Just got the Chameleon IHD and the battery only last 2 hours, is it faulty?

I have to say, their devices (IHD7-CAD-PPMID / CA7020002 Type 1) are shocking, charged it up for about 3 hours and it only lasts about that. So, I have to keep it plugged in. Ironic. Only got it yesterday.

How long is its battery meant to last?

As my electric meter is over ~7 metres away (hence why I still have my crusty Gas meter), it keeps losing sync to it too. Which is understandable and why I’m unable to get a gas smart meter.

Hey @PalsyP !

Three to four hours charging time and three to four hours runtime is about average for any IHD, there’s no fault here.

As for the link to the gas meter, it should stabilise over the next few weeks. Hang in there for now and give us another shout if eight weeks pass and you’re still struggling.

Some valid feedback on your new Chameleon IHD, @PalsyP.

It’s something which has been mentioned here previously:

Whilst the Chameleon IHD does have batteries installed, we’d advise keeping it plugged in as the batteries are only intended to be used as a back-up power source, so don’t have the longest battery life (as you’ve found). Ideally you’d be able to plug the device in near your electricity meter so it can access all your usage data. No worries if you can’t find a suitable plug socket - you can also view the smart meter usage data on the usage pages of your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS) and keeping the device unplugged or switched off won’t affect the function of the meters themselves.

Have you managed to check the data we’re receiving from your electricity meter via your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS) yet?

To be honest, I was totally surprised when it actually synced, considering how far away the electric meter is from my flat.

The joys of living in a building of flats with all electric meters are in one place.

The most ironic thing is - as my username might give it away - I’m disabled, my flat is specifically for disabled people….. but….. before I had the smart meter, I had to ask people to go in the main building to get readings as I can’t really walk or open doors!

Yeah, I’m in a similar situation myself as I also live in a flat and my electric meter Raichu is downstairs. My two IHDs struggle to grab data from within my flat, but when I get them a bit closer, they’re able to communicate just fine. I’m hoping to get a Dual-Band Comms Hub eventually to fix that… Which would also mean getting another IHD as well.

In that case, if you ever need to grab an electric meter reading again, you now have another option. Your IHD has the ability to grab the latest meter reading anytime you need it.

Head into the menu, then go to Meter Info and scroll right a few times and you should find the meter reading for the electric meter. If you ever do get a smart gas meter as well that’s connected properly, the gas meter reading can also be found the same way.

It’s a useful accessibility feature, especially if you can’t get to the meter itself.

Great advice there, @Blastoise186.

Have you managed to work out the meter reading feature on your IHD, @PalsyP? 

Sure you’re already aware but just in case you weren’t, we’d recommend making sure you’ve been added to our Priority Services Register. As part of this free service we’d also be able to offer a quarterly meter reader visit if you’ve still got a traditional gas meter there too. 🙂

I am, but my Gas meter is just outside my door - easy to get my carer to read it for me.

As long as I get my electric up to date….. Only use £10/m Gas anyway.... It’s like the national grid in here….

Is an average of 8p/hour good?