Title of Invention: AMR system with fly-by mode Abstract: The disclosed inventions include and apparatus and method for providing a universal Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system configured with fly-by functionality. Such system may be configured to work in a plurality of modes including a walk-bay, drive-by, fixed network, and fly-by mode without hardware modifications. The system is configured to automatically calibrate so that the water meter transmitter operates at a minimum transmitted signal power level. Additional features include automatic hardware self-healing features where the system continues to function after certain hardware failures occur. Detailed Description: Part general_description_paragraphs: Part CLAIM TO PRIORITY: This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/179,716, filed 10 Jun. 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,891,089, which claims priority to provisional application 62/188,616 filed on 3 Jul. 2015, and is a continuation application Ser. No. 14/108,314, filed 16 Dec. 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,400,192) is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/555,065 filed on 20 Jul. 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,610,594) which is a continuation of Ser. No. 13/159,360 filed on 13 Jun. 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,021) which is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/143,822 filed on 23 Jun. 2008 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,994,935) which is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/050,160 filed on 17 Mar. 2008, (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,317) which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/989,811 filed on 16 Nov. 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,953), the entire contents of all such references are incorporated herein by this reference for all that they disclose. Part TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for transmitting data from a first location to a second location. The technology is particularly well suited for transferring data associated with a utility meter to a remote location. The apparatus comprises a universal transmitter configured to operate in a plurality of modes including walk-by, drive-by, fixed network and a fly-by mode without the need for hardware modification. One configuration uses Drone technology. Part BACKGROUND: Utility meters, including mechanical, electromechanical, and solid-state meters, are well known and have been used for many years to measure the consumption of resources such as water, gas and electricity. Water meters, for example, generate data indicative of the consumption of water, where such data is used for billing purposes. Initially, utility meters were mechanical devices. As electronic technology advanced, such technology become more common in utility meters to make them smaller, more accurate, more dependable, smarter and less expensive. The electronics are typically used in a part of the meter called the “register” (as it “registers” the amount of consumption). As such, the use of electromechanical (hybrid meters) and electronic meters has become more common. Indeed, most modern electricity meters, for example, are fully electronic meters (static meters). Traditionally, meter reading personnel would periodically travel to each site where a utility meter was installed, inspect a meter installation and manually record the consumption data. The customer would then receive a bill based on such collected data. Today, modern meters are increasingly equipped with transmitters giving such meters Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) capabilities. Such technology allows utility meters to automatically communicate consumption data to a remote receiver and the remote receiver transfers the data to a “system owner” (e.g. Utility Provider). Such transmitters are either electrically associated with the meter's register or designed into (integral to) the meter's register. Notably, for at least safety reasons, water meters (and their associated electronic features) do not have access to a power grid (such as a typical residential power gird that powers homes) requiring such meters to be powered by power sources that can be depleted over time (e.g. a battery). Therefore, the meter and associated AMR technology is designed for minimal power consumption so that such technology may be powered for extended periods of time (e.g. 10 years) by power sources such as batteries. Another challenge to the manufacturers of utility meters and ARM systems, in general, is that the utility meter market is very cost sensitive. A water utility, for example, may need to purchase 100,000 fluid meters (with associated AMR features) and the savings accumulate quickly as costs are reduced. A one-dollar cost reduction for an AMR transmitter quickly becomes a $100,000 savings. Further, dependability is a critical factor. Thus, for water meters, an AMR system is expected to operate adequately for at least 10 years at the lowest possible design costs while being powered by a battery. Initially, water utilities had meter readers drive out to each water meter, read the meter, and manually record the consumption data. A very large and expensive task for a utility with 100,000 meters and there is likely to be errors in the manually recorded data for 100,000 meters. The first AMR systems simplified such task by associating a short-range transmitter with the meter register and giving the meter reader a receiver he/she carried so that the meter reader would simply walk by the utility meter and the data would be automatically transmitted to the receiver associated with the meter reader. Nice improvement but such still required the meter reader to walk close by each meter. As transmitter technology improved, drive-by systems were developed where the receiver was associated with a vehicle and the meter reader simply drove down the street. Such systems are still in wide use today. One “weakness” of walk-by and drive-by systems is that real time data or near real time data is not possible. One cannot typically access consumption data any time desired. However, consumers and utilities wanted such capability. Thus, fixed-network systems were developed. In a fixed-network system “remote receives” (perhaps called “Collectors”) are placed at various locations throughout the utility's customer areas. Such collectors had access to adequate power so that they could stay on all the time. Further, such collectors had a communication path to the utility. Additionally, the water meter transmitter would include a receiver and listen for a request for data. Thus, a particular water meter transmitter could be accessed whenever the utility desired. There is always a price to pay for improved performance and the price for real time data is money. The system cost more, the meter transmitter cost more, the system is more complex, and thus, more prone to failures. That said, it should be appreciated that all of the above described AMR systems have their trade-offs between equipment costs, battery cost, battery life, transmission frequency (how often they transmit) and transmission distance and whether or not they can provide real or near real time data. Notably, not all utility providers have the same amount of funds to purchase metering technology. Some utilities are required to purchase lower cost walk-by and drive-by systems until they can afford to migrate to a fixed network system. Some utilities may have large and very diverse coverage areas requiring fixed network in one area, drive-by technology in another area and walk-by technology in yet another area. Unfortunately, there was a problem with prior art systems in that prior art drive-by/walk-by and Fixed network AMR systems were not compatible with each other. Restated, prior art drive-by/walk-by transmitters were not configured to operate in fixed network systems and vice-versa. For example, a typical drive-by/walk-by system transmitter may transmit a 0.08 Watt data (a “whisper”) signal while a typical fixed network transmitter may operate at up to 1.0 watts (a “shout”). Additionally, it should be appreciated that for a two-way communication system the water meter transmitter has a receiver AND a transmitter—sometimes called a “transceiver”. Further, if a first transceiver (T1) transmits an “X-watt” signal to a second transceiver (T2), transceiver T2 should transmit an X-watt response signal. To use an analogy, if person A whispers to person B, person B should whisper back to person A, not shout back. If you whisper to someone that had to shout to you that someone is unlikely to hear you. Same for radio signals. Such incapability between walk-by/drive-by/fixed network systems presented a huge problem to water utilities. The technology that provides the above described advantages is not free and utilities must be careful to select the best AMR system for their needs. Additionally, while a fixed network system may clearly the best technical solution for a particular area, a utility may not have the funds to install a fixed network solution. Thus, such a utility may simply purchase a system it can afford such as a less expensive walk-by/drive-by system. When the above described utility decides to upgrade to a fixed network solution as funds become available, it must replace the drive-by transmitters with RF systems suitable for a fixed network. To do so perfectly good transmitters were scrapped for updated transmitters. Such an upgrade process is clearly a waste of resources as perfectly good meter transmitters are scrapped. Back at least as early as 2004 MARS® Water was the first company to develop and patent the “universal transmitter” particularly useful for water meters. Such Universal Meter Transmitter (UMT) is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,953, filed 16 Nov. 2004, U.S. Pat. No. 7,994,935, U.S. Pat. No. 8,610,594, and recently allowed patent application Ser. No. 14/108,314, the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference for all that they disclose for all purposes. Such a universal meter transmitter (UMT) is configured to be associated with a water meter and is configurable to operate in any one of a plurality of modes (such as a walk-by, drive-by and a Fixed Network mode) without hardware modification with some embodiments including auto-calibration routines to configure the AMR network. With such an UMT device, a water utility may first implement a walk-by/drive-by AMR system and then migrate/upgrade to a fixed network solution at minimal costs as the transmitter can be used in the new system. MARS′® innovation efforts continue as the disclosed technology relates to an improved AMR system comprising UMT transmitters that combine the best features from walk-by systems and fixed network systems as described below. One point to consider about all the various AMR systems identified above is that for all such systems there are typically many, many more Meter Transmitters than Remote Receivers (perhaps 50,000 meter transmitters to 1 remote receiver). Restated, every utility meter does not have its own dedicated meter reader. Indeed, there may only be one meter reader for 50,000 meters. Thus, the most cost effective and competitive system is one that transfers costs from the meter transmitter to the Remote Receiver (meter reader). Embodiments of the disclosed technology leverage the concept of transferring costs from the meter transmitter to the remote receiver. For some UMTS, the most expensive component is the battery. Reducing battery costs for the UMT is a huge advantage. The most power hungry activity of a typical AMR system is transmitting a data signal to a remote location. Thus, the lower the power level needed to transmit a signal the longer a particular battery style will last. Alternatively, instead of extending battery life a lower cost battery may be used (or a combination of both). To better appreciate transmitter power levels and how the environment affects the transmitted data signal from an UMT to a Remote Receiver a review of the environmental factors that attenuate Radio Frequency (RF) signals along its propagation path is useful. The environmental issues with RF propagation include: (a) Scattering: Signal scattering can be caused by a random arrangement of signal wavelength sized (or smaller) objects (about 12-13 inches for the typical AMR frequency). Rain is a good example. An analogy would be shining a light through fog as opposed to clear air. (b) Absorption/Reflection: When RF energy passes through a non-RF transparent structure some of its energy is absorbed and/or reflected. Luckily the frequency of the transmitted signal does not change but amplitude is attenuated when absorbed and at least redirected when reflected. An “RF Transparent” structure is simply an object that has no significant reflection or absorption of RF signals (similar to the way glass is light transparent). (c) Diffraction: Diffraction is simply a special type of “reflection” caused by abrupt changes and sharp non-RF transparent surface “edges” which causes signal distortion. (e) Distance: Even in perfect “free space” line-of-site conditions with no obstructions, as radio waves travel the signal (and associated energy) is distributed/divided over an increasingly wider area, and thus, becomes weaker (like putting a drop of food coloring in water—as it disperses over a wider area the color gets “weaker”). Consequently, the amount of detectable radiation varies inversely as the square of the distance from an emitting object. Simply put, as radiation (e.g. radio waves) moves away from its source it is steadily diluted as it spreads over a progressively larger surface area. Based on the above, the RF environmental propagation parameters that need to be considered include scattering, absorption/reflection, diffraction, and distance. Notably, for a fixed (non-moving) Universal Meter Transmitter (UMT), substantially all such propagation parameters are basically a function of remote receiver antenna height and distance relative to the UMT. The goal is to achieve the best propagation path between UMT and remote receiver. The best propagation path between the UMT and a remote receiver is a line-of-sight path. A line-of-sight path is exactly what it sounds like . . . a “straight path” where there is nothing between the receiver and the UMT but air and where the distance between the UMT and the remote receiver is minimized. Notably, the UMTS are installed in a water meter pit below ground level and they do not move. Thus, what is needed is a “Remote Receiver” that can move to achieve a line-of-sight propagation path between a stationary UMT and the Remote Receiver and minimize the distance between same. Walk-by and Drive-by systems do such to a certain extent, but such systems do not maximize the process. What is needed is a system that leverages the low power benefits of walk-by and drive-by systems while providing real time or near real time data services while transferring technology costs from the UMT to the remote receiver. The disclosed technology achieves the most cost-effective ARM system comprising a Universal Meter Transmitter (UMT) that operates in a plurality of modes such as the walk-by, drive-by, and fixed network modes as well as a new “fly-by” mode disclosed in this document without the need for hardware changes. For the disclosed fly-by modes, the receiver is preferably associated with a hybrid lighter than air technology (e.g. blimp) and electric powered drone system. The “blimp” does the heavy lifting and the drone technology handles the maneuvering to address the above described RF propagation path issues. One such drone system is simply a drone that flies straight up (Drone Tower™) when collecting data and then returns to its base. Another drone-based system is a hybrid between a drive-by and fixed network that creates a new “Fly-By” mode. It should be appreciated that the disclosed drone-based system allows the Meter Transmitter to transmit at a lower power level which allows a manufacture to configure the UMT to transmit at a lower power thereby prolonging battery life and/or allowing the use of lower cost batteries while improving data collection efficiency while also transferring costs from the Meter Transmitter to the Remote Receiver. Part SUMMARY: Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. Broadly speaking, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a data transfer system configured for transferring data from a data source to a data user. Another general object of the present invention is to provide a system for transferring utility meter data from a utility customer to a utility company. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for transferring utility meter data from a utility customer to a utility company where the utility meter transmitter power level is minimized while providing real-time-data services. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system for transferring utility meter data from a utility customer to a utility company where the utility meter transmitter power level is minimized while providing real-time-data services where such system uses drone technology. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for transferring utility meter data from a utility customer to a utility company where the utility meter transmitter power level is minimized while providing real-time-data services where such system uses drone technology and where the system is self-calibrating to achieve and maintain the minimal transmitter power level for the utility meter transmitter. Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth in, or will be apparent to those skilled in the art from, the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or features hereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features or parts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description). Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in this summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features or parts referenced in the summarized objectives above, and/or features or components as otherwise discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification. Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology. Part DETAILED DESCRIPTION: Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determined from the following detailed description. Repeat use of reference characters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements or steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention. For the purposes of this document two or more items are “mechanically associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including a direct or indirect physical “releasable connections” (snaps, screws, Velcro®, bolts, etc.—generally connections designed to be easily and frequently released and reconnected), “hard-connections” (welds, rivets, macular bonds, generally connections that one does not anticipate disconnecting very often if at all and that generally needs to be “broken” to separate), and/or “moveable connections” (rotating, pivoting, oscillating, etc.). A “mechanical association” includes any and all of the above. Similarly, two or more items are “electrically associated” by bringing them together or into relationship with each other in any number of ways including: (a) a direct, indirect or inductive communication connection, and (b) a direct/indirect or inductive power connection. In addition, while a drawing or image may depict a particular electrical association as a single line, such a connection may represent a plurality of wired connections or cables comprising multiple conductors as required for the application of interest. An electrical association includes any and all of the above. This document includes headings that are used for place markers only. Such headings are not meant to affect the construction of this document, do not in any way relate to the meaning of this document nor should such headings be used for such purposes. While the particulars of the present invention are described using examples primarily in the context of water consumption it should be appreciated that the disclosed Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) capabilities and associated technology may be used with any type of utility meter metering the consumption of commodities such as liquids (gas, water, oil, etc.) and electricity. FIG. 1 shows a side view, including a partial cutaway section, of an exemplary water meter (10) configured with Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology wherein the meter is housed in a below ground enclosure (9), hereafter referred to as pit (9). Pit (9) is shown comprising sides (20) and lid (22). Water meter (10) is shown comprising a fluid chamber (12) and a register (14). The bottom of register (14) releasably attaches to the top of fluid chamber (12) forming an enclosed void (not shown) between register (14) and fluid chamber (12). Fluid chamber (12) comprises water inlet (25) and water outlet (27). Water line (24), connects to a water source at one end, runs into pit (9) and attaches to fluid chamber inlet (25) at the opposite end. Water line (26) attaches to fluid chamber outlet (27) at one end and continues through pit (9) to a water consumer. Fluid chamber (12) further houses a moving element (e.g. rotating element, oscillating element etc., hereafter simply rotating element; not shown) that is placed in the path of fluid flow through the meter. The rotating element may be constructed of magnetic material or, alternatively, may be associated with magnetic material (e.g. a magnet). As the rotating element rotates in response to fluid flow through meter (10), a rotating magnetic field is generated. It will be appreciated that the rotating element in fluid chamber (12) may be replaced by other technologies that create other types of magnetic fields that vary over time (e.g. an oscillating element that generates an oscillating magnetic field) without departing from the scope of this invention. Register (14) houses elements for detecting a rotating magnetic field and associating such rotations with water consumption thereby generating resource consumption data. Register (14) may also houses components for displaying consumption data. Alternatively, Register (14) may simply output pulses to an electronic device associated with register (14) wherein such pulses are relatable to the amount of water flowing through meter (10). Such technology is well known and understood by those skilled in the art and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a communication apparatus (40) for transmitting data from meter (10) to a remote location. Communication apparatus (40) comprises an enclosure having a top-section (42) and a depending base (43). Top-section (42) rests generally on top of the pit lid (22) substantially adjacent to an opening through the pit lid. Depending base (43) extends from top-section (42) to a point at least partly through the pit lid opening. As can be seen in FIG. 1, depending base (43) extends completely through pit lid (22). For this embodiment of the invention, communication apparatus (40) is associated with meter (10) through a wire communication link (38). As shown in FIG. 3, depending base (43) may further comprise threads (41) suitably sized for receiving securing nut (54). Securing nut (54) may include gap (54a) to provide a means for installing and removing securing nut (54) without disconnecting communication link (38). FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of communication apparatus (40) resting generally on top of pit lid (22). Coil/core interface (49) is shown in the center of top-section (42) although interface (49) may be located anywhere on top-section (40) without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that for the meter installation shown in FIG. 1, pit lid (22) is generally at ground level. It will be appreciated, however, that communication apparatus (40) may be installed in above ground enclosures and pit lid (22) may be the side of such enclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 4, a side view, including a partial phantom view, of one embodiment of communication apparatus (40) is shown. Communication apparatus (40) has a circuit board (44) disposed within top-section (42) and supported by stand-offs (58, 60a, 60b). Circuit board (44) may also be secured in top-section (42) by plastic grip tabs integral to the housing or any other suitable means. For this embodiment, stand-off (60a) and stand-off (60b) also provide a ground connection between circuit board (44) and power source (48) (described later). Stand-off (58) provides a power connection to circuit board (44). Resilient board clips (56a, 56b) secure circuit board (44) against the stand-offs thereby securing the circuit board within top-section (42). Such resilient clip/stand-off technology provides for a bolt/screw free design that simplifies assembly and lowers manufacturing costs. Circuit board (44) comprises transmitter circuitry (one exemplary transmitter is described below) associated with antenna (46). It should be noted that the transmitter circuitry may be associated with any type of substrate other than a circuit board without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed inventions. Both circuit board (44) and antenna (46) are at least partially disposed within top-section (42). Additionally, antenna (46) may be disposed at least partially outside of top-section (42) to facilitate an improved electromagnetic radiation pattern. Alternatively, antenna (46) may be integral to circuit board (44), such as a trace or a slot antenna formed on/within circuit board (44). As shown in FIG. 5, for this embodiment of the invention, antenna (46) is positioned in antenna guide (64) and at least partially circles circuit board (44). Any type of suitable antenna technology may be used and such antenna technology is well known and understood by those skilled in the art, and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention. Antenna (46) is coupled to the transmitter circuitry via connector (47). Notably, any suitable apparatus or method may be used for associating antenna (46) directly or inductively to the transmitter circuitry so that data-signals generated by the transmitter are propagated by antenna (46) to a remote location. Exemplary remote locations include a hand held computer, perhaps just a few feet away (walk-by) from the meter installation or hundreds of feet away. A remote location may be in a vehicle equipped with a receiver wherein the vehicle is driven by the location where the meter is installed (drive-by). Depending on the transmitter power level, a remote location may be miles away from the meter installation site (fixed network). As shown in FIG. 4, a power source (48) is associated with circuit board (44) via wired connections (50a, 50b, 52a, 52b) and is configured for supplying power to the circuitry on circuit board (44). For this embodiment of the present invention, power source (48) comprises two batteries connected in series and disposed within depending base (43). It will be appreciated that power source (48) may only comprise one battery or three or more batteries without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. As noted earlier, the transmitter circuitry is associated with meter (10) through a wired transmitter-meter communication link (38) (FIG. 1). For this embodiment of the invention, wired conductors provide a connection between register (14) and depending base connector (39). A communication link runs through conduit (51) to communication connection (52) associated with transmitter board (44). Transmitter-meter communication link (38) is configured for transferring system-data between the transmitter and the meter. System-data is any data generated by meter (10), communication apparatus (40), or stored by a memory associated with the meter (10) or the communication apparatus (40). Exemplary system-data includes a meter identification number, consumption data, tamper data, battery status data, time data, system diagnostic data, or any other type of data. Transmitter-meter communication link (38) will be described in more detail below. For meter installations located in hostile environments, such as water meter installations below ground in a pit which can become filled with water, the components within communication apparatus (40) should be adequately protected. For such embodiment of the invention, a potting compound or a sealing material may be use to protect various components of communication apparatus (40). Any suitable potting compound may be used including polymer based materials such as polyurethane or a fiberglass base material. Additionally, suitable sealants include a vulcanizing adhesive/sealant. The potting/sealing material may be injected into the housing thereby encasing substantially all of the top-section (42) components and depending base (43) components within the housing. It will be appreciated that when a potting material/sealant is used to encase the components within top-section (42) and depending base (43) as described above, such components can no longer be easily accessed for replacement or repair. Alternatively, the housing may be constructed such that only the distal end (61) of depending base (43) has an opening allowing access to the inside of the housing. The distal end (61) may be sealed by a removable end cap (not shown) to prevent contaminates from reaching components within the housing. Such an arrangement could be configured to allow the components within top-section (42) and depending base (43) to be accessed for replacement or repair. It will be appreciated that any type of sealing material or method of sealing the internal components of top-section (42) and depending base (43) within the housing may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Referring back to FIG. 4, power source (48) is now considered. For the currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, power source (48) comprises two AA lithium batteries although any type and number of batteries may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Power source (48) is associated with circuit board (44) through a multiple conductor wired connection (50a, 50b, 52a, 52b). Conductor (50a) attaches to the negative component of power source (48) at one end, and to auxiliary power connector (50) at the other end. Conductor (50a) is coupled to conductor (50b) within auxiliary power connector (50). Conductor (50b) provides an electrical connection between stand-off post (60a), stand-off post (60b), and conductor (50a). Similarly, conductor (52a) attaches to the positive component of power source (48) at one end, and to auxiliary power connector (50) at the other end. Conductor (52a) is coupled to conductor (52b) within auxiliary power connector (50). Conductor (52b) provides an electrical connection between stand-off post (58) and conductor (52a). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciated that auxiliary power connector (50) provides a method of connecting additional power sources to communication apparatus (40) as well as providing a means for disconnecting power source (48) from circuit board (44). Such a configuration is particularly useful when power source (48) is encased in a potting material as described above. Referring now to FIG. 6, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. For this embodiment of the present invention, power source (48), the transmitter and antenna (64) are all located above pit lid (22). Power source (48) comprises a rechargeable battery pack connected to an energy-converter (90). An energy-converter is simply a device that converts energy from one form to another. One example of an energy-converter is photovoltaic-radome (90) which generates electricity by absorbing electromagnetic radiation. Another example of an energy-converter is a betavoltaic device (described later). FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of communication apparatus (40) comprising energy converter (90). FIG. 8 also shows a top plan view of communication apparatus (40) with an additional phantom image of power source (48) connected to circuit board (44) via power conductor (94) and ground conductor (95). For this embodiment of the invention, energy converter (90) has four sections of photovoltaic cells (92a, 92b, 92c, 92d) surrounding top-section (42). It will be appreciated that the number and shape of sections (92a-92d) and the number and shape of photovoltaic cells comprising each section may vary depending on any number of parameters including: cost, anticipated installation conditions, antenna design requirements, and power requirements. For the preferred embodiment, each photovoltaic cell section includes three photovoltaic cells, each supplying about 0.5 volts at 30-50 milliamps in full sunlight. Such photovoltaic cells are preferably connected in series to provide power to communications apparatus (40) and/or supply a charging current to power source (48). Additionally, to lower costs, the number of photovoltaic cells may be reduced to supply a simple trickle charge to power source (48) thereby extending the expected life of power source (48). Similarly, power to communications apparatus (40) may be supplied by a betavoltaic device. The betavoltaic device uses a plurality of PN junctions in silicon to capture and convert electrons emitted from a radioactive gas, such as tritium, into a current. The PN junctions are arranged so as to form a “Dyson shell” surrounding the radioactive gas. To further increase efficiency, the surface area of the silicon surface is increased by adding indentions in such surface. Such indentions are preferably about 1 μm wide and about 40 μm deep. The size of the Dyson shell is selected depending on the application. A relatively smaller shell is selected when the betavoltaic device supplies a trickle charge to power source (48) compared to a relatively larger size shell when the betavoltaic device is used as power source (48) (i.e. a nuclear battery). The Dyson shell may take any suitable form including a sphere, a rectangular box, or a cylindrical tube similar in shape to a typical battery. The techniques for interconnecting PN junctions to form a shell as well as the techniques for adding indentions to the surface of PN junctions are well known in the art and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of describing the method and system according to the present invention. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the above described hosing comprising top-section (42) and depending base (43) may be formed integral to a pit lid forming a one-piece module. Alternatively, the pit lid may be configured to house the various components described above. For this embodiment of the invention, the module comprises a module pit lid suitably sized to replace pit lid (22). A battery operated RF transmitter is disposed within the module pit lid. As described above, the RF transmitter is associated with an electronic device through either a wired or wireless communication link configured for transferring system-data between the RF transmitter and the electronic device. The electronic device may be register (14) or some other device in communication with register (14). An antenna is also associated with the RF transmitter and configured for propagating data-signals generated by the RF transmitter to a remote location outside the pit. As before, such data-signals may comprise at least part of said system-data. One embodiment of the transmitter circuitry located on circuit board (44) is now considered. Referring to FIG. 9, transmitter (200) is depicted in a block diagram representation. Transmitter (200) communicates with external devices either by transmitting a data-signal over antenna (46), through universal communication interface (203), or coil/core interface (49). In the preferred embodiment, transmitter (200) is connected to an electronic device associated with meter (10) via universal communication interface (203) and communication link (38). Such electronic device may be register (14) or an electronic device associated with register (14) and any type of communication interface may be used in place of universal communication interface (203) without departing from the scope of the present invention. For the preferred embodiment, communication link (38) is a three conductor cable comprising two data lines (154, 156) and a ground (158) (or a data line, power line, ground line) over which serial communications is conducted. Such data lines may be routed through terminal block (80) to provide a means for connecting additional electronic devices to communication apparatus (40). For example, a laptop computer may be connected through terminal block (80) to facilitate reprogramming of communication apparatus (40). Such terminal block (80) is particularly useful for embodiments of communication apparatus (40) not having a receiver. It will be appreciated that other wiring configurations and communication protocols may be used over wired or wireless communication connections and interfaces without departing from the scope of the present invention. When transmitter/reader communication interface (203) is connected to register (14) or an electronic device associated with register (14), such interface facilitates the transfer of data from electronic device/register to remote meter reading equipment via data signals propagated by antenna (46). When transmitter/reader communication interface (203) is connected to a computing device, such interface facilitates programming or reprogramming of the transmitter. Transmitter (200) may also be programmed or reprogrammed by connecting a programming device, such as a laptop computer, inductively through coil/core interface (49). Coil/core interface (49) may also be used to perform firmware upgrades. Coil/core interface (49) may also be associated with touchpad technology to facilitate manual reading using an inductive probe. As noted above, for the preferred embodiment, power is supplied to the transmitter electronics by power source (48). For one embodiment of the present invention, power source (48) is a single 3.7 Volt lithium cell battery. As noted above, in other configurations, power source (48) may be two AA lithium batteries. For system components that require greater than 3.7 volts to operate, charge pump generator (206) is used to generate a voltage larger than the supply voltage from which it operates. For this embodiment of the present invention, charge pump generator (206) generates 5 volts. The output of charge pump generator (206) powers universal communication interface (203) and RF switch (216). Transmitter (200) further comprises processor (202). One of the functions of processor (202) is to control data transfers between meter (14), memory (201), and remote meter reading equipment. It will be appreciated that memory (201) is optional and all data may be stored in memory located on microcontroller/processor (202). Processor (202) is further connected to coil/core interface (49). Coil/core interface (49) is used to program microcontroller/processor (202) as well as facilitate bios/firmware upgrades. Coil/core interface (49) may also be used by processor (202) to provide touch pad functionality to the system. Such touch pad technology is well known in the art. One example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,192 issued to Ayala filed Jun. 14, 1994 and such document is incorporated by this reference for all that it discloses. Still referring to FIG. 9, processor (202) is shown connecting to temperature sensor (222). Temperature sensor (222) may be a discrete component, as shown in FIG. 9, or it may be incorporated within processor (202). Microcontroller (202) uses temperature sensor (222) to monitor the ambient temperature within the transmitter enclosure. Alternatively, a temperature sensor may be used to monitor the temperature of a particular component. Processor (202) may also generate and store temperature-data that is later used to make adjustments to various operating parameters for transmitter (200) as described later. Such temperature-data may also be transmitted to a remote computer. Processor (202) further connects to RF transmitter (205). RF transmitter (205) may be a single-chip transmitter or a transmitter circuit comprised of discrete components. RF transmitter (205) transmits over a frequency range of 804 MHz to 940 MHz, although other frequency bands may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, RF transmitter (205) may be used in the well-known 402/426/429/433/868/916 MHz ISM/SRD band systems. For the preferred embodiment of the present invention, transmitter (205) is a single-chip design that comprises (i) a communication bus for configuring and controlling the operation of the transmitter, (ii) a programmable output power level, (iii) a programmable output frequency, and (iv) may be powered by a 3.7 volt power source. Such transmitters are well known in the art and are manufactured by MAXIM, ATMEL, INFINEON, Texas Instruments, and Chipcon. Returning to FIG. 9, antenna (46) is shown connecting to RF power amplifier (220). The types of antennas that may be used include monopole, helical, and loop antennas. Antenna (46) is constructed so that its impedance matches the output impedance of RF power amplifier (220). For the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the output impedance of RF power amplifier (220) is 50Ω. Processor (202) configures/reconfigures RF transmitter (205) through transmitter communication interface (210). For the preferred embodiment of the present invention, transmitter communication interface (210) is a serial interface. Through transmitter communication interface (210), processor (202) can make configuration adjustments that affect the transmitter output power level, the frequency of the transmitted signal, and the transmitting mode. Processor (202) transfers the data to be transmitted over transmitter data bus (212). In FIG. 9, oscillator (214) is shown connecting to RF transmitter (205). Oscillator (214) (one exemplary embodiment of a reference-frequency-generator) generates the reference frequency used by RF transmitter (205) to establish the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal. For the preferred embodiment, oscillator (214) is a crystal oscillator that oscillates at a frequency of 14.7456 MHz although other references may be used. RF transmitter (205) generates the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal by multiplying the output of oscillator (214) by a frequency-multiplier-value derived by an equation programmed into transmitter (205). Such frequency-multiplier-value is derived at least in part using a frequency-adjustment-value supplied by processor (202). Part Frequency Stability: It is well known that a stable transmitted signal frequency is desired in almost all wireless communication systems. The more stable the transmitted signal frequency, the lower the cost of the electronics making up the receiver required to receive the transmitted signal. As noted above, for the present invention, a crystal oscillator is used to establish the reference frequency used by RF transmitter (205) to generate the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal. It will be appreciated that should the output of oscillator (214) drift, the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal will drift by such drift amount times the frequency-multiplier-value. For example, for a transmitted data-signal carrier frequency of 900 MHz and reference frequency of 14.7456 MHz, the frequency-multiplier-value would be 61.03516. If the reference frequency drifts by only 0.147456 MHz (1%) the carrier frequency will drift by about 9 MHz to 909 MHz. Unfortunately, the outputs of all crystals drift as the temperature of the crystal changes. The more stable the crystal output frequency in response to changes in temperature, the more expensive the crystal. Fortunately, the drift of some low cost crystals substantially follows a known drift curve or known drift rate. For one embodiment of the present invention, low cost crystals are used for oscillator (214) where the output of such crystal drifts in response to changes in temperature according to either a known frequency curve or known frequency rate (frequency-drift-data). If the frequency drifts according to a known drift rate, this value is stored in memory (201). If the frequency drifts according to a known drift curve, frequency drift/temperature change data representing such drift curve are stored in table form in memory (201). Both forms of oscillator output drift data are stored in memory (201) and are called frequency-drift-data. Notably one can use a drift formula and calculate the drift. Using lower cost crystals is consistent with the goal of transferring cost to the remote receiver from the UMT. For this embodiment of the present invention, processor (202) uses temperature sensor (222) to access real time (or near real time) temperature data relatable to the temperature of oscillator (214). For example, such temperature-data may be the ambient temperature within transmitter (200) enclosure, the ambient temperature within the pit (9), the temperature of at least part of the frequency-components that generate the reference-frequency. Processor (202) may store such temperature-data in memory (201) as well as transmit such temperature-data to a remote location. Processor (202) may also compare such temperature-data to predefined temperature values. Such predefined temperature values may comprise max-temp value, min-temp value, and temp-range values. Such values are preferably predefined by a user and stored in memory (201). It should be apparent that such values would typically be selected by a user to signify possible problems should temperature sensor (222) generate temperature-data that exceeds or drops below a particular temperature value. For example, should processor (202) determine that temperature-data exceeds a predefined max-temp value, processor (202) may set a temperature-warning-flag and/or transmit at least one of the temperature-data and the max-temp value to a remote location. Processor (202) then accesses the frequency-drift-data, determines a frequency-adjustment-value that substantially compensates for the expected drift in the reference-frequency due to a change in temperature, and sends the frequency-adjustment-value to RF transmitter (205) over transmitter communication bus (210). It should be appreciated that the frequency-adjustment-value may be incorporated into a configuration command that controls the RF transmitter (205) output frequency. Alternatively, the frequency-adjustment-value may be used by RF transmitter (205) in its calculations for determining the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal. For the purposes of this invention, regardless of whether processor (202) or RF transmitter (205) makes the frequency adjustment, a frequency-adjustment-value will be sent from processor (202) to RF transmitter (205) in one form or another (i.e. as part of a configuration command, as a discrete value, etc.). Part Transmitted Power Level Stability: Considered next is the effect the status of power source (48) can have on the transmitted signal. As used in this document, the term “power quality” simply refers to any number of metrics typically used to benchmark the quality of the power provided by a power source. Such metrics include voltage level, current supplied, voltage level stability under load, etc., and provide a reference for tracking the status of a power source. It is well known that the signal strength of a transmitted data-signal can weaken if the quality of power supplied to the transmitter/amplifier degrades beyond a certain point. For example, a transmitter may transmit a (X) dB signal when supplied with a voltage of 4.0 volts but transmit only a (X-.5) dB signal when supplied with a voltage of 3.7 volts. Notably, the status of power source (48) that powers RF transmitter (205) and RF power amplifier (220) may degrade over time. As a result, the quality of power supplied by power source (48) will degrade over time. As shown in FIG. 9, the output of transmitter (205) is amplified by RF power amplifier (220). Should voltage supplied by power source (48) to RF power amplifier (220) drop (as the status of the power source degrades over time), the power level of the transmitted data-signal will also drop. Thus, the status of power source (48) is another parameter that processor (202) monitors. Initially, power-level-adjustment-data is either calculated or experimentally measured. For example, the strength of a data-signal transmitted by transmitter (205) may be monitored as the voltage supplied to transmitter 205 and/or RF power amplifier (220) is varied. Any change in transmitted data-signal strength is documented for each supplied voltage level. Such power-level-adjustment-data may be stored in table form in a memory associated processor (202) or the formula used to calculate power-level-adjustment-data may be used by processor (202). Processor (202) is configured to measures the voltage supplied by power source (48). Processor (202) then accesses the power-level-adjustment data stored in memory (201). Using the power-level-adjustment data and the measured voltage level supplied by power source (48), processor (202) reconfigures RF transmitter (205) to transmit at a power level that maintains a substantially constant transmitted data-signal power level. This configuration may be used to provide for a substantially constant transmitted data-signal power level as power source (48) degrades over time. Processor (202) may additionally generate power source status data and may transmit such data to a remote location using RF transmitter (205). Notably, today's batteries use technology that maintains its supplied voltage level to within the last 15% of its life. When such battery technology is used the processor (202) may be programmed to allow the power level to drop to extend battery life at the cost of transmitted signal power level. Part Multiple Mode AMR Device Configurations: Presented next are the modes of operation for transmitter (200) when configured as a Multiple Mode AMR device also referred to as a Universal Meter Transmitter (UMT). For such configurations, FIG. 11 depicts one exemplary preferred embodiment. The components of transmitter (200) include processor (202) electrically associated a RF transmitter (205) and either a low power transceiver (205b) or simply a receiver (not a transceiver) with transmitter (200) being electrically associated with a utility meter (10) via a wired or wireless communication
{'bibliographic_information': "{'country': 'US', 'doc-number': '15202561', 'kind': 'B2', 'date': '20160705', 'extension': '66', 'invention_title': 'AMR system with fly-by mode'}", 'source_file': './grant/2018/ipg180529.xml', 'source_data': 'USPTO-Grant'}