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Trimble® Ranger 3 with ORION® ME
Training Manual
Published by BMI Training Support
BTR-UM-02333-EN-02
January 2018
Making Water Visible®
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Trimble® and ME
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Table of Contents
Topic
Page
About this Guide
4
Automated Meter Reading ORION AMR System
5
Endpoint Installati on Gui del ines
9
ORION Field Application
14
Orion Hardware Basics 6
Trimble Ranger 3 12
Getting Started 13
Display Fields 17
Status Indicators 17
ORION RF Reads 18
Auto vs Manual 18
Trimble® and ME
Route Reading 19
Tamper Processing 19
Manual Readings 20
High/Low Readings 20
Clearing a Reading 21
Work Item s 22
Quick Keys 24
Search 29
Settings 33
Appendix 37
Technical Support
If you encounter any problems or have any questions about the Trimble Ranger 3, please
contact Badger Meter Technical support by phone, e-mail, or fax.
Phone: 800.616.3837
E-mail: techsupport@badgermeter.com
Fax: 888.371.5982
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Trimble® and ME
About this Training Guide
T
his document is meant to assist and guide the training session. It is not a complete User Manual.
NOTE: To provide the best solution for our customers, Badger Meter continually improves software
programs and periodically updates this manual to reflect upgrades. Therefore, some discrepancies
may be detected between the installed software and this manual.
Typographic Conventions
• I
tems on the software screens that you need to select or choose by clicking a button,
highlighting, checking a box or another similar means are in bold text and capitalized in the
m
anual.
Example: Click the View Report button.
ames of options, boxes, columns and fields are italicized. In most cases, first letters will
• N
apitalized.
c
Example: The value displays in the Status Information field.
• M
essages and special markings are shown in quotation marks.
Example: “Service Stopped” displays in the title bar.
N
OTE: Names, addresses and other customer-related information displayed in screen examples
were created for demonstration purposes in this manual. No actual customer information is
included.
be
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Automated Meter Reading (AMR)
The Benefits of AMR
• No FCC License Required
• Meter, Register & Endpoint are Waterproof
• Walk-by/Drive-by Versatility
• Improved safety
• Improved efficiency
• Current Read
• Notifications of
• Potential Leak
• Cut Wire Tamper
• Reverse Flow (encoders)
• No Usage
• Optional Data Profile
• 20-year Warranty (Prorated)
Trimble® and ME
With an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) or mobile system, ORION endpoints transmit
meter reading and event data via radio frequency to a mobile receiver or transceiver when
the device is within range of the endpoint’s signal during drive-by reading. The Trimble
Ranger 3 collects data and synchronizes with BEACON® AMA cloud-based software.
Hardware: The BEACON AMR mo bil e solu t ion f eature Badger Meter water meters and
encoders, high-powered ORION endpoints, and the Trimble Ranger handheld collector to
deliver metering information.
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ORION Hardware B asics – Meters
E-Series® Ultrasonic Meters
Recordall® Compound Meters
Recordall® Disc Series Meters
Recordall® Turbo Series Meters
Trimble® and ME
M-Series® Electromagnetic
Flow Meters
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Gas Meters
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ORION Hardware B asics - Encoders
Trimble® and ME
Each Badger Meter encoder is identified on the face of the register with an assembly
number, unit of measure and meter mo del .
To convert an endpoint field reading into billing units, BEACON software uses a register
resolution to identify the appropriate reading resolution to be applied to the endpoint meter
reading. The register resolution for high resolution encoders is based on the meter model
and size, encoder type, unit of measure, and the Badger Meter endpoint that is attached to
the encoder. BEACON then applies an additional multiplier to the reading to get the
reading to the correct billing resolution. For additional information, contact Badger Meter
Technical Support.
Read Resolution/Test Circle Codes
Considerations:
• Meter Size
• Meter Type
• Encoder/Register
• Number of Active Dials
• Unit of Mea surement
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ORION Hardware B asics – Endpoints
ORION Endpoints are a three-wire metering endpoint device that requires connection to
an encoder to complete the assembly. Each ORION endpoint has a unique numeric serial
number on the tag attached to the cable harness and etched on the top or side of the
endpoint housing .
The ORION Endpoints compatible with the Trimble Ranger 3 are the ORION ME, ORION
SE (mobile mode), and ORION CE units.
ORION ME endpoints are tw o-way water endpoints for mobile ap pl ic ati ons. ORION ME
endpoints are easily upgraded from mobile to fixed network data collection without rolling a
truck or reprogramming the endpoint, preparing you for the future.
ORION CE endpoints are one-way water endpoints desi g ned for mo bi l e meter re adi ng .
Activating the Endpoint
ORION ME and ORION CE endpoints are shipped in “Pause” mode, an inactive, nontransmitting state. The endpoint offers a Smart Activation feature. After installation, the
endpoint begins broadcasting data when the encoder to which it is connected first senses
water usage. The amount of water usage required to activate an endpoint is determined by
the meter size, number of dials, and unit of measure. No field programming or special tools
are required to activate the endpoint.
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Endpoint Instal la t ion Guidelines
The radio transmission performance is dependent on a number of factors that include lid
design, foliage, below grade mounting and metal objects either in the path or near the
desired line of site.
To maximize propagation of the radio signal refer to the ORION Water Endpoint Installation
Manual (ORI-UM-00025) and Understanding RF Propagation of AMR/AMI Systems
Whitepaper (MRT-WP-1).
These documents can be found at www.badgermeter.com
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Meter Indoor Installation
The endpoint should be mounted outs i de the bui l ding or in the floor joist near an outside
wall, and away from large metal objects for maximum propagation of the radio signal. The
remote installation bracket helps for indoor installations such as a floor joist.
If the meter is installed indoors, a radio endpoint could be mounted outdoors on the outside
of the building.
The ORION Remote Wall Mount Enclosure is designed for mounting ORION endpoints in
indoor or outdoor environments and also provides an environmentally protected area for gel
splicing connections (if needed) to be maintained inside the enclosu r e.
Remote Wall Mount Box Enclosure
Kit (66009-004).
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Meter Pit Installation
Migratable and Classic endpoints: Mounting through a nonmetal pit lid is recommended for
maximum propagation of the radio signal.
For more detailed information, please visit our website at www.badgermeter.com to review
the ORION Water Endpoint I nstallation Manual (ORI-UM-00025) and the ORION Water
Endpoint Installati on Kits Ordering Guide (ORI-OG-02133).
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Trimble Ranger 3
The Trimble Ranger handheld computer is a flexible and easy-to-use tool which is
compatible with various meter reading technologies. It provides utilities with a handheld
interrogator that can be operated with a touch screen or customized keypad for data entry.
An ORION equipped handheld can be used for meter reading, final reads, collection of
historical interval data, programming endpoints and as a troubleshooting tool in the field.
For technical information regarding the handheld, consult the ORION Field Application 4.X
for Trimble Ranger 3 with BEACON User Manual which can be found at
www.badgermeter.com.
Features of the T rimble Ranger 3
The ORION transceiver in the handheld listens for transmissions sent from an ORION
endpoint and matches the unique ORION serial number to an account record that has been
loaded into the handheld.
• Flexible for Manual and ORION radio reads means fully automated data
collection system or gradual implementation
• ME endpoint sends a signal approximately every 5-6 seconds
• 902-928 MHz Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
• The handheld will conserve battery power when not in use
• Full day of meter reading under normal conditions
• Optional field replaceable battery pack and vehicle charger are
available for purchas e
• Data will not be lost if the battery dies
• 5000 accounts can be loaded in a route file for meter reading
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Getting Started
The customized keypad allows basic data entry as well as access to optional applications
such as flashlight and camer a.
To turn the handheld on, press and release the green power button.
Note: Pressing the green power button for 3+ seconds will result in a soft reboot of the
handheld.
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Opening the ORION Field Application
When the handheld powers on, the W indows Desktop displays.
1. Using the stylus tap the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen or usi ng
the keypad press the Windows icon to expand the Start menu.
2. Using the stylus, tap the Badger Meter Applications folder or use the Arrow Keys
until the Badger Meter Applications folder is highlighted and press Enter on the
Keyboard.
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3. Tap the ORION Field Application icon with the stylus or use the Arrow Keys until
the ORION Field Application folder is highlighted and press Enter on the
Keyboard.
4. Verify that the date, time and time zone are correct and tap OK on the left side of the
toolbar or press the Left button on the keypad.
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5. Tap Read Route with the stylus, or press the c enter button, or Enter on the keypad.
6. Use the keypad to enter a 3 to 5 charac ter p er sonal identification number (PIN), then
tap OK on the left side of the toolbar or press the center button, Enter button or the
Left key on the keypad.
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Display Fields
Display information on the customer account record is passed from the BEACON software.
There are 5 default fields that display.
Account Name
Location Address
Meter ID
Location Name
Account ID
These fields are customizable in the Trimble
settings. Up to 9 fields can be displayed. See
page 36 for instructions on how to change the
display fields.
Additional information on the account record screen includes:
Technology & Endpoint Serial Number
Service – Serv1, Serv2 etc.
Progress – Percentage of meters read
Reading Hardware configured M, C and V
for example ORION Transceiver
Battery Status – tap the bar to display
percentage
Green > 65% charged
Yellow between 35% and 64% charged
Red < 35% charged
Blue charging
Messages & Work Items buttons
Status Indicators
Note: Clicking an icon will display a description for what the icon represents.
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ORION RF Reads
When an ORION endpoint transmits a read, one of several results can occur:
• The handheld is in range and receives a transmission and stores the reading.
• The handheld receives a transmission that reports an alert such as tamper or
potential leak.
• No transmission is received.
Below are common reasons for not capturing a read:
• Incorrect endpoint serial number
• Endpoint radio is paused or stopped
• Account record is not loaded into the handheld
• Handheld is out of range of the endpoint
• Obstructed line of site between the handheld and endpoin t
Auto Mode Vs Manual Mode
There are 2 Modes for meter reads: Manual Advance Mode and Auto Advance Mode.
Manual Mode – Advances to the next account when a reading is received (or entered)
even if the next account has a reading stored.
Auto Mode – Advances to the next unread meter when a reading is received (or entered).
To toggle between Auto and Manual modes, press and release the A key on the keypad
twice “AA”.
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Route Reading
When a meter is read, the account record updates and advances to the next account
record or the next account waiting for a read based on your settings.
To view the previous account record tap the < Arrow on the left of the screen or press the
letter P two times on the keyboard “PP”.
To view the next account record tap the > Arrow on the right of the screen or press the
letter N two times on the keyboard “NN”.
Note: To scroll through
account records tap the Left
Arrow or “PP” on your
keypad to view previous
account.
Tap the Right Arrow or
“NN” on your keypad to view
the next account.
Tamper Processin g
When an ORION endpoint passes a Tamper flag
back to the Trimble the Tamper processing options
automatically open on the Trim ble.
Tap on Trouble Code to select a pre-defined
message to send back to the route management
software.
A manual read can also be added by the meter
reader at this time by using the keypad. If you are
unable to capture a manual reading tap Cancel to
continue reading.
When finished with the tamper processing, tap OK or press the LEFT button on the
keypad.
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Manual Readings
A manual read can always be entered even if
the account record is an ORION radio read.
Use the keypad to enter the meter reading.
Press Enter or the center button on the
keypad to apply the reading.
Note: Be sure to enter the manual read to your billing
units. The route management software will not apply
any resolution logic to a manually entered reading.
Trimble® and ME
High/Low Alerts
In this example, the software is notifying you the reading is higher or lower than expected
based on previous readings.
Note: Notifications will pass to BEACON software and will be available for viewing.
If the read was entered manually, the Trimble may ask you to confirm or re-enter the
reading before allowing you to move on to the next account.
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Clear a Reading
To clear an applied reading, tap Menu on the left side of the toolbar to bring up a list of
commonly used options.
Use the Arrows on the keypad to scroll to Clear
Reading and press Enter, or use the stylus to
tap on Clear Reading.
You may also choose to tap the CLEAR button
on the key pad.
Tap Yes on the toolbar to erase the reading and return to the account record.
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Work Items
Work items can be used to collect historical interval data, extended status or endpoint
firmware version from ORION ME endpoints. There are two ways to request work items
during route reading.
Office Generated Work Items: Field Generated Work Items:
*Automatic as part of the load *Manual Process initiated by the meter
Collector function reader
*Applies to select accounts chosen *Select ORION ME accounts
*Data transfers to BEACON as part *Data transfers to BEACON as part
of Sync feature of Sync feature
*Hourly Data available in Beacon from *Hourly Data available in Beacon from
Mobile Endpoints Mobile Endpoints
Field Generated
The following pages provide an example of how to get field requested historical interval
data.
Tap Work Items box to open the Work Tap the desired work item such as
Items menu. Historical Interval Data.
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Tap number of days to collect, for example Historic Interval Data.
30 days of hourly reads. (Processing)
Tap the correct Test Circle. The handheld software will notify the
user when the work item is complete.
Note: Extended Status is automatically captured when a Work Item is requested.
For training purposes tap View.
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View will display a summary of the OK will return the user to the Work
Historical Interval Data and Status Items menu. Tap Close to return
Indicator. to the account record.
Quick Keys
Quick Keys allow the user quick access to commonly used menu items. Most quick keys
are identified by yellow text above the corresponding alpha key.
BB – Add/Remove Bookmark
CC – Page through Bookmarked
Accounts
DD – Change Read Direction
FF – Route Start
HH – View High/Lows
KK – Settings Screens
Fn+L Flashlight
NN – Next Account Record
Fn+N Messages
PP – Previous Account Record
RR – Reader Code
SS – Search Function
TT – Trouble Code
UU – Next Unread
WW – Cycle Through Skipped Accounts
ZZ – Skip Meter
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Bookmark
“BB” - Add/Remove Bookmark
“CC” – Pages through Bookmarked
Accounts
Note: There is a search option to see
all bookmarked accounts.
Trimble® and ME
Read Direction
“DD” - Changes Read Direction. Tap Yes to read the route in reverse order.
To return to the forward read direction press “DD” again and repeat the process.
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Route Start
“FF” – To quickly get to the first account
record.
View High/ Low
“HH” – View High/Low options
Displays the High Value, Low Value and
possibly the Previous Read.
The odometer reading is expected to fall
between the High and Low range.
Note: If the odometer reading entered by
the meter reader does not fall within the
expected range, the account record is
flagged with high or low.
Trimble® and ME
Settings Menu
“KK” – To access the Settings menu.
Settings will determine how the handheld
will function during the meter reading
cycle. A full description of all settings
starts on page 33 of this manual.
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Flashlight
“Fn+L” – Keys toggle the flashlight on and off.
Trimble® and ME
Next Account
“NN” – Advances the user to the next account record.
Note: In Manual Mode, the handheld software advances to the next account record
regardless if it is read or unread.
In Auto Advance Mode, the handheld software advances to the next unread meter.
Messages
“Fn+N” – Opens the Edit Extended Comment screen and allows the reader to pass
a comment to the office about the account.
Use the keypad to type a message that applies to the account record.
Tap Save to keep the message or Cancel to disreg ar d the mess ag e .
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Progress
“QQ” – Summarizes the progress of the loaded Route.
Tap Details to view additional information. Tap Back to return to the account record.
Reader Codes
“RR” – Reader codes are predefined fl ag s
used to notify the office about a specific
account record. U p to 3 Rea der co des
can be attached to a single account
record by using the stylus to tap on the
desired codes, or the arrow keys and
center button. Tap Save to keep your
changes.
Note: Reader codes are built and
maintained in the BEACON software.
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Search
“SS” – Search allows the user to easily find a
specific customer account record.
Tap Select Criteria to view a list of search
by options.
Search by options include most fields from
BEACON as well as other criteria like :
Bookmarked, Exception
Reader Code, Skipped
Trouble Code, Unread
For training purposes we will search by
Last Name.
Tap Last Name or use the up and down
arrows on the handheld keypad to
highlight Last Name and press Enter or
tap Select.
Trimble® and ME
Use the keypad to type the Search By
value in the text box.
For example, we would like a LIST of all
account records whose LAST NAME,
CONTAINS the letters SON
Tap Search on the left side of the toolbar.
Note: Search criteria is not case sensitive.
The keypad has a backspace/delete key
and a space key
Reminder: When Last Name is chosen, the software will search for matching criteria within
the full account record name.
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List view identifies account records with a
reading by using a green checkmark.
Use the scroll bar or keypad arrows to
review the search results and select the
desired account record.
For training purposes, we will ask you to
tap Close to return to the Search screen.
Search criteria can be easily changed. For
example, tap Contains if you would like to
change the criteria to Starts With or Ends
With.
Tap List to change the view type to Grid
or Paged results.
Trimble® and ME
Tap the Plus Sign to add additional search
criteria.
The following images displays the account
records where the Last Name (full
name) Contains son and the Street
Name (full address) Contains oak.
The results will display in a Grid format.
Grid View Paged Vi ew
Tap Select to display the desired account record.
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Trouble Codes
“TT” – Trouble Codes
Trouble Codes are predefined codes that
help the meter reader noti fy the o ffice about
the type of trouble they had getting a
meter read.
Unread Meter
“UU” – Unread, automatically advance
the account record screen t o the next
unread meter.
Trimble® and ME
Reminder: “SS” (Search) has an option to
display
all Unread Meters
Skipped Meter
“WW” – Cycles you through the account “ZZ” – will add or remove a Skip Code as
records that are flagged as Skipped. defined in Settings .
Reminder: There is a search option to display all skipped accounts.
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The software will notify the user when all routes are completed and ready to be unloaded.
Tap OK to return to the Account Record.
Menu
The Menu button on toolbar allows access
to commonly used functions such as:
• Search
• Clear Reading
• Select Route
• Progress
• Quick Read
In route reading the Quick Read option is
helpful when the ORION endpoint is not
loaded into the handheld properly, i.e.
the wrong endpoint serial number was
passed to the handheld from the Beacon
software.
For this example, tap Quick Read.
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ORION Quick Read-All will display the endpoint serial number, Reading, (technology and
encoder) Type and Status(es) of all endpoints in range.
These results can be helpful when the meter reader does not have access to the meter.
Note: there are two views available: List and Paged
List View Paged View
Tap Back to return to the ORION Field Application.
Settings Menu
“KK” – to access the Settings menu.
Settings will determine how the handheld
will function during the meter reading
cycle.
We will discuss each settings option.
Hardware Options must be accessed
from the Main Menu. These settings
are established at time of training.
If you would like to review your hardware
settings tap Back to return to the Acco unt
Record.
Tap Home to return to the Main Menu.
Note: Some Settings Options require BEACON AMA software.
Some Settings Options are password protected and defined by your supervisor.
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Hardware Settings
Hardware Options – Hardware configuration must be accessed from the Main Menu.
Allows the user to add a device such as an external ORION ME transceiver or ORION CE
receiver, change assigned ports and remove assigned devices.
Hardware settings are defined during
training for each technology used.
COM 7 is used for internal ORION
hardware such as an internal CE receiver or an
internal ME transceiver.
Internal hardware COM settings are
detected and set by the software.
COM 1 is used for hardware that is
attached to the 9-pin serial port on the
bottom of the handheld.
COM 4 is used to identify an external ME
transceiver.
Note: More detailed settings definitions can be found in the back of this guide as well as in
the ORION Field Application 4.X User Manual.
Route Reading – Setting s Defi ned
Enable BEACON AMA Functionality – Pairs the device with BEACON AMA and unlocks
advanced functions. BEACON AMA software is required.
Route Reading Options –
• Comment Display Options – allows the user
to choose which alerts and messages to
display. When the box is checked the popup
alert is active.
• Auto Display Alert Code
• Auto Display to Reader Message
• Display No Usage Alert Dialog (Manual
read)
• Display Reverse Flow Alert Dialog
(Manual Read)
• Display Field Options – Enhancements to
handheld default displays require BEACON
AMA software.
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• Quick Keys – Allows the user to change Quick Key preferences from Double Tap to
Single Tap.
• Reading Entry Direction – Allows the user to change the default Left to Right read
direction on select services. This is helpful when manual reads are entered.
• Serv1 Left to Right
• Serv2 Left to Right
• Serv3 Left to Right
Show Route Complete Messages – Allows the user the option to display a popup when
each route is complete.
Route Processing Options –
• High/Low options – (password protected) Allows changes to the requirements
needed when a manual reading is entered outside of the expected high/low range.
• Advance on High/Low (RF only)
• Beep on High/Low (RF only)
• Show High/Low Values
• High/Low Inclusive – signals alert
when the reading equals the high or
low value
• Manual Entry Exception
Processing – Configured to accept the
reading, acknowledge the reading, or
reenter the reading
• Show Previous Read
• Route Boundary Alerts – Allows the
user the ability to display a popup
when they are crossing over to another route.
• Allow Manual Route Complete – Allows the user to manually flag a route as
complete
• Skipped Options – Allows the user the ability to identify why a meter is unread.
• Disabled (not used)
• Requires No Code – An unread meter, flagged as skipped and no explanation is
required.
• Requires Trouble Code – An unread meter, flagged as skipped and using a
predefined Trouble Code.
• Requires Reader Code - An unread meter, flagged as skipped and using a
predefined Reader Code.
• Route Start Option – Allows the user to define the route start quick key option.
• Start of Route
• Start of File
Data Transfer Options – Defi nes how the data is transferred to and from the handheld.
These settings are password protected.
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• Auto Start Wi-Fi – This option is used when the route file is configured to transfer
wirelessly.
• Auto Transfer On Dock – This option is used when the route file is configured to
transfer by network cable.
• Handheld Device Name – A unique name is required for each handheld when
route data is transferred wirelessly for some software packages.
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Appendix
Trimble® and ME
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Trimble – Setting the Comm Mode Button
Setting the Comm Mode button makes the Data Sync process between the Trimble
handheld and BEACON software as easy as a press of a button.
Follow the steps below to complete the setup.
1. Click on the windows Start button
2. Click on the Settings Icon
3. Click on the Personal folder
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4. Click on the Buttons Option
5. Scroll until you find the COMM MODE button and
click on it to select.
6. Click on the Assign a Program dropdown and
scroll until you find the Start COMM Mode option
and click to select.
Trimble® and ME
7. Click on the OK button.
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Making Water Visible®
BEACON, Making Water Visible and ORION are registered trademarks of Badger Meter, Inc. Other trademarks appearing in this document are the property
of their respective entities. Due to continuous research, product improvements and enhancements, Badger Meter reserves the right to change product or
system specifications without notice, except to the extent an outstanding contractual obligation exists. © 2017 Badger Meter, Inc. All rights reserved.
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