USER GUIDE EnergyAxis Gas Module
TABLE OF CONTENTS Copyright Acknowledgements The contents of this document are the property of Elster Integrated Solutions and are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
FCC & Industry Canada Compliance EnergyAxis Gas Module™ has been granted authorization as a low power modular radio transmitter by the Federal Communications Commission under 47 CFR Part 15.247 and by Industry Canada under RSS-GEN and RSS-210. FCC ID: G8JEAGAS01. Industry Canada ID: 3599-EAGAS01. The device transmits and receives in the frequency range 902.8 – 927.6 MHz. The device may also receive on 451.35 MHz.
TABLE OF CONTENTS EnergyAxis Gas Module USER GUIDE Table of Contents Chapter One.............................................................................................. 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1 About this Document 1 Chapter Two .....................................................................................................................................
Page ii EnergyAxis Gas Module ― User Guide Elster Integrated Solutions • Draft Rev A Nov.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Chapter One Introduction The EnergyAxis Gas Module is the heart of Elster Integrated Solutions’ portfolio of products for automated metering infrastructure (AMI). About this Document The EnergyAxis Gas Module User Guide provides instructions for installing and troubleshooting transponders. It also includes an overview of both AMI in general and EnergyAxis technology in particular. Actual procedures are covered in two sets of chapters.
Conventions In the interest of brevity and simplicity, this document uses the following conventions: Additional information relevant to a given instruction step may be shown in one of three ways: 1. A bulleted item covers “how-to” and verification information. 2. An italicized NOTE contains relevant background information. 3. An italicized and bolded CAUTION contains information important to the safety of either the user or the equipment.
CHAPTER 3 VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW Chapter Two Automated Meter Reading Overview The EnergyAxis system uses radio frequency (RF) signals to allow utility personnel to automate meter reading activities. This technology is called automated meter infrastructure (AMI). This technology greatly increases the speed at which routes can be covered with a high degree of accuracy.
VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW CHAPTER 3 EnergyAxis AMI System Overview Elster Integrated Solutions EnergyAxis system portfolio of products permits the remote recording of tamper conditions and the linking of meter latitude and longitude data using the Global Positioning System (GPS). In every meter reading transmission, gas modules send total consumption data as well as interval consumption data for each of the last 24 hours.
CHAPTER 3 VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW Chapter Three EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponder Overview Type R & R415 Rockwell/ Equimeter/ ® Invensys Type S Sprague/ Schlumberger/ ® Actaris/Metris Type A ® American Meter Company The EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponder (DGT) is designed for use with most residential diaphragm meters.
VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW CHAPTER 3 EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponder and Components The EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponder is available for three types of meters.
CHAPTER 3 Meter Manufacturer Index screw Meter mounting bolt Index cover gasket Vandal plug (tamper seal) VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponder H/W by Meter Type (and P/N) Invensys/Rockwell American (A) Metris/Sprague (S) (R & R415) 52800P063 1 10528P002 2 52800P063 1 10529P001 3 10529P003 4 10529P002 5 11401P001 6 11401P002 7 11401P003 8 52548P010 --11302P002 --11302P003 --Screws The following photos indicate the actual size and shape of the different screws a
VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW Index Cover Gaskets Page 8 CHAPTER 3 6 7 8 Cork Index Cover Gasket (A) Cork Index Cover Gasket (R & R415) Cork Index Cover Gasket (S) EnergyAxis Gas Module ― User Guide Elster Integrated Solutions • Draft A Nov.
CHAPTER 3 VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW How the EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponder Works When a EnergyAxis DGT is installed on a meter the installer programs the mechanical index reading into the transponder. Converting Mechanical Count into Electronic Form During normal operation, the mechanical index accumulates its count. The transponder keeps track of the index reading by counting the number of rotations of the index’s drive dial.
VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW CHAPTER 3 Specifications The following table shows the specifications of the EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponder: EnergyAxis DGT Specifications Power One (1) lithium–thionyl chloride 2750 mAmp-hours; 20 years calculated life under normal working conditions. The battery can be easily replaced in the field. FCC Compliance 47CFR Part 15.
CHAPTER 4 VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION Chapter Four EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponder Installation Installing the EnergyAxis DGT on any of the four types of meters (A, R415, R and S) is quick and easy. We estimate the complete process (including initial baseline programming) will take an experienced installer about five minutes to complete, assuming all tools, equipment and materials are on hand.
VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION CHAPTER 4 Preparation and Installation Preparation 1. Prior to removing the existing index and index cover, verify that the transponder style is compatible with the meter style. Type A Type R Type R415 Type S 2. Verify the transponder battery is properly seated, and that the battery wires are tucked neatly beside it, out of the way of the wriggler and other transponder components.
CHAPTER 4 VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION 2. Remove the gasket and any adhesive material from the meter. • Use a scraper or putty knife. 3. Align index wriggler with transponder wriggler, as shown below. Type A Type R415 Type R Type S 4. Attach the index to transponder. • Use two (2) appropriate index screws. CAUTION: Do not over tighten index screws. Checking Mechanical Operation This procedure will verify the attached index rotates freely and without resistance. 1.
VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION CHAPTER 4 Checking Mechanical Index to Electronic Index Operation This procedure will verify the electronic index is properly recording counts and subcounts corresponding with those of the mechanical index. 1. Rotate the transponder wriggler till the drive dial is in the 12 o’clock position. Drive dial hand in 12 o’clock position Type A Type R415 & R Type S 2. Electronically read the transponder subcounts.
CHAPTER 4 VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION 8. By using an Handheld or other suitable interrogator/programmer, verify that the pre-divider is correct. (The pre-divider for a 1-ft drive is 100 and the pre-divider for a 2-ft drive is 50; refer to the Appendix for the definition of predivider). 9.
VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION CHAPTER 4 • For American Meter Transponders Only: If the American Meter transponder meets resistance in one direction then turns 360 degrees the other way before again meeting resistance, it is not properly mated. Repeat from Step 1. CAUTION: It is very important that the wriggler on the transponder is correctly engaged onto the meter.
CHAPTER 4 VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION 9. Remove the semi-detached label from the transponder and attach it to your paperwork.
VRT DIRECT GAS-METER TRANSPONDER INSTALLATION CHAPTER 4 3. Program the electronic index to match the meter ‘s mechanical index. • This will also reset the transponder subcounts to zero. 4. If required, program the pressure compensation factor now. • Compensation factors are unique for specific indexes and can be obtained by contacting Elster Integrated Solutions Customer Service Department at (919) 250-5700. 5. Read the transponder.
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING Chapter Five EnergyAxis Remote Gas-meter Transponder Overview The EnergyAxis Remote Gas-meter Transponder (RGT) is compatible with American Meter C&I meters. The pulser board is used for both 5-ft and 10-ft indexes. EnergyAxis RGT Style Meter Mount Meter Type Part Number* 5 ft. 52807K551-100 10 ft. 52807K551-100 * Part numbers are subject to change. Be sure to include item description when ordering.
APPENDIX How it Works The EnergyAxis RGT is designed for use with commercial gas meters where the meter/index design prohibits direct transponder attachment. A “pulser” circuit board is interfaced with the index gears to provide an electronic “pulse” that translates each turn of the mechanical gear into electronic pulses. These pulses are sent via a cable to the transponder where they are recorded as consumption values.
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING The meter’s existing index and index cover are attached to the EnergyAxis RGT pulser board during installation. EnergyAxis Gas Module ― User Guide Elster Integrated Solutions • Draft Rev A Nov.
APPENDIX Identifying the Components (Meter Mount) Meter-mount remote VRT gas transponder American Meter 5/10 ft. Pulser board Mounting kit with: • brackets (2) • slide screws (2) • mounting screws (2) Spacers (6) Each shipment of EnergyAxis RGTs includes all the hardware necessary to successfully install a transponder onto a meter. You will receive: • The meter-mount transponder • A 5-ft /10-ft meter pulser board connected to the transponder by a standard one-foot cable.
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING Chapter Six EnergyAxis Remote Gas-meter Transponder Installation Installing the EnergyAxis RGT on American Meter 5-ft and 10-ft meters is quick and easy. We estimate the complete process (including initial baseline programming) will take an experienced installer about five minutes to complete, assuming all tools, equipment and materials are on hand. Tools, Equipment and Materials All or some of the following items may be needed in order to install the transponder.
APPENDIX Equipment & Materials • Replacement seals Pulser Installation (Meter-mount) NOTE: Although this section illustrates installation of the 5 ft pulser board, the procedure is essentially the same for the 10 ft pulser board. 1. Remove the index box from the meter. • If the meter index box has a back cover, remove the 2 screws that secure it first. • Remove the screws securing the index box to the meter. • Save all screws. Remove back cover of index box first (if applicable).
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING 3. Cut a small notch in the base of the index box (on the left side near the back). Cut a small notch on left side of the base (near the back) to pass cable though. • Use either the nibbling tool or file. • The notch should be only large enough to allow the connecting cable to pass through. CAUTION: The notched index cover should fit snugly over the cable but not so tightly that the wires inside may be broken or crimped when the box is tightened down. 4.
APPENDIX A TALL 1/2” (fat post) B TALL 7/8” (thin post) C SHORT 1/4” (both posts) A+C B+C FAT POST spacer combo THIN POST spacer combo Pulser board spacer types (2 of each type in kit) To Order Additional Spacers Item Part Number* A 1/2” Tall spacer for fat post 52807P002 B 7/8” Tall (2 tiered) spacer for thin post 52807P003 C 1/4” Short spacer (all) 52807P004 * Part numbers are subject to change. Be sure to include item description when ordering. 5.
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING Faces toward index, gears engaged Pulser board (front) INDEX (back) Index post Pulser board (back) Index post INDEX (front) 6. Slip one of the short spacers over the portion of each post protruding above the pulser board. Put short spacers on protruding portion of posts 7. Route the pulser wires toward the notch cut earlier in the index box. • Be sure the wires are not pinched under either the posts or the spacers.
APPENDIX 8. Slide the index/pulser assembly into the index box. Route wires toward the notch in the index box. Make sure they’re not pinched under posts or spacers Notch 9. Reattach the index/pulser assembly to the index box. Page 28 • Use the 2 screws removed in Step 2. • Ensure that the wires are not pinched anywhere before tightening screws. • Verify that the index turns without binding. EnergyAxis Gas Module ― User Guide Elster Integrated Solutions • Draft A Nov.
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING 10. Position the index box (with index/pulser assembly) over the screw holes in the meter flange. Route the cable through the notch. Make sure the end of the insulated covering is well inside the box. • Ensure that the individual pulser wires are well inside the box and the insulated section of cable exits via the notch made in Step 3. Take precaution to ensure that the index and pulser board are protected from rain or snow. 11.
APPENDIX EnergyAxis RGT Mounting (Meter-mount) Tools, Equipment and Materials For this part of the installation you will need the following: • Metal bracket sections (A & B) • Hex-head slide screws (2) • Phillips-head mounting screws (2) • (Optional) 5/16ths English socket or adjustable wrench Bracket A (transponder section) Bracket B (meter section) Phillips-head mounting screws Hex-head slide screws Meter Mounting Positions The transponder may be installed in either of two positions (lefthand
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING Meter-mounting Procedure The illustrations below show how the meter-mount brackets should be assembled (for right-hand or left-hand mounting) prior to attaching them to the meter. B Attach transponder base here Transponder A Adjust distance between meter mounting holes using slide screws and slot. TOP Brackets assembled for RIGHT-HAND mounting Attach transponder base here Brackets assembled for LEFT-HAND mounting 1. Attach bracket A to bottom of the transponder.
APPENDIX 2. Connect brackets A and B using the 2 hex-head slide screws. • The screw heads should be on the outside of the slot on bracket A, with their threads started in bracket B holes. • Slightly finger-tighten the screws so that the bracket width can still be adjusted. • The hex screws should be on top—regardless which mounting position you use—when the bracket assembly is connected to the meter. Transponder TOP A B 3.
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING 5. Secure slide screws into position. • You may be able to finger-tighten these sufficiently, but it is recommended you use either an adjustable wrench or a 3/16ths English socket to secure the slide. 6. Mount the transponder to meter in desired location. Meter slotted screws • Use the 2 slotted screws previously removed from the meter. • Do not over-tighten screws. 7. Dress pulser cable neatly. • Tie up or bind any excess cable and position it out of harm’s way. 8.
APPENDIX EnergyAxis RGT Programming (All) NOTE: The procedure for programming the EnergyAxis Remote Gas-meter Transponder is identical to that used for programming the EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponder as described earlier in this manual.
CHAPTER 7 TROUBLESHOOTING • This will also reset the transponder subcounts to zero. 5.. If required, program the pressure compensation factor now. • Compensation factors are unique for specific indexes and can be obtained by contacting Elster Integrated Solutions Customer Service Department at (919) 250-5700. 6.. Read the transponder. • If the electronic index matches the meter ‘s mechanical index, installation is complete.
Appendix EnergyAxis Direct Gas-meter Transponders can be programmed (at the factory or in the field) with values specified by the utility. This Appendix highlights some of the types of data that can be programmed at the factory and the range of selections within each type. For comprehensive discussion of all programmable transponder data, please refer to the applicable interrogator/programmer user guide.