1:48 am, Dec 04, 2012 EA_Mobile for the EnergyAxis® System Release 1.
EA Mobile User Guide Contents FCC Compliance statement (Part 15.19) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FCC Compliance statement (Part 15.105) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warning (Part 15.21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7 7 7 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EA Mobile User Guide Contents 4 Option 1 -to a dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Option 2 - to a windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Connecting the monitor to the EA_Mobile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 3 Quick Start Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Installing the EA_Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Operating the EA_Mobile . .
EA Mobile User Guide Contents 5 Reading meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Loading the route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Set the Reading mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Setting Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Entering Reading mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EA Mobile User Guide Contents 6 A Troubleshooting the EA_Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 B GUI buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Notes on GUI buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EA Mobile User Guide EA Mobile User Guide . FCC Compliance statement (Part 15.19) 7 The EA_Mobile complies with Part 15 (Class A), Part 90 of the FCC. The FCC ID is GAJEAMOBILE1 • Contains FCC ID: QZC-ILC2 • Contains IC: 4557A-ILC2 FCC Compliance statement (Part 15.105) NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
EA Mobile User Guide 1 INTRODUCTION The EA_Mobile is the most robust interrogator in Elster’s portfolio of products for remote and automated meter reading (AMR). The EA_Mobile has numerous features and functions not available with smaller, handheld devices and yet is versatile enough to be moved from vehicle to vehicle, wherever and whenever it is needed. About this book This EA_Mobile User Guide provides instructions for setup, installation, operation and troubleshooting the EA_Mobile.
EA Mobile User Guide 1. Introduction Automated meter reading 9 The system uses radio frequency (RF) signals to allow utility personnel to read meters from a distance while the reader is in motion. This technology is called automated meter reading (AMR). This technology greatly increases the speed at which routes can be covered with a high degree of accuracy.
EA Mobile User Guide 1. Introduction 10 EA_Gas module and EA_Water module endpoints that are normally in a sleep mode to conserve battery power wake up and periodically listen for an interrogation signal. These endpoints will transmit data back to the interrogation device only if it hears its unique ID and specified command and then it goes back to sleep. REX2 and A3 ALPHA electricity meters have AC power sources and do not require wake-up; they respond to the interrogation request without a wakeup.
EA Mobile User Guide 1. Introduction EA_Mobile overview Endpoint data acquisition The endpoint is programmed with a unique serial number at the time of manufacture. Upon installation on a meter, the current (or baseline) meter index reading is also programmed into the endpoint’s memory. As the meter reading advances it automatically updates the endpoint memory. For gas and water meters, the endpoint also records changes to the tamper detection sensor.
EA Mobile User Guide 1. Introduction 12 Note: Optional EA_VID is shipped separately. Interrogator unit The interrogator unit is the heart of the EA_Mobile, containing within its rugged case these core components: • Wake-up transmitter • EnergyAxis transceiver module • Power supply (backup) • Computer - CPU (microprocessor) • Connection receptacles, controls and indicators Figure 1-3.
EA Mobile User Guide 1. Introduction 3. Once the route is loaded the reading mode can be entered. In reading mode the interrogator issues the necessary commands to interrogate the endpoints while the user drives along the route with the EA_Mobile operating. 4. The EA_Mobile sends out an interrogation signal searching for the endpoints that are determined to be within its current interrogation window. 5.
EA Mobile User Guide 1. Introduction 14 specified route. The EA_Mobile can be set to give an audible signal upon acquiring meter data so that the driver never has to take his eyes off the road while the vehicle is in motion.
EA Mobile User Guide 1. Introduction Data Processing At the end of a route, data acquired automatically by the EA_Mobile can be saved to a HP 4 GB USB flash drive disk for transfer to the utility company’s host computer for administrative processing. Maintenance Replacement Parts The EA_Mobile has no user-serviceable parts. Below is a list of the replacement parts that can be ordered from Elster.
EA Mobile User Guide 2 PREPARATION AND INSTALLATION This section details the procedures for unpacking the EA_Mobile, assembling its components and installing them in and on your selected vehicle. This section also specifies EA_Mobile requirements, conditions and cautions. Vehicle requirements The EA_Mobile typically uses 100 Watts of power (8 Amps current) and is powered by a vehicle’s standard 13.8 Volt electrical systems using the direct battery connection cable (recommended configuration).
EA Mobile User Guide 2. Preparation and installation EA_Mobile unpacking and set-up will take about five minutes using the procedure described below. No special tools are required. Received equipment inventory The EA_Mobile is shipped with the following components inside its case: • Interrogator unit (transceiver, CPU, USB flash drive, etc.
EA Mobile User Guide 2. Preparation and installation 18 Caution: The EA_Mobile base unit contains sensitive electronic components. Handle with care and do not drop. Use carrying case to transport the EA_Mobile wherever possible. 1. Verify the vehicle requirements (see “Vehicle requirements” on page 16) are met. 2.
EA Mobile User Guide 2. Preparation and installation 19 • Use an area below the driver’s line of sight 2. Clean the selected location. 3. Remove the adhesive cover from the holder’s base and securely mount the holder and the monitor on the selected location of the dashboard. Option 2 - to a windshield 1. Mount the LCD monitor to its suction windshield holder by sliding monitor into the mounting stand, then, secure the height position by adjusting knob.
EA Mobile User Guide 2. Preparation and installation 20 Figure 2-3. EA_Mobile front panel Caution: The monitor must be connected before powering up the EA_Mobile for the touch screen to function correctly. 4. Install the antennas, including GPS, on the roof of the vehicle (as shown in Figures 2-4 and 2-5). Caution: Use of antennas other than those supplied with the EA_Mobile or improperly connected antennas may result in reduced performance and/or EA_Mobile damage.
EA Mobile User Guide 2. Preparation and installation Figure 2-4. Placement of GPS receiver and RF antennas (van or SUV) a. Place the transceiver antenna on the roof of the vehicle near the front and secure its magnetic mount to the roof. b. Place the transmit antenna on the roof of the vehicle near the back and secure its magnetic mount to the roof. See the figure below for recommended mounting configuration on a pickup truck. Figure 2-5.
EA Mobile User Guide 2. Preparation and installation 22 5. Route both antenna coaxial cables to the inside of the vehicle, preferably from the passenger side. Caution: Ensure routing method secures cables without crimping or crushing and provides proper safety for occupants and equipment. 6. Mount the GPS receiver on the front right for a van or the back middle for a truck: a. Attach the GPS receiver to the roof using the magnetic mount on the flat (bottom) side of the receiver. b.
EA Mobile User Guide 2. Preparation and installation 9. Connect EA_Mobile power: a. Align the 2 connector holes, slotted side up, with the 2 receptacle pins on the EA_Mobile back panel (Figure 2-6) and turn screw-type connector until finger tight. b. Firmly insert the other end of the power cable into the vehicle’s accessory/ cigarette lighter receptacle and push until snug.
EA Mobile User Guide 3 QUICK START GUIDE This chapter provides a streamlined version of the installation and operating instructions for those who simply wish to set up and begin acquiring endpoint data quickly on fully automated routes. Note: Installing the EA_Mobile This chapter assumes all systems and operations perform properly and that all meters desired to be read automatically on the route are equipped with endpoints.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide Operating the EA_Mobile Note: If using the EA_VID, there is no longer a need to load the route on the EA_VID. The EA_Mobile will copy the data to the EA_VID. 1. Obtain an HP 4 GB USB flash drive that has been properly loaded with routes created using Elster’s Route Manager for use on the EA_Mobile. Note: All route directories must be the part of the parent directory named TraceVRT.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide 26 Figure 3-2. 5. Enter the user name and the password and then press the OK button. Note: The initial user name is ‘ELSTER’ and the initial password is ‘357837’. For security purposes, this user account may be removed after new user accounts are created and logged in. Note: Make sure to enter the user name in all capital letters. If the log in is successful, the system displays the Main Menu as shown below. Figure 3-3.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide Note: The Reading and Summary buttons will be disabled (that is, grayed out and unselectable) until a route is loaded. Loading a new route To load a new route: 1. From the Main Menu, press the Routes button. The Routes menu is displayed with the following buttons: Load New Route, Save Current Route, Resume Route, Save Old Route, and Close, as shown below. Note: The Save Current Route button will be disabled until a route is loaded. Figure 3-4. 2.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide 28 Figure 3-5. 3. Click on the usb0 subfolder. The File Manager window displays the subfolders for folder usb0 including the subfolder named TraceVRT. 4. Click on the TraceVRT subfolder. The subfolders for the different routes will be displayed in the File Manager window. 5. Select on the route that you wish to load. A file named Reading.rte is displayed as a part of the selected folder. 6. Click on the Reading.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide To start reading endpoints: 1. From the Main Menu, press the Reading button. The EA_Mobile will open a new window and automatically start reading the route loaded. The EA_Mobile starts in the mode specified in the guide file (unless the GPS is not present, then the mode is forced to FIFO, see Figure 3-7). At this point the EA_Mobile will begin to transmit, at minimum, keep-awake signals to endpoints within range.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide 30 Figure 3-7. EnergyAxis panel [8] ACTIVITY # Indicator Label Function Start-up Condition 1 [Alarm] SILENCE button [Not an indicator but a push button] -- 2 CHARGE Battery Charging Status (Power AMP / Mgr.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide Figure 3-8. The table below describes the information listed on the Reading mode display: Item Description 12:19:49 PM Shows current time from the EA_Mobile internal clock. Mode Indicates the Reading mode currently selected. In this case it is L/L representing Lat/Lon mode. Other modes are FIFO and GEO. Dynamic • Fixed Window Size Flag - The ‘–’ indicates the window is a fixed size.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide 32 Item Description In Window Indicates the number of endpoints currently in the interrogation window. In this example, there are 0 endpoints. GEO Indicates the number of GEO endpoints in the interrogation window. In this example, there is no GEO indicated since the EA_Mobile is not in GEO mode.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide Figure 3-9.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide 34 Pausing or ending a reading session 1. To pause or end a session or route, press the Close button on the bottom corner of the screen. Note: The EA_Mobile automatically saves the last 30 routes on the systems drive. (When 30 routes have been saved, the EA_Mobile will overwrite the oldest route. — OR — To save the current route, press the Close button on the bottom of the screen. This takes you to the Main Menu. 2.
EA Mobile User Guide 3. Quick Start Guide 2. Press the Resume Route button once. A window displays listing the last 30 routes read by the EA_Mobile. Figure 3-11. 3. Select the desired route by finding the route with the time stamp close to the time you loaded the route and with your route’s directory name. The last file loaded is the highlighted route with a route name of /rte1 loaded on 23 Sep 2010 9:35 with 735 commands. Note: If an S follows the command data, the route has been saved.
EA Mobile User Guide 4 CONTROLS AND INDICATORS The EA_Mobile hardware offers a variety of audible and visual indicators and interaction mechanisms to tell you how the EA_Mobile is functioning internally and give you control over certain functions. This chapter describes these controls and indicators along with their conditions and any actions you may need to take in response. The LCD Touch screen display can also provide system indications and controls.
EA Mobile User Guide 4. Controls and indicators Figure 4-1. TX / POWER MGR panel Main POWER switch The main Power switch turns on or turns off the 12 Volt power to the EA_Mobile. It is a rocker switch labeled to show the ON and OFF positions. Note: Key numbers shown in brackets [ ] in Figure 4-2 refer to the Key numbers in the table. Table 4-1. TX / Power Mgr.
EA Mobile User Guide 4. Controls and indicators 38 Note: As a rule of thumb, all indicator lights except the transmit ENABLED light - should be ON continuously while the EA_Mobile is operating. If the remaining lights are off or flickering, you may need to troubleshoot an error condition. See Appendix A, “Troubleshooting the EA_Mobile” for details. [Alarm] SILENCE button Any new alarm condition (also shown by indicator lights) will activate the audible alarm.
EA Mobile User Guide 4. Controls and indicators • Verify the power cable is connected. • Check for vehicle accessories (radio, tape player, CD, etc.) that can be turned off to minimize the power drain. • If the LINE light continues to blink, verify the accessory/cigarette lighter fuse is intact. • If the fuse for the accessory/cigarette lighter has blown, shut down the EA_Mobile and replace the fuse.
EA Mobile User Guide 4. Controls and indicators 40 Note: Key numbers shown in brackets [ ] in Figure 4-2 refer to the Key numbers in Table 4-2. Table 4-2. Receiver (REC) and Transmitter (XMIT) Indicators Key 8 Indicator ACTIVITY Color Condition Red At EA_Mobile startup When EA_Mobile is powered During interrogation Error condition OFF OFF Blinking (Red or Green) OFF ACTIVITY The activity light indicates if there is activity on the EnergyAxis transceiver antenna.
EA Mobile User Guide 4. Controls and indicators Removing a fuse To check a fuse you must remove it: 1. To remove the selected fuse, insert a flat-head screwdriver (or a dime) into the slotted center of the fuse holder. 2. Turn counterclockwise until the fuse holder springs out. 3. Pull the fuse holder and fuse out of the EA_Mobile back panel. Checking a fuse To check the fuse: 1. If the fuse has a window in it, check the metal filament inside. • If it is clearly broken, the fuse is blown.
EA Mobile User Guide 5 OPERATING THE EA_MOBILE This chapter describes the functions and operations of the EA_Mobile and provides certain background information regarding technologies involved, where appropriate. Accessing EA_Mobile functions After the components have been assembled and connected and the EA_Mobile has been properly installed in the vehicle (see Chapter 2, “Preparation and installation”), you are ready to begin the process of automated meter reading.
EA Mobile User Guide 5. Operating the EA_Mobile Figure 5-1. 4. Log in to the EA_Mobile by entering your Login ID and Password. The Main Menu displays. 5. To start reading, from the Main Menu, press the Reading button. The EA_Mobile will start reading endpoints within range. The default reading mode is determined by the guide file. 6. To return to Command mode, close the Reading window by pressing the Close button. All other buttons are Command mode options. See Chapter 7, “Command mode” for details.
EA Mobile User Guide 5. Operating the EA_Mobile 44 Modes and menus The following table lists the EA_Mobile modes and the menu options that may be selected from within those modes. The balance of this chapter details the use of each mode and selection. Command mode See Chapter 7, “Command mode” for details on each command.
EA Mobile User Guide 5. Operating the EA_Mobile Menu Settings window Submenu 3rd level Function System Setup button Monitor Unread Display Yes Enables system to monitor unread display. No Disables system from monitoring unread display. Set Perm button Unit Serial # -- Displays Unit’s serial number. Last Updated: -- Displays the date of last update. Encryption Key -- Encryption key used in determining the password needed. First Name -- First name of displayed User Account.
EA Mobile User Guide 5. Operating the EA_Mobile 46 Menu Tools window Help window Power Off button Submenu 2nd level 3rd level Function Troubleshoot -- -- Opens a window which allows the user to troubleshoot issues with endpoints. Route Scan -- -- Not yet implemented. Sync EA_VID -- -- This button is used to re-synchronize with the EA_VID. About button -- -- Display results including software version information. Guide button -- -- Brief online command summary.
EA Mobile User Guide 6 READING MODE Note: Please verify the date and time before reading a route (see “Setting Date and Time” on page 53). “EA_Mobile modes and menu options” on page 43 listed the various Reading mode and Command mode buttons. Reading mode has three interrogation control options: • Lat/Lon option • FIFO option • GEO option Reading mode can be entered from the Main Menu by pressing the Reading button after a route is loaded.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode 48 Figure 6-1. The three Reading mode options allow you to determine the method by which endpoints will be selected for interrogation: • Lat/Lon option uses latitude and longitude coordinates of the meter’s endpoint (along with current coordinates of the EA_Mobile/vehicle) to determine which endpoints in the route should be within the interrogation window at any given time. It then scans only those endpoints.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode Discontinuing reading To discontinue reading when in the Reading window, press the Close button. Change Reading mode options To select/change Reading mode options, see “System Setup button” on page 68 Audible signal The EA_Mobile default is to emit an audible beep upon each good read. See “System Setup button” on page 68 for details on changing this setting.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode 50 Establishing Lat/Lon coordinates For new routes whose endpoints have not yet been assigned coordinates, the FIFO Mode is recommended. Once a endpoint is located and responds, the GPS can then provide latitude and longitude information to be stored along with other account information.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode • none of the endpoints in the route have been assigned coordinates • when the GPS system is not delivering usable location data • when you have a very small route list (the FIFO option requires less than 300 endpoints) and the EA_Mobile/vehicle is moving slowly or stopped.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode 52 In the GEO option, the status line is the same as in Lat/Lon or FIFO mode, except the GEO mode status shows the total GEO mode endpoints in the route. Figure 6-5. For the route above, there are 12 GEO endpoints and 53 In window” L/L endpoints. Reading meters The following describes the steps involved in reading endpoint-equipped meters automatically using the EA_Mobile. Loading the route To load the route: 1. From the Main Menu, select the Route button. 2.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode Set the Reading mode The Reading mode (L/L, FIFO or GEO) can be changed if required: 1. Return to the Main Menu by pressing the Close button on the File Manager window and then the Route window. 2. From the Main Menu, select the Settings button. 3. From the Settings window, select the System Setup button. 4. In the System Setup menu, press the button of the mode you want.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode 54 Figure 6-7. 3. If you need to adjust the date or time, use the + and - buttons next to the Hour, Minutes, Seconds, Month, Day and Year to set the date and time. 4. Press the Close button to return to the Settings window. 5. Press the Close button to return to the Main Menu. Entering Reading mode Caution: Prior to reading a route, verify the date and time (see “Setting Date and Time” on page 53). To enter reading mode: • Press the Reading button on the Main Menu.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode Entering Command mode To access the Command mode at any time during a reading session: • Press the Close button on the Reading Current Route window to suspend reads until you return. Resuming reading Caution: Prior to resuming reading a route, verify the date and time (see “Setting Date and Time” on page 53). To resume reading where you left off: • Navigate to the Reading window. The EA_Mobile will now start reading endpoints within range.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode 56 4. Select the Route you wish to resume by route directory, path name and time route was loaded and press that route’s button. The route will load and you can continue reading this route. Note: Reading displayed data Your route could be any one of the possible thirty route buttons.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode If the Display Good Reads feedback option is turned on (the default setting unless changed using the System Setup window described in Chapter 7, “Command mode”) in the System Setup command, the LCD touch screen will also display a number of details regarding endpoints that have returned valid data.
EA Mobile User Guide 6. Reading mode 58 • • (bullet) indicates non-tampered • T indicates Tampered; If Reset Tamper is on, the endpoint will be instructed to clear the tamper indication. The T or R result should appear within a few seconds. • R indicates the Tamper reset successful; meter reading is not displayed since it was displayed when the endpoint was initially read.
EA Mobile User Guide 7 COMMAND MODE “EA_Mobile modes and menu options” on page 43 listed the various Reading mode and Command mode buttons. Command mode gives you access to EA_Mobile data and user functions. Command mode provides access to the following windows: • Routes window • Settings window • Tools window • Summary window • Help window • Power Off button These are represented by the buttons on the Main Menu as shown below. Reading mode button was discussed in Chapter 6, “Reading mode.” Figure 7-1.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 60 The corresponding submenu selections for each main menu item are listed below: Main Menu Submenu Main Menu Submenu Routes Load New Route button Save Current Route button Resume Route button Save Old Route button Summary All button UnRead button Un-int button Good button Tamp. button M.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode Item Description Load New Route button Provides functionality to load a route from the USB flash drive. Save Current Route button Saves the route currently loaded to the USB flash drive, only available after a route is loaded or resumed. Resume Route button Resumes one of the thirty possible routes saved on the system drive. Save Old Route button Saves the route to the USB flash drive, one of thirty possible routes that can be saved on the system drive.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 62 4. Repeat for the TraceVRT folder. 5. Select the folder containing your route and navigate to the Reading.rte file. 6. Select the Reading.rte file. The Load Route button should be enabled. 7. Press the Load Route button. A bar graph will open indicating the progress of the load. Note: The only files displayed other than directories are the Reading.rte files. The Guide and start files are not visible. 8.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode Figure 7-4. 3. Select the route of interest and press that button. 4. If you want to resume the last route executed in this example, it is the first button, but it could be any button. The route will load. 5. Press Okay on the once the route is loaded. Note: If you are operating the system with the EA_VID, an additional bar graph window will open indicating that the EA_Mobile is awaiting data from the EA_VID.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 64 This will open the Save Old Route window. Figure 7-5. 3. Select the route of interest and press that button. For example, if you want to save the last route executed. In this example, it would be the 3rd button in the second column. Always inspect each button as the last executed can appear in any location. The route will load and then be saved. 4. Press Okay on the bar graph once the route is saved.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode • Close - Closes the Help Window. Figure 7-6. About button Pressing the About buttons displays the About window (Figure 7-7) that shows the EA_Mobile version number, build date of the installed firmware, Elster logo and address. See the below figure for an example of this window.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 66 Figure 7-7. • Press Close to return the EA_Mobile to the previous window. Guide button The Guide button opens a Quick Help Manual, which supplies some useful information on how to use the EA_Mobile.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 67 Figure 7-8. To move through the listing, use the following keys: • Previous Page - pages back to the previous page. • Next page - advances to the next page. • Close - closes this window. Settings window The Settings window offers five buttons and a Close button as seen in Figure 7-9.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 68 Figure 7-9. The System Setup button allows for configuration of route related parameters including Reading Mode, Display of Good Reads, Sound on Good Read, Reset Tampers, Window Size, Sort Unread Display, and Monitor Unread Display. The Set Perm button displays system usage, unit serial #, date last updated, date of last service. The User Accounts button allows the user to add, delete and modify users for this EA_Mobile unit.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode Figure 7-10. To exit this screen and save the new settings, press the Close button. Changing system settings The table below describes each setting and tells you how to change the current setting: Item Description Reading Method This option allows you to change the default Reading mode: • L/L (Lat/Lon) • GEO • FIFO Press the relevant button to select the desired mode. The new mode will be displayed in the white text area following the Read Method.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 70 Item Description Window Size x 100 feet This option allows you to set the interrogation window size for the Lat/Lon or GEO mode: • Press the + or - buttons following this option to increase/decrease the window size. • The interrogation window is approximately an oval. The size display is the radius in the forward direction multiplied by 100 and by 50 to the side of the vehicle.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode Figure 7-11. The table below describes the permanent settings; Item Description EA_Mobile Permanent Settings (Locked/Unlocked) The heading line on this screen indicates whether this function is Locked (as it will be under all normal conditions) or Unlocked (by special factory password authorization only). Usage The total number of minutes (also shown in hours) that the EA_Mobile has been in the reading mode. Unit Serial # Serial number of the EA_Mobile.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 72 7. Change the desired setting by selecting alphabetic characters on the LCD touch screen display. Caution: The CLEAR button on the LCD touch screen will clear/reset all parameters to default values. Do NOT press CLEAR to correct individual entries. 8. To correct an entry, use the Back Space button on the LCD touch screen display.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode Figure 7-12. The table below describes the permanent settings; Item Description First Name Indicates the first name for the selected user account. Last Name Indicates the last name for the selected user account. Login ID Indicates the Login ID for the user. Password Indicates the Password for the user. Note: The password is hidden.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 74 Adding a new user To add a new user account: 1. Press the New button. 2. Use the keyboard to enter new user data: a. The First Name can be 6 characters. b. The Last Name can be up to 10 characters. c. The Login ID can be up to 6 characters. d. Passwords must be between 6 and 10 characters. 3. Press Save to save the changes. Changing an existing user To modify an existing account: 1.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode Figure 7-13. Changing the date or time To change the date or time: 1. Press the + or -buttons to increase or decrease, respectively, the value you wish to change. For example, to increase the hour from 5 to 6 simply press the + button next to the Hour label. 2. When you are satisfied with the system time and date settings, press the Close button to exit this screen and return to the Settings window.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 76 Figure 7-14. The Summary window offers five views of the current route’s accumulated data represented by the following buttons: • All button • UnRead button • Un-int button • M. GEO button • In Wind button • Good button • Tamp. button Note: • Close button The M. GEO button and IN Wind button are functional on the EA_VID and not available on the EA_Mobile. All button The All button indicates the total number of endpoints in the route.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode Un-int button The Un-int button indicates the number of uninterrogated endpoints in the route. This button displays all endpoints that have never been interrogated in the current session. This refers to any endpoints the EA_Mobile has not yet broadcast an interrogation signal. (This means that in FIFO mode, there should be no interrogated endpoints after the first pass down the route list.) M. GEO button The M. GEO button displays the number of unread GEO accounts.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 78 Figure 7-15. The top portion of the screen displays the sequential summary Entry number, endpoint/meter street Address, endpoint Serial Number, endpoint Status and meter Reading. Note: For the UnRead button, the Reading column is replaced with a Distance column. The All number indicates the number of endpoint/entries in the selected category.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode • Output Code is a code used by the EA_Mobile’s processor to classify read conditions in the output file written to the USB flash drive when a route is completed and saved. • Detailed description describes the conditions identified by each status type, and in some cases, possible causes and solutions.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 80 Tools window The Tools button on the Main Menu displays the Tools window. The Tools window contains buttons that allow you to troubleshoot system components, modify certain parameters, and view additional data detail stored in the EA_Mobile’s memory. Figure 7-16. The buttons available under the Tools window are described below. Tx On button Turns the transmitter ON and OFF.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 81 Figure 7-17. • Use the keypad to enter a new UID and LAN ID. • Press the Send UID & LAN ID button to have the transceiver request the specified endpoint to start sending message count data. The message count data includes: transmitted messages, good messages received, bad messages received, wake-up tones received, wake-up tones tried, and percent good. • Press the Reset Counts button to reset the counts to zero.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode 82 Figure 7-18. The figure below is an example of the Reset Counts failing. Figure 7-19.
EA Mobile User Guide 7. Command mode Note: If no data is received from the selected endpoint, the endpoint is either out of range or it is bad. Route Scan button Not currently implemented. Power Off button The Power Off button can be used to power off the system. This button opens a message window informing the user that the system is about to power off and giving the user a choice between continuing and canceling the power off.
EA Mobile User Guide A TROUBLESHOOTING THE EA_MOBILE The following table offers troubleshooting assistance for many problems you may encounter. For those symptoms or solutions not covered by this table, contact: Elster Customer Service Phone 800-786-2215 FAX 919-250-5439 Business Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm [Eastern Time] Warning: The EA_Mobile contains NO user serviceable parts or adjustment.
EA Mobile User Guide A. Troubleshooting the EA_Mobile Table A-1. Global Positioning System (GPS) Symptom Possible Cause Solutions GPS status -” on status line GPS has become unable to compute its position. The EA_Mobile automatically switches to FIFO Mode. Continue in FIFO until the GPS resumes function. The EA_Mobile will switch back to the mode in effect prior to the outage. Symptom Possible Cause Solutions No EA_Mobile indicator lights are solid Green EA_Mobile is not receiving power.
EA Mobile User Guide A. Troubleshooting the EA_Mobile 86 Table A-3. Displayed Status Reports & Messages Symptom Possible Cause Solutions NO_RD status returned Endpoint is still too far from EA_Mobile for robust read. Move EA_Mobile closer to endpoint and continue interrogation. RF-opaque (metallic) objects are blocking signal path. Move EA_Mobile or objects and continue interrogation. Endpoint is faulty Replace endpoint. EA_Mobile is in area of strong interference from an outside source.
EA Mobile User Guide A. Troubleshooting the EA_Mobile Table A-4. Operational & Miscellaneous Symptom Possible Cause Solutions Endpoints can be read in FIFO but not in Lat/Lon GPS is not providing adequate GPS data. Verify the GPS is in Active status and has satellite acquisition. If not, move EA_Mobile and try again. Endpoint Lat/Lon coordinates are incorrect or not valid. Check Summary Command/INWIN button for list of endpoints in Lat/Lon Mode are considered to be in the interrogation window.
EA Mobile User Guide B GUI BUTTONS Notes on GUI buttons In the EA_Mobile there are three types of buttons: normal, disabled and blocked. Normal buttons can be pressed and their functionally will be implemented. For example the Close button will close the current window. Disabled buttons (as shown below) indicate the functionality is not available at this time. The Sync EA_VID button is only available after a route is loaded and running with a EA_VID.
EA Mobile User Guide B.
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