2:21 pm, Jan 05, 2012 EA_Inspector Release 3.
EA_Inspector User Guide Contents Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 New in release 3.6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Changes in release 3.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 About handheld devices . . . . . . . .
EA_Inspector User Guide Contents 3 4 About EA_Inspector software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Navigating the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 User privileges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Saving notes and GPS data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Exiting EA_Inspector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EA_Inspector User Guide Contents 4 Reading status of the service control switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Checking load side voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Connecting an electricity meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Disconnecting an electricity meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Reading the state of the secondary relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EA_Inspector User Guide Contents 5 Commissioning a 900 MHz device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Reading a 900 MHz HAN device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Pinging a 900 MHz HAN device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Pinging a 900 MHz device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Decommissioning a 900 MHz device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Reading a decommissioned device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EA_Inspector User Guide EA_Inspector User Guide 6 FCC and Industry Canada compliance Compliance statement (Part 15.19) Radix FW950 (equipped with the EnergyAxis network interface card) and Radix FW950 (equipped with the EnergyAxis network interface card and an external antenna) comply with Part 15 (ClassB), Part 90 of the FCC rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. The FCC ID's are G8JHHI03 and G8JHHI04. The Industry Canada is 4557C-HHI03.
EA_Inspector User Guide This radio transmitter IC:4557C-HHI03 has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
EA_Inspector User Guide 8 No warranties, either expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability, or warranties arising from the course of dealing or usage of trade, are made regarding the information, recommendations, descriptions, warnings, and cautions contained herein.
EA_Inspector User Guide 9 Danger is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will cause severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property damage if the notice is ignored. New in release 3.6 EA_Inspector Manager and EA_Inspector introduce the following new features: • support for Gas Valve module • support for 900 MHz HAN devices • support for enabling/disabling an RF transmitter Changes in release 3.6 Elster made no significant changes in EA_Inspector 3.6.
EA_Inspector User Guide 1 INTRODUCTION This document provides comprehensive operating instructions for the use of the EA_Inspector handheld and software. About handheld devices About This manual Handheld devices are lightweight and easy to use handheld computers for troubleshooting EnergyAxis meter communications using touch screen technology. This guide provides instructions for setup, operation and troubleshooting of the handheld device.
EA_Inspector User Guide Introduction What is the EnergyAxis System? 11 The EnergyAxis System (Figure 1-1) is designed for residential and commercial and industrial (C&I) metering automation of electricity, gas and water. It is composed of up to three parts: 1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Introduction 12 Figure 1-1. EnergyAxis System Each gatekeeper gathers and stores meter data from its registered node meters and associated water and gas modules and manages the EA_LAN. These gatekeepers upload the data to the EnergyAxis Management System (EA_MS) via a public or private WAN either on a scheduled or on-demand basis.
EA_Inspector User Guide Introduction Figure 1-2. EnergyAxis proactive, self-healing mesh network EnergyAxis tools Elster provides the following software tools for use with the EnergyAxis System: • EA_Inspector • EA_InstallerPlus These tools use the Radix FW950 handheld. If you are currently using the Radix FW900, contact your Elster representative for details on upgrading to the FW950 handheld.
EA_Inspector User Guide Introduction 14 Hardware Platform EA_Inspector Rel 1.0 Radix FW950 Rel 2.0 Rel 3.0 PI_900 Rel 1.0 EA_InstallerPlus Rel 2.0 Module Support EA_Water v1.0 N/A N/A EA_Water v2.0 N/A N/A N/A EA_Gas v1.0 N/A N/A EA_Gas v2.0 N/A N/A N/A a. The Radix FW 900 hardware is obsolete. Contact Elster for upgrades to Radix FW 950.
EA_Inspector User Guide Introduction 15 EA_Inspector and EA_Inspector Manager The EA_Inspector is a tool for use with EnergyAxis System. EnergyAxis devices are equipped with RF modules that transmit meter data to gatekeepers through the EA_LAN. In turn, the gatekeepers transmit the data to the EA_MS. The EA_LAN occasionally may need troubleshooting to locate problems and EA_Inspector is the tool designed to locate these problems. EA_Inspector also performs firmware upgrades for devices in the field.
EA_Inspector User Guide 2 ABOUT THE HANDHELD About the handheld The handheld is a Radix device that functions as the platform handheld installation tool for Elster’s EA_Gas Module and the EA_Inspector handheld. The handheld is a rugged Radix handheld computer with the EnergyAxis network interface (EA_NIC) card installed. This handheld allows field personnel to install the EA_Gas Module onto gas meters as well as perform troubleshooting tasks for EnergyAxis meter RF communications. Figure 2-1.
EA_Inspector User Guide About the handheld 17 • IP-67 rated (1 meter submersion) • Elster nose cone is IP-67 rated (1 meter submersion) • MIL-STD-810F method - 1.5 meter drop onto concrete test • Optional - the Radix handheld supports using an external antenna for use with the AC 250 Remote Meter Disconnect (RMD) valve control module. Figure 2-2. Radix FW950 with external antenna (Style No.
EA_Inspector User Guide About the handheld 18 • the EA_NIC and module transmits an error-detection code with the meter data that is used by the handheld to confirm that the data has been received without errors.
EA_Inspector User Guide About the handheld Navigating the software Simple menu commands allow access to the software functions.
EA_Inspector User Guide About the handheld 20 troubleshooting to locate problems and EA_Inspector is the tool designed to locate these problems. EA_Inspector also performs firmware upgrades for devices in the field. EA_Inspector can also help locate unknown meters or determine the best placement for an EA_Repeater. Figure 2-3.
EA_Inspector User Guide 3 OPERATING THE HANDHELD Commonly used keys The handheld’s keyboard allows the user to access software functions. Handhelds respond to the keystrokes independent of hardware. Note: All letters are assumed to be upper case. Function keys are also used. Figure 3-1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Operating the handheld 22 Arrow keys These keys (, , , and ) are used to navigate directionally in the screen. • Navigates between fields within the current screen (for example, messages and search).
EA_Inspector User Guide Operating the handheld Opening EA_Inspector 23 To access EA_Inspector: 1. From the handheld’s desktop, select the EA_Inspector icon and press . Figure 3-2. Handheld desktop The EA_Inspector splash screen displays. Figure 3-3. EA_Inspector splash screen The EA_NIC loads the EA_Inspector firmware.
EA_Inspector User Guide Operating the handheld 24 Note: If both PI 900 and EA_Inspector software are installed on the handheld and the current EA_NIC firmware is for PI 900, you will see the RF Firmware Load screen informing you that the correct firmware is being loaded in the EA_NIC of the handheld.
EA_Inspector User Guide Operating the handheld Logging in to the handheld Before you can operate the EA_Inspector on the handheld, you must first synchronize the handheld with EA_Inspector Manager. This ensures that users’ credentials are downloaded to the handheld. See the EA_Inspector and EA_Inspector Manager Installation and Administration Guide for details on synchronizing the handheld with EA_Inspector Manager. Note: If the expiration date is passed, you cannot log in to EA_Inspector.
EA_Inspector User Guide Operating the handheld 26 Figure 3-7. Handheld expiration — OR — If the EA_MS meter and LAN ID data has not been downloaded to the handheld and the user does not have Allow LAN ID privilege, a message displays that the file is missing. The system administrator needs to download the file from EA_MS and synchronize the handheld using EA_Inspector Manager. See the EA_Inspector and EA_Inspector Manager Installation and Administration Guide for details.
EA_Inspector User Guide Operating the handheld Figure 3-9. EA_Inspector Main Menu Holding the handheld for meter reading When using a handheld device to read a meter, hold the handheld device upright and at a distance of at least 1 foot from the meter. Note: The stronger RF signals radiate out of the extended antenna from the front and back of the cover. Figure 3-10.
EA_Inspector User Guide 4 ABOUT EA_INSPECTOR SOFTWARE After successfully logging into the handheld device, you will see the main menu screen. Figure 4-1. EA_Inspector Main Menu The main menu screen allows the selection of the following modes: 1. RF Troubleshooting • Ping • Locate node (registered and unregistered) • Gas/Water Comms 2. Read Meter Data • Read Current Data • Read Previous Data 3.
EA_Inspector User Guide About EA_Inspector software • Open • Close • RF Control • Read Current State • Disable RF (Transmitter) • Enable RF (Transmitter) • Secondary Relay: • Read Current State • Open Relay • Close Relay 4. Configure Meter • EA HAN Broadcast • Meter Associations • EA_Water Module • Demand Reset • Firmware Upgrade 5. Home Area Network • ZigBee HAN • Ping • Devices • Channels • HAN NIC Info • 900 MHz HAN • Commission • Ping • Configure • Decommission 6.
EA_Inspector User Guide About EA_Inspector software 30 You can also use the arrow keys to navigate up and down the list of commands and then press to execute the command. Additionally, the first letter of each button label is an accelerator key for that function. For example, for Save, for Ping, for Cancel, etc. can be used for Cancel or for exiting any menu.
EA_Inspector User Guide About EA_Inspector software 31 2. Additionally, you can click GPS to collect the GPS coordinates for the handhelds current location at the time of the communication. The GPS Details screen displays. Figure 4-3. GPS Details screen The GPS Details screen indicates the status of the attempt to get GPS coordinates. A successful read displays a status of GPS Info Completed. 3. If the GPS read fails, press Retry or to retry the operation. 4.
EA_Inspector User Guide About EA_Inspector software 32 Figure 4-4. Exiting EA_Inspector 2. Use , or arrow keys to select the response. — OR — Touch Yes or press or press when the button is highlighted to accept the selection. Touch No or press or press when the button is highlighted to cancel. Exiting from the login screen To exit without logging in: 1. From the Login screen, press Exit. A dialog displays asking you to confirm you wish to exit.
EA_Inspector User Guide About EA_Inspector software Figure 4-5. Exiting EA_Inspector 2. Use , or arrow keys to select the response. — OR — Touch Yes or press or press when the button is highlighted to accept the selection. Touch No or press or press when the button is highlighted to cancel.
EA_Inspector User Guide 5 PERFORMING A PING TEST About ping tests A ping test sends an RF command to an EnergyAxis RF module (EA_NIC) or meter and retrieves the devices ID and serial number. A ping test sends ten packets, receives ten packets in response and reports the average received signal strength indication (RSSI) from the ten attempts.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Accessing ping test menu 35 To access the Ping Test menu: 1. From the Main Menu, select RF Troubleshooting. Figure 5-1. EA_Inspector Main Menu The RF Troubleshooting menu displays. Figure 5-2. RF Troubleshooting menu The RF Troubleshooting menu displays. 2. From the RF Troubleshooting menu, select Ping.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 36 Figure 5-3. Ping Test menu 3. The Ping Test menu allows you to select from the following list of ping tests: • One shot ping test • Continuous ping test • Node to node ping test One shot ping test To perform a one shot ping: 1. From the Ping Test menu, select One Shot. The One Shot Ping Test menu displays.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Figure 5-4. Ping menu for electric, gas and water utility Figure 5-5. Ping menu for electric and gas utility 2.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 38 One shot ping of electric meter To perform a one shot ping of an electric meter (REX, REX2, EA_Repeater, EA_Gatekeeper or A3 ALPHA node): 1. From the One Shot Ping Test menu, select Electric. See “One shot ping of a EA_Gatekeeper” on page 41 for details on pinging a gatekeeper. EA_Inspector displays the ping test input screen. Figure 5-6. Ping test input screen Use LAN ID unchecked Use LAN ID uneuceh 2. Enter the ID of the electric meter to be pinged.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Figure 5-7. Successful ping test results - REX2 meter Serial No. not in database Note: If the entered ID is not in the downloaded EA_Inspector file, the display lists the ID and a message that the specified ID is unknown. The ping test results displays the following information: Item Description GK (Gatekeeper) Indicates the pinged meter’s registered gatekeeper. Parent Indicates the parent node (or repeater) of the pinged meter.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 40 Figure 5-8. Communication warnings If you receive a communication error or warning message [Figure 5-8], see “Communication mode errors and warning messages” on page 176 for details on troubleshooting communication problems. 5. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Figure 5-9. Entering notes for saving to log 6. Use the keyboard to enter any notes regarding the test. 7. Press to save your notes to the activity log and exit the test. — OR — Press to exit the test without saving your notes. One shot ping of a EA_Gatekeeper To perform a one shot ping of a EA_Gatekeeper (both enclosure-based and in an A3 ALPHA meter): 1. From the One Shot Ping Test menu, select Electric.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 42 Figure 5-10. One shot ping of a gatekeeper The ping test occurs and the input screen displays the results as they are received. Figure 5-11. Successful ping of gatekeeper 5. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test One shot ping of gas module To perform a one shot ping of a gas meter’s RF module: 1. From the One Shot Ping Test menu, select Gas. EA_Inspector displays the ping test input screen. Figure 5-12. Ping test input screen 2. Enter the ID of the gas module to be pinged. 3. Click Ping. EA_Inspector prompts you to hold a magnet on the gas module for 3 seconds.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 44 Figure 5-13. Hold magnet prompt 4. Hold the magnet on the bottom left of the gas module approximately 0.5 inches in from the left edge (see Figure 5-14, Figure 5-15, and Figure 5-16). Figure 5-14. Holding magnet on gas module v1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Figure 5-15. Holding magnet on gas module v2.0 The EA_Gas v3.0 module requires a magnet swipe unless it is operating in Mobile mode or in Hybrid (Fixed and Mobile) mode. Figure 5-16. Holding magnet on gas module v3.0 The ping test occurs and the input screen displays the results as they are received.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 46 Figure 5-17. Successful ping test results The ping test results displays the following information: Item Description ID Indicates the serial number ID of the EA_Gas module. Read Indicates the index reading (that is, gas usage). Status drop list PreDiv • EncReadErr - a problem has occurred when reading an encoder-type water module; it means a bad digit was read. If Tamper is also set, it means a complete read failure.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Item Description PCF Indicates the pressure compensation factor used to adjust the meter reading for billing. Time Indicates the date and time kept in the module. Trans period Indicates the number of hours between gas module transmissions of data to its associated gatekeeper. For example, if Trans period is 4 hours, the gas module transmits its data to the gatekeeper every 4 hours.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 48 Figure 5-19. View more information The More screen displays the following additional information about the gas meter: Item Description SubCount Indicates the pulse count stored internally in the meter before the predivider is applied to obtain the meter read. IntDiv/Len Indicates the Interval Divisor and Length in minutes for determining interval data.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 49 One shot ping of a one-way water meter To ping a one-way or two-way water module, you must perform a Find that reports the data transmitted by the water module after a magnet triggers an RF transmission. See “One shot ping of two-way water meter” on page 51 for details on pinging a two-way water module. To perform a one shot ping of a one-way water meter’s RF module: 1. From the One Shot Ping Test menu, select Water.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 50 Figure 5-21. Hold magnet prompt 3. Lift the cover over the water meter. 4. Hold the magnet on the bottom center of the water module (see Figure 5-22 and Figure 5-22). Figure 5-22. Holding magnet on water meter module 1.0 The ping test occurs, the water module transmits one packet of data that the input screen displays.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Figure 5-23. Successful ping test results The ping test results displays the following information: Item Description ID Indicates the serial number ID of the EA_Water module. LAN ID Indicates the LAN ID for the EA_Water module. EncReg Indicates the encoder register number. Mt Read Indicates the meter reading (that is, total water usage).
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 52 To perform a one shot ping of a two-way water meter’s RF module: 1. From the One Shot Ping Test menu, select Water. EA_Inspector displays the ping test input screen. Figure 5-24. Ping test input screen Encoder-based Pulse-based EA_Inspector prompts you to hold a magnet on the water module for 3 seconds to waken the module. The EA_Water v3.0 module requires a magnet swipe unless it is operating in Mobile mode or in Hybrid (Fixed and Mobile) mode.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Figure 5-26. Successful ping two-way water module Encoder-based Pulse-based 3. Click Clear Status to clear the statuses in the module. The handheld displays the results after the statuses are cleared. 4. Click More to view additional information. Figure 5-27. Clear statuses More screen 5. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Continuous ping test 54 A continuous ping test performs multiple ping tests lasting for the number of minutes specified by the Test Time with a delay time of a specified number of Seconds Between Pings. For example, by default, a continuous ping test would perform a ping test lasting 2 minutes with a delay of 5 seconds between ping tests on an electricity meter.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Continuous ping of electric meter To perform a continuous ping of an electric meter (REX, REX2, EA_Repeater, EA_Gatekeeper or A3 ALPHA node): 1. From the Continuous Ping Test menu, select Electric. See “Continuous ping of a gatekeeper” on page 57 for details on pinging a gatekeeper. EA_Inspector displays the ping test input screen. Figure 5-29. Ping test input screen 2. Enter the ID of the electric meter to be pinged. 3. Click Ping.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 56 Figure 5-30. Result of continuous ping of electric meter Note: Only REX2 meters with FW 3.0 or higher return Meter RSSI. The continuous ping test continues displaying the results of each test until the testing is complete. Figure 5-31. Continuous ping test complete The ping test results display the number the packets received/number of sent, RSSI.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 4. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Continuous ping of a gatekeeper To perform a continuous ping of an A3 ALPHA gatekeeper: 1. From the Continuous Ping Test menu, select Electric. EA_Inspector displays the ping test input screen. 2. Check Is GK (Gatekeeper). Figure 5-32.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 58 Figure 5-33. Continuous ping test - gatekeeper 4. Click Ping. Figure 5-34. Continuous ping test - gatekeeper 5. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test Continuous ping of gas or two-way water module To perform a continuous ping of a gas or two-way water meter’s RF module: 1. From the Continuous Ping Test menu, select Gas/Water. EA_Inspector displays the ping test input screen. Figure 5-35. Ping test input screen 2. Click Ping. EA_Inspector prompts you to hold a magnet on the gas/water module for 3 seconds. See Figure 5-14 for an illustration on how to hold the magnet on a gas module.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 60 Figure 5-36. Hold magnet prompt The ping test occurs and the input screen displays the results as they are received. Figure 5-37. Result of continuous ping of gas RF module The continuous ping test continues displaying the results of each test until the testing is complete. The ping test results display the number the packets received/number of sent, RSSI.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 3. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Node to node ping test A node-to-node ping test signals a meter to ping another meter (whether a REX, REX2, EA_Repeater or A3 ALPHA meter). The node-to-node ping test requires the initiator node is a meter registered to a gatekeeper.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test 62 Figure 5-39. Ping in process EA_Inspector displays the results of the node-to-node ping including the number of packets sent and the RSSI as a range of 0 to 7 where 0 indicates no signal and 1 indicates the best (or maximum) RSSI and 7 indicates the worst RSSI. Figure 5-40. Successful node-to-node ping 5. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager.
EA_Inspector User Guide Performing a ping test EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Editing continuous ping test settings EA_Inspector allows you to configure the following continuous ping test settings: • Ping packet repeats • Test time (in minutes) • Seconds between Pings (applies to electricity meters only) To change ping test settings: 1. From the Continuous Ping Test menu, select Edit Ping Settings.
EA_Inspector User Guide 6 LOCATING A NODE About locating nodes Accessing node location menu EA_Inspector is capable of locating registered and unregistered REX, REX2 and A3 ALPHA node electricity meters. Note: Elster recommends disabling EA_Inspector encryption before locating a registered or unregistered node, especially utilities supporting both unecrypted and encrypted LAN communications. See “Configuring handheld settings and utility IDs” on page 170 for details on disabling LAN encryption.
EA_Inspector User Guide Locating a node Figure 6-2. RF Troubleshooting menu 2. From the RF Troubleshooting menu, select from the following: • Registered node locator • Unregistered node locator Registered node locator The Reg Node Locator command allows you to perform the following node locate functions: • Find all IDs • Finding an ID Note: The accelerator key for Find All is and the key for Find ID is . Find all IDs To find all registered nodes: 1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Locating a node 66 Figure 6-3. Find All nodes Figure 6-4. Find all registered nodes results EA_Inspector displays a listing of registered nodes including the following information: Item ID Description Indicates the Serial Number or the LAN ID of the registered node (depending on user privelges).
EA_Inspector User Guide Locating a node Item Description Node Level Indicates the node level from the registered gatekeeper of the pinged meter. For example, a node level of 2 indicates that the pinged meter communicates with its registered gatekeeper through one repeater meter. Gatekeeper Indicates the pinged meter’s registered gatekeeper. RSSI Indicates the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the ping test. For example, -22 indicates an RSSI of -22 dBm. 3.
EA_Inspector User Guide Locating a node 68 Note: Figure 6-6. Finding an ID To use the LAN ID to ping devices, you must have Allow LAN ID privilege (see EA_Inspector and EA_Inspector Manager Installation and Administration Guide for details) as well as Use LAN ID enabled on the handheld (see “Configuring handheld settings and utility IDs” on page 170 for details. To use the meter’s serial number to ping devices, your system administrator must download EA_MS meter and LAN ID data file from EA_MS 7.
EA_Inspector User Guide Locating a node Figure 6-7. Find completed EA_Inspector displays the information of the registered node: Item Description ID Indicates the ID (Serial Number) or LAN ID of the registered node. Node Level Indicates the node level from the registered gatekeeper of the pinged meter. For example, a node level of 2 indicates that the pinged meter communicates with its registered gatekeeper through one repeater meter.
EA_Inspector User Guide Locating a node 70 Figure 6-8. Finding an unregistered node To find an unregistered node: 1. From the RF Troubleshooting menu, select Unreg Node Locator. EA_Inspector displays the Unreg Node Locator dialog. Figure 6-9. Finding unregistered nodes 2. To find unregistered nodes within range of the handheld’s RF card, click Find All. EA_Inspector pings to find unregistered nodes.
EA_Inspector User Guide Locating a node 71 Any unregistered nodes that hear the command will return their IDs. Figure 6-10. Unregistered nodes found 3. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data.
EA_Inspector User Guide Locating a node 72
EA_Inspector User Guide 7 READING METER DATA The Read Meter Data command allows you to read TOU and demand data from an electricity meter. The meter data is then transferred into EA_Inspector Manager. Once in EA_Inspector Manager, EA_Inspector Manager posts the collected meter data to a pre-defined location in an AMRDEF format file (the same file type as used by EA_MS to deliver meter data).
EA_Inspector User Guide Reading meter data 74 Figure 7-2. Read Meter Data menu You can read the following data: • Current data collected (since the last demand reset) • Previous data collected (prior to the last demand reset) Reading previous period data Note: A demand reset is not automatically performed. If you are reading meter data for the purpose of billing, Elster recommends performing a demand reset prior to reading previous period data.
EA_Inspector User Guide Reading meter data Figure 7-3. Read previous data input screen 4. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Reading current period data To read current period data from a meter: 1. From the Read Meter Data menu, select Read Current Data. The Read Current Data input screen displays. Figure 7-4.
EA_Inspector User Guide Reading meter data 76 2. Enter the LAN ID for the meter you want to read. 3. Click Read. 4. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data.
EA_Inspector User Guide 8 GAS/WATER COMMS About gas and water communication EA_Inspector allows you to read gas and water communication information from electricity devices (REX2 or A3 ALPHA nodes) or from gas or water devices. These data indentify the members of the module’s communications table (that is, the specific repeaters that the gas and water modules are using to transmit their data).
EA_Inspector User Guide Gas/Water Comms 78 Figure 8-2. RF Troubleshooting menu 2. From the RF Troubleshooting menu, select Gas/Water Comms. The Gas/Water Comms Info menu displays. Figure 8-3.
EA_Inspector User Guide Gas/Water Comms Reading gas/water comm info from an electric device To read gas or water communication information from an electric device: 1. From the Gas/Water Comms Info menu, select Read from Electric. 2. Enter the ID for the electric device (REX2 meter or A3 ALPHA node). 3. Click Read. The display lists the gas and water IDs for meters communicating through the specified electric device.
EA_Inspector User Guide Gas/Water Comms 80 4. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Reading gas/water comm info from a gas/ water device To read gas or water communication information from a gas or two-way water device: 1. From the Gas/Water Comms Info menu, select Read from Gas/Water. 2. Click Read.
EA_Inspector User Guide 9 DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING METERS About disconnecting and reconnecting electricity meters The EA_Inspector handheld allows authorized users to disconnect and reconnect registered and unregistered REX and REX2 meters that have the service control switch installed. Additionally, A3 ALPHA meters with the polyphase Refer to PG42-1015, REX2 meter with service control switch, and PG42-1007, REX meter with service control switch, for details on operating the service control switch.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 82 A3 ALPHA meter with internal polyphase service control Form 16S, 100 Ampere-rated A3 ALPHA meters (with EA_NIC) may be equipped with an internal polyphase service control switch. The optional service control switch can remotely disconnect all three electrical phases supplying power to a service. To ensure safety, the A3 ALPHA meter verifies that no load side voltage is present before it closes the switch to reconnect electrical service.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Accessing Connect/ Disconnect menu To access the Connect/Disconnect menu: 1. From the Main Menu, select Connect/Disconnect. Figure 9-4. EA_Inspector Main Menu The Connect/Disconnect menu displays. Figure 9-5. Connect/Disconnect menu 2.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 84 • Secondary Relay: • Read Current State • Open Relay • Close Relay • Gas Valve Control • Read • Open • Close • RF Control • Read Current State • Disable RF (Transmitter) • Enable RF (Transmitter) Reading status of the service control switch The handheld allows you to read the status of the REX, REX2 or A3 ALPHA meter’s service control switch. To read the status: 1. From the Connect/Disconnect menu, select Load Side Power. Figure 9-6.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Figure 9-7. Load Side Power - connected The table below details the possible values for the service control switch: Value Switch Status Reported as 0 Communication Failure Communication failure 1 Open Power is disconnected 2 Open with close pending Connection is pending 3 Open with load side voltage present Power is disconnected with load side voltage present.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 86 Figure 9-8. Communication warnings If you receive a communication error or warning message [Figure 9-8], see “Communication mode errors and warning messages” on page 176 for details on troubleshooting communication problems. Checking load side voltage Because a service control switch will not connect if load side voltage is present. To check the status of load side voltage: 1. From the Load Side Power menu, select Load Side Voltage Check.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Figure 9-9. Load Side Power - voltage present Connecting an electricity meter EA_Inspector allows you to connect a REX2 meter regardless of its registration status. However, you can only connect a REX meter that is registered to a gatekeeper. Note: When connecting a REX2 meter after a disconnect, for safety reasons the meter must observe a minimum period of one minute of no load side voltage before performing the connection.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 88 Figure 9-10. Power connected The data is saved to the activity and result logs automatically. 4. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Disconnecting an electricity meter EA_Inspector allows you to disconnect a REX2 meter regardless of its registration status.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Figure 9-11. Disconnect input screen 4. Click Yes to continue with the Disconnect command. — OR — Click No to cancel the disconnect. Note: After sending a connect or disconnect command, EA_Inspector will check service control switch status. If the status is not as expected, then it waits one second and reads status again until 3 attempts occur without a successful change. EA_Inspector displays the results of the Disconnect command.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 90 5. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. The data is saved to the activity and result logs automatically. Reading the state of the secondary relay The handheld allows you to read the status of the gREX meter’s secondary relay. To read the status: 1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Figure 9-14. Connecting power using secondary relay 4. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Disconnecting a secondary relay The handheld allows you to open, that is, disconnect, a gREX meter’s secondary relay. To disconnect a secondary relay: 1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 92 Figure 9-15. Disconnecting power using secondary relay 4. Click Yes to continue with the Open Relay command. — OR — Click No to cancel the disconnect. EA_Inspector displays the results of the Open Relay command. Figure 9-16. Disconnecting power using secondary relay 5. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Controlling a gas valve EA_Inspector 3.6 adds support for the AC 250 Remote Meter Disconnect (RMD) valve equipped with the EnergyAxis Module 2.0. The RMD includes a valve control module (VCM) for opening and closing the gas valve. The gas valve assembly and EnergyAxis module are mounted on and operate Elster’s AC 250 gas meter. Note: The Radix FW950 handheld (Style No.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 94 • PIN Challenge - requires the user to enter the last five digits of the device LAN ID (printed on the label of the RMD) as a PIN prior to opening a gas valve Figure 9-18. RMD and label on gas meter RMD Label Note: If the user has Valve S/N Mode privilege but the handheld does not have a gas SN/LAN ID file, the user cannot access the Gas Valve Control functions.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 95 • EA_Inspector saves an audit log for the results of all Read, Open or Close actions. • EA_Inspector automatically saves detailed information on the gas valve Open or Close actions to the results log file. • EA_Inspector saves detailed information on the gas valve Read action to the results log file only when a user clicks Save. Reading a gas valve’s modules To read a gas shut off valve’s RF and VCM modules: 1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 96 Figure 9-21. Additional gas valve privileges Valve S/N Mode No Valve S/N Mode 2. If you have the Valve S/N Mode privilege, enter the gas valve Serial Number. — OR — If you do not have the Valve S/N Mode privilege, enter the gas valve LAN ID. 3. Click Read. Figure 9-22. Read results EA_Inspector displays the following information: Item VCM Version Description Indicates the firmware version of the AC 250 Remote valve control module.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Item Description Valve Status Indicates the state of the gas valve - Open or Closed. Number of OP Indicates the number of valve opening and closing operations performed by the VCM. Alarm Lists alarms reported by the RF module: RF module • • • • • Error RESET_ERROR BATTERY_LOW (voltage < 3.0V) BATTERY_ALARM (voltage < 2.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 98 Figure 9-23. Battery alarm Hardware failure detected If EA_Inspector detects a hardware failure, contact Elster EnergyAxis Support. Figure 9-24. Hardware failure detected • Click OK to acknowledge the message. Note: The Valve Status field is for historical reference only. When the Read command is initiated, EA_Inspector reports the last known state of the valve.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Opening a gas valve Opening a gas valve turns on gas service. After opening a gas valve, pilot lights on gas-operated devices and appliances must be checked that they are lit. Be sure you have access to all gas-operated devices before performing the Open command. To open a gas shut off valve: 1. From the Connect/Disconnect menu, select Gas Valve Control. The Gas Valve Control screen displays. Figure 9-25.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 100 Figure 9-26. Opening valve - PIN challenge Valve S/N Mode and No PIN Challenge Valve S/N Mode and PIN Challenge EA_Inspector prompts you to confirm to open the gas shut off valve. Figure 9-27. Confirm valve opening Note: EA_Inspector cheks the battery status before opening or closing a gas valve. If the battery is either or warning, the action for opening or closing the valve will be cancelled. 5.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 101 After opening the gas shut off valve, EA_Inspector displays the result of the action. Figure 9-28. Open valve results 6. Click Save only to save a note to the result log or to collect GPS data. Closing a gas valve Closing a gas valve turns off gas service. To close a gas shut off valve: 1. From the Connect/Disconnect menu, select Gas Valve Control. The Gas Valve Control screen displays. Figure 9-29.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 102 2. If you have the Valve S/N Mode privilege, enter the gas valve Serial Number. — OR — If you do not have the Valve S/N Mode privilege, enter the gas valve LAN ID. 3. Click Close. 4. If you have the PIN Challenge privilege: a. Enter the last five digits of the RF module’s LAN ID (printed on the RMD label) as a PIN. b. Click OK. Note: EA_Inspector cheks the battery status before opening or closing a gas valve.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Figure 9-31. Close valve result 6. Click Save only to save a note to the result log or to collect GPS data. Controlling a module’s transmitter EA_Inspector 3.6 adds support controlling the radio transmitter of the following devices: • REX2 meters (FW v2.0 and higher) • gREX meters (FW v2.0 and higher) Note: REX2 and gREX meters with FW v2.x will execute the disable or enable command at midnight.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 104 Reading the current state of an RF control To read the current state of the RF transmitter: 1. From the Connect/Disconnect menu, select RF Control. The RF Control screen displays. Figure 9-32. RF Control screen 2. Enter the LAN ID for the module. 3. Click Read Current State. Figure 9-33. Reading the current state The screen displays the current state of the module’s radio.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters Disabling an RF transmitter To disable the RF transmitter: 1. From the Connect/Disconnect menu, select RF Control. The RF Control screen displays. 2. Enter the LAN ID for the module. 3. Click Disable RF. Figure 9-34. Disabling RF transmitter The screen displays the result of the action (that is, successful or failed). Enabling an RF transmitter To enable the RF transmitter: 1. From the Connect/Disconnect menu, select RF Control.
EA_Inspector User Guide Disconnecting and reconnecting meters 106 Figure 9-35. Enabling RF transmitter The screen displays the result of the action (that is, successful or failed).
EA_Inspector User Guide 10 UPGRADING FIRMWARE The target of a firmware upgrade must support LAN encryption. Elster security policies do not allow firmware upgrades on meters, modules or nodes that do not support LAN encryption. The device does not need to be operating in encrypted mode; the download process will activate the encrypted mode of operation for the duration of the download and return the device to the original operating mode.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 108 EA_Inspector Upgrade Support Y REX2 meter EA_NIC LAN Mode 1 HW FW FW 2.0 2.0 2.2 X 2.0 2.0 2.1 X 1.0 1.4 3.1 X 1.0 1.3 1.5 X 1.0 1.2 1.4 X 1.0 1.2 1.3 X 1.0 1.2 1.2 X 1.0 1.1 1.2 X 1.0 1.0 1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware Figure 10-1. Exiting EA_Inspector 2. Click Yes to exit. 3. At the desktop, click the EA_Inspector icon to restart the software and begin updating the firmware. Figure 10-2. Confirm update 4. Click Yes to begin updating the handheld’s EA_NIC firmware. The update begins.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 110 Figure 10-3. Update in progress When the update is complete, EA_Inspector displays a message. Figure 10-4. Update complete 5. Click OK to finish the update. Upgrading a gas or water module’s firmware Note: Before you can upgrade firmware, files must be downloaded to the handheld using EA_Inspector Manager. See the EA_Inspector and EA_Inspector Manager Installation and Administration Guide for details.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware To upgrade a gas or water module’s firmware: 1. From the Main Menu, select Configure Meter. Figure 10-5. EA_Inspector Main Menu screen EA_Inspector displays the Configure Meter screen. Figure 10-6. Configure Meter screen 2. Select Firmware Upgrade. EA_Inspector displays the Firmware Upgrade input screen.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 112 Figure 10-7. Firmware upgrade input screen 3. To upgrade firmware in a gas or water meter’s radio/application or valve control module using walk-by or drive-by access, check WBDB. • If WBDB is unchecked, EA_Inspector displays a message prompting you to use a magnet to awaken the RF module. • If WBDB is checked, you must enter the module’s serial number or LAN ID to allow EA_Inspector to broadcast a wake-up tone to the module. 4.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware b. Click OK to acknowledge the message. If multiple firmware files are found on the handheld, EA_Inspector prompts you to select the firmware version. c. Select the appropriate firmware image from the Firmware List. Figure 10-9. Multiple firmware versions found d. Click OK. EA_Inspector begins upgrading the module’s firmware. Figure 10-10. Loading firmware upgrade 7. For gas modules, hold the magnet to the module as detailed in Figure 5-14 on page 44.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 114 Figure 10-11. Successful firmware upgrade The firmware upgrade results are saved automatically to a log data file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. 8. To add notes to the log data file or collect and save GPS data, click Save. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. 9. Enter notes as needed or see “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware Figure 10-12. Upgrading valve control module 5. Select Valve Control Module. 6. Enter the LAN ID for the control module. 7. Click Go. If multiple firmware files are found on the handheld, EA_Inspector prompts you to select the firmware version. Figure 10-13. Firmware List 8. Select the appropriate firmware image from the Firmware List. 9. Click OK. EA_Inspector begins upgrading the module’s firmware.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 116 Figure 10-14. Loading the firmware image After the firmware is upgraded, EA_Inspector displays the results of the operation. Figure 10-15. Upgrade results 10.To add notes to the log data file or collect and save GPS data, click Save. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. 11. Enter notes as needed or see “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware Upgrading a meter’s EA_NIC radio firmware Note: This function applies to REX2 or A3 ALPHA meters equipped with the EA_NIC network interface card. To upgrade a meter’s EA_NIC radio firmware: 1. From the Main Menu, select Configure Meter. Figure 10-16. EA_Inspector Main Menu EA_Inspector displays the Configure Meter screen. Figure 10-17. Configure Meter screen 2. Select Firmware Upgrade. EA_Inspector displays the Firmware Upgrade input screen.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 118 Figure 10-18. Upgrading a meter’s radio firmware 3. Select to upgrade Electricity. 4. Select to upgrade the meter’s Radio. 5. Enter the LAN ID of the meter. 6. Click Go to begin the upgrade process. EA_Inspector displays a list of the firmware versions available on the handheld: • If upgrade files are not available on the handheld, EA_Inspector displays a message. • Obtain the files by synchronizing the handheld using EA_Inspector Manager.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 119 a. Select the proper firmware and click OK. EA_Inspector begin upgrading the meter’s radio firmware. Figure 10-20. Loading firmware Figure 10-21. Upgrade successful After the upgrade is complete, EA_Inspector displays a message indicating the upgrade was successful. The firmware upgrade results are saved automatically to a log data file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. 7. To add notes to the log data file or collect and save GPS data, click Save.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware Upgrading a REX2 meter’s firmware 120 To upgrade a REX2 meter’s firmware: 1. From the Main Menu, select Configure Meter. Figure 10-22. EA_Inspector Main Menu EA_Inspector displays the Configure Meter screen. Figure 10-23. Configure Meter screen 2. Select Firmware Upgrade. EA_Inspector displays the Firmware Upgrade input screen.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware Figure 10-24. Upgrading a meter’s firmware 3. Select to upgrade REX2 Application. 4. Enter the LAN ID of the meter. 5. Click Go to begin the upgrade process. EA_Inspector displays a list of the firmware versions available on the handheld: • If upgrade files are not available on the handheld, EA_Inspector displays a message. • Obtain the files by synchronizing the handheld using EA_Inspector Manager.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 122 a. Click OK. EA_Inspector begin upgrading the meter’s firmware. Figure 10-26. Loading firmware After the upgrade is complete, EA_Inspector displays a message indicating the upgrade was successful. Figure 10-27. Upgrade successful The firmware upgrade results are saved automatically to a log data file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. 6. To add notes to the log data file or collect and save GPS data, click Save. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. 7.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware Upgrading an A3 ALPHA meter’s firmware 123 To upgrade an A3 ALPHA meter’s firmware: 1. From the Main Menu, select Configure Meter. Figure 10-28. EA_Inspector Main Menu EA_Inspector displays the Configure Meter screen. Figure 10-29. Configure Meter screen 2. Select Firmware Upgrade. EA_Inspector displays the Firmware Upgrade input screen.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 124 Figure 10-30. Upgrading a meter’s firmware 3. Select to upgrade A3 NIC Application. 4. Enter the LAN ID of the meter. 5. Click Go to begin the upgrade process. EA_Inspector displays a list of the firmware versions available on the handheld: • If upgrade files are not available on the handheld, EA_Inspector displays a message. • Obtain the files by synchronizing the handheld using EA_Inspector Manager.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware a. Click OK. EA_Inspector begin upgrading the meter’s firmware. Figure 10-32. Loading firmware After the upgrade is complete, EA_Inspector displays a message indicating the upgrade was successful. Figure 10-33. Upgrade successful The firmware upgrade results are saved automatically to a log data file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. 6. To add notes to the log data file or collect and save GPS data, click Save. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. 7.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware Upgrading 900 MHz HAN devices 126 Upgrading a 900 MHz HAN device’s radio To upgrade the radio firmware in a 900 MHz HAN device: 1. From the Main Menu, select Home Area Network. EA_Inspector displays the Home Area Network screen. Figure 10-34. Home Area Network screen 2. From the Home Area Network, select 900 MHz HAN. EA_Inspector displays the 900 MHz HAN screen. Figure 10-35. 900 MHz HAN screen 3. From the 900 MHz HAN, select Configure.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 127 Figure 10-36. Config 900 MHz HAN screen 4. From the Config 900 MHz HAN, select Firmware Upgrade. EA_Inspector displays the Firmware Upgrade screen. Figure 10-37. Firmware Upgrade screen 5. To upgrade the firmware in the device’s radio, select Radio. 6. Enter the LAN ID of the meter. 7. Click Go to begin the upgrade process.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 128 Manager. • If multiple firmware files are found on the handheld, EA_Inspector prompts you to select the appropriate firmware version. Figure 10-38. Firmware List a. Click OK. EA_Inspector begin upgrading the firmware. Figure 10-39. Loading firmware After the upgrade is complete, EA_Inspector displays a message indicating the upgrade was successful.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 129 Figure 10-40. Upgrade complete The firmware upgrade results are saved automatically to a log data file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. 8. To add notes to the log data file or collect and save GPS data, click Save. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. 9. Enter notes as needed or see “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 130 Figure 10-41. Home Area Network screen 2. From the Home Area Network, select 900 MHz HAN. EA_Inspector displays the 900 MHz HAN screen. Figure 10-42. 900 MHz HAN screen 3. From the 900 MHz HAN, select Configure. EA_Inspector displays the Config 900 MHz HAN screen.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 131 Figure 10-43. Config 900 MHz HAN screen 4. From the Config 900 MHz HAN, select Firmware Upgrade. EA_Inspector displays the Firmware Upgrade screen. Figure 10-44. Firmware Upgrade screen 5. To upgrade the firmware in the device, select Application. 6. Enter the LAN ID of the meter. 7. Click Go to begin the upgrade process.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 132 Manager. • If multiple firmware files are found on the handheld, EA_Inspector prompts you to select the appropriate firmware version. Figure 10-45. Firmware List a. Click OK. EA_Inspector begin upgrading the firmware. Figure 10-46. Loading firmware After the upgrade is complete, EA_Inspector displays a message indicating the upgrade was successful.
EA_Inspector User Guide Upgrading firmware 133 Figure 10-47. Upgrade complete The firmware upgrade results are saved automatically to a log data file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. 8. To add notes to the log data file or collect and save GPS data, click Save. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. 9. Enter notes as needed or see “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data.
EA_Inspector User Guide 11 CONFIGURING METERS About HAN broadcasts Certain REX and REX2 meters may be home area network enabled using an EA_HAN network interface card (NIC). The meter communicates to the NIC relaying information such as consumption. The NIC uses the HAN radio to communicate with a variety of home area devices such as in home displays, programmable thermostats, etc.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters 135 Figure 11-2.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters Configuring HAN Broadcast settings 136 To configure EnergyAxis HAN broadcast settings: 1. From the Configure Meter menu, select EA HAN Broadcast. Figure 11-3. Configure Meter menu The EA HAN Broadcast menu displays. Figure 11-4.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters Checking the status of the meter’s HAN broadcast 137 To check the status of a meter’s HAN broadcast: 1. From the EA HAN Broadcast menu, enter the LAN ID of the selected meter. Figure 11-5. EA HAN Broadcast menu 2. Select Read Current State. If the meter selected supports HAN, the handheld displays the status of the HAN Broadcast. If the selected meter does not support HAN, the handheld displays the message “Broadcast not supported in REX v#.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters Figure 11-6. HAN Broadcast status - ON Figure 11-7.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters Figure 11-8. HAN Broadcast error messages 3. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Turning off the meter’s broadcast Note: You must have Program privilege to turn off a meter’s broadcast. To turn off a meter’s HAN broadcast: 1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters 140 Figure 11-9. Turn OFF Broadcast Figure 11-10. HAN Broadcast - OFF If the selected meter does not support HAN, the handheld displays the message “Broadcast not supported in REX v#.” If you receive a communication error or warning message [Figure 11-8], see “Communication mode errors and warning messages” on page 176 for details on troubleshooting communication problems. 3. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Turning on the meter’s broadcast Note: You must have Program privilege to turn on a meter’s broadcast. To turn on a meter’s HAN broadcast: 1. From the EA HAN Broadcast menu, enter the ID of the selected meter. 2. Select Start - Turn ON. Figure 11-11.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters 142 Figure 11-12. HAN Broadcast - ON If the selected meter does not support HAN, the handheld displays the message “Broadcast not supported in REX v#.” If you receive a communication error or warning message [Figure 11-8], see “Communication mode errors and warning messages” on page 176 for details on troubleshooting communication problems. 3. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters 143 Figure 11-13. Meter Associations with Program privilege .ianSka EoSlor- boitiPele 2. Click Find to locate the EA_Gas or EA_Water module ID. The display lists the EA_Gas or EA_Water module the programmed values including the current electric meter association if one has been programmed into the module. Figure 11-14. Find Electric Node with Program privilege without Program privilege 3. To set the electric meter association, enter the Electric Node ID.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters 144 Figure 11-15. Setting meter associations 4. Click Set. The electric meter ID is written to the module. 5. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Configuring water module leak settings Note: EA_Water Module leak settings apply to EA_Water 2.0 modules.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters To configure an EA_Water module’s leak settings: 1. From the Configure Meter menu, select EA_Water Module. Figure 11-16. Water Leak Settings input form 2. Click Read to locate the water module and retrieve its current leak settings. EA_Inspector displays the module’s current leak settings. Figure 11-17. Water module’s leak settings 3. Edit the settings as needed: a. Check to turn on High Leak Alarm. Uncheck to turn off High Leak Alarm.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters 146 b. Enter the Over Limit Threshold (range from 0 to 65535). The Over Limit Threshold triggers off the module’s interval reading. The value entered here would reflect the maximum (hourly) interval reading allowed before triggering this alarm. Sometimes this is referred to as a burst alarm or a broken pipe alarm. c. Enter the Leak Zero Intervals (must be less than or equal to Leak Window Intervals). Leak Zero Intervals is a low-level leak detection.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters To perform a demand reset on an electricity meter: 1. From the Configure Meter menu, select Demand Reset. 2. Enter the LAN ID of the electricity meter. 3. Click Reset. EA_Inspector commands the meter to perform a demand reset and displays the results of the command. Figure 11-19. Demand reset results 4. Click Save to save the results to a file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring meters 148
EA_Inspector User Guide 12 MANAGING HOME AREA NETWORK DEVICES Certain REX and REX2 meters may be home area network enabled using a ZigBee network interface card (ZigBee NIC). The meter communicates to the ZigBee NIC relaying information such as consumption. The ZigBee NIC uses the HAN radio to communicate with a variety of home area devices such as in home displays, programmable thermostats, etc.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices Accessing Home Area Network menu 150 To access the Home Area Network menu: 1. From the Main Menu, select Home Area Network. Figure 12-1. EA_Inspector Main Menu The Home Area Network menu displays. Figure 12-2. Home Area Network screen 2. Select the device type: a. ZigBee HAN b.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices ZigBee HAN device commands The ZigBee HAN menu allows you to perfom the following actions on a ZigBee device: • View Devices • HAN NIC Info Figure 12-3. ZigBee HAN menu View devices To view a HAN device: 1. From the ZigBee HAN menu, select View Devices. Figure 12-4. View HAN Devices screen 2. Enter the LAN ID or SN of the meter with HAN devices. 3. Click View.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 152 A listing of HAN devices associated with the specified LAN ID. Figure 12-5. HAN Device listing The device number and name for each HAN device associated with the meter is displayed. 4. Select a device in the list box and click More to see more details about the device. Figure 12-6. HAN device - More details 5. Click Cancel to return to the listing.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices Viewing HAN NIC information You can use EA_Inspector to read HAN device number (0 - 255) and to view information about the ZigBee NIC. Note: ZigBee uses a time called UTC time in a ZigBee time cluster which is the count in seconds from January 1, 2000. 1. To view HAN NIC information, from the ZigBee HAN screen, click HAN NIC Info. 2. Enter the LAN ID or the SN (serial number) for the meter the HAN device is associated. 3. Click Read.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 154 Figure 12-8. 900 MHz HAN menu with Program 900 MHz HAN privilege without Program 900 MHz HAN privilege Commissioning a 900 MHz device Note: You must have Program 900 MHz HAN privileges to access the Set command. To commission a 900 MHz HAN device: 1. From the 900 MHz HAN menu, select Commission. EA_Inspector displays the Commission Device screen. Figure 12-9.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 2. Enter the LAN ID or the device serial number (S/N). 3. Enter the Activation Code you received from Elster. The Activation Code contains the associated meter UID and LAN ID required for commissioning the device. 4. Click Set. Figure 12-10. Commissioning a device Incorrect Activation Code entered After the commissioning, EA_Inspector displays the status of the command (success or fail).
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 156 Figure 12-11. Reading a commissioned device device commissioned meter not present • If the device is commissioned, EA_Inspector displays the Activation Code for the device. • The status line indicates whether the device is commissioned and the associated meter is present. The device ID, Activation Code and the status are automatically saved to the audit log and the results log. Pinging a 900 MHz HAN device To ping a 900 MHz HAN device: 1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices Figure 12-12. Pinging the device Pinging a 900 MHz device To ping a 900 MHz HAN device: 1. From the 900 MHz HAN menu, select Ping. EA_Inspector displays the Ping Device screen. Figure 12-13. 2. Enter the LAN ID or S/N (serial number) for the device. 3. Click Ping. EA_Inspector displays the radio firmware version, the device’s firmware version, and the communications statistics.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 158 Figure 12-14. Ping results 4. Click Save to save data to the results log file for uploading into EA_Inspector Manager. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. See “Saving notes and GPS data” on page 30 for details on collecting and saving GPS data. Decommissioning a 900 MHz device Note: You must have Program 900 MHz HAN privileges to access the Set command. To decommission a 900 MHz HAN device: 1. From the 900 MHz HAN menu, select Decommission.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices Figure 12-15. Decommissiong a device with Program 900 MHz HAN privilege without Program 900 MHz HAN privilege 2. Enter the LAN ID or the S/N (serial number) of the device. 3. Click Set. EA_Inspector displays the result of the command (success or fail). Figure 12-16. Decommissioning a device results The device ID and the status of the decommissioning are automatically saved to the audit log and the results log.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 160 Reading a decommissioned device To read a decommissioned device: 1. From the 900 MHz HAN menu, select Decommission. EA_Inspector displays the Decommission Device screen. 2. Enter the LAN ID or the S/N (serial number) of the device. 3. Click Read. EA_Inspector displays the state of the device. Figure 12-17.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices Figure 12-18. Config 900 MHz HAN screen The Config 900 MHz HAN menu allows you to configure the following the parameters: • • • • General Pricing Messaging Firmware Upgrade Configuring general parameters To configure general parameters: 1. From the Config 900 MHz HAN menu, select General. If parameter files are not located on the handheld, EA_Inspector displays a notice prompting you to get parameter files from EA_inspector Manager.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 162 2. Click OK to acknowledge the message. 3. Use EA_Inspector Manager to download the parameter files to the handheld. 4. Retry configuring general paramters. If multiple parameter files are found on the handheld, EA_Inspector prompts you to select the proper file. Figure 12-20. Multiple files found 5. Select the appropriate parameter file from the list. 6. Enter the LAN ID or S/N (serial number) of the 900 MHz HAN device to be configured. 7.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 163 Figure 12-21. Configuration passed EA_Inspector save the results from configuring general parameters and the parameter file name to the audit log and results log automatically. You can view the audit log and results log through EA_Inspector Manager. 8. To add notes to the log data file or collect and save GPS data, click Save. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. 9. Enter notes as needed.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 164 Figure 12-22. Handheld parameter file missing 2. Click OK to acknowledge the message. 3. Use EA_Inspector Manager to download the parameter files to the handheld. 4. Retry configuring pricing paramters. If multiple parameter files are found on the handheld, EA_Inspector prompts you to select the proper file. Figure 12-23. Multiple files found 5. Select the appropriate parameter file from the list. 6.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices EA_Inspector begins configuring pricing parameters in the 900 MHz HAN device. EA_Inspector displays the result of the configuration. Figure 12-24. Configuration passed EA_Inspector save the results from configuring pricing parameters and the parameter file name to the audit log and results log automatically. You can view the audit log and results log through EA_Inspector Manager. 8.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 166 Figure 12-25. Clearing pricing EA_Inspector save the results from configuring pricing parameters and the parameter file name to the audit log and results log automatically. You can view the audit log and results log through EA_Inspector Manager. 4. To add notes to the log data file or collect and save GPS data, click Save. EA_Inspector opens a Notes screen. 5. Enter notes as needed.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices Figure 12-26. Handheld parameter file missing 2. Click OK to acknowledge the message. 3. Use EA_Inspector Manager to download the parameter files to the handheld. 4. Retry configuring messaging paramters. If multiple parameter files are found on the handheld, EA_Inspector prompts you to select the proper file. Figure 12-27. Multiple files found 5. Select the appropriate parameter file from the list. 6.
EA_Inspector User Guide Managing home area network devices 168 EA_Inspector begins configuring messaging parameters in the 900 MHz HAN device. EA_Inspector displays the result of the configuration. Figure 12-28. Configuration passed EA_Inspector save the results from configuring messaging parameters and the parameter file name to the audit log and results log automatically. You can view the audit log and results log through EA_Inspector Manager. 8.
EA_Inspector User Guide 13 CONFIGURING THE HANDHELD About configuring the handheld Users can configure a handheld including the following: • Configuring handheld settings and utility IDs • Configuring EA Defaults Note: Accessing handheld configuration menu Only users with Program privilege can configure a handheld’s Utility ID. To access the HH Configuration menu: 1. From the Main Menu, select HH Configuration. Figure 13-1. EA_Inspector Main Menu EA_Inspector displays the HH Configuration menu.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring the handheld 170 Figure 13-2. HH Configuration menu 2.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring the handheld Figure 13-3. HH settings screen - no utility ID file on handheld Figure 13-4.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring the handheld 172 Figure 13-5. HH settings screen with Allow LAN ID privilege Note: without Allow LAN ID privilege The settings for the Fast Read and Battery Warning % are only stored in the handheld. 2. Change the HH ID for the handheld, if needed. 3. Uncheck Fast Read if an extended battery life is necessary. Note: If checked, the handheld’s RF com port is kept open for each RF read. If unchecked, the RF com port is opened and closed for each RF read. 4.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring the handheld Figure 13-6. HH settings screen - disabling Use LAN ID 6. Enter the Battery Warning % to receive a low battery warning when the battery reaches the specified level (default is 10%; the min is 10% and the max is 80%). 7. By default, Elster configures handhelds to support one utility ID, however, if specified, your utility may support multiple utility IDs, select the appropriate utility ID from the drop list.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring the handheld 174 Figure 13-7. EA Defaults - settings 2. Enter the number of Ping Packet Repeats (the number of additional packets transmitted at different frequencies within the 900 MHz unlicensed band; range of 0 to 10 with default of 2). For example, if packet repeats is set to the default of 2, a total of 3 packets (1 packet plus an additional 2 packets) would be sent over 3 different frequencies in the 900 MHz band. 3.
EA_Inspector User Guide Configuring the handheld Figure 13-8. About EA_Inspector screen The About EA_Inspector screen displays the following information: Item Description Software Name Indicates you are using EnergyAxis EA_Inspector software. Software Version Indicates the version of EA_Inspector you are using. Firmware Version Indicates the version of firmware the EA_NIC is using. Copyright date and holder Indicates the date and the holder of the copyright for the software. 2.
EA_Inspector User Guide A TROUBLESHOOTING General troubleshooting 1. Click on the screen with the stylus if the device keys navigation does not produce expected results. 2. Try to reboot the handheld: • Hold down the + + <> keys down simultaneously for several seconds until the screen goes blank. — OR — Refer to the EA_Inspector and EA_Inspector Manager Installation and Administration Guide. Trouble connecting to EA_Inspector Manager 1.
EA_Inspector User Guide Troubleshooting # HH Message Reason HH Comm. Mode Meter Comm. Mode Meter Response 4 LAN Encryption mismatch: please update the handheld seeds with EA_Inspector Manager. LAN Encryption is mismatched between HH and meter. Encrypted LAN Encrypted Meter NON Ping Request 1C – Packet Decryption Failed 5 LAN Encryption mismatch: please update the handheld seeds with EA_Inspector Manager. LAN Encryption is mismatched between HH and meter.
Elster Solutions 208 South Rogers Lane Raleigh NC 27610-2144 T +1 800 338 5251 (US toll free) www.elster.com © 2011 by Elster. All rights reserved. No part of this software or documentation may be reproduced, transmitted, processed or recorded by any means or form, electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise, translated to another language, or be released to any third party without the express written consent of Elster. 17.October.
