Installation Guide

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Tehama System Installation Guide

General Description

The Tehama AMR system consists of three device types to remotely monitor various

environmental and utility readings and provide the data to a central database or PC for formal

presentation and reporting. Metering Data Transceiver (MDT) devices will be placed in all

locations requiring local monitoring of data. The MDT devices will transmit time stamped data

to the DCAP device, which receives the data and stores it in a Database. The database

information is available over Ethernet on the local LAN or the Internet. For MDTs that are out

of range from the DCAP, Repeater devices are added in appropriate locations to relay the data

between MDTs and the DCAP

The system operates in the 915Mhz ISM bands using off-the-shelf FSK RFIC radios. The system

operates as a Frequency Hopper over 60 narrow band frequency channels, incorporating a

bidirectional communication link with Acknowledge (ACK) messages to ensure all data reaches

the DCAP. The MDTs are battery operated, bursting data packets at pre-programmed times

then shutting down to conserve battery life, estimated to exceed 5 years. The DCAP and

Repeater units are line powered.

With an typical MDT transmission rate of four per hour for time of use applications, a single

DCAP can accommodate up to 1000 MDTs. There is no limit to the number of repeaters,

though an average installation may require one Repeater for every 20-30 MDT/MDTs.

Figure 1: Typical System

Tehama Installation Guide ! of ! 1 6

Summary of content (6 pages)

PAGE 1
Tehama System Installation Guide General Description The Tehama AMR system consists of three device types to remotely monitor various environmental and utility readings and provide the data to a central database or PC for formal presentation and reporting. Metering Data Transceiver (MDT) devices will be placed in all locations requiring local monitoring of data. The MDT devices will transmit time stamped data to the DCAP device, which receives the data and stores it in a Database.
PAGE 2
A system consists of two or three types of hardware, and a software program: • • • • One DCAP Unit or Access Point A variable number of MDT units, each with 2 AA batteries A variable number of Repeater units (optional, depending on size of installation) with external DC power supply. Tehama Configuration Utility (CIT) running on a PC Warning NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT.
PAGE 3
• • • Set the MySQL database passwords for both users and click “Set”. Clicking on the “Default Vals” button will fill the fields with the factory default passwords. This is provided as a convenience if password security is not an issue (for example in an evaluation system). Click on the “Create a Site Entry” button to auto-fill a Site entry with the information from this panel. Unplug the USB cable. It is not needed again unless you need to change the IP address or the database passwords at a future time.
PAGE 4
Turning on the Unit (for MDT and Repeater) MDT and Repeater devices come from the factory in a powered off state. They can be powered on using a hidden button under the label. The yellow circle in the photo below shows where the hidden button is located on the enclosure. It may take a few times to get the feel of the button, but an LED in the clear window to the right gives you feedback when the button is pushed.
PAGE 5
MDT to Meter wiring Wiring an MDT to a pulse output meter is quite simple. From the factory the MDT’s can optionally come pre-wired with about 24 inches of pre-stripped wire. If a longer length is required, it is easy to switch wires. Polarity of the wires does not matter since the MDT simply detects the open/close nature of the isolated pulse output switch from the utility meter.
PAGE 6
With the DCAP Unit powered up and the CIT tool running, the repeater backbone can be placed. Start with units closer to the DCAP/AP, and use the LED feedback indication to verify the range is acceptable. At first just the minimum numbers of repeaters can be placed, with additional repeaters added to fill in holes after MDT placement. Once the initial Repeater placement is complete, the MDT placement phase begins. Again the LED feedback can be used to verify that MDTs are communicating with the network.