numbers for avoiding repeat collisions.

72. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configurable to transmit information at plural frequencies, each radio frequency device comprising,

a processor configured to generate said information to be transmitted,

a crystal oscillator configured to generate data timing information for said information generated by said processor,

a timer configured to hold a time interval value and initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said time interval value,

a number generator mechanism that generates said time interval value and loads said time interval value into said timer,

a retransmission mechanism configured to cause said information to be retransmitted a predetermined number of times, and

a wake-up circuit configured to initiate said crystal oscillator and said processor in respective active states upon expiration of said time duration so as to transmit said information when in said respective active states, and configured to place said crystal oscillator and said processor in a reduced current state between transmission times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising,

a data field that holds said meter data,

an address field that holds an identification addresses being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and

an error detection code field that holds error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information; and

a monitoring apparatus that is configured to monitor said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

73. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices capable of transmitting information at plural frequencies, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish data timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being transmitted prior to said second field, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration,

a number generator that generates a time interval value and causes the time interval between transmissions to vary, and a retransmission mechanism configured to cause said information to be retransmitted a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising,

a data field that holds said meter data,

an address field that holds an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and

an error field that holds error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said receivers configured to establish data timing synchronization to said information using said preamble; and

a monitoring apparatus that is configured to monitor said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.

74. A remote meter monitoring system, comprising:

a multiplicity of radio frequency devices configured to transmit information, said information comprising a first field comprising a preamble configured to establish data timing synchronization and a second field comprising data, said first field being tansmitted prior to said second field, each radio frequency device comprising,

a timer comprising a memory that holds a time interval value, and configured to autonomously initiate transmission of said information after expiration of a time duration corresponding to said time interval value held in said memory,

a number generator configured to generate said time interval value and load said time interval value into said timer, and

a retransmission device for redundantly transmitting said information a predetermined number of times;

at least one sensing element configured to provide meter data to said radio frequency device, said transmitted information comprising said meter data, an identification address being assigned to said radio frequency device to which the meter data is provided, and error detection code bits;

at least two receivers each configured to receive said transmitted information, and configured to validate said information based on said identification address and said error detection code bits contained in said transmitted information, said receivers providing redundant reception of said transmitted information, said receivers configured to establish data timing synchronization using said preamble; and

a monitoring device for monitoring said information as received and validated by at least one of said receivers.