User's Manual

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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 for additional information.

The RouteSTAR MVP system is designed to provide a fast, efficient method of

collecting meter reading data from a variety of sources. This includes FIREFLY AMR

meter readings as well as ProfilePlus

™

historical usage data.

More specifically, utility meters are outfitted with FIREFLY Meter Interface Units

(MIUs) that transmit meter readings and associated information. Field personnel collect

these radio frequency readings via ROADRUNNERs equipped with an integrated Radio

Frequency Receiving Unit (RFRU).

Likewise, the MIUs provide a feature called ProfilePlus to keep track of historical usage

data. This data helps solve billing disputes, and enable variable rate billing and load

management studies. ROADRUNNERs are used in conjunction with

Programming/Profiling Units (PPUs) to extract this data on demand.

System Features

FIREFLY AMR System Features

 ProfilePlus: Usage data based on programmable interval setting.

 Quick and easy installation.

Interfacing Options

 1. Optical “through-the-glass” sensor end.

 2. Pulse or encoded wire-end.

 3. Under-glass interfacing (electric meters).

Datamatic, Ltd. 2000 - 2003

Summary of content (13 pages)

PAGE 1
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 for additional information.
PAGE 2
FIREFLY AMR System Reference Manual RF Receiver Diagnostics The Low Output Test Transmitter (LOTT) tests the RF reception of each ROADRUNNER. Meter Options Water Electric Gas Pulse meters Single-Phase Meters Analog Index Meters Encoded meters Analog meters with one or more sweep hands Installation Options  Field installation in less than 10 minutes  Above ground. Below ground: Pits, vaults, and basements. Reading Methodologies Walk-by. Drive-by.
PAGE 3
Chapter 1: System Overview Note: Under the column for the ROADRUNNER X7, the following keys: , 3 , 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 Telxon 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.
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FIREFLY AMR System Reference Manual Function ROADRUNNER X7 Telxon 860 Survey Survey messages are displayed and allows the meter reader to enter survey responses. [G] [G] Interrogate Allows manual interrogation of FIREFLYs one at a time. 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. Totals Displays the total number of normal, demand, checks and total devices in the route.
PAGE 5
Chapter 1: System Overview Function Displays the meter number during a search, correction, or view. Sequence Number Displays the sequence number during a search, correction, or view. Top Scrolls backward through the route and may also be used as a backspace when entering data in a field. Finds the beginning of a route when used with the [ SEARCH ] key. ROADRUNNER X7 Telxon 860 [S] [S] [A] TIP: Press the [ SEARCH ] then the [ TOP ] key to find the beginning of the [F2] route.
PAGE 6
FIREFLY AMR System Reference Manual Function No Responds "NO" to Yes/No questions. Space Enters a space when typing in text. Enter/Yes Accepts entry of information typed in for is the ‘Yes’ answer for Yes/No questions. FIREFLY Menu Displays the FIREFLY Menu when the ROADRUNNER application includes AMR. Backspace Move the cursor to the left one character and erases the character.
PAGE 7
Chapter 1: System Overview 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. FCC ID: ODYD740 Datamatic, Ltd. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
PAGE 8
FIREFLY AMR System Reference Manual Programming/Profiling Unit (PPU) Cable A cable is used to connect the PPU to a ROADRUNNER for programming and extraction of profile data. Config Tester (CT) The Config Tester (CT) is similar to the PPU. It is a stand-alone device for resetting the FIREFLY to dormant and factory configurations.
PAGE 9
Chapter 1: System Overview Temperature Rating: -40° F to 185° F Radio communications: 916.5 MHz Radiated power: 1 milliwatt per millisecond 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.
PAGE 10
FIREFLY AMR System Reference Manual Temperature Tolerance 300 degrees 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).
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Chapter 1: System Overview 11 Powering The unit is powered from the 240VAC line or through the battery connector with five to12-volts or both simultaneously. The current from the AC line has been limited to about 4 milliamps for safety considerations. 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 the resistors that connect to the AC line do heat up.
PAGE 12
FIREFLY AMR System Reference Manual Radio communications FCC Part 15. Unlicensed low power 902-928MHz band . Data rate 9600 BPS. Radiated power Per low power requirement 1 milliwatt nominal. 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.