User's Manual Part 1

THE READALL INTERROGATOR User Guide
Revised January 2001
Page 9 of 62
was very sensitive to interference from many different sources. This result of the
interference was reduced range and/or inconsistent reading range. Usually this would
show itself as being able to read a meter easily at one time, and having problems reading
it at another time.
The ReadAll Receiver electronics has been changed to use many narrow channel bands
for receiving the meter reading. This approach greatly reduces the chance of interference
causing problems in meter reading. However, the ReadAll must first determine which
channel the transponder will use to transmit its meter reading. It does this by sending out
an interrogation signal and listening on different channels for any type of response. If no
response is found, it transmits again and listens on other channels. Once a channel is
found, the interrogation is performed and the response is gathered on the chosen channel.
When the ReadAll is scanning for a channel, you will see a green XMIT light. When the
XMIT light goes red, the ReadAll is performing the interrogation. Once the interrogation
is successfully completed, the ReadAll will sound the completion tones and automatically
move to the next meter in the route.
Because the ReadAll must first determine the receive channel, the reading process for the
ReadAll has more steps than the process for the PI. When reading meters with the PI, if
you receive the meter reading on the first button press, the meter reading time will be
shorter than the read time for the ReadAll. However, if you press the PI interrogate
button more than once, the speed of the ReadAll is comparable to the PI.
USING THE READALL TO REPLACE THE PI
If you are currently using the Badger Meter PI for gathering TRACE meter readings, the
ReadAll can replace the PI directly. The ReadAll will communicate with your Route
Management software (such as CONNECT or RMS) using the same communications
method and passing the same information as the PI. Your Route Management software
will not know the difference between a PI and the ReadAll.
CONSERVING THE BATTERY
The ReadAll conserves battery power by turning itself off when not in use. If you are
using the ReadAll as a replacement for the PI, the ReadAll will turn the backlight off
after two minutes of no use, and will turn itself off after four minutes of no use.
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The battery charger is designed to plug into a 120V 60 Hz outlet and connect directly to
the smart lithium battery pack. Output from the charger is 12V DC with a maximum of
1000 mA typical. The battery pack connection for the battery charger is located on the
end of the battery opposite from the thumbscrew. Typical charging time of a lithium