Neptune Technology Group BELTCLIPT3 BCT3 User Manual Manual

Neptune Technology Group Inc. BCT3 Manual

Manual

5015 B.U. Bowman Drive Buford, GA 30518 USA Certification Exhibit FCC ID: P2SBELTCLIPT3 IC: 4171B-BELTCLIPT3 FCC Rule Part: 15.247 ISED Canada Radio Standards Specification: RSS-247 Project Number: 72129069 Manufacturer: Neptune Technology Group Inc. Model: BCT3 Manual
R900®Belt Clip Transceiver Users’ Manual
R900®Belt Clip Transceiver Users’ Manual
Proprietary Rights NoticeThis manual is an unpublished work and contains the trade secrets and confidential information ofNeptune Technology Group Inc., which are not to be divulged to third parties and not bereproduced or transmitted in whole or part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanicalfor any purpose, without the express written permission of Neptune Technology Group Inc. Allrights to designs or inventions disclosed herein, including the right to manufacture, are reserved toNeptune Technology Group Inc.The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Neptune reservesthe right to change the product specifications at any time without incurring any obligations.Trademarks Used in this ManualARB and R900 are registered trademarks of Neptune Technology Group Inc. N_SIGHT R900,R900 Belt Clip Transceiver, and MRX920 are trademarks of Neptune Technology Group Inc.Trimble Nomad is a registered trademark of Trimble Navigation Limited. Trimble Ranger 3 is atrademark of Trimble Navigation Limited.CE Net Windows, Windows 6.1, and Windows Mobile Device Center are registered trademarks ofMicrosoft Corporation.Other brands or product names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respectiveholders.FCC ConformityR900 Belt Clip TransceiverThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 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.NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digitaldevice, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonableprotection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, usesand can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with theinstructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is noguarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does causeharmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning theequipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of thefollowing measures: determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to tryto correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:lReorient or relocate the receiving antenna.lIncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.lConnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver isconnected.lConsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RF ExposureThis equipment complies with radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.This equipment is in direct contact with the body of the user under normal operating conditions.This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna ortransmitter.Warning: Changes or modifications to this device not expresslyapproved by Neptune Technology Group Inc., could void the user'sauthority to operate the equipmentIndustry Canada (IC) StatementsThis device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subjectto the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device mustaccept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radioexempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil nedoit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillageradioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.RF ExposureCet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux radiations dans un environnement noncontrôlé. Cet équipement est en contact direct avec le corps de l'utilisateur dans des conditions defonctionnement normales. Cet émetteur ne doit pas être co-localisées ou opérant en conjonctionavec tout autre antenne ou transmetteur.R900®Belt Clip TransceiverUsers’ ManualLiterature No. UM R900 BCT 10.17Part No. 13719-001Neptune Technology Group Inc.1600 Alabama Highway 229Tallassee, AL 36078Tel: (334) 283-6555Fax: (334) 283-7293Copyright © 2013-2017Neptune Technology Group Inc.All Rights Reserved
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ContentsSetting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver 1Introduction 1R900BeltClipTransceiver Overview 1Nomad Handheld and R900BCT 2Unpacking and Inspecting Equipment 2R900BCT Components 3Using the R900BCT 4Understanding the R900BCT Modes 4Accessing the R900BCT Status Screen 7Understanding the R900BCT LED Operating Modes 8Understanding the External Battery Charger Status 9Battery Disposal/Recycling 10Pairing the Nomad to the R900BCT through the Bluetooth 10Pairing the Nomad 10Using the R900BCT to Read a Route 11R900BCT Status Screen in N_SIGHT R900 12RF Performance Modes 13Selecting the R900BCT Reading Mode 14Using the R900BCT RF Test Mode 14From the Login Screen 14From the Route Screen 15R900BCT SD Card Functionality 15R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual v
ContentsUsing the R900BCT for Field Presentment and Field Service 15Updating R900BCT Firmware 16How the Firmware Update Works 17Indexvi R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual
FiguresFigure 1 – R900BCT Meter Reading Cycle 2Figure 2 – R900BCT Components 4Figure 3 – R900BCT Status Screen 12Figure 4 – R900BCT RF Mode Screen 14Figure 5 – R900BCT RF Mode Screen from Route 15Figure 6 – Tab within N_SIGHT R900 Utilities 16Figure 7 – R900BCT Firmware Tab with Update Options 17R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual vii
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TablesTable 1 – R900BCT Power 4Table 2 – R900BCT Modes 5Table 3 – R900 BCT Software Functions 7Table 4 – R900 BCT LED Operating Modes 8Table 5 – R900BCT External Battery LEDs 10Table 6 – R900BCT Status Screen Information 12R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual ix
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R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 1Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiverIntroductionThis section introduces you to the R900®BeltClipTransceiver (R900BCT). It will explainhow the R900BCT is incorporated into the N_SIGHT®R900®host software, and how it willbe used by both meter readers and operators. It will also help you become familiar with thebasic features and functions the handheld computer offers.This section provides basic instructions for unpacking and inspecting the R900BCT. It alsogives instructions for setting up the R900BCT, becoming familiar with the display, pairing itwith the handheld, and usage.R900BeltClipTransceiver OverviewThe R900BCT is a software-defined receiver capable of simultaneously receiving R900,Advantage, and Pocket ProReader RF transmissions. The R900BCT collects readings andthen transfers these readings to the handheld through the Bluetooth connection. TheR900BCT also has the capability to receive and store R900 readings that can be importedinto the billing system without the use of a handheld. Because the R900BCT is software-defined, you can apply firmware updates in order to keep your R900BCT current with newproducts introduced to the market.The R900 BCT can be paired with either an Android or an Apple iOS smartmobile device to use for field presentment purposes or as an additional toolfor field service personnel using Neptune's NGO™ app. DownloadNeptune's NGO app on either the Apple Store or Google Play..
Nomad Handheld and R900BCTThe Trimble®Nomad®(Nomad) handheld utilizes Bluetooth connectivity to Neptune’sR900BCT to receive the meter readings.CIS/billingsoftwareHostmanagementsoftwareFielddata collectionhardwareRF AMRendpointFigure 1 – R900BCT Meter Reading CycleUnpacking and Inspecting EquipmentBesides using normal care, you need no special instructions to unpack the handheld or theequipment that you purchased with it.Check that you have received all the items you need for the type of system configurationthat you are using and inspect the items for shipping damage. If you detect any damage,return the damaged equipment to Neptune. Instructions for shipping the device toNeptune are described in “Returning your Handheld System” in the Neptune HandheldSystem Users’ Manual.Save the packing box that was used to ship the handheld. Shouldyou ever need to ship the handheld, you need to repack the unit inits original shipping box. The handling involved in land and airtransport often subjects the handheld to impact beyond that whichoccurs during normal use.The packing box is designed to absorbshocks and protect the handheld device during shipping.2 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's ManualSetting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
R900BCT ComponentsFigure 2 shows the basic components of the R900BCT.R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 3Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiverFigure 2 – R900BCT Components
Using the R900BCTThe following section explains how to use the R900BCT.Understanding the R900BCT ModesThe following tables describe the R900BCT modes of operation. You change modes on theR900BCT with a combination of the Mode and Enter buttons. To cycle through availablemodes, you press the Mode button. The Mode indicator will flash with the color for themode to enter. To enter the Mode, you press the Enter button within two seconds ofpressing the Mode button. If entered, the Mode indicator displays the newly-entered mode.If you do not press Enter within two seconds, the R900BCT stays in the previous mode.This combination of Mode and the Enter button is done to prevent accidental mode changesduring operation,Function ExplanationPower ONPress for two seconds.The backlight turns orange whenthe power is applied.The unit takes approximately one minute to fully boot. TheMode and RF lights are white during most of boot-up. The unit isfully booted when the Mode and Enter light turn off and theMode LED displays the previous mode of operationPower OFFPress for two seconds. The mode and RF lights blink untiloff.Setting Date/Time The R900BCT synchronizes the time with the Nomad when thetwo are paired. The time on the R900BCT defaults to the timefrom the last Nomad synchronization.Table 1 – R900BCT Power4 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's ManualSetting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
Function LED Color ExplanationReading ModesNormal Green Normal Mode is used to connect through Bluetooth to a hostdevice. Selection between Route (filtered) and RF Test(unfiltered) ismade in the host device software.To enter this mode from other modes.1. PressMODEuntil the Mode LED flashesgreen.2. PressENT, and the Mode LED turnsgreen.Unattended Yellow Unfiltered Operations Mode can operate using the batteryor when connected to vehicle power.To enter this mode with battery power:1. PressMODEuntil the Mode LED isyellow.2. PressENT.To enter from when connected to vehicle power:1. PressMODEuntil the Mode LED isyellow.Table 2 – R900BCT ModesR900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 5Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
Function LED Color ExplanationInstalled mode Magenta1. PressENTand release.2. PressENTagain and hold for fiveseconds, then release.The Mode LED is Magenta.3. Connect the USB.The USB charger must be capable of suppling1A of current.USB mass storage White The SD card appears as an external drive to thePC.To enter this mode:1. Connect the USB to the R900BCT andto the PC.The USB must be connected before the unit canenter the USB mass storage mode.Press until Mode LED flashes white.1. PressMODEuntil the Mode LED flasheswhite.2. PressENT.The SD card now shows as an externaldrive attached to the PC.Table 2 – R900BCT Modes (continued)6 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's ManualSetting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
Accessing the R900BCT Status ScreenThe R900BCT must first be set to Normal Mode to access the R900BCT Status screen.The following table explains how to access the status screen on the handheld.Accessing R900BCT Status ScreenWhile in route Neptune Key, System, UTILS, AMR Status =,8,2,81. Select Advanced Options.2. Select the check box.3. Select Belt Clip Status.From theSynchronizescreenTAB twice, UTILS, Belt Clip Status =Click ,5,81. Select .2. Select5Utils.3. Select8Belt Clip Status.Table 3 – R900 BCT Software FunctionsR900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 7Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
Understanding the R900BCT LED Operating ModesTo help you better interpret the different colors for the flashing Mode LED, refer to thefollowing table.State LED ColorsUnit powered OFF No color; LEDs offPowerOn-Battery 100% – 31% GreenOn-Battery 30% – 16% YellowOn-Battery 15% – 6% RedOn-Battery 5% – Critical Flashes redBattery – Charging Flashes yellowModeNormal mode GreenUnattended mode YellowInstalled mode MagentaMass storage mode WhiteRF ModeNo reading being received OffReceive R900/ERT packet Flashes green when receivingReceive Advantage packet Flashes cyan when receivingNo reading received in two +minutesSolid redTable 4 – R900 BCT LED Operating Modes8 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's ManualSetting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
State LED ColorsBluetoothNot Connected OffPairing Flashes blueConnected BlueError CodesTemperature error Bluetooth and Power LED flash red fivetimesHardware error Bluetooth and Power LED are solid redBattery error Power LED flashes red and yellowCannot power on - battery too low Power LED flashes red three timesSD card error Mode LED is solid redTable 4 – R900 BCT LED Operating Modes (continued)Understanding the External Battery Charger StatusRefer to the Table 5 on the next page for a description of the external battery LED.R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 9Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
LED IndicatesRed, yellow, green orOFFStartup initialization when applyingpowerOFF No battery insertedYellow Battery chargingSolid green Battery charged successfullyRed Error conditionTable 5 – R900BCT External Battery LEDsBattery Disposal/RecyclingBattery disposal/recycling is handled through Call2Recycle®1-800-822-8837. Customersare encouraged to contact Call2Recycle to find their nearest drop-off location for properdisposal/recycling.Pairing the Nomad to the R900BCT through the BluetoothComplete these steps only if you are pairing the Nomad to the R900BCT for the first time.Pairing the NomadTo pair the Nomad to the R900BCT, complete the following steps.1. Power ON the R900BCT and set to Normal Node, if not already set. See"Understanding the R900BCT Modes" on page4.2. On the Nomad, click .3. Click5–UTILS.4. Click8–Belt Clip Status.The AMR Connection screen appears. The R900BCT is visible in the BroadcastingDevice drop-down selection list.10 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's ManualSetting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
5. Choose the device from the drop-down selection list and click Bluetooth.The R900BCT Status screen now displays the device details.lIf you have previously paired a device, go to the R900BCT Status screen andnot the AMR Connection screen.lIf you want to Change Devices, you can click this option on the bottom of theR900BCT Status screen.You then see the AMR Connection screen and can choose the device from thedrop-down selection list.Using the R900BCT to Read a RouteTo begin reading a route using the R900BCT, you first need to load a route to the Nomad.See “Loading and Unloading Data for Handhelds” in the N_SIGHT™ R900®Online Help.Click to load a route when you are working in theN_SIGHT R900 host software.Press F1 to see the instructions forloading a route to a handheld.After the route is loaded and the pairing is complete, you can log in and the unit canreceive readings from the R900BCT. For optimum RF performance, point the R900 BCT'sradio antenna towards the direction of the meter.Neptune recommends meter readers place the belt clip for theirR900 BCT with the antenna end pointed forward. Human body andother structures could impede radio transmission between MIUsand the R900 BCT. By wearing the R900 BCT with the antenna sidepointed forward that interference is minimized.R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 11Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
R900BCT Status Screen in N_SIGHT R900While the Nomad and the R900BCT are paired, you can access a screen showing the statusof the R900BCT. You can see a message like the one illustrated in Figure 3Figure 3 – R900BCT Status ScreenThe following information appears on this screen.Field DescriptionConnection Displays the type of connection used to pair theR900BCT, such as Bluetooth.Device Displays the name of the R900BCT.Temperature Displays the temperature of the R900BCT, such asnormal.SD MEM Free Displays the amount of available memory for the SDcard.Table 6 – R900BCT Status Screen Information12 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's ManualSetting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
Field DescriptionDate Displays the date and time as follows:Date: MM/DD/YYYYWorks beautifully.Time: HH:MMFirmware Displays the version of the firmware on theR900BCT.Battery Displays the available battery percentages.RF Mode Allows you to change the reading mode for theR900BCT by clicking the drop-down selection list.lEfficiency –reduced RF performance and bestbattery lifelModerate – default RF performancelPerformance – best RF performance anddecreased battery lifeTable 6 – R900BCT Status Screen Information (continued)RF Performance ModesThis Mode can be changed from the R900BCT Status screen. The unit has three options forthe RF performance during a reading:1 Efficiency Reduces RF performance* and best battery life2 Moderate Default RF performance*3 Performance Best RF performance* and decreased battery life*RF performance refers specifically to the throughput of the receiver which can impact thespeed with which readings are processed in high density areas. Range is not impactedby these modes.R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 13Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
Selecting the R900BCT Reading ModeTo choose the reading mode, complete the following steps.1. On the Nomad, click .2. Click5–UTILS.3. Click8–Belt Clip Status.The R900BCT Status screen appears.4. Tap the drop-down selection list for RF Mode and you can choose the readingmode. See the modes listed in "RF Performance Modes" on the previous page.Using the R900BCT RF Test ModeRF Test Mode allows the R900BCT to go into a continuous receive mode and listens forany and all R900 transmissions.From the Login ScreenTo access RF Test Mode from the Login screen, complete the following steps.1. On the Nomad, click .2. Click5–UTILS.3. Click7–RF Test.The RF Test Mode screen appears as illustratedin Figure 4.Figure 4 – R900BCT RF Mode Screen14 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's ManualSetting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
From the Route ScreenTo access RF Test Mode from the Route screen, complete the following steps.1. In the route, click .2. Click8–System.3. Click2–Utilities.4. Click7–RF Test.The RF Test Mode screen appears as illustrated inFigure 5.Figure 5 – R900BCT RF Mode Screen from RouteR900BCT SD Card FunctionalityAny data that is read by the R900BCT and sent to the handheld is stored on its internal SDcard.The SD card also handles the firmware updates explained in "R900BeltClipTransceiverOverview " on page1.Using the R900BCT for Field Presentment and FieldServiceIn addition to meter reading, the R900BCT can be paired with an Android or an Appledevice and the associated NGO app utility. The R900BCT can then perform data loggingto acquire data on water usage for a particular meter. In addition, the utility's field personnelcan utilize the NGO app's RF test functionality to test the MIU's transmission. Foradditional information, consult the NGO product literature.R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 15Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
Updating R900BCT FirmwareYou cannot update multiple R900BCTs at once; they must be updatedindividually.When there is an update to the R900BCT firmware, it is available from Neptune throughthe web updates in the R900BCT software, or it can be obtained from Neptune CustomerSupport through email or direct upload to an FTP site.With either choice for receiving the firmware update, the firmware is updated in theN_SIGHT R900 database and then sent to the R900BCT through the USB transfer cableor saved to the SD card and installed on the R900BCT.To update the R900BCT firmware update with the USB cable, theR900BCT must first be connected to the PC and be in Mass StorageMode. To update through the SD card, the Firmware Update File can betransferred to the SD card by using an SD Card Reader.To update the R900BCT firmware, complete the following steps.1. Connect the R900BCT to the PC and place in Mass Storage Mode.2. In the N_SIGHTR900 host software, select Utilities.3. Select the Beltclip Firmware tab. See Figure 6.Figure 6 – Tab within N_SIGHT R900 Utilities16 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's ManualSetting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
Figure 7 – R900BCT Firmware Tab with Update OptionsThe Web Update and Local File buttons perform the same task ofupdating the database with the updated firmware version depending onwhere the updated firmware file is located.How the Firmware Update WorksThe following explains how the firmware update works.lWeb Update—looks to the Neptune servers for an updated version of R900BCTfirmware and downloads it to the database.lLocal File—allows you to import updated firmware from a thumb drive, network drive,or FTP site into the database.lBelt Clip Update—locates the updated firmware file after the updated firmware has beendownloaded and sends it to the R900BCT through the USB transfer cable.R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 17Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver
Setting Up the R900BeltClipTransceiver18 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User'sManualThis page intentionally left blank.
Aaccessreading mode 14RF test mode 14Android, paired with R900BCT 15antenna, correct direction 11app, NGO 15apple device, paired with R900BCT 15Bbatterydisposal/recycling 10error 9Belt Clip Transceiver, R900explained 1illustrated 2, 4bluetooth, LED 9broadcast messages 12Ccable, USB transfer 17change modes, R900 BCT 4components, R900 BCT 3Ddamage, inspecting for 2data logging, with R900 BCT 15database, updated firmware 17direction, antenna placement 11Eefficiency, performance 13error codes, LEDs 9Ffield service, with R900 BCT 15firmwareSD card updates 15update 16-17web update 17firmware updates, R900 BCT 1Hhandheldsinspecting 2transfer readings 1R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 19Index
IndexIinitialization 10inspecting, equipment 2LLEDsbluetooth 8error codes 8explained 8mode 8power 8RF mode 8Mmass storage 16meter reading cycle, illustrated 2moderate performance 13modesaccess RF test 14bluetooth 9error codes LEDs 9LED 8mass storage 16normal filtered reading 5operation 4RF 8RF performance 12RF test 14SD card error 9unattended 5unfiltered reading 5NN_SIGHT R900host software 16status screen 7, 12utilities tab 16Neptune key, illustrated 7NGO app 15Nomad, pairing with R900BCT 10normal filtered reading mode 5Ooperation, modes 4overview, R900 BCT 120 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual
IndexPpair, R900 BCT 10performance, best 13performance, RF 11RR900 BCTAndroid, paired 15Apple device, paired 15change modes 4components 3firmware 16firmware updates 1illustrated 4NGO app 15Nomad, pairing with 10overview 1pair bluetooth 10read route 11SD card 15status screen 12USB transfer cable 17R900 BCT modesLED operating 8operation 4summary 4R900 Belt Clip Transceiveroverview 1USB transfer cable 17reading a route 11reading mode, access 14readings, store 1RFmode 8performance 11RF test, functionality 15RF test, mode 14SSD carderror 9external drive to PC 6functionality 15transfer files 16R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual 21
Indexshippingdamage 2packing requirements 2status screen, N_SIGHT R900 7,12store R900 readings 1synchronizeR900 BCT with Nomad 4screen 7time 4Ttime, synchronize R900 BCT andNomad 4transfer files, to SD card 16transfer readings to handheld 1Uunattended mode 5unfiltered reading mode 5unpacking, equipment 2update, firmware 17USB mass storage 6USB transfer cable 1722 R900 Belt Clip Transceiver User's Manual
Neptune Technology GroupInc.1600 Alabama Highway 229Tallassee, AL 36078USATel: (800) 633-8754Fax: (334) 283-7293Neptune Technology Group (Canada)Ltd.7275 Alabama Highway 229Mississauga, OntarioL5N 5M9CanadaTel: (905) 858-4211Fax: (905) 858-0428Neptune Technology Group Inc.Avenida Ejèrcito Nacional No. 418Piso 12, Despacho 1230Colonia Polanco V Sección,C.P. 11560Delegación, Miguel Hidalgo,México D. F.T: (525) 5203 5294 / (525)5203 4032Fax: (525) 5203 6503UM R900 BCT 10.17 Part No. 13719-001 © Copyright 2013 - 2017, Neptune Technology Group Inc. Neptune is a registered trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc.

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