DRAFT 1 Version 2.8.2 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.
DRAFT 3 Table of Contents Chapter 1: Syst em Over vi ew ................................................. 5 System Features ................................................................................................ 5 FIREFLY AMR System Features................................................................... 5 Interfacing Options ................................................................................. 5 Meter Options ........................................................................
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT Appendix A: Glossar y of Terms ........................................... 37 Appendix B: Equi pment Maintenance .................................... 45 RMA Return Maintenance Authorization .......................................................... 45 DRAFT ©Datamatic.com, Ltd.
DRAFT 5 FCC ID: ODYD740, ODYD2200, ODYD2212, ODYD2300, ODYD2500, and ODYD3000 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. Notice Specific to FCC ID: ODYD3000 Datamatic, Ltd. This device must be professionally installed, below grade, in a meter pit enclosure.
DRAFT 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.
DRAFT ! 3. Under-glass interfacing (electric meters). ! 4. Chapter 1: System Overview 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.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT 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.
DRAFT Trouble Enters a Trouble Code, designating that an unusual condition or problem exists at the meter. Survey Survey messages are displayed and allows the meter reader to enter survey responses. 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.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT Meter Number Displays the meter number during a search, 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. [R] [R] [S] [S] # [A] % 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.
DRAFT Enter/Yes 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. Chapter 1: System Overview [ENTER] [ENTER] [F5] [SHIFT] [I] [BKSP] OR % 11 % Keyboards ROADRUNNER 860 ROADRUNNER X7 DRAFT ©Datamatic, Ltd.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT 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.
DRAFT 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.
DRAFT 14 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.
DRAFT 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.
DRAFT 16 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.
DRAFT 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 DRAFT 2. Use approved method specified in the Training Guide for wire connections. 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.
DRAFT Chapter 1: System Overview 19 Note: When the PPU is not in use, it MUST be switched to the OFF position, to prolong battery life. ! 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.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT After data has been successfully validated, the following screen displays: ____________________ Interval Data Successfully Read ____________________ 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 t
DRAFT 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 DRAFT volatile memory in a LIFO (Last In, First Out) manner. A total of 16,256 intervals are 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.
DRAFT Radiated power Chapter 1: System Overview .75 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 DRAFT Meter Reading The Gas FIREFLY MIU unit counts rotations of the meter drive. The meter reading is stored in a 32-bit register in units equal to the sensor constant with a rollover at 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.
DRAFT Operating temperature -40° C to +85° C. Operating voltage 3.6 VDC. Sensor Magnetic Chapter 1: System Overview 25 Radio communications FCC Part 15. 902-928MHz ISM band . Data rate 9600bps 1-way, 19200bps 2-way. Radiated power .75 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.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT Int. Size=YYY Enter the desired number of days for profile extraction (Max Avail=XXXX) YYY indicates the interval size in minutes. For example, if the interval size is 30 minutes, the display will be: Int. Size=30 mins. XXXX indicates the number of days available in the profile data buffer. If there is less than one day available, the value of XXXX will be “< 1 day”. If there is one day available, this value will be “1 day”.
DRAFT Chapter 1: System Overview 27 The number of days selected is greater than the number of days available. Do you want to select ALL days? (Y/N) Selecting “Y” will cause the profile extraction process to request all available profile data bins. Selecting “N” will cause the user to re-enter the number of days available. The default is “N” if the user selects the escape key sequence.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL ! ! DRAFT Double-click on the meter number. A prompt to enter Starting and Ending Dates appears. 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 DRAFT ©Datamatic.com, Ltd.
DRAFT Chapter 1: System Overview 29 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.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT Unit Of Measure Automatically selects the unit of measure for each type of FIREFLY (as determined by the Global Settings), or allows the user to select the unit of measure the graph will display.
DRAFT Chapter 1: System Overview 31 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.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT 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.
DRAFT Chapter 1: System Overview 33 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. DRAFT ©Datamatic, Ltd.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT 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.
DRAFT Chapter 1: System Overview 35 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.
FIREFLY AMR REFERENCE MANUAL DRAFT Yes Confirm deleting profile data for highlighted meters. No Return to viewing data without deleting profile data for selected meters. DRAFT ©Datamatic.com, Ltd.
DRAFT 37 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.
DRAFT 38 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.
DRAFT 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 DRAFT 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.
DRAFT 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 DRAFT 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.
DRAFT 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 DRAFT 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.
DRAFT 45 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.
