A communication interface and a device control, management and monitoring system are provided to enable the networking of and communication between multiple devices operating under different protocols. Missing readings are identified and estimated to allow the quantity of unaccounted for water always to be computed. An address remapping circuit ensures that spare memory columns and associated processing elements replacing the defective memory columns and processing elements can be addressed in a linear column order. The method of the invention for operating a broom and a blower includes the steps of receiving a command input, measuring the duration of the command input, and determining whether the command input is a broom state command, a broom height command, a broom direction command, a blower state command, or a blower direction command. The lock is supported by one of the apparatus main body and the front cover and is selectively engageable with and detachable from the other.