Datamatic D121R3 Users Manual
HAPTER
C
WATER FIREFLY INSTALLATION PREPARATION.............................................1
Installation Overview - Sensor End............................................................................1
Installation Considerations.........................................................................................1
Installation Tips ..........................................................................................................1
FIREFLY INSTALLATION............................................................................................2
INSTALLING THE OPTICAL SENSOR......................................................................2
MIU Preparation.........................................................................................................2
MIU Placement ...........................................................................................................2
Re-mounting the 3M sensor ........................................................................................3
INSTALLING THE WIRE-END FIREFLY ..................................................................4
ELECTRIC FIREFLY INSTALLATION......................................................................5
Qualified Meters..........................................................................................................5
FIREFLY INSTALLATION PREPARATION..............................................................5
Sangamo......................................................................................................................5
Westinghouse...............................................................................................................5
GE................................................................................................................................5
I
NSTALLING DECALS
.........................................................................................................6
NSTALLATION
2: I
Chapter 2: Installation RouteSTAR FIREFLY
WATER FIREFLY INSTALLATION PREPARATION
Installation Overview - Sensor End
1. Install the optical sensor. (See instructions “Installing the Optical Sensor”).
2. Program the FIREFLY MIU (See instructions “Programming the FIREFLY MIU”).
3. Choose a method and mount the FIREFLY MIU.
4. Verify that the FIREFLY MIU is transmitting properly.
Installation Considerations
1. Signal distance varies depending on the location of the MIU. FIREFLYs installed
above ground generally transmit the greatest distance.
2. The material of a pit or vault lid affects the transmission range. For example, a
transmitter has a greater range sending from a pit with a plastic lid than a cast iron lid.
3. Lids with holes of a diameter of one inch make possible the mounting of the
FIREFLY MIU through the lid. This can increase transmission range significantly.
4. Complete field installation of an MIU takes 5-10 minutes, depending on the meter
location, and mounting application.
5. If the lid has a hole for the unit, use the cap and wing nut assembly (lid lock). Make
sure there is enough space between the box lid and the ground for the unit to sit. If
not, remove some of the dirt from the bottom of the box. Do not over-tighten lid
locks.
Installation Tips
Following are tips for FIREFLY installation that ensure maximum adhesion.
1. Use only 99% Isopropyl alcohol to prepare the meter face.
2. The most important part of installing a FIREFLY sensor on a clean register is the
Pressure step.
3. Make sure the lens is clean and dry as condensation reduces adhesion.
4. Cool weather may reduce adhesion. Avoid installing sensors in temperatures lower
than 32F.
5. Only use the specified 3M adhesive disks to adhere the sensor to the meter face.
6. Do not to touch the 3M adhesive with bare hands, as skin oil greatly decreases
adhesion.
7. Adhesion is greatly degraded if the sensor is removed from the meter face then
repositioned.
8. Loctite adhesive forms a barrier around the 3M adhesive for the 24-hour curing time.
9. Avoid handling or moving the sensor after placement while mounting the FIREFLY.
Version 2.4 Datamatic.com, Ltd. 2000 – 2002 1
RouteSTAR FIREFLY Chapter 2: Installation
FIREFLY INSTALLATION
INSTALLING THE OPTICAL SENSOR
MIU Preparation
1. Survey the meter, checking lid, hole depth, and overall cleanliness.
2. Remove meter box lid.
3. Clean excess dirt from meter lid, exposing meter number.
4. Flip lid back and pre-clean meter face / lens using Fast Orange non-pumice cleaner
and a cloth or cotton swab to remove residue.
5. Clean meter face / lens with an isopropyl alcohol and a NEW lint-free cotton swab.
Note: Use Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, 99% by volume, for best results. Lower
concentrations do not clean as well and may adversely affect the sensor-to-meter
bond.
6. Re-wipe the surface of the meter lens with a clean, new cotton swab each time
until the swab comes up clean, and the clean lens squeaks when wiped.
7. After cleaning, ensure that the lens is completely dry; allow the alcohol time to
evaporate.
MIU Placement
8. Remove the adhesive backing from the high-bond tape on the Optic Sensor face.
9. Refer to Meter Qualification Data in Appendix C to determine sensor placement for
the brand and model of register.
10. Orient the sensor so the water meter needle approaches the sensor from the cable side
and perpendicular to the cable. There are indents on each side of the sensor base
which are to be in line with the needle when it passes.
11. Attach the sensor to the water meter lens surface.
2 Datamatic.com, Ltd. 2000 – 2002 Version 2.4
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