RF System Manager (SMiRF) PDA Field Service Tool Quick Start Guide Version A.
Table of Contents NOTICES.........................................................................................4 Licensing...............................................................................4 Patents..................................................................................4 Copying.................................................................................4 FCC Compliance...................................................................5 Introduction..............................
Environmental Factors........................................................22 Storage Conditions................................................................22 Operating Conditions.............................................................22 Cleaning Your SMiRF..........................................................22 Maintaining your Battery Pack.............................................22 Changing the Battery.............................................................22 Battery Usage........
SMiRF® - QSG NOTICES Licensing THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE WIRELESS NETWORK PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR USE BY A CONSUMER OR OTHER USES FOR WHICH THERE IS NO REMUNERATION. ANY OTHER USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN ANY MANNER IS NOT LICENSED AND IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED WITHOUT A LICENSE UNDER APPLICABLE PATENTS IN THE WIRELESS NETWORK PATENT PORTFOLIO, WHICH LICENSE IS AVAILABLE FROM MPEG LA, LLC, 4600 S. ULSTER ST., SUITE 400, DENVER, COLORADO 80237 U.S.A. SEE HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.
SMiRF® - QSG FCC Compliance Note: 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.
SMiRF® - QSG RF Exposure User should hold the SmiRF in such a manner as to maintain a distance greater than 30mm (1.2 inches) between the user's hand and the antenna, which is mounted in the top cover of the SmiRF.
SMiRF® - QSG Introduction MeshPlus® networks are used for remote monitoring and control of commercial, industrial, and municipal equipment such as automatic utility metering, municipal lighting, and traffic management. Hundreds of thousands of devices are currently being monitored and controlled by MeshPlus® networks. The MeshPlus® handheld RF System Manager (SMiRF®) is used by installers and field service technicians to deploy and manage MeshPlus MIU devices such as utility meter interface units (MIUs).
SMiRF® - QSG Quick Tour Let's examine the SMiRF: The SMiRF is a rugged waterproof Aceeca PDA that uses a touch-sensitive screen and directional buttons for user interaction. The built-in MeshPlus SMiRF module adds wireless communication with other MeshPlus devices and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for location services. The SMiRF has a built-in stylus for precise selection of items on the screen, a field-removable battery pack, and a waterproof connector for charging and communications.
SMiRF® - QSG Navigation Press the Power button to turn on the PDA. The PDA application laucher shows a list of all the software that is installed on the PDA. Locate the SMiRF application software icon then launch the software by tapping the icon with your finger or stylus.
SMiRF® - QSG HINT: If you don't see the icon, press the center hard-button on the PDA or tap the “Home” icon until it appears. Home Icon The SMiRF application software will first check and configure the SMiRF Module installed in the top of the PDA. If the module is not found or is not working properly, the software will display an error message and exit; otherwise, the SMiRF application software will start and the home page will be displayed.
• • • SMiRF® - QSG Install – ad-hoc installations Read – ad-hoc reading/data collection Exit – quit the FST applications The name of the configured technician (user) for this PDA is displayed at the top of the screen. The home page also provides a menu button in the top-left corner to access the program main menu. To launch any of the home page operations, tap the desired operation with the stylus. Main Menu The SMiRF application software provides pull-down menus to navigate among the various functions.
SMiRF® - QSG ▪ Exit Exit the FST application and return to the PDA launcher. Tasks Menu Most field service operations such as installing, reading, and maintaining devices should be managed using the MeshMaster service management system. The MeshMaster system creates work-orders (tasks) and assigns them to specific field service technicians or field service teams.
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ SMiRF® - QSG Displays the SMiRF module operating firmware and firmware stored for upgrading other MeshPlus devices. Firmware is automatically loaded into the SMiRF during task synchronization and then installed on the SMiRF module when the software restarts. Preferences User preferences such as whether to allow handwriting recognition (Graffiti), whether to require GPS coordinates for all installations, etc. are configured and stored using user Preferences.
SMiRF® - QSG Setup and Configuration Configuration of the SMiRF is performed using the Setup pull-down menu functions. Each pull-down menu choice opens a form (a graphical user interface) that displays information about the current settings and configuration and allows them to be changed. Changes are stored persistently. Wireless Setup To communicate with other MeshPlus and StarPlus devices, the SMiRF module contains a radio and configurable controller.
SMiRF® - QSG User Preferences Users may configure aspects of how the SMiRF operates for convenience and to prevent errors. The initial (default) user preferences are shown to the right and are discussed below: Allow Graffiti The SMiRF provides two methods for text and number entry: virtual keyboards and handwriting recognition. Handwriting recognition uses an engine and style called “Graffiti”.
SMiRF® - QSG GPS location data is critical to several MeshPlus and MeshMaster features. Users are strongly encouraged to leave this preference checked. Show Wiring Hints Many MeshPlus devices are connected to other equipment that is monitored and controlled by the MeshPlus device. For example utility meter interface units (MIUs) are typically connected to utility meter registers using three wires.
SMiRF® - QSG be installed on registers with 6 moving dials and 1 painted dial, set the defaults appropriately to save time during each MIU installation. Similarly, when installing an MIU connected to a pulse register, the default settings for pulse constant and pulse ratio may be configured to avoid the need to enter that data during each MIU installation..
SMiRF® - QSG Tasks Sync The sync operation is used to upload completed work orders to MeshMaster and to download a field technician's tasks for the day. The sync operation is expected to be used at the beginning and the end of each work day. The Sync function is available under the “Tasks” menu. Tap the Sync button to submit completed tasks, download new tasks and download updated firmware. After Sync is finished, a window provides a summary of the activity.
• • • SMiRF® - QSG Back - Returns to the home page Start – Starts work on the task (please refer to the appropriate section for that type of task for the next steps) Nearest – Finds the nearest task based on the current GPS location. NOTE this feature requires a GPS location lock as indicated by the GPS location icon (satellite dish) in the upper right corner of the display. A filter selector in the top left corner of the screen can limit which tasks are shown to make navigation easier.
SMiRF® - QSG When connecting an MIU to a water meter register, enter the number of moving and painted dials. Tap on the numbers to adjust them to match the dials on the face of the register being installed. Pulse constant/ratio only shown for Pulse registers If the MIU is being connected to a pulse register, you must also set the initial register reading, the pulse constant and pulse ratio. To set the initial reading, tap the moving dials and pick their proper values from the list shown.
SMiRF® - QSG Read Tasks MIU reads are typically performed in response to an assigned workorder (task). MIUs may also be independently read by a technician to collect the latest register reading. The read process is very similar for assigned and independent reads: Press “Read” on the Home page for an independent Read. When prompted, activate the MIU to be read by placing a magnet on the activation location on the MIU.
SMiRF® - QSG Setting up your PC Installing Palm Desktop Software The following instructions guide you through installing Palm Desktop so that you can transfer updated software from your computer to your SMiRF. After installation, refer to the online Help in Palm Desktop for information on how to use the software. To ensure a safe and uninterrupted installation of Palm Desktop Do the following before installing: • Turn off your computer and connect the cradle/communications cable to it.
SMiRF® - QSG NOTE Select your username, if it does not already appear in the box. 5. For all conduits, click Change, and select the Desktop overwrites handheld option. Then click OK. NOTE For the conduits named, "Install", "Install Service Templates" and "Install To Card", Desktop overwrites handheld is not an option. These should remain Enabled. 6. Connect your new SMiRF handheld to your desktop computer with the communications cable or USBcradle and press the HotSync button.
SMiRF® - QSG Maintaining Your Handheld Environmental Factors Storage Conditions Store the SMiRF in a cool dry place. Operating Conditions While operating the SMiRF please ensure it is free of moisture, particularly when operating around electrical equipment. The SMiRF is waterproof and dustproof and can be operated in most environmental conditions. We do not recommend operating the SMiRF in extreme conditions (e.g. underwater for long periods, in extreme hot and cold environments, or at extreme altitude).
SMiRF® - QSG Battery Warnings • Do not heat or throw the battery into a fire. • Do not use or store the battery close to fire or inside a car in which the temperature may be over 60°C. • Do not put the battery in your pocket or in a bag together with metal objects such as necklaces, hairpins, coins, or 97 screws. Do not store the battery with such objects. • Do not short circuit the (+) and (-) terminals with a metal object such as a needle, necklace or hairpin.
• • • SMiRF® - QSG body or put it in the recycling box of a store that is cooperating in the recycling of rechargeable batteries. When not using the battery for an extended period, remove it from the equipment and store it in a place with a low humidity and low temperature. If the terminals of the battery become dirty, wipe them with a dry cloth before using the battery. The battery can be stored within a -20°C to 40°C temperature range.
SMiRF® - QSG 2. Launch the CardBkup application 3. Tap “Backup Now” 4. Select the memory card to receive the backup 5. Assign a name for the backup 6. Tap “Begin Backup” 7. The SMiRF will backup all the data on the Card 8. When the backup is finished, tap “Done” Refurbishment Services Aceeca offers refurbishment services for your PDA.
SMiRF® - QSG Restart Hardware A hard reset will erase all records and entries stored in your PDA. NEVER perform a hard reset unless a soft reset does not correct your problem. Always ensure you have backed up your data, if possible, before performing a hard reset on your PDA. You can restore any data the you previously backed up to your card. To perform a hard rest, do the following: 1. Press and hold the Power and Backlight buttons together, then release the Backlight button only. 2.
