Elster Handhelds User Guide Release 1.0 www.elster.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 3 Contents Contents FCC and Industry Canada compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability . . . . . . . . . .8 Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Revisions to this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 About handheld devices . . . .
Elster Handhelds User Guide 4 Contents Radix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Resetting the handheld device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Dap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Radix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Logging in to the handheld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Elster Handhelds User Guide 5 Contents 6 Using the VersaProbe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring a VersaProbe connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Serial communication mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bluetooth communication mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reading using a VersaProbe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Establishing the VersaProbe connection . . . . . . . . . . . . Reading a meter . . . . . . . . .
Elster Handhelds User Guide 6 Contents Trouble in connecting the device to Route Manager . . . . . . . 91 D Programming Pre Gen 5 RTMs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen 2 RTMs (FCC ID G8J3GNAMR8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen 2.5 water pit RTMs (FCC ID G8JPIT25) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen 2.5 water remote RTMs (FCC ID G8JGEN25) . . . . . . . . . Gen 3.x water remote RTMs (FCC ID G8JGEN03) . . . . . . . . . Gen 3.x gas remote RTMs (FCC ID G8JGEN03) . . . . . . . . .
Elster Handhelds User Guide 7 FCC and Industry Canada compliance Compliance statement (Part 15.19) PI 500: The PI500 complies with Part 90 of the FCC Rules. The FCC IDs are G8JHHI01 and G8JHHI02. PI 900: The PI900 complies with Part 15 (Class B ), Part 90 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 and RSS-119 of Industry Canada. The FCC ID is G8JHHI03 and G8JHHI04. The Industry Canada is 4557C-HHI03 and 4557C-HHI04. evoWalk: The evoWalk complies with Part 15 (Class B ) of the FCC Rules. The FCC ID is S28-EVO.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 8 Disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability There are no understandings, agreements, representations, or warranties either expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, other than those specifically set out by any existing contract between the parties. Any such contract states the entire obligation of the seller.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 9 Caution is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will or can cause minor personal injury, equipment damage, or property damage if the notice is ignored. Warning is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that can cause severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property damage if notice is ignored.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 10 1 Introduction This document provides comprehensive operating instructions for the use of the following Elster handheld interrogators: • PI 500 - an RTM programmer and reader • evoWalk - RTM reader only • PI 900 - RTM installation tool only About handheld devices Handheld devices are lightweight and easy to use handheld computer for automatic meter reading (AMR), using touch screen technology to simplify the meter reading process.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 11 Existing users If you are already familiar with Elster AMR products, you will still find it helpful to go through the Introduction and detail sections to understand how the features of the handheld device work together and what information is needed to perform each feature. Automatic meter reading The Elster system uses radio frequency (RF) signals to allow utility personnel to read meters from a distance while the reader is in motion.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 12 1. Introduction request, receive, and store specific meter data for transfer to route management software. Interrogators offer a lower infrastructure investment over a fixed-base system with operational flexibility, efficiency and cost-savings.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 13 2. About handheld devices 2 About handheld devices The handheld device provides a wide range of meter data collection functions and can serve as the main meter reading device in smaller utilities. The unit provides a combination of functionality and ruggedness that make it an attractive option for Elster AMR users. Elster uses three handheld devices for its systems.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 14 • 3.5" QVGA TFT Color LCD resistive touch-screen • 54-key ergonomic keypad with separate numeric keys • Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery • TRACE Interrogator PC card • Elster software • Half-duplex RF communications • RF Transmitter - 451 MHz • RF Receiver - 414 MHz • FCC compliance: Part 90, FCC ID# G8JHHI01 • Operating temperature: -4 °F to +122 °F (-20 °C to + 50 °C) • Ethernet communications through charging cradle • The Dap 5240X is IP-67 rated (1 meter submersion).
Elster Handhelds User Guide 15 Figure 2-2. Radix FW900 handheld Radix specifications • Windows CE operating system • .NET Framework 4.2 • 400 MHz Intel XScale PXA255 • 128 MB RAM; 128 MB Flash • 3.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 16 2. About handheld devices Basic operation The handheld device is pre-loaded with Elster software which allows for either automatic or manual meter reading functions, or both. The routes are loaded into the handheld using Route Manager software.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 17 PI 500 installation tool Recently added functionality allows users to operate the PI 500 as an installation tool for TRACE RTMs.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 18 3. Handheld operation 3 Handheld operation Commonly used keys The handheld’s keyboard allows the user to access software functions. Elster handhelds respond to the keystrokes independent of hardware. Note: All letters are assumed to be upper case. Function keys - are also used. Tab Arrow keys Reset and Function Figure 3-1.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 19 Radix R button Arrow keys Figure 3-2.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 20 Using the stylus Use the stylus to tap a command button or to move focus to a data entry field. If you do not have a stylus, use the tip of your fingernail (not the soft pad of your finger). Reading meters Using the handheld device for meter reading is easy. The reading cycle consists of four main stages: 1. Preparation: a.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 21 Charging the device Dap Place the handheld securely in its charging cradle to recharge the battery. The handheld will automatically turn on once it is placed in the cradle.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 22 Holding the handheld For meter reading When using a handheld device to read RTMs, hold the handheld device at a distance of at least 10 feet from the RTM. It should be held between a 45° to 90° angle from the ground (figure below). For RTM installation When programming a RTM, the handheld device uses short range radio frequency. The handheld device should be held from 0 to 3 feet from the RTM. The angle of the handheld does not matter.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 23 4. About Interrogator software 4 About Interrogator software After successfully logging into the handheld device, you will first see the Interrogator splash screen followed by the main menu screen.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 24 The main menu screen allows the selection of the following modes: • Route Selection (see “Selecting a route” on page 24) • Route Manager (RM) Communication (see “RM Communication” on page 24) • View Configuration (see “Viewing handheld configuration” on page 25) Selecting a route To select a route to read: 1. Press or select Route Selection. A listing of route Names and Types loaded in the device displays. 2.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 25 See Chapter 9, “Communicating with Route Manager” for details. Viewing handheld configuration To the configuration of the handheld: 1. Press . — Or — Select - View Configuration to view the configuration settings for the handheld device. The View Configuration screen displays the current configuration for the handheld. 4.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 26 4. About Interrogator software Updating handheld configuration Note: The configuration settings should only be modified by the handheld administrator. 1. From the View Configuration screen you can press again to access the Update Configuration screen. The figure below shows the fields available for update.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 27 Item Ftp 4. About Interrogator software Description Port number used to FTP file transfers. Note: Do not change unless directed by Elster Customer Support. Extend Battery Life [PI 500 only] If checked, the RF communications port will be closed after each read to maximize battery life. If unchecked, the communications port remains open between reads allowing faster reads.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 28 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. 4.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 29 5 Reading accounts Navigating accounts You can use the handheld's keyboard or the touch screen using a stylus to execute functions. The handheld responds to the keystrokes independent of platform. All letters are assumed to be upper case. Function keys - are also used.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 30 5. Reading accounts The Read screen appears as below. Rt: Route ID Account Sequence No.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 31 If Enable sound is enabled, a sound will notify you of the status of the reading (success or fail). If Automove is enabled and the reading was successful, the display shows the next account in the route. If the account just read is the last one in the current route an audible alert will sound. Once the interrogation is completed the account record will be updated. Performing a manual index reading To perform a manual index read: 1.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 32 The number entered will be checked against: • The number of dials as reported in Route Manager for the account. This option can be turned off/on in Route Manager. • Upper Limit and Lower Limit for the account as reported in Route Manager. This option can be turned off/on in Route Manager. • Previous read for the account as reported in Route Manager. A zero (0) uploaded for the value to check turns this option off.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 33 If the account had a manual reading, then after pressing , a message dialog displays asking you if you wish to reset the account: • Selecting Yes clears the reading and trouble code and sets the account status to Unattempted. • Selecting No has no affect on the account. Adding a trouble code Accelerator key: Pressing has no effect. Trouble codes are used to indicate problems with obtaining readings. A trouble code should be entered with a reading.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 34 Skip codes are used to indicate a reason why an account could not be read. A skip code should be entered when a reading cannot be obtained. 1. While in the Read screen, press to display the Skip Code list. 2. Use the and arrow keys to select the desired skip code from the list. 3. Press to update the account with the selected skip code. — Or — Press to close the window without entering a skip code.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 35 trouble code applies. 4. Press to close the Message screen. A message dialog displays asking if you want to save changes to messages. 5. Press Yes or to save the changes and close the screen. — Or — Press No or to close the screen without saving changes to messages. Setting the resequence flag Accelerator key: Pressing has no effect.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 36 The message box will pop-up to verify if resequencing is desired. 2. Select either Yes or No by: • Touching Yes or No. • Pressing or on the keyboard. • Moving to the desired button by using or arrow keys to select the response and press . Removing a resequence flag To remove a resequence flag from a route: 1. With an account in the route displayed, press . A dialog displays asking you to confirm the resequence. 2. Select No or press .
Elster Handhelds User Guide 37 5.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 38 If Enable sound is enabled, a sound will notify you of the status of the reading (success or fail). If Automove is enabled and the reading was successful, the display shows the next account in the route. If the account just read is the last one in the current route an audible alert will sound. Once the interrogation is completed the account record will be updated. 5.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 39 Performing a single history/TOU RF read If a D appears in the lower left corner of the data entry display, the account contains one or more History and or TOU requests. 1. To retrieve the history or TOU request, press to display a pop-up list of all requests. 2. Use the Up / Down arrow keys or a stylus to select the History/TOU request to read. 3. Press to start the interrogation. An RF communications window will open and RF interrogation will start.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 40 2. Enter the desired RTM number and press . An RF communications window will open and RF interrogation will start. You can watch commands issued and replies returned from the target RTM. When the interrogation is completed, the communications commands will be replaced with read results. Note: Data is NOT added to the database. 5.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 41 Jumps Jumps are moving from the current account in the current route to various other accounts and routes. Viewing Account Details screen Accelerator key: Press to trigger a jump to the Account Details screen of the selected account on the data entry screen. Pressing has no effect. Press to close Account Details screen. Jumping to the beginning of current route Accelerator key: Press to trigger a jump to the first account in the current route.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 42 If you press
on the first route a beep sounds and the display remains on the current account. Jumping to next unread account in the current route Accelerator key: Press to jump to the next account with a index read of -2 and trouble code 0 in the current route. Press to return to the screen displayed prior to the jump. Searching the current route Searches allow you to jump to any specified account in the current route.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 43 4. Enter the Search For text string. 5. Click Search to begin the defined search — Or — Press while the Search button is highlighted. 6. Press to cancel the search. Searches with only one account returned will jump directly to that account. If the search results in multiple accounts, the results list will present the list of accounts: 7. To jump to an account, select an item from the results list and press .
Elster Handhelds User Guide 44 4. Click Search. If multiple accounts are found, they are displayed as Address followed by first part of address. 5. Select the account to view the account’s screen. 6. Press to return to the search results screen. — Or — Click Clear to return to the search screen to start a new search. Example Search - Customer To search for all Customers named "Smith": 1. Enter Smith in the Search For string. 2. Select 4 Customer. 3. Click Like Match. 5.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 45 4. Click Search. Multiple accounts show Customer name and first part of the Address. 5. Select an account to view the account’s screen. 6. If that account is not correct, press to return to the search results screen. — Or — Click Clear to return to the search screen to start a new search. Viewing additional information The Account Data Entry screen provides access to several information screens. Most of these take the form of a dialog.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 46 Viewing Help and available commands Accelerator key: Pressing has no effect. To display the information: • Use the and arrow keys to select the desired accelerator key from the list and press . • Click the desired function with the stylus. • Press the shortcut letter on the keyboard. • Press to close the dialog. Viewing Routes Selection screen Accelerator key: Pressing has no effect.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 47 A list of routes displays. 2. Use the and arrow keys to select the desired route. 3. Press . A dialog displays the Route Summary screen. 4. Press to close the dialog. Viewing Account Details screen Accelerator key: The Account Details screen displays additional information about the account. 1. Press to display the account details of a selected account on the data entry screen. 2. Press to close the dialog. 5.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 48 Viewing Instruction Code screen Accelerator key: Instruction codes are used to indicate instructions for Meter Reader. 1. Press to view the list of available instruction codes. 2. Press to close the dialog. Viewing Location Code screen Accelerator key: Location codes are used to indicate the location of meters and RTMs. 1. Press to view the list of available location codes. 5.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 49 2. Press to close the dialog. Viewing Error Log screen Accelerator key: 1. Press to view the Error Log screen. 2. Use the and arrow keys to move within the screen. 3. Press to close the dialog. 5.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 50 Viewing Trouble Code screen Accelerator key: Trouble codes are used to indicate problems with obtaining readings. 1. Press to view the list of available trouble codes. 2. Use the and arrow keys to move within the list. 3. To enter a Trouble Code 2, tap the screen with the stylus then use the and arrow keys to move within the list. 4. Press to close the dialog.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 51 Note: Only appointments whose date is greater than or equal to the current date will be displayed. 4. To view the appointment details, click Full List. The appointment date/time, customer name, service address, and note will be displayed. The full appointment screen will also be displayed just prior to moving to the account on the route for which the appointment was made. 5. Click OK to close the Appointments screen. 5.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 52 6 Using the VersaProbe The VersaProbe device is a universal probe for remote reading of water meters equipped with a remote register and touchpad. With a true open-architecture design, it allows the utility to read any brand touchpad meter in the system with a single probe, eliminating the need for multiple sets of reading equipment. The VersaProbe can be used as a standalone device (disconnected mode) or attached to a handheld device (connected mode).
Elster Handhelds User Guide 53 6. Click Drop to cancel the connection. Bluetooth communication mode To activate the Bluetooth radio: 1. Press and hold the trigger button for about 12 seconds. During this time the display will progress through several steps. Initially asterisks begin to appear on the display, from left to right. 2. As you continue to hold the trigger button, a blinking * will appear in the right corner of the protocol list display to indicate that Bluetooth radio is installed. 3.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 54 The VersaProbe will perform a short radio module test and then display its Bluetooth device address (BDA) also known as the Bluetooth ID. 5. Enter the Bluetooth ID into the handheld by updating the handheld’s configuration properties using Route Manager. See Chapter 9, “Communicating with Route Manager” for details. 6. On the handheld, press to view the VersaProbe Connection screen. 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 55 6. Using the VersaProbe Reading using a VersaProbe In order to read an account with a VersaProbe, the account must be configured with the Probe Encoder Number of the VersaProbe. On the handheld, the RTM field shows the encoder number to be used by the VersaProbe. Note: The probe encoder number must be 10 digits long.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 56 3. You are ready to read meters using the VersaProbe (see “Reading a meter” on page 56). Reading a meter When the VersaProbe is ready for the reads (see “Establishing the VersaProbe connection” on page 55): 1. Hold the VersaProbe up to the meter. 2. Press the trigger button and then release it within less than four seconds. If Enable sound option is enabled, a success or fail sound will alert you with the result of reading.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 57 3. Click OK to return to the Meter Readings screen. You will be returned to the last Account screen you were on, not to the account that was just updated. However, the read will be updated in the account as shown below. • Elster PI software will match the VersaProbe read to the correct account using the probe encoder number, no matter what route the account is found in. • If the encoder number is not found in any route, then a mismatch error will be displayed.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 58 Note: If you return to the Account screen for the encoder you just read and the read value is -2, press to refresh the screen. The read value is replaced by a positive number indicating the reading. Note: If AutoMove is on, press again to advance to the next Account screen. 4. When ready to unload the stored reads, connect the VersaProbe to the handheld device and press the VersaProbe’s trigger to start the unload process. 6.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 59 7 Installing RTMs The PI 500 handheld can be used to install and read RTMs and the PI 900 can be used to install RTMs. The handheld can perform the following actions: • program an RTM index • set special gas and water (PI 500 only) parameters • verify and set RTM date and time • capture GPS coordinates The handheld can also capture additional information associated with meter and index change outs performed at the time of the RTM installation.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 60 2. Choose either Meter Change Out or Index Change Out. The Change Out screen displays: • “Changing out a meter” on page 60 • “Changing out an index” on page 61 Changing out a meter 1. If you selected Meter Change Out, enter the Old Index. 2. Enter the New Meter number. The PI 500 will display the Old Meter number for the account. 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 61 3. Click OK when finished. After a successful change out, the installation screen displays the status Meter Change Out. Changing out an index 1. If you selected Index Change Out, enter the Old Index. 2. Enter the reading from the Old Index that you plan to change out. 3. Click OK when you are finished. After a successful change out the installation screen displays the status Idx Change Out. 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 62 7. Installing RTMs Installing an RTM The RTM installation screen and process will vary slightly depending on whether the meter is a gas or water meter, and the generation of the RTM. The table below details the specifics of each RTM generation. RTM Generation Meter Type RTM Serial Number FCC ID Programming Notes 2.0 Water, Gas < 2500000 G8J3GNAMR8 Programming Stick 2.5 Water (pit) ≥ 2500000 ≤ 6500000 G8JPIT25 magnet 2.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 63 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 64 To begin the installation process: 1. Press or click Find to read the serial number of the RTM that is within the range of the short range antenna. You can also enter the RTM serial number in the Rtm text box and then press Find to ensure that only the RTM number you entered is searched for. The lower left corner of the screen displays the status of the Find operation. a. For Gen 2 RTMs: enter the serial number before pressing Find.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 65 7. Installing RTMs 3. For pre Gen 5 RTMs, follow the instructions on the screen to place and remove the programming stick, jumper or magnet. The magnet can be removed after the programming operation has finished. See Chapter D, “Programming Pre Gen 5 RTMs” for more details on placing the programming stick, jumper or magnet. For Gen 5 RTMs, follow the instructions below.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 66 Item 7. Installing RTMs Description PreD The predivider value can be set to 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, or 250. This value represents the number of counts that must be collected from the meter to represent one count for the RTM. For example, if the predivider was set to 2, 10 pulse counts from the meter would be stored as 5 pulse counts in the RTM. L Cnts leak counts Leak counts can be set to any number from 1 to 9999.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 67 The final status will be displayed as either Set Pass or Failed. After a successful installation: • The RTM subcount value will be set to zero. • The status will be displayed as Installed. 2. Press OK to move to the next account. If the GPS coordinates are zero, the interrogator will automatically read them at this time. Using the scanner The scanner feature is available with installation routes.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 68 Automatically To capturing GPS coordinates, press OK after a successful RTM install (see “Installing an RTM” on page 62). If the GPS coordinates are zero, they will automatically be captured before moving to the next account. Manually 1. At the install route screen, press GPS or to view the GPS Details screen. • If the GPS coordinates have not yet been read, moving to the GPS Details screen will trigger reading the GPS location.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 69 3. Click OK to exit the screen and save the coordinate values. 4. When you are finished installing RTMs, turn the GPS receiver off to save its battery life. See “Scanner and GPS properties” on page 87 for GPS configuration properties for the handheld device. Installing EnergyAxis gas modules using the PI 900 The PI 900 installs and programs EnergyAxis Gas modules. To install EnergyAxis Gas modules: 1. From the Account installation screen, press or click Find. 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 70 The screen prompts you to hold a magnet on the RTM for 2 seconds. 2. Hold a magnet on the side of the RTM for 2 seconds. Click Cancel to return to the installation screen. 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 71 3. After the 2 seconds, the RTM broadcasts the RTM number and is recognized by the handheld. The handheld displays the following information for the RTM: • RTM number • PreDiv • Sub-counts • PCF • Status message The handheld prompts you to read the Subcounts. See “Checking subcounts” on page 71 for details. Checking subcounts To check subcounts: 1. Press Cnt or . The current RTM subcount will be returned. 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 72 2. Rotate the wriggler on the RTM, counting the rotations. Refer to your EnergyAxis Gas Module manual for details. 3. Reread the subcounts and verify that the subcount value has increased by the correct number of rotations. When you have verified the subcounts are recording correctly, proceed to “Programming the RTM” on page 72. Programming the RTM To program the RTM: 1. Click Def or press . The screen displays the Ins Def Codes (Installation Definition Codes). 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 73 2. Select the appropriate Installation Definition Code from the list. Note: Code 99 is reserved for upgrading the module firmware using a file obtained from Elster Customer Support. Use this code only if directed to by Elster. Note: Refer to the Route Manager User Guide for details on configuring Installation Definition Codes. 3. Enter the visual read index value in the Mt Rd. — Or — If you wish to use the default values, select the Installation Definition Code = 0. a.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 74 4. Click Set or press . The interrogator will read, check and set the parameter values. The final status will be displayed as either Set Pass or Failed. After a successful installation: • The RTM subcount value will be set to zero. • The status will be displayed as Installed. • The date and time will be set. 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 5. Press OK to move to the next account. 75 7.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 76 8. RTM Verification 8 RTM Verification The handheld device can also be used to verify the RTM index reading against the visual meter reading. In Route Manager the route must be set to a Read Type = Verify before the route is downloaded to the handheld device. After the download, check that the Route Type is Verify when you select the route on the handheld device. Reading a meter with verification Note: The appearance of the handheld display is configurable.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 77 4. Enter the meter read obtained by visually reading the dials associated with the meter and press or OK to continue. If the difference between the visual meter read and the RTM read is less than or equal to the allowed tolerance as set through Route Manager, then the verification will pass. 5. Press or OK to return to the data entry screen. The verification information will be returned back to Route Manager.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 78 The failed verification information will be returned back to Route Manager. Programming for verification If the route has the Verify Allow Programming flag set, then you will be able to reprogram the RTM with a new index value after a failed verification. The screen displayed below shows a failed verification. After failed verification 1. Enter the new index value as the Pg RTM value and touch Set or press to continue with programming. 8.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 79 After a successful program operation, the screen below will appear. 2. Press or touch OK to continue. After successful verification You also have the option of reprogramming the index after a successful read verification. After the verification test passes, the screen below will be displayed. 1. Touch Set to program the RTM with the value shown in the Pg RTM box, or press to continue without programming. 8.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 80 9. Communicating with Route Manager 9 Communicating with Route Manager In order to move routes back and forth between the handheld device and Route Manager, the handheld device must first be set up to communicate over Ethernet to the Route Manager computer. Ethernet communications can be done over the utility's local area network using either dynamic or static IP addressing.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 81 7. Click Connect. Upon successful connection: • The Connect button will display Disconnect. • The Serial Number and Handheld Software Version will be displayed directly beneath the Disconnect button. • The Handheld function buttons will be disabled. • The Handheld Communication buttons will be enabled. • If Routes exist in the handheld they will be displayed in the Routes in Handheld display list. 9.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 82 Downloading routes from Route Manager to device Note: To prevent overwriting data on the handheld, the Send Route command will be disabled if the routes on the handheld contain meter readings that have not yet been uploaded to Route Manager. To delete routes on a handheld without uploading existing data, click Remove Routes from HH. See “Removing routes from the handheld device” on page 83 for details. 1.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 83 Uploading routes from device to Route Manager 1. Follow the connection steps as described in “Establishing communications” on page 80. 2. Select the desired Routes to receive from the Routes in Handheld display list. 3. Click Receive Route to start the process. Upon successful completion the Route Status will change to Transferred.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 84 3. Select one of the two options: Update Handheld Files or Send a File. a. Update Handheld Files - Select the check boxes for the files you wish to update and then click Send Files. • HH Configuration - updates the handheld with new or changed configuration files (see the Route Manager User Guide for details). • Device Software - select and browse to the location of the UPGSOFTW.ZIP file that will be transferred to the handheld.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 85 10. Setting up devices in Route Manager 10Setting up devices in Route Manager Before connecting the handheld device to Route Manager, the handheld device must be set up in Route Manager with the correct communication properties. The Route Manager User Guide details how to set up a handheld device. The information below gives information specifically about the handheld device properties.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 86 Make sure the following values are added correctly. Property Value Handheld IP Address: IP address of handheld Transfer Type: Ethernet RF ComPort: Select the appropriate port for the handheld: • for PI 500 - ComPort 2 • for PI 900 - ComPort 3 • for evoWalk - ComPort 3 RF Type Select the appropriate system: • Trace - 0 • evolution - 1 • EnergyAxis - 2 VersaProbe properties 10.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 87 Make sure the following values are added correctly. Property Value Probe Baud Rate: 9600 Probe ComPort: Select the appropriate ComPort: • Com8 for Bluetooth Communication • Com1 for Serial Communication Probe Bluetooth ID: Select appropriate Bluetooth ID of the device Note: You will find this ID in the VersaProbe communication mode and It is created in Route Manager under Configuration > Misc Codes > VersaProbe Bluetooth ID > Create. Scanner and GPS properties 10.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 88 Make sure the following values are added correctly. Property GPS ComPort: Scanner ComPort: Value COM9 • COM8 • None 10.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 89 A. Accelerator keys for meter reading A Accelerator keys for meter reading Accelerator Keys Action A Account Details B Jump to Beginning of current route C Clear Reading D Detail History / TOU for Current Account. Pressing key initiates RF interrogation for the selected item E Jump to End of current route F Force account to Unattempted (only for manual read) G General Interrogation of the entered RTM. H Search menu I Instruction code.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 90 B. Accelerator keys for installing RTMs B Accelerator keys for installing RTMs Accelerator Keys Action A Account Details B Jump to Beginning of current route C Read Sub Counts E Jump to End of current route F Find RTM G GPS Screen H Search menu I Instruction code. J Jump (by sequence) L Location code. M Message (Comments). Messages can be added or edited if allowed.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 91 C Troubleshooting General troubleshooting 1. Click on the screen with the stylus if the navigation using device keys does not produce expected results. 2. Try to reboot handheld: a. PI 500 - press and hold + <0> +<9> keys together for few seconds. b. evoWalk and PI 900 - hold down the + + <¦> keys down simultaneously for several seconds until the screen goes blank. — Or — Refer to the Elster Handhelds Installation and Administration Guide.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 92 D. Programming Pre Gen 5 RTMs D Programming Pre Gen 5 RTMs Gen 2 RTMs (FCC ID G8J3GNAMR8) Gen 2 RTMs (serial numbers < 2,500,000) must be programmed using a four position programming stick (EIS P/N 52800G101). Place the programming stick over the four jumpers located on the lower right corner of the circuit border which is visible from the back of the RTM when prompted to do so by the handheld device.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 93 Gen 3.x gas remote RTMs (FCC ID G8JGEN03) Gen 3.x Gas Remote RTMs are programmed using a jumper. The jumper is supplied from the factory in a neutral position. When a RTM is programmed, the jumper is repositioned onto the PRGM pins. These two positions are illustrated below. The positions shown above are the ONLY TWO valid positions for this jumper.
Elster Handhelds User Guide 94 Index clearing index read 32 communicating with Route Manager 80 components of AMR 11 Con Type 26 configuring VersaProbe 52 contacting Customer Support 91 Cradle 26 Customer Support contacting 91 H Index Symbols key 19 key 19 key 19 key 19 key 19 A accelerator keys 16 account adding trouble code 33 clearing index read 32 forcing unattempted 32 reading 29, 30 Account Appointments screen 51 Account Data Entry screen 45 Account Details screen 41
Elster Handhelds User Guide next route 41 next unread account 42 previous route 41 sequence number 41 jumps, about 41 K keyboard Dap CE5240x 18 Radix 19 L latitude 17 Location Code screen 48 logging in handheld 21 longitude 17 M menu commands 16 messages entering 34 meter reading automatic 16 MSG 34 N navigating accounts 29 O obtaining readings methods 10 P PI 500 10 PI 500, desc. 13 PI 900 10 PI 900, desc.
About Elster Group Elster Group is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of highly accurate, high quality, integrated metering and utilization solutions to the gas, electricity, and water industries. In addition, through its subsidiary Ipsen International, it is the leading global manufacturer of highlevel thermo- chemical treatment equipment. The group has over 8,500 staff and operations in 38 countries, focused in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
