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J pole antenna to boost smart meter signal ?

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Kaney

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HI, I am in the UK, in a long range radio deadspot so my smart meter will not communicate with the DCC. I should receive 423MHz from the Bilsdale transmitter in North Yorkshire but, as my meter is inside the house housed in a cupboard, nothings getting in or out. I know nothing about long wave radio, antennae etc. but hope someone can tell me if I do this - credit to Jeroen Steeman - put an extended version of the J-Pole antenna, using the same matching stub principle with the length of the antenna being three quarter wavelength - attach it to 75 ohm coax as he advises, run it to the smartmeter and duplicate the aerial connection at the other end, will it help increase the signal strength to the meter. We are not allowed to connect to the meters comms hub and it has a tamper device fitted, so the antennae will just sit near to the comms hub. So, I guess in some way, it just 'transfers' the signal from the roof down to the meter cupboard - is this how it works ? Just one other thing, does the ariel Jeron suggests need to be aligned in a particular way - horizontal v vertically, at right angle to the direction of the transmitter or parallel with it? Any help gratefully received..Thanks
 
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Possibilities which might require prodding the electric utility:

* There's a hint many customers (living in a valley) have the same problem. So are active repeaters an option, that is containing an rf amplifier, and placed at the top of a hill by the electric utility?

* With the burgeoning 'Internet of things', could the electric utility provide cable hookup to a customer's meter? Either direct connection or wireless box?
 
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I have just installed a passive repeater to solve the smart meter connection issue.

I used a five element yagi and a home made slim Jim antenna next the the meter with about 10m of RG58 coax connecting them. Both vertically polarised.

Within a few minutes I had a WAN connection and updated meter readings on the app later in the day.
 
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Pauljo said:
I have just installed a passive repeater to solve the smart meter connection issue.

I used a five element yagi and a home made slim Jim antenna next the the meter with about 10m of RG58 coax connecting them. Both vertically polarised.

Within a few minutes I had a WAN connection and updated meter readings on the app later in the day.
Click to expand...
That is brilliant to hear.

Were you in a 'tricky' location i.e. a valley or hilly area?

Also, I'd really appreciate some images (because I am a complete novice at this stuff).
 
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edl said:
That is brilliant to hear.

Were you in a 'tricky' location i.e. a valley or hilly area?

Also, I'd really appreciate some images (because I am a complete novice at this stuff).
Click to expand...
Im not in a bad location really. The meter is in a understairs cupboard and I guess my neighbours house is blocking some of the signal.

I did get some connectivity and meter readings previously but very hit and miss.

So there is a picture of the yagi antenna pointing to emley moor transmitter. My home made slim Jim antenna. I put the antenna in a plastic pipe to protect it. It just taped in place at the moment sat at the side of the meter.
IMG_3330b.jpeg
 

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edl said:
This sort of thing? https://www.amazon.co.uk/NooElec-NESDR-SMArTee-Bundle-R820T2-Based/dp/B079C4S2BT/

And, silly question, how would I test it (check for the right MHz signal)?
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Yes, I think so.

I personally never used one.
But I wached. One can scan a complete frequency range, or one can set a dedicated frequency ... then you will see the field strength (over the frequency range or of your set frequency).
If you set the modulation parameters you even can hear the audio (if there is one)

Klaus
 
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I really appreciate the images, that has helped me understand the setup - I know what I'm supposed to do now!
 
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Do you happen to have a link to the external antenna you installed. @Pauljo I can only really find 430Mhz ones, rather than a 423Mhz, dont know if the 430Mhz would still pickup the lower frequency. Cheers
 
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Hi Thompa25, it's Kaney here, I originated this thread, I've just had the same problem as you, I asked the ariel supplier for a ariel capable of picking up 423mhz, he sent me one which the paperwork states is 430-440mhz. I phoned the supplier and he's assured me it's good down to 423 and up to 446mhz, it's just that 430-440 is the frequency range most amateur radio guys use and the ariel is marketed towards them. Will try to install this weekend, let you know how I get on, putting something in very similar to Pauljo above. cheers
 
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