this post was submitted on 03 Nov 2025
68 points (98.6% liked)

What is this thing?

7512 readers
45 users here now

Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Just curious what this is? Spotted in suburban northeast US. Didn’t see anything wlse like it around but maybe I just missed them.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] Agent641@lemmy.world 4 points 6 days ago (1 children)

I have a smart meter that allows grid controllers to remotely charge and discharge my battery to smooth out high demand peaks (I earn money from it) but I haven't been able to record a coherent bitstream from it with my SDR yet. I assume it's encrypted and/or proprietary data.

[–] Oka@sopuli.xyz 1 points 6 days ago

From what im told, the transmitters lie dormant most of the time (at least for gas). Only when they receive a signal do they send a signal, except when they are activated by a technician. When activated, they broadcast a signal to reach either another device on the network, or a reciever like the one in op's pic.