COVER PAGE
Table of Contents
1 Introduction...............................................................................4
2 Features.....................................................................................5
3 Safety Instructions ....................................................................6
4 Care and Maintenance............................................................... 6
5 Installation ................................................................................7
5.1. Unpacking the PowerCost Monitor™ ...........................7
5.2. Powering the Display Unit ............................................9
5.3. Putting Batteries in the Sensor Unit.............................11
5.4. Determining your Utility Meter Type..........................11
5.5. Electromechanical Meter Installation..........................12
5.6. Electronic Meter Installation.......................................15
5.6.1. Top-Mounted Electronic Installation ................15
5.6.2. Side-Mounted Electronic Installation................18
5.7. Synchronizing the Display and Sensor Units...............20
6 Using the Display Unit............................................................23
6.1. Start-up........................................................................24
6.2. Dollar & Cents Display Mode.....................................25
6.3. Kilowatt and Kilowatt-Hours Mode............................26
6.4. Temperature Display...................................................27
6.5. Loss of Signal Display.................................................28
7 Display Settings......................................................................30
7.1. Display Unit Buttons...................................................30
7.2. Setting the Clock .........................................................32
7.3. Setting the Electricity Rate and Kh Factor ..................33
7.4. Resetting the Total Values...........................................35
7.5. Display Backlight........................................................37
7.6. Restoring Default Values.............................................37
8 Warranty.................................................................................38
9 Specifications..........................................................................39
10 Troubleshooting......................................................................40
11 FCC Information.....................................................................41
1 Introduction
The PowerCost Monitor™ from Blue Line Innovations can help you reduce
your electricity bill. Our goal is to empower householders like you to reduce
the amount of electricity you use without seriously changing your lifestyle.
All of our products and services are developed with that goal in mind.
By using this manual and making the PowerCost Monitor™ a regular part of
your daily household management, you can significantly reduce the amount
of electricity you consume without dramatically altering day- to-day living.
Your PowerCost Monitor™ gives you the advantage of real-time feedback.
Tests have proven that householders who use real-time feedback can
reduce electricity needs by as much as 5 - 20%.
Real-time feedback means being able to:
¾ See how much energy your home is using from minute to
minute.
¾ See the effect of turning on or off various electrical devices
in your home.
It is important to remember that the PowerCost Monitor™ is just a tool.
The amount of savings is up to you. By striving to keep the values shown
on the Display Unit as low as possible you will use less electricity - up to
20% less - every month. That will translate into:
¾ Real savings on your monthly electricity bill
¾ Reduced green-house gas emissions
¾ Reduced demand on the power grid
To help you maximize energy savings, you will find relatively inexpensive
and effective tips at www.save-electricity.ca. These tips, when used in
conjunction with the PowerCost Monitor™, will help you attain your
conservation goals.
The PowerCost Monitor™ is straight-forward and easy to use. Should you
happen to experience any difficulties with your system please refer to the
troubleshooting section at the end of this manual. If problems persist or
you have a question that is not answered there, additional information is
available online at www.bluelineinnovations.com. You may also contact
our toll free line at 1-866-607-2583 and one of o ur customer support staff
will be happy to assist you.
This device has been approved for use on your utility meter by your local
power company. If you have any questions or concerns please contact
your utility company directly or call Blue Line Innovations toll free at1866-607-2583.
Important: This manual contains important safety and care
information, and provides step-by-step instructions
for using this product. Please read this manual
thoroughly, and keep it in a safe place in case you
need to refer to it later.
2 Features
¾ Displays current electricity consumption in dollars and cents
per hour.
¾ Displays total cost of energy consumed in dollars and cents
¾ Displays current energy consumption in kilowatts
¾ Displays total energy consumed in kilowatt-hours
¾ Displays outdoor temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit
¾ Has an easy-to-read screen that lights up at the touch of a
button
This device does not interfere with your utility meter readings in anyway.
After the PowerCost Monitor™ is installed meter readers can still access your
readings.
3 Safety Instructions
To ensure your PowerCost Monitor™ is used safely, read these safety
instructions and the rest of the User Manual thoroughly before using this
product. These instructions must be followed at all times.
¾ Do not attempt to repair the PowerCost Monitor™ yourself. If you
experience any difficulties please refer to the troubleshooting
section of this manual or visit www.bluelineinnovations.com for
assistance. If you are still having difficulty please feel free to call
our customer support department toll-free at (866) 607-2583.
¾ Take precautions when handling batteries. They can cause injuries,
burns, and/or property damage as a result of contact with metal
objects, heat, corrosive materials.
¾ Should the Display Unit be dropped, take special care when
handling a damaged LCD display as the liquid crystals can be
harmful to your health. If any fluid does leak from the Display
Unit, immediately wash it off with soap and water.
¾ Do not use this device in aircraft or hospitals. The use of radio
frequency devices can cause malfunctions in the control devices of
other sensitive equipment.
4 Care and Maintenance
To ensure your PowerCost Monitor™ provides trouble-free service, please
read the following tips and the rest of the User Manual thoroughly before
using the system.
¾ Do not immerse the PowerCost Monitor™ in water.
¾ Do not use the Display Unit in high moisture areas such as a
bathroom.
¾ Place the Display Unit indoors only. Placing the Display Unit
outdoors can result in damage to the product and will void the
warranty.
¾ Keep this product away from heat sources such as stoves and
heaters.
¾ Do not drop the PowerCost Monitor™ or cause any sudden impact
to it.
5.1.
¾ When disposing of this product, do so in accordance with your
local waste disposal regulations.
5 Installation
It is very important to follow the installation instructions for the PowerCost
Monitor™ exactly as outlined in this User Manual. Failure to do so will
result in incorrect consumption data being displayed and may void the product
warranty. To install this device, you will need direct access to your utility
meter. In addition to the tools listed below, you may need a step ladder or
stepping stool if your utility meter is not located at ground level. In such a
situation please take all necessary precautions to install this product safely.
You Will Need
¾ User Manual
¾ 1 large Flat Head screwdriver
Unpacking the PowerCost Monitor™
Figure 5.1 shows all of the items that are included with your PowerCost
Monitor™ system. After you unpack your PowerCost Monitor™ , keep all
packing materials in a safe place.
Figure 5.1 – Package Contents
5.2. Powering the Display Unit
To power the Display Unit, follow these steps:
1. Remove the Display Unit from the box.
2. Find an appropriate location for the Display Unit. It must be an indoor
location 30 meters (100 ft.) or less from your home’s utility meter.
3. To set the Display Unit on a horizontal surface, such as a countertop,
pull out the built-in stand located on the back of the unit.
4. To apply power to the Display Unit, you can use 2 standard “AA”
batteries or the optional wall adapter.
Your Display Unit comes with 2 alkaline “AA” batteries already
installed. Simply remove the plastic insert that separates one of the
batteries from its contact point and replace the cover.
To use the optional wall adapter, plug adapter cord into the side of the
Display Unit, as shown below, and then plug the adapter into any
standard 110V electrical outlet.
Figure 5.2 – Display Unit Batteries
When you apply power to the Display Unit it will beep several times rapidly
and after approximately 5 seconds you will see the start-up screen shown in
figure 5.3, below.
Figure 5.3 – Start-up Display
Note: When switching from AC power to battery operation unplug the
AC adapter from the PowerCost™ monitor BEFORE unplugging
the adapter from the wall outlet. Failure to do so will interrupt
power to the display causing the clock to reset to 12:00.
Note:
To ensure your PowerCost Monitor operates at a peak
performance, you should place your Display Unit in a room near
your utility meter. Ideally, it should be on the same side of the
house where the utility meter is situated.
5.3.
5.4.
Putting Batteries in the Sensor Unit
To install batteries in the Sensor Unit open the battery cover by moving the
cover latch to the unlocked position. Install the two AA alkaline batteries
provided in the direction indicated. Note that the battery closest to the Sensor
Arm goes in positive (+) end first. Close the cover and move the cover latch
back to the locked position.
Figure 5.4 – Installing Sensor Batteries
Determining your Utility Meter Type
The Sensor Unit of the PowerCost Monitor™ system is compatible with older
“electromechanical meters” (e.g.: the ones with the spinning disk) and with
many of the newer electronic meters. Depending on the type of meter you
have, the installation process will be slightly different.
Check your utility meter and compare it to the two meters depicted in figure
5.5, below. If your meter has a spinning disc and several dials on its face,
similar to that shown on the left, then proceed to section 5.5 –
Electromechanical Meter Installation. If your meter has a digital face like the
one shown on the right proceed to section 5.6 –
Electronic Meter Installation.
5.5.
Electromechanical Electronic
Figure 5.5 – Utility Meter Types
Electromechanical Meter Installation
It is very important that you follow the steps below exactly as outlined to
ensure that your PowerCost Monitor™ works properly. Be sure to bring your
tools and your Display Unit to your utility meter before starting the
installation process. For best results, install your Sensor Unit on a dry day
using the following procedure:
1. Locate your household utility meter. The meter may be located outdoors
or indoors. If the glass on the utility meter is dirty, wipe it clean with a
damp cloth.
2. Adjust the sensor mounting strap by turning the adjustment screw
several turns with a flat head screwdriver until it is approximately 15cm
(6 inches) in diameter.
3. Lift the Sensor Arm latch and extend the Sensor Arm to its maximum
length. It is possible to pull the Sensor Arm completely out of the
Sensor Unit housing. If this happens simply re-i nsert it and push it in to
the first click-stop position. This is the correct position for
electromechanical meters. Close the Sensor Arm latch.
4. Fit Sensor Unit over your utility meter as shown in figure 5.6, below.
Ensure that the Sensor Arm is as close to the front of the utility meter
glass dome as possible.
Figure 5.6 – Sensor Unit Installation
5. Tighten the sensor-strap adjustment screw until snug. The Sensor Unit
should still be able to move so adjustments can be made. Do not overtighten!
6. Make sure that the Sensor Arm is pr operly positioned with the disk on
the utility meter. It should be positioned so that the end of the Sensor
Arm is inline with the disk and centered from side-to-side. If the Sensor
Arm is not properly positioned the Sensor Unit may not detect the black
mark on the disk passing by and will result in incorrect readings. Refer
to figure 5.7, below, for correct Sensor Arm positioning.
Figure 5.7 – Proper Electromechanical Alignment
7. Once the Sensor Arm is properly positioned, tighten the sensor-strap
adjustment screw until the Sensor Unit cannot be moved easily. Do not
over-tighten!
8. Press and release the RESET button on the battery cover of the Sensor
Unit, as shown in figure 5.7. The red indicator on the Sensor Unit will
begin to flash once per second. It will take approximately 15-30 seconds
for the Sensor Unit to determine that it is installed on an
electromechanical meter. Once it has determined this, the red indicator
light will begin to flash every time the black mark on the disk passes in
front of the Sensor Arm.
If, after a few minutes, the Sensor Unit indicator does not flash when the
black mark passes, or if it flashes while the black mark is not visible,
then the Sensor Arm is not properly aligned and must be re-a djusted. To
adjust the Sensor Arm, open the Sensor Arm latch and gently move the
Sensor Arm up or down a few millimeters to align it with the meter disk.
Close the Sensor Arm latch then repeat this step. Continue to do this
until the Sensor Unit consistently and only flashes when the black mark
passes the Sensor Head. After 2 minutes the Sensor Unit will stop
flashing in order to maximize battery life.
Once the Sensor Arm is properly aligned continue with section 5.7 –
Synchronizing the Display and Sensor Units.
5.6. Electronic Meter Installation
Depending on the electronic meter type you have, the Sensor Unit may need
to be reconfigured. Electronic meters have an optical output that flashes
invisible light through an optical port in a specific pattern that indicates how
much electricity is being consumed at any point in time. The PowerCost
Monitor Sensor Unit will detect this light output automatically.
Some electronic meters have their optical port on the top, in which case the
Sensor Unit will need to be reconfigured. Other meters have their optical
ports on the front. Refer to figure 5.8 to help determine the type of electronic
meter you have.
Figure 5.8 – Top-Mounted and Side-Mounted Electronic Meters
5.6.1. Top-Mounted Electronic Installation
If you have a top-mounted mounted meter follow the steps below exactly as
outlined to ensure that your PowerCost Monitor™ works properly. Be sure to
bring your tools and your Display Unit to your utility meter before starting the
installation process. For best results, install your Sensor Unit on a dry day
using the following procedure:
1. Reconfigure your sensor unit by opening the Sensor Arm latch fully and
gentle pulling the Sensor Arm all the way out. Refer to figure 5.9 for a
pictorial view of the reconfiguration process.
2. Insert the wired end of the Sensor Arm up through the Sensor Arm latch
opening from the bottom.
3. Gently tuck the Sensor Arm down into its holster in the bottom cavity of
the Sensor Unit. Close the Sensor Arm latch.
4. Locate your household utility meter. The meter may be located outdoors
or indoors. If the glass on the utility meter is dirty, wipe it clean with a
damp cloth.
5. Adjust the sensor mounting strap by turning the adjustment screw
several turns with a flat head screwdriver until it is approximately 15cm
(6 inches) in diameter.
6. Fit the Sensor Unit over utility meter as shown in figure 5.10 below.
Ensure that it is seated as far back on the utility meter glass dome as
possible and centered on the top of the meter.
Figure 5.9 – Sensor Unit Reconfiguration (coming)
88888
Figure 5.10 – Top-mounted Electronic Meter Installation
(Sensor Arm removed)
7. Once the Sensor Unit is properly positioned, tighten the sensor-strap
adjustment screw until the Sensor Unit cannot be moved easily. Do not
over-tighten!
8. Press and release the RESET button on the battery cover of the Sensor
Unit, as shown in figure 5.10. The red indicator on the Sensor Unit will
begin to flash once per second. It will take up to15 seconds for the
Sensor Unit to determine that it is installed on an electronic meter. Once
it has determined this, the red indicator light will flash at a steady rate
approximately 3 times per second.
Note: You cannot see the light emitted from the utility meter’s
optical port. It is Infrared (IR) light just like your television
remote control.
If the Sensor Unit indicator does not begin to flash at a faster rate after
about 5 minutes, then the Sensor Unit is not properly positioned over the
optical port or the glass is dirty. To adjust the Sensor Unit, loosen the
sensor-step slightly and position the Sensor Unit so that the Sensor Arm
in the bottom of the unit is directly on top of the meter and that the
Sensor Unit is as far back on the glass dome as possible. Re-tighten the
sensor-strap and then repeat this step.
After 2 minutes the Sensor Unit will stop flashing in order to maximize
battery life.
Once the Sensor Unit is properly mounted continue with section 5.7 –
Synchronizing the Display and Sensor Units.
5.6.2. Side-Mounted Electronic Installation
If you have a side-mounted mounted meter follow the steps below exactly as
outlined to ensure that your PowerCost Monitor™ works properly. Be sure to
bring your tools and your Display Unit to your utility meter before starting the
installation process. For best results, install your Sensor Unit on a dry day
using the following procedure:
1. Lift the Sensor Arm latch and gently push the Sensor Arm all the way in
so that it is at its shortest possible length. Close the Sensor Arm latch.
2. Locate your household utility meter. The meter may be located outdoors
or indoors. If the glass on the utility meter is dirty, wipe it clean with a
damp cloth.
3. Adjust the sensor mounting strap by turning the adjustment screw
several turns with a flat head screwdriver until it is approximately 15cm
(6 inches) in diameter.
4. Fit the Sensor Unit over utility meter as shown in figure 5.11, below.
Ensure that the Sensor Arm is as close to the front of the utility meter
glass dome as possible. Position the Sensor Unit so that the Sensor Arm
is over top of the optical port. If needed, you can adjust the tilt of the
Sensor Arm. To do this, open the Sensor Arm latch, move the Sensor
Arm slightly up or down, and then close the Sensor Arm latch.
88888
Figure 5.11 – Side Mounted Electronic Meter Installation
5. Once the Sensor Unit is properly positioned, tighten the sensor-strap
adjustment screw until the Sensor Unit cannot be moved easily. Do not
over-tighten!
6. Press and release the RESET button on the battery cover of the Sensor
Unit, as shown in figure 5.11. The red indicator on the Sensor Unit will
begin to flash once per second. It will take up to 15 seconds for the
Sensor Unit to determine that it is installed on an electronic meter. Once
it has determined this, the red indicator light will flash at a steady rate
approximately 3 times per second.
Note: You cannot see the light emitted from the utility meter’s
optical port. It is Infrared (IR) light just like your television
remote control.
If the Sensor Unit indicator does not begin to flash at a faster rate after
about 5 minutes, then the Sensor Arm is not properly positioned over the
optical port or the glass dome is dirty. To adjust the Sensor Arm, open
the Sensor Arm latch and gently move the Sensor Arm up or down a few
millimeters to align it with the optical. Close the Sensor Arm latch then
repeat this step.
After 2 minutes the Sensor Unit will stop flashing in order to maximize
battery life.
Once the Sensor Unit is properly mounted continue with section 5.7 –
Synchronizing the Display and Sensor Units.
5.7. Synchronizing the Display and Sensor Units
Your Sensor Unit comes pre-programmed with a unique ID code so it will
only work with your Display Unit. The Display Unit and Sensor Unit must be
synchronized before the system will function properly.
To synchronize follow these steps:
1. Make sure the display unit is on.
2. Press and hold the ID button on the back of the Display Unit until it
beeps (approx. 3 seconds). This will place the Display Unit into ID
Mode and it will begin to search for your Sensor Unit. You will see a
screen similar to the one shown in figure 5.12, below.
Figure 5.12 – ID Screen
3. Press and release the RESET button on the battery cover of the Sensor
Unit, as you did in the installation process. You will see the indicator
light on the battery cover begin to flash as the Sensor Unit begins to
identify the meter type is it installed on. At this point the display should
exit ID mode. If it does not then press the RESET button again.
4. The first time you synchronize your PowerCost Monitor system, the
Display Unit will show the start-up screen like the one depicted in figure
5.13, below. If you do not see this screen, synchronization has not
been successful and you need to repeat steps 1 -3, above.
Figure 5.13 – Start-up Screen
5. To setup your display perform the steps in Sections 7.2 & 7.3 before
proceeding.
NOTE: You normally only need to synchronize your Display
and Sensor Units once. If you unplug your Display Unit
or replace the batteries, the system will start working
normally again when power is restored.
6 Using the Display Unit
Figure 6.1 – PowerCost Monitor™ Display
Your PowerCost Monitor™:
¾ Displays current electricity cost-per-hour in dollars and cents
¾ Displays total cost of energy consumed in dollars and cents
¾ Displays current energy consumed in kilowatts
¾ Displays total energy consumed in kilowatt hours
¾ Displays temperature at the meter in Celsius and Fahrenheit
¾ Displays a Disk Emulator that spins at the same rate as the disk on
your Utility Meter
¾ Has an easy-to-read screen that lights up at the touch of a button
6.1.
The diagrams on the following pages explain each screen and the features that
are displayed.
Start-up
Once the Sensor Unit begins to detect power usage from your utility meter the
Display Unit inside will automatically start showing information after a short
time. A typical display is shown in figure 6.2, below. The actual num bers
displayed will vary depending on the amount of electricity you are using at the
time.
Figure 6.2 – Typical Display
At first, you will see a screen showing dashes. After a short delay, the screen
will show the current cost of electricity in dollars-per-hour in the top row
(Demand Row). The screen above shows the current cost as $0.83/hour (your
actual amount shown will vary). The Disk Emulator spins at approximately
the same rate as the disk on your utility meter. The faster the Disk Emulator
spins, the greater the rate of energy consumption and the higher the dollarsper-hour value you will see on the screen. After a few minutes, the second
value on the screen in the third row (Total Row), showing as $0.00 above, will
start increasing and provides the total cost of electricity used.
If your Sensor Unit loses its alignment, possibly as the result of snow or ice
falling on it, it will be apparent if the display shows unusually low
consumption (0.4KWor less) for an extended period of time when you are
performing normal household tasks such as cooking, laundry, or turning on
other appliances.
If, after a few minutes the value displayed is still dashes and the Disk
Emulator has not started spinning it is possible that the Display Unit is out of
range of the Sensor Unit. Try moving the Display Unit closer to the Sensor
Unit. If this does not work, then you should check the alignment of the Sensor
Unit and you may need to resynchronize your PowerCost Monitor system. To
do this, refer Section 5.7 –
Synchronizing the Display and Sensor Units.
6.2. Dollar & Cents Display Mode
The first screen you will see once the PowerCost Monitor starts functioning
will be similar to the one depicted in figure 6.3, below. The top row (Demand
Row) on the screen shows how much electricity you are currently consuming
in dollars and cents. In this example you are currently using $1.08/hour worth
of electricity.
Figure 6.3 – Dollars & Cents Mode
The third row (Total Row) on the screen represents the total dollars worth of
electricity consumed since the total was last reset. In the example above you
have used $27.09 worth of electricity since the total was last reset.
To reset Total Dollar value, refer Section 8.4 – Resetting the Total Values.
6.3. Kilowatt and Kilowatt-Hours Mode
To enter the Kilowatt and Kilowatt-Hours screen, press and release the
MODE button located on the top of the Display Unit. You will then see a
screen similar to the one shown in Figure 6.4, below (your actual values will
vary).
Fi
g
ure 6.4 –Kilowatt Mode
The top row (Demand Row) on the screen shows how much electricity you
are currently consuming in kilowatts. In the example above, you are currently
using 5.2 kW of electricity.
The third row (Total Row) on the screen represents the Total Kilowatt-Hours
(kWh) of electricity consumed since the value was last reset. In the example
you gave used 36.9 kWh of electricity since the total was last reset.
To reset Total kWh value, refer Section 8.4 –
Resetting the Total Values.
6.4. Temperature Display
The PowerCost Monitor™ displays the temperature reading at the location of
the Sensor Unit. The temperature can be displayed in either °C or °F, as
shown in figure 6.5 below. To change the temperature reading between
Celsius and Fahrenheit, press and release the - °C/°F button on the back of the
Display Unit.
6.5.
Figure 6.5 – Temperature Display (Celsius & Fahrenheit)
NOTE: If your utility meter is located indoors, this function
will NOT show outside temperature. It only shows
the temperature at the utility meter where the Sensor
Unit is situated.
Loss of Signal Display
In the event that your Display Unit loses the signal from the Sensor Unit you
will see a screen similar to those depicted in figure 6.6, below, depending on
the mode your Display Unit is currently operating in. This event may occur if,
for example, you move the Display Unit somewhere else in your house that is
too far from the Sensor Unit.
Figure 6.6 – Loss of Signal Indication
A loss of signal can be caused by:
¾ Sensor Unit battery is exhausted
¾ The Display Unit has been moved out of range of the Sensor Unit
¾ Strong interference from other electronic devices, such as wireless
weather stations
To resolve the problem, press any button on the
back of the Display Unit and
then move the Display Unit closer to your Utility Meter. If this does not solve
the problem, try re-synchronizing the Display and Sensor Units. Refer to the
instructions in Section 5.7 –
Synchronizing the Display and Sensor Units. If
the problem persists, more information is available online at
http://www.bluelineinnovations.com. If you are still unable to resolve the
problem please feel free to call our toll-free supports line at 1-866-607-2583.
7.1.
7 Display Settings
Display Unit Buttons
Below are illustrations of the buttons on the back and the top of the Display
Unit. A brief explanation of each button follows on the next page.
Fi
g
ure 7.1 –Display Unit Buttons
ID Used to synchronize the Display Unit and Sensor Unit.
SET Used to enter Setup Mode to adjust clock, utility rate(s) and Kh
factor.
+ Used to change clock and utility rate.
- ºC/ºF Used to change clock and utility rate, or to switch temperature
display between Celsius and Fahrenheit display modes.
7.2.
12/24 Used to switch clock between 12-hour and 24-hour display modes.
Reset Used in conjunction with SET button to return Display Unit to its
factory settings.
CLEAR Used to clear the total values.
MODE Used to switch between Dollar Mode and Kilowatt Mode.
LIGHT Used to light the screen.
Setting the Clock
To set the correct time on your Display Unit, follow these steps (refer to
Figure 7.2):
1. Press-and-hold the SE T Button located on the back of the Display
Unit until you hear a single beep (approximately 3 seconds). After
the beep, the hours portion of the clock will start flashing.
2. Press the + or - buttons to set the proper hour. Once the hours are
correct, press-and-release the SET button to advance to the minutes
setting.
3. Again, press the + or - buttons until the minutes are correct.
4. Press the SET button 3 more times to return to the main screen.
5. To switch time between 12-hour and 24-hour display modes press
the 12/24 button on the back of the Display Unit.
7.3.
Figure 7.2 – Setting the Clock
Setting the Electricity Rate and Kh Factor
Some utility companies use a 2-tiered rate system to charge for electricity
usage. This means that after you have consumed a certain amount of
electricity during a billing period the amount you are charged for electricity
typically goes up.
The PowerCost Monitor™ supports 2-tiered rates. The following procedure
will enable you to enter these rates, referred to as Rate A and Rate B, along
with the consumption threshold that determines when the rates change. When
you receive your PowerCost Monitor™ the price-per-kilowatt-hour rate for
Rate A and Rate B are factory set at 11.0 and 12.0 ¢/kWh, respectively. The
consumption threshold is set at 1,000 kWh.
NOTE: If your utility does not utilize a 2-tier rate system
then simply enter the same power rate for both RateA and Rate-B in the procedure below.
In order to ensure your PowerCost Monitor™ provides accurate information,
you need to input the correct rate(s) being charged by your utility. These rates
can be found on your electricity bill or by contacting the utility company by
phone or the web. To set the rates follow these steps and refer to figure 7.3:
1. Press-and-hold the SE T button located on the back of the Display
Unit until you hear a single beep (approximately 3 seconds).
2. To set the 1
st
power rate (Rate A), press-and-release the SET
Button two more times until the “¢/kWh” value starts flashing in
the middle row of the screen and the letter “A” appears on the left
side. The default rate is 11.0¢/KWh.
3. Use the + and - buttons to increase or decrease the value until the
proper rate has been set.
4. To set the threshold when the display switches from Rate-A to
Rate-B, press-and-release the SET Button. The KWh symbol
begins to flash. The default value is 1,000 kWh.
5. Use the + and - buttons to increase or decrease the value until the
proper threshold has been set.
6. To set the 2
nd
power rate (Rate B), press-and-release the SET
button again. The ¢/kWh value starts flashing in the middle row of
the screen and the letter “b” will appear on the left side. The
default rate is 12.0¢/KWh.
7. Use the + and - buttons to increase or decrease the value until the
proper rate has been set.
8. To set the Kh factor for your specific meter press and release the
SET button again. The Kh symbol will begin to flash. The default
value is 7.2, which is appropriate for most electromechanical
meters. If you do not know which value to use, leave it set to 7.2.
9. Use the + and - buttons to increase or decrease the value until the
proper Kh factor has been set.
10. Press the SET button again to exit to the main screen.
7.4.
Rate A Threshold Rate B
Figure 7.3 Setting Electricity Rates
Resetting the Total Values
To reset the Total values (Dollars and kW) that appear on the Total Row (third
row) of the screen, press-and-hold the CLEAR button located on the top of the
device until you hear a beep. Only the Total values will be reset to 0, as shown
in figure 7.4, below. All other values will remain unchanged.
Figure 7.4 – Resetting Totals
7.5.
7.6.
Display Backlight
Your PowerCost Monitor™ has a backlight that can be used to see the screen
in dimly lit conditions. To turn the backlight on, press the LIGHT button
located on the top of the display unit. The screen will light up in blue and
remain lit for approximately 5 seconds.
Figure 7.5 – Display Backlight Button
Restoring Default Values
To restore your PowerCost Monitor™ to its original settings you’ll need a
sharp pencil or straightened paper clip. Press and hold the SET button on the
back of the Display Unit. While pressing the SET button, insert the pencil or
paper clip into the RESET hole, also located on the back of the Display Unit,
and then release the SET button. You will hear several fast beeps and then see
the screen below. You will need to repeat the steps in Sections 7.2 and 7.3 to
enter the correct time and electricity rate information.
8 Warranty
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
Blue Line Innovations warrants this product to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of sale to
the original user or consumer purchaser. Blue Line Innovation’s exclusive
obligation under this warranty shall be, at its option, (a) to supply, without
charge, a replacement of the product or (b) to refund the purchase price in
respect of any product that is found to be defective and that is returned, with
its proof of purchase, to the original supplier.
This warranty excludes and does not cover defects, malfunctions, or failures
caused by misuse, unauthorized repairs, modifications or accidental damage.
Note: This warranty does not apply to batteries or damage to the product
caused by the use of faulty batteries.
This warranty is only applicable to a product purchased through a Blue Line
Innovations authorized dealer.
In no event shall Blue Line Innovations be liable for consequential or
incidental damages.
This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. The duration of any
implied warranty is limited to the period of the expressed warranty set forth
above.
MANUFACTURED IN CHINA
Blue Line Innovations Inc.
187 Kenmount Road
St. John’s, NL Canada
A1B 3P9
Web Site: www.bluelineinnovations.com
E-Mail: pcm@bluelineinnovations.com
Toll Free: 1-866-607-2583
9 Specifications
Model# PCMTX02
Power
Display Unit 2 AA Alkaline Batteries (LR6 or equivalent)
Optional AC Adapter P/N: BLI-00083
Sensor Unit 2 AA Alkaline Batteries (LR6 or equivalent)
Wireless Communications
Frequency 433.92MHz
Update Rate Approximately every 30 seconds
Range Up to 30m (100ft.) line-of-sight (Subtract 5m or
15 feet for each wall between Display and Sensor
Units
Operating Temperature Range
Display Unit 10°C to 45°C (50°F to 113°F) For indoor use only.
Sensor Unit -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F)
10 Troubleshooting
TBD
11 FCC Informati o n
FCC Class B Part 15
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. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by Blue Line Innovations Inc. void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of
the following measures:
¾ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
¾ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
¾ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
¾ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
Industry Canada Certification
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
187 Kenmount Road
St. John’s NL Canada
A1B 3P9
www.bluelineinnovations.com
Toll Free: (866) 607-2583
P/N: BLI-00168
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