A gatherer device of wireless ad-hoc network meter reading system comprises a processor unit, a 485 bus interface unit, a wireless transmitting-receiving unit, and a power supply managing unit; wherein the processor unit is responsible for operation and control of the whole device, the 485 bus interface unit is used for connecting one or multiple electric meters, the wireless transmitting-receiving unit is responsible for interacting data and commands with a concentrator of the wireless ad-hoc network meter reading system, and the power supply managing unit supplies power for the whole device. An operation method of the gatherer device comprises that a command is received by the wireless transmitting-receiving unit and transmitted to the processor unit for processing, that the processor unit sends a request frame to an electric meter, that the processor unit receives a response frame from the electric meter and analyzes the response frame to acquire information of electricity consumption, and that finally the information of electricity consumption is returned to the concentrator through the wireless transmitting-receiving unit. The device and the method in the invention solve problems that the prior micropower wireless communication meter reading manners have much channel interferences, and are relatively low in security, relatively short in communication distances and not well in penetrating capabilities. Furthermore, the device has the advantages of low cost, high cost performance, good instantaneity, safety and reliability, and use and maintenance conveniences.