YES NOPE9 ha scritto:
> To begin with, I plan to monitor single phase center tapped 240 volt
> service ( 200 amps max ) .
> I would expect to do this inside the breaker box.
> I would prefer to find a module that provides data points ( preferably
>   accumulated power usage ) about once every 10 seconds.
> ( I am open to suggestions on the sample rate )
> 
> Communication could be serial or some other form easily monitored by a  
> laptop.
> I would like to keep the price as low as possible.  I would like to  
> keeps the "smarts" in the connected laptop.
> The intention would be to monitor power and verify that the meter the  
> service provider installed works.


I'd use new MCP3909 + MRF24J40 + a PIC18 or 24 - 3phase current 
monitoring via SPI plus wireless link.
Not that cheap but most practical.
Or a SDcard, a PIC24 and the same MCP...



> Would Power Factor be worth monitoring ?


usually not, at home. factories would be different...
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