Overview of JOOBY OMNI radio modules for meter data collection

Wireless data collection solutions for various meter types

Resource providers have used wireless data transmission for about thirty years. These solutions help to significantly simplify and optimize data accounting, making it more convenient, transparent and cost-effective.

Jooby’s team has developed a versatile solution suitable for remote data gathering in multi-family and private buildings — the OMNI radio module compatible with multiple meter categories. This device can be connected simultaneously to several different types of meters — for example, water, gas, electricity and heat meters — and receive relevant data on resource consumption in a unified format.

Versatile radio modules for collecting data from different OMNI meter types is a cost-effective solution for quick and easy remote data gathering. Service providers, developers or condominium associations don’t need to replace outdated meter models with smart modern analogs or purchase several models of radio modules for varied metering devices. Instead, it is enough to calculate the total number of metering devices in a property and install versatile radio modules that allow remote and automatic readings.

How the radio module works

The OMNI radio module is mounted on a flat surface and connected to several resource meters using smart sensors. You can connect up to four meters with pulse outputs of “dry contact” (in this case the polarity of the signal is not important) or “open collector” (the polarity of the connection must be maintained).

Jooby OMNI starts to automatically record meter readings after activation. The device transmits consumption data via a LoRaWAN wireless radio channel to the base station, and the data is then sent to the server: from there the information is processed, converted into a convenient format, and sent to the Jooby RDC Dashboard accounting system available to the supplier.

The radio module is equipped with pulse inputs — this is the most widely used type of two-wire interface, supported by all manufacturers. Devices with such interfaces are always compatible.

The interface works on the principle of open/closed contact, which are its two possible states. Each opening/closing is a pulse. The pulse records a full revolution of the meter’s impeller or is a multiple of some other factor that fixes the meter reading. 

Information about the number of pulses is accumulated in the non-volatile memory of the device and transmitted via the LoRaWAN wireless network to the supplier’s server at specified intervals.

Connection of the radio module to the metering devices

Using cables and splitters, Jooby OMNI can be connected to meters located in different rooms, for example, to a gas meter in the kitchen, an electricity meter in the corridor, and a water meter in the bathroom: the distance does not interfere with the connection. A separate cable is laid from each meter to the location where the radio module is installed and all the cables are then spliced “one-to-one” with a JOOBY CABLE 1PI 100, before being connected to the radio module via a two or four-input splitter. 

Cables and splitters are not included with the radio module but can be purchased separately at the Jooby retail store. Radio modules can also be connected to meters using products from other manufacturers with compatible interfaces.

Customers can connect metering devices independently using two-wire cables such as the “ALARM signal cable 2×0.22”. Such cables are used in alarm and notification systems and can be purchased in specialist stores.

Jooby OMNI options

Setting the frequency of data transmission. Resource providers can set the desired reading transmission frequency (the setting itself is performed via mobile application). Values from once per hour to once per day are available. When choosing this parameter, it is important to take into account that battery power consumption will be affected by it: the more frequently the radio module transmits readings, the faster the battery charge will run out.

Multiple connections for the same type of meter. The radio module can be used to provide smart accounting for one type of resource in multi-family buildings. When doing so,  the correct recording of meter readings will be straightforward for the supplier as the data from each input is “labeled”, meaning that it is separated by software. As a result, there is no possibility of any confusion regarding the data supplied as the readings of each apartment will be “linked” to a specific customer. A radio module with four inputs is the most advantageous solution for such cases as one module can be used to record the readings of four meters.

Connection to any metering device. OMNI radio modules are compatible with any meter with a pulse output. Devices can also be connected to meters with “open collector” and “dry contact” interfaces – Jooby specialists will help you choose the right solution.

Alerts. OMNI functionality allows suppliers to receive alerts regarding any magnetic tampering of the radio module, as well as battery discharge.       

Enclosure resistant to external factors. The IP54 enclosure protection degree provides resistance to dust penetration. It also protects the hardware from water droplets.

Benefits of JOOBY Omni radio modules in meter data collection

• possibility of simultaneous connection of up to four different or identical resource meters
• data collection technology for all metering points
• timely and accurate data on resource consumption
• installation, connection and configuration in a few minutes
• customizable data transmission frequency
• low battery warning
• service life up to 10 years
• 24 month warranty period
• IP54 enclosure protection degree
• hourly, daily, monthly and annual consumption logs
• event and alarm log with a capacity of 256 events
• signal transmission range in an urban environment — up to 2 km
• signal transmission range in line-of-sight coverage — up to 10 km
• operating temperature range: −30…+85°C

Jooby OMNI is the device that makes it possible to quickly, easily and cost-effectively implement efficient data collection from diverse metering systems in residential buildings. This radio module can take readings from diverse metering systems, ensuring accurate and timely data transmission.