Elster Solutions VRT02 Remote Water Meter Transponder User Manual CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

Elster Solutions, LLC Remote Water Meter Transponder CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

Users Manual

Rhein Tech Laboratories AMCO Automated Systems 360 Herndon Parkway Suite 1400 Remote Water Meter Transponder (RWT) FCC ID: G8JVRT02 Herndon, VA 20170 FCC Part 15.231 http://www.rheintech.com RTL WO# 2002199 Page 23 of 30 APPENDIX H: MANUAL Please see the following pages.
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Copyright Acknowledgements The contents of this document are the property of AMCO Automated Systems and are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. For additional copies of this document, please contact: AMCO Automated Systems 107 Erskine Lane Scott Depot, WV 25560 Phone 304-757-3300 Fax 304-757-3388 The information contained herein has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. AMCO Automated Systems reserves the right to make changes without prior notice. This document is not covered by any warranty either expressed or implied. Any correction, comments or additions to the contents of this document should be directed to AMCO Automated Systems at the above address. Copyright 2002 AMCO Automated Systems. Printed in USA. TRACE, Universal RF Interface, URFI, Mini Mobile Interrogator, ReadIt and TICS are trademarks of AMCO Automated Systems. All rights reserved. MS-DOS, IBM and MicroPalm are registered trademarks of their respective owners. FCC Compliance The TRACE VRT Transponder™ has been type accepted by the Federal Communications Commission under Part 15C, low power communication device transmitter. The FCC ID for the Pit Water Transponder (PWT) is G8JVRT03, and the FCC ID for the Remote Water Transponder (RWT) is G8JVRT02. This device complies with Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. • Increase the separation distance between the equipment and receiver. • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. • Consult the dealer or an experience radio/TV technician for help. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by AMCO Automated Systems could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 1 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM VRT Water Transponder Manual and Installation Guide Table of Contents Chapter One—Introduction................................................................................. 2 About this Document ....................................................................................... 2 Audience ................................................................................................... 2 Conventions .............................................................................................. 2 Chapter Two—Automated Meter Reading Overview........................................ 3 Basic AMR Components ................................................................................. 3 TRACE AMR System Overview ...................................................................... 4 Chapter Three—VRT Water Transponder Overview......................................... 6 VRT Water Transponder and Components..................................................... 6 How the VRT Water Transponder Works........................................................ 7 Specifications .................................................................................................. 8 Chapter Four—VRT Transponder Installation and Programming .................. 9 Installation ....................................................................................................... 9 Programming ................................................................................................... 9 Chapter Five—Troubleshooting ....................................................................... 11
INTRODUCTION VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 2 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM Chapter OneChapter OneChapter OneChapter One Introduction The TRACE® VRT Transponder is the heart of AMCO Automated Systems’ portfolio of products for automated meter reading (AMR). About this Document The Transponder manual and installation Guide provides instructions for installing and troubleshooting transponders. It also includes an overview of both AMR in general and TRACE technology in particular. Audience This document is designed for utility industry meter readers and supervisory staff. In order to establish appropriate levels of detail for the material, this document assumes the following:  The user is proficient in reading meters of the type currently compatible with TRACE transponders and possesses all the skills necessary to conduct meter reading by conventional means.  The user has little or no prior expertise in the TRACE AMR technology.  The user is familiar with common data entry devices and techniques. Conventions In the interest of brevity and simplicity, this document uses the following conventions:  Additional information relevant to a given instruction step may be shown in one of three ways: 1. A bulleted item covers “how-to” and verification information. 2. An italicized NOTE contains relevant background information. 3. An italicized and bolded CAUTION contains information important to the safety of either the user or the equipment.  Where reference to other parties is made, the generic masculine pronouns (he, his, him) are used. This is no way reflects bias or gender discrimination in any manner related to the users, publishers or authors of this document.
AMR OVERVIEW VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 3 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM Chapter TwoChapter TwoChapter TwoChapter Two Automated Meter Reading Overview The TRACE system uses radio frequency (RF) signals to allow utility personnel to read meters from a distance while the reader is in motion. This technology is called automated meter reading (AMR). This technology greatly increases the speed at which routes can be covered with a high degree of accuracy. Basic AMR Components An automated meter reading system requires the following basic components:  Transponder—The transponder interfaces with the water meter register/encoder to capture water usage data, receives commands from an interrogator and transmits the water usage data.  Interrogator—At its simplest, the interrogator remotely reads meter data transmitted by transponders. At more sophisticated levels an interrogator may also program transponders, store route data, “wake up” transponders, and verify transponder conditions, among other functions.  Antennas—Both the transponder and the interrogator use antennas to broadcast and receive RF signals. The transponder’s antenna is typically located inside the transponder case. Some interrogators use external antennas (as shown in the illustration below), one for transmitting and one for receiving. Many handheld interrogators use a single antenna for both transmitting and receiving (antenna may be internal or external). TransponderMETERThe interrogator sends out an RF signal to the desired transponders. Upon receiving an authorized command the transponder transmits its stored meter data. S/N 6501529234 Maple DriveInterrogatorInterrogator transmits commands & queries to transponder(s) Transponder transmits meter data to the interrogator’s receiver
TRACE SYSTEM OVERVIEW VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 4 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM The TRACE AMR System Overview In addition to standard automated meter reading functions, AMCO’s TRACE system portfolio of products permits the remote recording of tamper conditions and linking of meter latitude and longitude data using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. With the optional Vehicle Interactive Display, TRACE makes driver-to-meter orientation more intuitive and efficient. TRACE interrogators transmit at 451.35 MHz and receive transponder messages at 415 MHz. (Transponders transmit at 415 MHz and receive at 451.35 MHz.) Trace water transponders listen for an interrogation signal once every 1.5 seconds. Only if a transponder hears its unique serial number will it transmit data back to the interrogation device. How the TRACE System Works Utility personnel no longer have to walk up to each meter, look at its index and record its reading. Once transponders are installed on meters and programmed, meter readers simply walk or drive down each street in the route allowing the TRACE interrogator to request and record meter data automatically. Acquisition of meter information begins with the transponder where data is stored continuously for later retrieval and moves to the interrogator upon command. The acquired data from a given route can be transferred to a host computer via floppy disk for processing. The information acquisition, storage and handling process includes several basic elements: Meter interface. The TRACE VRT water transponder queries the water meter register/encoder and stores it in the transponder’s memory. SN 1111 Read 208… SN 2222 Read 943… MMI Equipped SN 3333 Read 510…SN 4444 Read 1031…TRANSMITRECEIVEThe interrogator addresses each transponder in the interrogation window individually. When the transponder “hears” its serial number and proper authorization, it transmits the current meter data. The TRACE system’s frequency band allows remote reading of transponders even through walls and fences.
TRACE SYSTEM OVERVIEW VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 5 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM Transponder data acquisition. The transponder is programmed with a unique serial number at the time of manufacture. The transponder queries the water meter register/encoder and stores this reading in memory.The transponder also records changes to the tamper detection sensor. Route information loading. Route data includes meter account number, address and latitude/longitude coordinates (when available), and transponder serial number. This information, along with Guide and Start files, is downloaded to the interrogator prior to commencing automated meter reading. By also tracking the vehicle or interrogator’s coordinates, a GPS-equipped system determines which transponders in the route should lie within range at any given time and transmits those serial numbers requesting meter data. Interrogation. Once placed in an interrogation mode by the meter reader, the TRACE interrogator transmits serial number(s) of the desired transponder(s) along with a command requesting the contents of each transponder’s memory. Transponders are selected for reading on the basis of route and meter location information stored in the interrogator and presence of the transponder within range of the interrogator. Route data processing. Meter data from transponders is stored in the interrogator’s memory and can be transferred to the utility’s host computer for processing
VRT TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 6 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM Chapter ThreeChapter ThreeChapter ThreeChapter Three VRT Water Transponder Overview The TRACE VRT Water Transponder is designed for use with most water meters from AMCO Water Metering System, Badger, Sensus, and Neptune. The transponder maintains the current time and date, which are used to record real-time data for retrieval as required during the normal read cycle. In addition to maintaining an electronic index (e-index) reading that corresponds to the meter index reading, the transponder: • Stores 35 daily index readings in separate e-indexes recorded at the start of the utility day. • Maintains up to four time-of-use (TOU) e-indexes that each have programmable start and stop times. VRT Water Transponder and Components The transponder consists of a high impact plastic housing; RF transmitter; receiver; tamper detection; transmit and receive antennas; battery, and various electronic components. The transponder is shipped with mounting hardware. Pit Water Transponder (PWT) Water Meter Register/Encoder Remote Water Transponder (RWT) Water Meter Register/Encoder
VRT TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 7 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM How the VRT Water Transponder Works The transponder polls the water meter register/encoder for the meter reading and stores this value in the transponder’s memory. The interval at which the transponder polls the register/encoder is referred to as the encoder latency and is programmable by the user. The default value for the encoder latency is 1 hour. When the transponder receives an interrogation signal, the transponder transmits the latest meter reading stored in memory to the interrogator. Once a day, at a pre-programmed time, the transponder stores the current index reading for that day into the e-index for that day. The transponder maintains daily reading history for the past 35 days. Four time-of-use registers with programmable start and stop times can accumulate consumption in separate e-indexes as well. To maximize battery life, the transponder changes from its normal, low-power quiescent state every 1.5 seconds into an intermediate power state for 2.5 milliseconds in order to (1) update the e-index for the meter index, daily reading and time-of-use indexes; perform tamper detection; and (3) check to see if a valid interrogation signal is being received. When a valid interrogation signal (including the transponder’s unique serial number) is received, a two-way communication link is established. A current reading and other historical data (as required for each individual account) is transmitted to the interrogator. Data collected by an interrogator are validated, audited and stored for uploading to TRACE® Route Manager VRT Software later. VRT™ Transponder Program Values. At the time of manufacture transponders are programmed with the current date, time of day, and other values as specified by the utility. Time of Day. The time of day for the time zone specified by the utility is programmed into the transponder. The time of day on the transponder can be synchronized with the clock in the interrogation device each time the transponder is read. Daylight Savings Time. If daylight savings time is observed the utility must advise AMCO Automated Systems and the initial settings will be programmed into the transponder at the time of manufacture. Updates to daylight savings time will be communicated through Route Manager VRT ™ and interrogators. Daily Read Capture Time. Daily read history is recorded at the same time each day for retrieval at a later date. The daily read capture time is specified by the utilty and programmed into the transponder at time of manufacture. Time of Use Registers. Time of use registers, if activated, accumulate consumption recorded by the transponder between the start and stop time set for each TOU register. If activated the TOU register must be active for a minimum of 00:29:59 (hh:mm:ss) and a maximum of 23:44:59 (hh:mm:ss). TOU registers can start on the hour or in 15-minute intervals after the hour (12:15:00 PM is a valid start time /
VRT TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 8 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM 12:07:00 PM is not a valid time). TOU registers must end at the end of the hour or in 15-minute intervals thereafter (01:59:59 PM is a valid stop time / 02:13:59 is not). TOU registers can overlap – for example, TOU 01 can run from 08:00:00 AM until 10:29:59 PM and TOU 02 can run from 10:15:00 AM until 2:29:59 PM. TOU registers can span midnight – a start time of 08:00:00 PM with a stop time of 01:59:59 AM is valid. Leak Detect. TBD Leak Interval. TBD Leak Consumption. TBD Meter Type. TBD Specifications The following table shows the VRT Water Transponder specifications. The specifications given below apply to both the Remote Water and the Pit Water transponders, except where specifically noted. Power One (1) lithium – Thionyl chloride 2750 mAmp-hours; 20 years calculated life under normal working conditions. The battery can be easily replaced in the field. FCC Compliance Part 15, Subpart C: a user license is not required FCC ID G8JVRT02 (Remote Water Transponder) FCC ID G8JVRT03 (Pit Water Transponder) RF Transmitter 414.5 MHz, +.0.5, -1.0 MHz; 4,000 uV/m @ 3m. RF Receiver 451.35 MHz; -70 dBm sensitivity Materials • Housing: high-impact plastic, weatherproof, UV protected for outdoor installation. • Circuit-card assembly: conformal-coated • Corrosion–protected external-housing screws • Circuit-card encapsulated in weatherproofing gel (Pit Water Transponder) Operating Temperature Range -22°F to 158°F (-30°C to 70°C) Storage Temperature Range -40 °F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C) Humidity 5-95% Relative (non-condensing) Weight 12 oz. fully assembled (Remote Water Transponder) 8 oz. fully assembled (Pit Water Transponder) Serial Numbers Up to eight digits, starting at 6500000
VRT WATER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION & PROGRAMMING VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 9 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM Chapter FourChapter FourChapter FourChapter Four VRT Water Transponder Installation & Programming Installation For proper installation of the transponder onto the water meter, please contact the manufacturer of the water meter register/encoder. Programming Please refer to the SRP manual for programming instructions, if required. 1. Current Date This value is programmed at the factory, but will be lost in the event of a power interruption. If necessary, program the transponder with the current date. 2. Current Time This value is programmed at the factory, but will be lost in the event of a power interruption. If necessary, program the transponder with the current time. 3. Daily Read Capture Time This value is programmed at the factory and is retained in the event of a power interruption. The value can be reprogrammed if your requirements change. 4. Daily Read History The value in each Daily Read e-index is recorded at a pre-determined time every day and can be retrieved for up to 35 days. In the event of a power interruption these values are lost and cannot be retrieved. 5. Time of Use (TOU) e-index Parameters There can be different values for each TOU e-index. These values are programmed at the factory, but will be lost in the event of a power interruption. If your requirements change the TOU start and stop times can be reprogrammed at any time. 6. Time of Use (TOU) e-index Values The value in each TOU e-index accumulates as the mechanical index registers consumption. In the event of a power interruption the values in each TOU e-index is lost and cannot be recovered. 7. Leak Detect TBD 8. Leak Interval
VRT WATER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION & PROGRAMMING VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 10 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM TBD 9. Leak Consumption TBD 10. Meter Type TBD 11. Next Daylight Saving Time Day Number The transponder’s internal clock will automatically switch to daylight saving time on the date represented by the value entered into this field. The value must represent a future date. Please refer to table [TABLE 01] for a list of valid entries. This value is programmed at the factory for the next valid date after it is shipped, but must be updated by the utility for subsequent periods. In the event of a power interruption the value is retained. 12. Next Standard Time Number The transponder’s internal clock will automatically switch to standard time on the date represented by the value entered into this field. The value must represent a future date. Please refer to table [TABLE 01] for a list of valid entries. This value is programmed at the factory for the next valid date after it is shipped, but must be updated by the utility for subsequent periods. In the event of a power interruption the value is retained.
TROUBLESHOOTING VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 11 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM Chapter FiveChapter FiveChapter FiveChapter Five Troubleshooting The following table offers troubleshooting tips for some common Transponder conditions. For all other matters, contact AMCO Automated Systems. Symptom Possible Cause Solution The incorrect serial number has been entered into the interrogator Verify that the correct serial number is being interrogated The transponder is not within range of the interrogation device Be certain that the interrogator is within range of the transponder. An SRP should be within 3 inches of the transponder. If operating an MMI in Lat/Long or GEO Mode be certain that the transponder is in the reading window. Interference from another interrogation device. Verify that no other interrogations are taking place, either with an SRP, PI, URFI, or MMI. Transponder cannot be interrogated with an SRP, MMI or PI Device Interference from another interrogation device. Any MMI within range of the transponder must have the transmitter turned off while you are interrogating with the SRP. The SRP is out of range of the transponder. Move the SRP (and particularly the top, where antenna resides) closer to the transponder. Transponder will not program The programming device (SRP, PI) is attempting to communicate with the incorrect transponder serial number Correct the serial number in the programming device. Malfunctioning Interrogator Check operation of interrogator on known good transponder Interference from external sources Clear area around transponder of metal objects (lawn chairs, bicycles, etc.). Transponder will not read from street Hard-to-read location Place a known good transponder at the same location and attempt to read both units from the street. If the new unit will read replace the old unit and reinstall it on a meter with shorter range requirements.
TROUBLESHOOTING VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 12 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM Table 01 - DST / ST Date Values Daylight Saving Time Starts ST Starts Year Date Day No. Date Day No. 2002 04/07/02 96 10/27/02 299 2003 04/06/03 460 10/26/03 663 2004 04/04/04 824 10/31/04 1034 2005 04/03/05 1188 10/30/05 1398 2006 04/02/06 1552 10/29/06 1762 2007 TBD TBD 2008 TBD TBD 2009 TBD TBD 2010 TBD TBD 2011 TBD TBD 2012 TBD TBD 2013 TBD TBD 2014 TBD TBD 2015 TBD TBD 2016 TBD TBD 2017 TBD TBD 2018 TBD TBD 2019 TBD TBD 2020 TBD TBD 2021 TBD TBD 2022 TBD TBD 2023 TBD TBD 2024 TBD TBD 2025 TBD TBD
TROUBLESHOOTING VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 13 AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/20/2003 5:06 PM Table 02 - TOU Time Slots Time Slot Start Time End Time Time Slot Start Time End Time Time Slot Start Time End Time 1 12:00:00 AM 12:14:59 AM 33 8:00:00 AM 8:14:59 AM 65 4:00:00 PM 4:14:59 PM 2 12:15:00 AM 12:29:59 AM 34 8:15:00 AM 8:29:59 AM 66 4:15:00 PM 4:29:59 PM 3 12:30:00 AM 12:44:59 AM 35 8:30:00 AM 8:44:59 AM 67 4:30:00 PM 4:44:59 PM 4 12:45:00 AM 12:59:59 AM 36 8:45:00 AM 8:59:59 AM 68 4:45:00 PM 4:59:59 PM 5 1:00:00 AM 1:14:59 AM 37 9:00:00 AM 9:14:59 AM 69 5:00:00 PM 5:14:59 PM 6 1:15:00 AM 1:29:59 AM 38 9:15:00 AM 9:29:59 AM 70 5:15:00 PM 5:29:59 PM 7 1:30:00 AM 1:44:59 AM 39 9:30:00 AM 9:44:59 AM 71 5:30:00 PM 5:44:59 PM 8 1:45:00 AM 1:59:59 AM 40 9:45:00 AM 9:59:59 AM 72 5:45:00 PM 5:59:59 PM 9 2:00:00 AM 2:14:59 AM 41 10:00:00 AM 10:14:59 AM 73 6:00:00 PM 6:14:59 PM 10 2:15:00 AM 2:29:59 AM 42 10:15:00 AM 10:29:59 AM 74 6:15:00 PM 6:29:59 PM 11 2:30:00 AM 2:44:59 AM 43 10:30:00 AM 10:44:59 AM 75 6:30:00 PM 6:44:59 PM 12 2:45:00 AM 2:59:59 AM 44 10:45:00 AM 10:59:59 AM 76 6:45:00 PM 6:59:59 PM 13 3:00:00 AM 3:14:59 AM 45 11:00:00 AM 11:14:59 AM 77 7:00:00 PM 7:14:59 PM 14 3:15:00 AM 3:29:59 AM 46 11:15:00 AM 11:29:59 AM 78 7:15:00 PM 7:29:59 PM 15 3:30:00 AM 3:44:59 AM 47 11:30:00 AM 11:44:59 AM 79 7:30:00 PM 7:44:59 PM 16 3:45:00 AM 3:59:59 AM 48 11:45:00 AM 11:59:59 AM 80 7:45:00 PM 7:59:59 PM 17 4:00:00 AM 4:14:59 AM 49 12:00:00 PM 12:14:59 PM 81 8:00:00 PM 8:14:59 PM 18 4:15:00 AM 4:29:59 AM 50 12:15:00 PM 12:29:59 PM 82 8:15:00 PM 8:29:59 PM 19 4:30:00 AM 4:44:59 AM 51 12:30:00 PM 12:44:59 PM 83 8:30:00 PM 8:44:59 PM 20 4:45:00 AM 4:59:59 AM 52 12:45:00 PM 12:59:59 PM 84 8:45:00 PM 8:59:59 PM 21 5:00:00 AM 5:14:59 AM 53 1:00:00 PM 1:14:59 PM 85 9:00:00 PM 9:14:59 PM 22 5:15:00 AM 5:29:59 AM 54 1:15:00 PM 1:29:59 PM 86 9:15:00 PM 9:29:59 PM 23 5:30:00 AM 5:44:59 AM 55 1:30:00 PM 1:44:59 PM 87 9:30:00 PM 9:44:59 PM 24 5:45:00 AM 5:59:59 AM 56 1:45:00 PM 1:59:59 PM 88 9:45:00 PM 9:59:59 PM 25 6:00:00 AM 6:14:59 AM 57 2:00:00 PM 2:14:59 PM 89 10:00:00 PM 10:14:59 PM 26 6:15:00 AM 6:29:59 AM 58 2:15:00 PM 2:29:59 PM 90 10:15:00 PM 10:29:59 PM 27 6:30:00 AM 6:44:59 AM 59 2:30:00 PM 2:44:59 PM 91 10:30:00 PM 10:44:59 PM 28 6:45:00 AM 6:59:59 AM 60 2:45:00 PM 2:59:59 PM 92 10:45:00 PM 10:59:59 PM 29 7:00:00 AM 7:14:59 AM 61 3:00:00 PM 3:14:59 PM 93 11:00:00 PM 11:14:59 PM 30 7:15:00 AM 7:29:59 AM 62 3:15:00 PM 3:29:59 PM 94 11:15:00 PM 11:29:59 PM 31 7:30:00 AM 7:44:59 AM 63 3:30:00 PM 3:44:59 PM 95 11:30:00 PM 11:44:59 PM 32 7:45:00 AM 7:59:59 AM 64 3:45:00 PM 3:59:59 PM 96 11:45:00 PM 11:59:59 PM Note: TOU registers cannot start and end with the same time slot.

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