The 900 Series System has been designed with an open systems approach, incorporating industry standard protocols to ensure maximum compatibility with existing meters and meter reading equipment. Blue Tower's independence from meter manufacturers and hand-held computer providers allows customers to have choices when purchasing or adding on to an existing meter reading system. Blue Tower products' ability to interface easily with other system components means utilities' existing investments in meters, hand-held computers, billing and route management systems are protected.

The 900 Series product line is designed for North American utilities and has three main elements:

1. The Transponder, a Meter Interface Unit available for water, gas and electric meters, which transmits data from the meter to a data collection device via radio.
   
   
2. The Data Collection Device, which may be either:
   
   
   • Handheld - When the HandTrackIT is connected to a hand-held meter reading computer, a pedestrian meter reader can collect readings by walking down a street.
     
     
   • Vehicle based - The FastTrackIT system allows the collection of meter readings whilst driving at posted speed limits.
   
   
   
3. Reading Software and Controlling Computer
   
   
   • Blue Tower offer two systems:
     
     • Retriever for Palm with Rugged Handheld Computer
       
     • FastTrackIT System with moving map display to run on rugged laptop.
       
   • The system is also compatible with reading systems from other suppliers:
     
     • Northrop Grumman
       
     • Significant Digits
       
     • Radix
       
     • Greentree
       
     • Ionware
       

Key System Features:

• Open Interface to a Variety of Meters and Hand-held Computers:
  Blue Tower offers a completely open system. Products are designed to use standard interfaces and protocols to integrate into standard software and hardware platforms.



• Low-cost Meter Reading System:
  The cost of a Blue Tower 900 Series System is very competitive compared with other AMR systems. Data can be collected quickly and efficiently, helping to reduce meter-reading costs.



• Ease of Use:
  Our unique portfolio allows utility meters to be read in the most appropriate way, either via a handheld unit or from a vehicle. The meter interface units (MIUs) can be fitted or retro-fitted in minutes to most popular meter types requiring no expensive equipment or adjustments. The user orientated hardware and software applications mean that data is collected quickly and efficiently.