This project aimed to validate the openZmeter device—a low-cost, open-source measurement platform—for use under the IEC 61850-9-2 Sampled Values protocol. Through the ERIGrid 2.0 Lab Access programme, the user group conducted a series of controlled experiments at SINTEF’s National Smart Grid Laboratory in Trondheim, Norway. The validation process covered streaming of voltage and current signals under various fault conditions, protocol enhancements including timestamp embedding, and evaluation of realtime performance in emission and reception scenarios. While openZmeter successfully transmitted and received SV packets, the tests revealed limitations caused by the underlying Linux system and USB-based network adapters, particularly affecting time-critical applications. The project resulted in protocol improvements, better understanding of hardware constraints, and validation of the device's capabilities for non-real-time monitoring. Access to the HIL infrastructure and high-precision instrumentation at SINTEF provided critical support, accelerating development and enabling in-depth evaluation. This work contributes to the ongoing development of standards-compliant, open hardware solutions for smart grid applications, and demonstrates the value of targeted laboratory access for advancing low-cost digital instrumentation platforms