Itron Mobile Radio User Guide IMR 2.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Itron Mobile Radio User Guide - IMR 2.1 01 September 2020 815-0410-00 Copyright © 2020 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved. Confidentiality Notice Confidential Information of Itron®, Inc., provided under nondisclosure obligations.
Contents Table of Contents Co n te n ts T a b le o fCo n te n ts 3 1 Itron Mobile Radio Compliance 5 1 Introduction 8 Feature List 8 Related Documents List 8 About Your Itron Mobile Radio 10 Itron Mobile Radio Parts List 11 Daily Operation 13 Charging the Portable IMR Battery 13 Providing Power to the Mobile IMR-FT 13 Turning the Radio On or Off 14 LED Status Indicators 15 Power Indicator LED Table 15 Comm Indicator LED Table 16 5 Communication Ports 17 6 Carrying the Porta
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Table of Contents Installing on a Pedestal 8 30 Installing the IMR-FT in the Mounting Jacket 30 Removing the IMR-FT from the Mounting Jacket 31 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio 32 Cleaning the Radio Case 32 Installing a Replacement Battery 33 Servicing the IMR-FT Charge Base 34 Removing the IMR-FT Charge Base 34 Replacing the Charge Base Antenna Cable 35 Servicing the IMR-FT External Antenna 36 Inspecting the Antenna Connectors and Cables 36 Inspecti
Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Important! IMR 2.1 devices (FCC ID: EO9IMRC) are approved for sale and use only in the United States. Equipment description Itron Mobile Radio Internal Antenna: IMR 2.1 External Antenna: IMR-FT 2.1 FCC ID: EO9IMRC FCC ID: EO9IMRC FCC USA intentional radiator compliance statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2.
Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Electromagnetic compatibility Caution: ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY Use only approved accessories with this equipment. In general all cables must be high quality, shielded, and correctly terminated. Unapproved modifications or operation beyond or in conflict with these instructions for use, may void authorization by the authorities to operate the equipment.
Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Before an Itron Mobile Radio is available for sale to the public in the U.S., it must be tested and certified to the FCC that it does not exceed the limit established by the government for safe exposure. The tests are performed in positions and locations (for example, worn on the body) and reported to the FCC.
1 Introduction This document details the features and functions of the Itron Mobile Radio and provides information relating to its use and maintenance. The Itron Mobile Radio is available in two models: the original handheld, portable Itron Mobile Radio (IMR) with a built-in antenna and the new IMR-FT Field Tools version that is mounted in a vehicle for curbside endpoint reading and field tool operations, respectively. All IMR models share many of the same features and operations.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 1 Introduction ■ Itron Mobile for FCS User Guide The Itron Mobile Radio is designed for use with handheld and laptop computers running the Itron Mobile for FCS app. ■ Itron Mobile Radio Quick Reference Guide (TDC-1720-xxx) ■ Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement - IMR 2.
2 About Your Itron Mobile Radio When you unpack your radio, make sure you have all of the components listed in the following tables. If any are missing, contact Itron Support Services immediately. For the portable IMR, an optional Radio Carrying Kit is available for order separately. The Radio Carrying Kit contains a belt clip and a shoulder harness.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 2 About Your Itron Mobile Radio Itron Mobile Radio Parts List Table 2 The portable Itron Mobile Radio comes with the following items. Itron Mobile Radio with built-in antenna AC power adapter AC wall plug with USB type A port. Communication and charging cable USB cable. Itron Mobile Radio Quick Reference Guide Documentation Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement (Optional) Belt clip and shoulder harness Included if the optional Radio Carrying Kit is ordered.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 2 About Your Itron Mobile Radio Table 3 (continued) Documentation Itron Mobile Radio Quick Reference Guide Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement 01 September 2020 815-0410-00 12
3 Daily Operation ■ Inspect the radio for broken, loose, or missing parts and fasteners, taking corrective action as required. ■ Ensure that the IMR-FT external whip is securely connected to its mounting base, and the mounting base is securely attached to the vehicle. ■ Make sure the radio is operated and stored within the recommended temperature range.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 3 Daily Operation The radio remains on and the battery charges as long as power is being supplied by the vehicle. Note: If the radio is connected to the PC over USB and the vehicle power is removed, the PC will power the radio and charge the battery. If the PC is not externally powered this will drain the PC battery over time.
4 LED Status Indicators Two multi-color LED status indicators are located on the top of the radio. These indicators are labeled with a power icon and a communication icon . The color and illumination of the LED lights provide feedback about the Itron Mobile Radio's status. The LED lights have two patterns for displaying different states. ■ Solid. LED is on continuously. ■ Flash. LED turns off and on at a constant interval.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 4 LED Status Indicators Note: When an IMR with a fully discharged battery is connected to power via its USB cable, it may display a white battery error indicator. This is normal behavior while a fully discharged battery is charging to a minimum voltage, at which time it should follow the states shown in the Power indicator LED table.
5 Communication Ports The Itron Mobile Radio has one micro-USB communication port under a protective rubber flap on the side of the radio near the top. Note: The USB cable supplied with the IMR-FT has a down-angle micro-USB connector to facilitate proper cable management with the mounting jacket. Using a cable with a straight or up-angle connector will put unnecessary stress on the radio USB port and may, over time, lead to a poor cable connection.
6 Carrying the Portable Itron Mobile Radio The portable Itron Mobile Radio’s optional shoulder harness and belt clip provide convenient, hands-free ways to carry the radio while installing, reading, and maintaining meters and endpoints. The shoulder harness and belt clip let you wear the radio comfortably while walking or driving. As a safety feature, the clips are designed to break away if the radio snags or becomes caught, releasing the wearer and reducing the likelihood of injury.
7 Installing the IMR-FT Refer to the following procedures for guidance on installing your IMR-FT. ■ Installing the Antenna on page 21 ■ Power Cable Routing--All Installations on page 25 ■ Installing the Mounting Jacket in the Vehicle on page 26 External Vehicle Antenna Specifications This section provides the specifications for the external vehicle antenna. Caution: The mobile IMR system is designed to operate with the external vehicle antenna listed here.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Antenna Parts Your IMR-FT comes with the whip antenna specified in the table, External Vehicle Antenna Specifications on page 19 and either a permanent or a magnetic mount. The whip antenna base is compatible with either mount. The antenna mount is attached to the proper coaxial cable and the connector required by the IMR-FT.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Permanent Antenna Mount and Cable Magnetic Antenna Mount and Cable Installing the Antenna Installation of the antenna includes the following tasks. Perform the tasks in the order shown in the following list. 1. Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle on page 21 2. Installing the Permanent Antenna Mount on page 22 3.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT ■ Install the antenna a minimum of 12 inches from any other antennas or metal structures on the vehicle's roof that could disrupt communication with endpoints. 30 inches is recommended. ■ Select a location on the vehicle's roof that has as flat a surface as possible. The metal of the roof must be 0.02 to 0.04 inches thick. ■ The location should be no more than one inch deep and at least 2.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT 4. Center the mount body in the hole. 5. Ensure that the rubber O-ring is pressed into the groove in the brass nut and thread the nut onto the mount body. 6. Finger-tighten the nut and then use a wrench to tighten the nut until the O-ring is compressed. If the mount body spins while you are tightening the nut, use a spanner wrench applied to the two holes on the top of the mount body to hold it still. 7.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT 1. Ensure that the gasket is properly set in the antenna base. 2. Pre-assemble the antenna to the magnetic mount by threading the antenna base onto the mount body, making sure not to cross-thread the mount. 3. Continue tightening the antenna base until it seats to the mount. 4. Before mounting the magnetic base on the vehicle, clean both the magnet surface and the vehicle mounting surface. 5.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Table 7 Wire Description Black, no writing Positive Black, with writing Negative Power Cable Routing--All Installations 1. Once the mounting location of the IMR-FT is known, select a location in the vehicle for the IMR connector end of the cable so that it reaches the Itron Mobile Radio power jack without putting stress on the cable or radio. 2.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Note: Some accessory jacks are unswitched and have power always on, and some are switched by the vehicle ignition key. Determine which accessory jacks you have and which you intend to use before routing the cable. Power Cable Installation--Permanent 1. To permanently hard wire the DC power cable, first remove the vehicle accessory adapter from the DC power cable by cutting the cable where it connects to the adapter.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Figure 1 – Mounting Jacket Figure 1 shows the plastic side release buckles and straps, used to secure the IMR-FT within the Mounting Jacket. Inside the Mounting Jacket is the Velcro seatbelt retaining flap, used to secure the Mounting Jacket onto a lap seatbelt. This allows for easy temporary installation of the IMRFT in the vehicle and easy removal.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Figure 3 shows the back of the Mounting Jacket with the included mounting plate. The back of the Mounting Jacket has four threaded screw holes arranged in the universal AMPS hole pattern. Four screws are also provided with the Mounting Jacket. This allows the Mounting Jacket to be mounted to a compatible vehicle device mount, such as a pedestal, partition, or other vehicle structure.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Warning! The primary consideration when installing the IMR Mounting Jacket is that the IMR be securely attached to the vehicle. Failure to do so could lead to injury or death from unsecured components during a sudden stop, rollover, or collision. The following procedures describe several possible mounting configurations.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Installing on a Pedestal Attach the Mounting Jacket to a pedestal device mount with the screws supplied by Itron. Torque the screws to 17-19 in. lbs. The pedestal device mount must match the universal AMPS hole pattern used by the Mounting Jacket. (Itron does not supply pedestal device mounts.) Installing the IMR-FT in the Mounting Jacket 1. Place the IMR-FT in the Mounting Jacket and engage the plastic side release buckles. 2.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Removing the IMR-FT from the Mounting Jacket 1. Disconnect the DC power cable and the antenna cable from the bottom of the IMR-FT. 2. Unplug the micro-USB cable and open the Velcro cable retaining flap. 3. Disengage the plastic side release buckles on the Mounting Jacket and remove the IMR-FT.
8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Your Itron Mobile Radio is rugged and water-resistant. However, you should take the following precautions to ensure that it gives you many years of reliable service. ■ Do not subject the radio to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a vehicle in bright sunlight. For more information, see Battery Best Practices List on page 40. ■ Do not leave it in damp or dusty places. ■ Do not drop your radio or subject it to severe impacts.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Installing a Replacement Battery 1. Make sure the IMR is powered off and disconnected from other power sources. 2. Remove the battery compartment door. For the IMR-FT you must first remove the charge base. 3. Grasp the battery removal tab and carefully slide the battery out of the IMR body. 4. Unplug the old battery from the connector inside the battery compartment. 5.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio 10. Plug the USB cable into a PC or an AC wall adapter, or connect the charge base cable to a 12V DC vehicle accessory adapter. 11. Allow the radio to charge for at least six hours. Servicing the IMR-FT Charge Base Itron recommends changing the antenna cable connection in the charge base every 500 disconnects.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Replacing the Charge Base Antenna Cable 1. Remove the charge base from the IMR-FT. 2. Unscrew the small antenna cable connector (1) from the body of the IMR-FT. 3. Unscrew the large antenna cable connector (2) from the bottom half of the charge base. Note the order of the washers and jam nut as they are removed. 4.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio 7. Reattach the two halves of the charge base around the body of the IMR-FT. Insert the four screws into the base and tighten them to 4 to 6 inch-pounds of torque. Servicing the IMR-FT External Antenna Regularly perform the following basic maintenance procedures to ensure optimal performance of your antenna.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Evidence of moisture buildup (oxidation) on the antenna base threads is usually light and hazy in appearance. The appearance of darker areas or spots indicates a more severe condition which may lead to corrosion. 1. Create a maintenance schedule and look for the following. – Oxidation, corrosion, and dirt on the antenna base. – Oxidation, corrosion, and dirt on the whip. – Missing contact element in the whip.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Replacing the Antenna Cable Itron recommends changing the antenna cable once a year. For more information about ordering the antenna cable, log onto Itron Access or contact Itron Support Services at 1.877.487.6602. 1. Unscrew the antenna cable from the IMR-FT. 2. Unscrew the antenna cable from the antenna base. 3. Attach the new antenna cable to the antenna base. 4. Attach the antenna cable to the IMR-FT.
9 Storing Your Radio Your radio can be safely stored for six months or less with simple preparation. Connect the Itron Mobile Radio to external power and allow the battery pack to fully charge. For information about charging status, see LED Status Indicators on page 15. If you are storing the Itron Mobile Radio for an extended period of time, you should let it remain charging or remove its battery. Note: Remove the Itron Mobile Radio’s battery before storing the device for periods longer than six months.
10 Battery Basics The Itron Mobile Radio uses a rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery pack as its main power source whenever it is not receiving power externally. Caution: Do not use any battery other than the Itron-recommended battery. Using another battery could damage the radio. Warning! Danger: Risk of Explosion! There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect battery type. Dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulatory guidelines.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide ■ Chapter 10 Battery Basics Charging is disabled below 32° F (0° C) and above 104° F (40° C) to protect the lithium-ion batteries. – In cold weather, keep the portable IMR inside your outer clothing. A cold battery will not last all day even with full charge. – In hot weather, keep the radio out of direct sunlight. A hot battery's capacity is degraded over time and eventually the battery will not last all day even with a full charge.
11 Safety Your Itron Mobile Radio is ergonomically designed for safe, comfortable use. However, as with all equipment, you should follow good working practices while using it. Minimize risk by following these guidelines. ■ Maintain good posture while using the radio. Keep your fingers and body relaxed whenever possible. ■ Avoid keeping your muscles tense for long periods. Change tasks often to avoid prolonged muscle strain. Support the radio while using it. ■ Take frequent short breaks.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 11 Safety ■ Do not try to use the AC adapter to power any other equipment. ■ Avoid use in dusty, damp, or contaminated environments.
12 Troubleshooting If you have a problem with your radio, review the appropriate troubleshooting steps listed in the following table. If the problem remains unresolved, contact an Itron customer service representative (e-mail: support@itron.com; phone: 1.877.487.6602). Issue and Solution Table Table 8 Issue Battery does not charge (portable IMR) Possible Solutions ■ Ensure the USB charger adapter is USB 2.0 compliant. Itron recommends using only the supplied adaptor.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 12 Troubleshooting Table 8 (continued) Issue Battery power drains quickly Possible Solutions ■ Make sure the battery indicates a full charge following an overnight charge (see LED Status Indicators). ■ If the IMR has been in a hot vehicle or in full sun, change location and allow it to cool down. ■ If the previous troubleshooting suggestions do not solve the issue, replace the battery.
13 Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance Bluetooth communication works best when the communicating devices have an unobstructed view from one device to the other. When possible, remove or reduce obstacles between the radio and the mobile device during Bluetooth communication. Pairing Bluetooth for Itron Mobile for FCS Users Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) pairing is performed by Itron Mobile for FCS installed on your mobile device. Select your radio from the list of radios in Itron Mobile for FCS.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 13 Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance devices. The device name is IMRnnnnnn where n equals the last six digits of the serial number of the device you are trying to pair with. 5. Select your device and click PAIR. A tabbed dialog box for the radio appears. 6. Select the Services tab. 7. Verify that the Serial port is selected. This must be selected for the radio to connect. If the Serial port check box is not selected, select it and click OK. 8.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 13 Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance If your radio is not listed, click the Refresh button.
14 Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations Important! IMR 2.1 devices (FCC ID: EO9IMRC) are approved for sale and use only in the United States. Equipment Description Table 9 Itron Mobile Radio Internal Antenna: IMR 2.1 External Antenna: IMR-FT 2.1 FCC ID: EO9IMRC FCC ID: EO9IMRC Itron Mobile Radio Transmitter Information, USA Transmit frequency MAS, FCC: 952 MHz–959.850 MHz Transmit frequency ISM: 908 MHz–923.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 14 Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations Maximum transmitter power: 10.
