Version 2.8.1 FIREFLY AMR SYSTEM REFERENCE MANUAL CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY 2000-2004 By Datamatic, Ltd. All Rights Reserved 3600 K Avenue Plano, TX 75074 24-Hour Customer Support (888) 326-5032 or (214) 540-5200 Internet: http://www.datamatic.com Email: csupport@datamatic.com THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS THE TRADE SECRETS AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OF DATAMATIC, LTD. NEITHER THIS DOCUMENT NOR ANY PART THEREOF MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF DATAMATIC, LTD.
Table of Contents Chapter 1: Syst em Over vi ew ................................................. 6 System Features ................................................................................................ 6 FIREFLY AMR System Features................................................................... 6 Interfacing Options ................................................................................. 6 Meter Options ...............................................................................
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL Appendix A: Glossar y of Terms ........................................... 37 Appendix B: Equi pment Maintenance .................................... 45 RMA Return Maintenance Authorization .......................................................... 45 ©Datamatic.com, Ltd.
FCC ID: ODYD740, ODYD2200, ODYD2212, ODYD2300, and ODYD2500 Datamatic, Ltd. This 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. WARNING: These devices operate under Part 15 of the FCC rules. Modifications to these devices not expressly authorized by Datamatic, Ltd.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL 1 Chapter 1: System Overview This document covers the setup and operation of the FIREFLY Radio Frequency Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system, used in conjunction with the RouteSTAR Meter Reading System (RouteSTAR MVP). All information presented herein assumes the installation and understanding of the RouteSTAR MVP software and associated ROADRUNNER ruggedized, handheld computers. Refer to the ROADRUNNER system manual and Training Guides for additional information.
Chapter 1: System Overview ! 4. Direct-mount to gas meters Meter Options Water Electric Gas Pulse meters Single-Phase Meters Analog Index Meters Encoded meters Analog meters with one sweep hand Installation Options Field installation in less than 10 minutes in most cases ! Above ground. ! Below ground: Pits, vaults, and basements. Reading Methodologies ! Walk-by with the ROADRUNNER handheld. ! Drive-by with the ROADRUNNER Mobile system.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL Note: Under the column for the ROADRUNNER X7, the following keys: # , $ , % , & refer to the cursor pad located in the upper right corner of the keyboard. This key groups together the four arrow keys, also called the direction keys. Cursor Pad Function ROADRUNNER X7 ROADRUNNER 860 Menu Displays the Main Menu Contrast Up Lightens the screen intensity when the APD is displayed. Send Initiates the communication procedure to send/receive data to/from the MVP PC.
Chapter 1: System Overview 9 ROADRUNNER X7 ROADRUNNER 860 Survey Survey messages are displayed and allows the meter reader to enter survey responses. [G] [G] Interrogate Begins user-selected FF interrogation method. Special Message Displays special messages, if present, which have been sent from the Host. If used in conjunction with the [ CORRECT ] key, a special message may be entered or edited. Totals Displays the total number of normal, demand, checks and total devices in the route.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL Function ROADRUNNER X7 ROADRUNNER 860 [S] [S] # [A] % correction, or view. Sequence Number Displays the sequence number during a search, correction, or view. Top Scrolls through menus. Finds the beginning of a route when used with the [ SEARCH ] key. TIP: Press the [ SEARCH ] then the [ TOP ] key to find the beginning of the route. [F2] Instruction Displays the instruction message during a search, correction, or view.
Chapter 1: System Overview Function 11 ROADRUNNER X7 ROADRUNNER 860 [F5] [SHIFT] [I] [BKSP] OR % Accepts entry of information typed in and is the ‘Yes’ answer for Yes/No questions. FIREFLY Menu Displays the FIREFLY Menu when the ROADRUNNER application includes AMR. Backspace Moves the cursor to the left one character and erases the character. % Keyboards ROADRUNNER 860 ROADRUNNER X7 ©Datamatic, Ltd.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL Radio Frequency Receiving Unit (RFRU) The ROADRUNNER Radio Frequency Receiving Unit (RFRU) receives and buffers radio readings, then downloads them to the ROADRUNNER handheld unit when interrogated ("I" key). The ROADRUNNER RFRU is an integrated, internal unit, powered by a rechargeable NiCad battery pack.
Chapter 1: System Overview Config Tester (CT) for Water FIREFLYs The Config Tester (CT) is similar to the PPU. It is a stand-alone device for resetting the FIREFLY to dormant and factory configurations. Once coupled with the MIU and activated, there are three lights which display the status: Yellow = Updating Green = Successful Red = Unsuccessful FIREFLY Meter Interface Unit (MIU) – Water The FIREFLY Meter Interface Unit (MIU) tracks and transmits reading data.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL FIREFLY Optical Sensor The FIREFLY MIU uses a unique and highly sophisticated optical sensor unit to track meter activity. An infrared strobe is integrated into the sensor and generates its own light, regardless of ambient conditions. The sensor is oriented so that the register needle approaches the sensor from the cable side and perpendicular to the cable. The indicators on the top side of the sensor need to be aligned with the passing sweep hand.
Chapter 1: System Overview 15 Installation Preparation Installation Considerations 1. Signal distance varies depending on the location of the MIU. FIREFLYs installed above-ground generally transmit the greatest distance. 2. The material of a pit or vault lid affects the transmission range. For example, a transmitter has a greater range sending from a pit with a plastic lid than a cast iron lid. 3.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL 7. Re-wipe the surface of the meter lens with a clean, new cotton swab each time until the swab comes up clean, and the clean lens squeaks when wiped. 8. After cleaning, ensure that the lens is completely dry; allow time for the alcohol to evaporate Background Check for Firmware Version 0210 and Prior Sensor Firmware Versions Only 1. Connect the ROADRUNNER to the FIREFLY via the PPU. 2.
Chapter 1: System Overview 17 4. Orient the sensor so the water meter needle approaches the sensor from the cable side and perpendicular to the cable. There are indents on each side of the sensor base that are to be in line with the needle when it passes. 5. Attach the sensor to the water meter lens surface. 6. Since the 3M tape provides a pressure sensitive seal, the installer must apply 16 lbs. of pressure to the MIU sensor immediately after attaching to the lens surface.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL 3. Mount the FIREFLY to an appropriate wall, stake, or through hole in the meter box / vault lid. 4. If using a stake, bury the stake in the ground adjacent to the meter register at least 6 inches. The platform area of the pole needs to face inward. 5. Position the MIU on the pole platform. 6. Position the FIREFLY MIU with the threaded neck pointing up. 7. Attach the MIU to the pole with the binding material.
Chapter 1: System Overview 19 ! From the meter record, on the ROADRUNNER 860 press SHIFT I or F5 on the ROADRUNNER X7 to access the FIREFLY Menu. Or, ! Press F1 , 4 , then 6 to access the FIREFLY Menu. ! Choose 5 Profile Extract from the FIREFLY Menu. —FIREFLY Config— 1.Templates 2.Program FF 3.Program Indiv Param 4.Current Settings 5.Profile Extract 6.Set Reading Mode 7.Enter AutoCAL 8.Exit AutoCAL 9.Test RF Reception A.TEST OPTICS B.Diagnostics C.Options D.Captue Config E.AutoCAL Rules F.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL If data is of invalid length, or has corrupt values, this message is displayed: ____________________ Invalid Interval Data Length ____________________ This is followed by a prompt to retry extraction: Would you like to retry extraction? Y/N If “Yes” is selected, the Receiving Interval Data screen is re-displayed with the percentage indicator starting at 0%. Profile extraction restarts from the beginning.
Chapter 1: System Overview 21 Electric FIREFLY MIU Meter Reading The Electric FIREFLY MIU unit counts disc rotations, which are typically 7.2 watthours per rotation. The meter reading is stored in a 32-bit register in units of 0.1 watt-hours with a rollover at 99,999,999.9 watt-hours. The sensor constant, watt-hours per rotation, is set in the configuration data, and is typically initialized to 72 decimal (48 hexadecimal).
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL saved in the LIFO. The profile data is extracted via a wireless link using the ROADRUNNER X7 handheld computer. At a 15-minute profile interval, 165 days of profile data is collected. Power The unit is powered from the 240VAC line within the electric meter. Beware that the unit is not grounded, but is floating at the AC line potential. DO NOT TOUCH the electronics when connected to 240VAC. Also be aware that components in the power delivery system do heat up.
Chapter 1: System Overview Radiated power 1 mW 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 radiates radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL 999,999,999 cubic feet. The sensor constant, cubic feet per rotation, is set in the configuration data, and is programmable to match the index size of the meter. The meter reading tracks the meter index incrementing upward as the meter registers consumption. Profile Data The unit gathers and stores consumption profile data. The individual profile data elements are calculated from the change in the meter reading over the interval time, and then divided by the scale factor.
Chapter 1: System Overview 25 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 radiates radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL available, this value will be “1 day”. If there is more than one day, this value will be “XXXX days”. The valid range for the number of days is from 1 up to the maximum calculated number of days. If the user enters a value of 0, the following warning message will be displayed: Number of days must be greater than 0. After the user dismisses this prompt, the user will be prompted to re-enter the number of days.
Chapter 1: System Overview At the end of the workday, profile data in the ROADRUNNER is uploaded along with any other meter readings in the normal fashion. Profile data is then viewed on the MVP PC. Viewing Profile Data in RouteSTAR MVP Viewing ProfilePLUS Data via RouteSTAR MVP ! Select the FIREFLY icon from the Detail Summary View (left side) of the Route Manager View. Meters with extracted data display in the Detail SummaryArea. (right side) of the Route Manager view.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL Profile Data Range Start Date and Time The date and time of the first bin of extracted profile data End Date and Time The date and time of the last bin of extracted profile data NOTE: To change the value of a field (month, day, year or hour) highlight the field and change the value by clicking the up/down arrows to the right or by using the arrows on the computer keyboard.
Chapter 1: System Overview 29 NOTE: Once a file is selected for graphing and the start and end dates and times are displayed, the appropriate time interval radio button is automatically selected. If the time interval is large, the shorter time interval buttons are grayed out. If the time interval is small, the longer time interval selections are automatically grayed out. The selections will change as the user adjusts the time interval.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL Viewing Data in ProfilePLUS Global Settings Menu The Global Settings menu is used to set the default display information desired for each type of FIREFLY and for each graph. These settings may be adjusted any time by selecting the Global Settings button from the main graphing dialog box. It can also be accessed from a profile graph by selecting the Home link, which takes the user back to the main graphing dialog box.
Chapter 1: System Overview 31 The image above represents a “Weekly Consumption Graph” for a Water FIREFLY. The header information is displayed based on the option selected in Global Settings. Double-clicking on a graph bar allows the user to “drill-down” to smaller interval graphs until the smallest possible resolution (or profile interval) is reached. The user is then notified they have reached the smallest available time interval.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL The Save link allows the user to save the graph as an HTML page with an embedded .jpg (image file) so the graph can be viewed in a browser window. The user can select the name and directory where the HTML page will be saved. Double-clicking on sample.html brings up the default browser on the computer. ©Datamatic.com, Ltd.
Chapter 1: System Overview 33 NOTE: Saved images of graphs do not support any links or “drill-down” features. They are meant to be viewed only. The Axis Control link (located on the graph at the intersection of the X and Y axis) is used to adjust the spacing of the x-axis labels and the maximum value of y-axis that is displayed.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL Graph bars with “breaks” (or white diagonal lines) indicate that the actual value is higher than the user-defined maximum y-axis value). Customer Name, Address, Utility, Cycle, Route, Sequence, and Installer labels may be edited by double-clicking on the appropriate blue labels in the heading. Below is a sample dialog box for editing the Address label: Pressing OK in each dialog box applies the changes to the graph.
Chapter 1: System Overview Yes Confirm deleting profile data for highlighted meters. No Return to viewing data without deleting profile data for selected meters. ©Datamatic, Ltd.
A Appendix A: Glossary of Terms Account Number An alphanumeric, twenty-character field identifying the customer account number. If the account number is less than twenty characters, the unused space is left blank. This unused space also is used to display other relevant information pertaining to the account and is displayed just as it is sent from the HOST. This additional information includes items such as the number of months since the last reading or an indicator of an equal payment plan.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL number, type of meter (water, kilowatt, etc.), address and meter location, and special instructions. There is a separate APD for each meter. The APD is customizable for each user in RouteSTAR MVP. Book Alternate term for a route. (See Route Number) Broadcast Message A free form statement, up to 80 characters long, sent to all ROADRUNNERs receiving a route on a given day. The statement appears to the meter reader during the initial daily log-on procedure.
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms 39 Dials, Number of The number of dials indicates the number of digits expected for a meter reading. This information is used to audit the entered reading and to control the reading field size displayed on the ROADRUNNER. For readings with decimal places defined, the number of dials does not include the decimal point even though a decimal point appears in the read field on the ROADRUNNER display.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL HOST The computer that performs the billing function for the utility company. The HOST generates the routes to be read which are sent to the MVP PC; it also receives the readings from the MVP PC, which are then billed. The HOST is a mainframe, minicomputer, UNIX-system or PC. The HOST and the MVP PC, in some situations, are the same computer. HOST Sequence Number The controlling value that determines the sequence in which a route is read.
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms 41 of paper and pen, using handheld computers, automatically using telephone equipment or with RF equipment. Metre Probe Probing device marketed by Metre Pro that probes all types of touch read devices. Mode The activity of the FIREFLY is set to either Active or Dormant (inactive). The FIREFLY is transmitting while in Active mode.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL Previous Read Date A four-character field containing the last month and day in which a reading was recorded for a meter. Format is MM/DD. Previous Reading A ten-character field that contains the last recorded reading from the HOST. This field is displayed on the MVP PC and is optionally displayed on the ROADRUNNER for the meter reader. Probe A data collection device used as an interface between the ROADRUNNER and the electronic data recorder on some electric power meters.
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms 43 Route Number Six-digit number that identifies a specific route in the RouteSTAR system. Depending on the option selected for import, the system requires the first two-digits of the route number to identify the cycle. A route is also referred to as a book. RouteSTAR MVP Name of the software package that handles data between a HOST computer and small handheld meter reading computers. MVP PC Trademark for the combination of RouteSTAR MVP and a PC.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL Stop Date; Stop Time The month, day and year, hours, minutes and seconds that a meter reader completes reading a route. The Stop Date and Time is registered upon reading the last meter in the route and has the following formats for each field: Stop Date = ‘CCYYMMDD’ and Stop Time = ‘HHMMSS’. Survey Flag A one-character field indicating to RouteSTAR MVP that a survey question is attached to a specific meter.
B Appendix B: Equipment Maintenance RMA Return Maintenance Authorization To send in your unit for preventative maintenance, contact Customer Support to receive a Return Maintenance Authorization (RMA). Always contact Customer Support for an RMA before sending Datamatic equipment. Datamatic will not service equipment without an RMA. 1. Complete Datamatic’s Equipment Return Request Form on the web at www.datamatic.com/callcenter/ccRMAform.