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How To Read
A GE kVs Digital Watt-meter Display
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Mode
Photograph
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Mode
Description
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Mode
888
Mode 888 is "Lamp Test"
mode. All LCD segments are selected, to ensure that no
element has "gone bad". For instance, if a middle horizontal
segment is burned out, an intended 8 will be displayed as a
zero.
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Mode 99
Mode 99 displays your current
kiloWatt consumption rate. The meter says that at
this moment, the system is consuming 1.4 kW of
electricity.
This mode is great, because it allows you to measure
the actual current drawn by each circuit. For instance, turn
off all circuit breakers except one, allow the meter to
cycle through once, and then read the current draw by that
one circuit.
Don't freak out when you measure your hot tub! Or
clothes dryer.
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Mode 01
Mode 01 displays the current
date, in mm-dd-yy format. The meter says that at
this moment, the date is April 24, 2006.
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Mode 02
Mode 02 displays the current
time, in 24-hour mode. The meter says that at
this moment, the time is 12:31 PM. In 29 minutes, the
display will read 13 00.
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Mode 3 does is not used on this particular meter,
presumably because it is somewhat redundant, and has little
meaning, since 2 different rates are combined..
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Mode 03
Mode 03 (when used) displays the
Total kWh
consumed during the current month.
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Mode 04
Mode 04 displays the "On-peak"
kWh consumed during the current month. The
meter says that at this moment, the system has consumed
3,096 kiloWatt on-peak hours.
On-peak hours are daylight hours. These hours are billed at
a higher rate, such as 11¢ per kWh.
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Mode 05
Mode 05 displays the "Off-peak"
kWh consumed during the current month. The
meter says that at this moment, the system has consumed 556
kiloWatt off-peak hours.
Off-peak hours are nightime hours. These hours are billed at
a lower rate, such as 8¢ per kWh.
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Controversial
The New Santa Cruz SmartMeter
Here is a photo of the new
P.G.& E. GE SmartMeter, which is being installed
throughout the Bay Area during 2010 and 2011.
It contains a MICROWAVE radio transmitter, which sends your
data to P.G. & E. headquarters. A "meter-reader" will no
longer be required. No more problems with dogs.
However, there are questions.
Many folks have questioned the safety, security and accuracy
of these new meters, and suggest that there has not been
adequate testing.
SAFETY - What is the nature of the radio frequency
signal?
Several electro-sensitive people have made complaints.
SECURITY and ACCURACY - Is it a receiver, as well as a
transmitter (transceiver)?
Can it's data be reprogrammed remotely, at will? If so, what
safeguards are there against funny-business?
Area-wide installation continues, while the local citizens
protest --->
Google news reports ---> Santa
Cruz, CA SmartMeter Installation Controversy
The frequency used is the 900 to 928 MHz. spread spectrum
band (microwave).
I cannot find a published spec sheet, which adds to the
rampant speculation.
Technical Questions -
Time of Exposure ---> How often does it transmit?
Strength of Exposure ---> What is the RF power
output?
-- the radiation is how many
times that of a a cell phone?
Where is the antenna? What are the radiation pattern
characteristics?
Does it use the cell phone towers?
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