The ABACUS ELECTRICS ANSI USB Optical Probe model A9U-P-U04M-2A has a new home with TransData Inc. It is available to purchase now.

The ABACUS ELECTRICS ANSI optical probes are bi-directional interfaces utilising infra-red light. Connecting to a computer serial port they permit galvanically isolated communication with tariff meters as specified in American ANSI C12.18:2006 standard.
Probes are available for use with lap-top or desk-top computers, and also for use with a variety of the hand-held computers commonly used for field data collection.

The A9U probe has a USB connection and derives its power from the host computer.

The A6Z Zero-Power ANSI optical probe is convenient to use, as no battery or power supply connection is needed. Fitted with a standard 9-pin 'D' connector they plug directly into the serial ports of lap-top and desk-top computers. They are compatible with most meters and programming software.

Certain Landis+Gyr (formerly Siemens) meters have special signal requirements. The ABACUS A9U ANSI probes should be used with these meters as they contains a DTR software switch providing logic compatibility with these meters. This 'switch' requires that the application software set the DTR serial control line appropriately for the make/model of meter to be read/programmed.