Elster Solutions HHI04, HHI03 Users manual

Elster Handhelds

User Guide
Release 1.0

www.elster.com

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 3 Contents

Contents

FCC and Industry Canada compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability . . . . . . . . . .8

Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Revisions to this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

About handheld devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

About This manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

New users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Existing users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Automatic meter reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Basic AMR components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2 About handheld devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

PI 500 handheld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Dap CE5240X handheld computer specifications . . . . . . 13

Using an external antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Safe RF exposure using external antenna . . . . . . . . . . . 14

More about Dap CE5240x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

evoWalk and PI 900 handhelds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Radix specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Safe RF exposure using external antenna . . . . . . . . . . . 15

More about Radix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Basic operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Transmission accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Navigating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

PI 500 installation tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

PI 900 installation tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Database warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3 Handheld operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Commonly used keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

<Esc> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

<Enter> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Arrow keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

<Tab> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Entering responses (Yes/No) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Using the stylus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Reading meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Turning the device on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Dap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Radix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Charging the device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Dap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 4 Contents

Radix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Resetting the handheld device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Dap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Radix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Logging in to the handheld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Holding the handheld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

For meter reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

For RTM installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4 About Interrogator software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Selecting a route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

RM Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Viewing handheld configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Updating handheld configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Exiting Elster Interrogator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

5 Reading accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Navigating accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

<Esc> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

<Enter> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

<Up> and <Down> arrow keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Reading an account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Performing a default read of an unread account . . . . . 30

Performing a manual index reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Moving on to the next account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Additional account reading options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Clearing index read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Forcing unattempted account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Adding a trouble code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Adding a skip code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Entering messages for an account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Setting the resequence flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Removing a resequence flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Performing a multiple parameter RF read . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Performing a single history/TOU RF read . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Performing a general index RF read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Jumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Viewing Account Details screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Jumping to the beginning of current route . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Jumping to the end of current route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Jumping to a specified sequence number . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Jumping to the next route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Jumping to the previous route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Jumping to next unread account in the current route . . 42

Searching the current route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Performing a search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Example Search - Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Example Search - Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Viewing additional information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Viewing Help and available commands . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Viewing Routes Selection screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Viewing Route Summary screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Viewing Account Details screen

ewing Instruction Code screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Vi

Viewing Location Code screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Viewing Error Log screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Viewing Trouble Code screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Viewing appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 5 Contents

6 Using the VersaProbe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Configuring a VersaProbe connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Serial communication mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Bluetooth communication mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Reading using a VersaProbe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Establishing the VersaProbe connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Reading a meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

7 Installing RTMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Installing RTMs using the PI 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Changing out meters and indexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Changing out a meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Changing out an index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Installing an RTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Water meter RTM installation display . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Gas meter RTM installation display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Programming an RTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Checking subcounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Programming the RTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Using the scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Taking GPS coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Automatically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Installing EnergyAxis gas modules using the PI 900 . . . . . . 69

Checking subcounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Programming the RTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

8 RTM Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Reading a meter with verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Programming for verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

After failed verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

After successful verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

9 Communicating with Route Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Establishing communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Downloading routes from Route Manager to device . . . . . . 82

Uploading routes from device to Route Manager . . . . . . . . 83

Removing routes from the handheld device . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

After a successful upload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Without receiving the routes first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Updating handheld files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

10 Setting up devices in Route Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Handheld device properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

VersaProbe properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Scanner and GPS properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

A Accelerator keys for meter reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

B Accelerator keys for installing RTMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

C Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

General troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 6 Contents

Trouble in connecting the device to Route Manager . . . . . . . 91

D Programming Pre Gen 5 RTMs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Gen 2 RTMs (FCC ID G8J3GNAMR8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Gen 2.5 water pit RTMs (FCC ID G8JPIT25) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Gen 2.5 water remote RTMs (FCC ID G8JGEN25) . . . . . . . . . 92

Gen 3.x water remote RTMs (FCC ID G8JGEN03) . . . . . . . . . 92

Gen 3.x gas remote RTMs (FCC ID G8JGEN03) . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 7.

FCC and Industry Canada compliance

Compliance statement (Part 15.19)

PI 500:
The PI500 complies with Part 90 of the FCC Rules.
The FCC IDs are G8JHHI01 and G8JHHI02.

PI 900:
The PI900 complies with Part 15 (Class B ), Part 90 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 and
RSS-119 of Industry Canada.
The FCC ID is G8JHHI03 and G8JHHI04. The Industry Canada is 4557C-HHI03 and
4557C-HHI04.

evoWalk:
The evoWalk complies with Part 15 (Class B ) of the FCC Rules.
The FCC ID is S28-EVO.

General information

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 (Part 15.21)

Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by Elster could void the
user's authority to operate this equipment.

User information

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:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.

A separation distance of at least 8 inches (20 cm) is to be maintained between the
antenna and the human body and must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with
any other transmitter or antenna.

Industry Canada statement

The Term "IC" before the certification/registration number only signifies that the Industry
Canada technical specifications were met.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 8.

Disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability

There are no understandings, agreements, representations, or warranties either
expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose, other than those specifically set out by any existing contract between the parties.
Any such contract states the entire obligation of the seller. The contents of this technical
manual shall not become part of or modify any prior or existing agreement, commitment,
or relationship.

The information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notices in this technical
manual are based on Elster experience and judgment with respect to the operation and
maintenance of the described product. This information should not be considered as all–
inclusive or covering all contingencies. If further information is required, Elster should be
consulted.

No warranties, either expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular
purpose or merchantability, or warranties arising from the course of dealing or usage of
trade, are made regarding the information, recommendations, descriptions, warnings,
and cautions contained herein.

In no event will Elster be held responsible to the user in contract, in tort (including
negligence), strict liability, or otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential
damage or loss whatsoever, including but not limited to: damage or loss of use of
equipment, cost of capital, loss of profits or revenues, or claims against the user by its
customers from the use of the information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety
notices contained herein.

Safety information

Installation, operation, and maintenance of this product can present potentially hazardous
conditions (for example, high voltages) if safety procedures are not followed. To ensure that
this product is used safely, it is important that you:

Review, understand, and observe all safety notices and recommendations within this
manual.

Do not remove or copy individual pages from this manual, as this manual is intended for
use in its entirety. If you were to remove or copy individual pages, cross references and
safety notices may be overlooked, possibly resulting in damage to the equipment,
personal injury, or even death.

Inform personnel involved in the installation, operation, and maintenance of the product
about the safety notices and recommendations contained in this manual.

Within this manual, safety notices appear preceding the text or step to which they apply.
Safety notices are divided into the following four classifications:

Notice is used to alert personnel to installation, operation, or maintenance
information that is important but not hazard related.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 9.

Caution is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will or can

minor

cause

personal injury, equipment damage, or property damage if the

notice is ignored.

Warning is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that

can cause

severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property damage if notice
is ignored.

Danger is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that

will cause

severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property damage if the
notice is ignored.

Revisions to this document

The following table lists the revisions to this document, the date of the release, and any
notes about the changes made.

Date Brief Description

19 December 2007 Initial release of the document.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 10 1. Introduction

1 Introduction

This document provides comprehensive operating instructions for the use of the following
Elster handheld interrogators:

• PI 500 - an RTM programmer and reader

• evoWalk - RTM reader only

• PI 900 - RTM installation tool only

About handheld devices

Handheld devices are lightweight and easy to use handheld computer for automatic
meter reading (AMR), using touch screen technology to simplify the meter reading process.

The handheld device can be used to obtain meter readings in two ways:

• allowing meter readers to acquire data remotely via radio frequency (RF) signals
from the handheld to the RTMs.

• allowing meter readers to observe and manually enter and store meter readings in
the unit.

About This manual

This guide provides instructions for setup, installation, operation and troubleshooting of the
handheld device. It is structured for use as an adjunct to Elster system training, as well as a
standalone instruction guide and reference. The screen shots shown in various illustrations
may vary slightly from your handheld's display.

Audience

This document is designed for utility industry meter readers and supervisory staff.

In order to establish appropriate levels of detail for the material, this document assumes
the following:

• The user is experienced in reading meters of the type currently compatible with Elster
RTMs and possesses all the skills necessary to conduct meter reading by
conventional means.

• The user has little or no prior expertise with AMR technology.

• The user is competent in the basic use of computers and software.

New users

If you are new to Elster AMR products, or are new to AMR products in general, please take
some time to go through all the sections of the user guide.

Observe how each function of the handheld device serves the ultimate goal of the unit:
getting accurate readings from meters and into the billing system in the quickest and
easiest way possible.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 11 1. Introduction

Existing users

If you are already familiar with Elster AMR products, you will still find it helpful to go through
the Introduction and detail sections to understand how the features of the handheld device
work together and what information is needed to perform each feature.

Automatic meter reading

The Elster system uses radio frequency (RF) signals to allow utility personnel to read meters
from a distance while the reader is in motion. This technology is called automatic meter
reading (AMR). This technology greatly increases the speed at which routes can be
covered with a high degree of accuracy.

Basic AMR components

An automatic meter reading system requires the following basic components:

• RTM - The RTM interfaces with meter index mechanics, translates the index reading
into digital signals to capture data from meter; additionally, it receives commands
from and transmits meter data to an interrogator.

• Interrogator - At its simplest, the interrogator remotely reads meter data transmitted
by RTMs. At more sophisticated levels, an interrogator may also program RTMs,
store route data, selectively wake up RTMs, verify RTM conditions and data and set
meter coordinates, among other functions.

• Antennas - Both the RTM and the interrogator use antennas to broadcast and
receive RF signals. Many handheld interrogators use a single antenna for both
transmitting and receiving (antenna may be internal or external).

The interrogator sends out an RF signal to the desired RTMs. Upon receiving an authorized
command, the RTM transmits its stored meter data.

Overview

The handheld device is part of the Elster AMR system. The system uses mobile, two-way,
RF communication technology to request and collect specific data from individual meters.
The data to be collected, along with the actual collected data, is managed by Route
Manager software and its interface to the utility company’s information system. The Elster
AMR system includes:

• RTMs that encode, process, and store individual meter data and, on command from
an interrogator, transmit requested meter data. This processing and storing of meter
data and two-way communication provides data acquisition flexibility usually
associated with more expensive fixed-base AMR systems.

• interrogators that establish a two-way communication link with individual RTMs and

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 12 1. Introduction

request, receive, and store specific meter data for transfer to route management
software. Interrogators offer a lower infrastructure investment over a fixed-base
system with operational flexibility, efficiency and cost-savings. Interrogators include
handheld computers and van-based mobile interrogators:

Interrogation method TRACE (gas and water) evolution (water) EnergyAxis (gas)

walk by (handhelds) PI 500, PI 400, PI 300 evoWalk PI 900

drive by (mobiles) CMMI, MMI evoDrive N/A

• route management software that processes route files from a utility’s customer
information system (CIS); downloads and uploads meter routes to and from
interrogators; stores meter readings for local validation, editing and analysis, and
creates files to transfer meter readings to the utility’s CIS.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 13 2. About handheld devices

2 About handheld devices

The handheld device provides a wide range of meter data collection functions and can
serve as the main meter reading device in smaller utilities. The unit provides a combination
of functionality and ruggedness that make it an attractive option for Elster AMR users.

Elster uses three handheld devices for its systems.

TRACE evolution EnergyAxis

PI 500
PI 400
PI 300

evoWalk PI 900

PI 500 handheld

The PI 500 handheld device is the handheld interrogator for all Elster TRACE AMR products.

The PI 500 is a rugged Microflex CE5240X handheld computer from DAP Technologies
modified with a TRACE Interrogator PC Card and Elster software. This reliable handheld
interrogator is designed for the collection of both RF and manual reads from gas and
water meters and is compatible with all TRACE RTMs. In addition, the PI 500 can operate as
an installation tool by programming newly installed TRACE RTMs.

Figure 2-1. Dap 5240X handheld

Dap CE5240X handheld computer specifications

• Windows CE operating system

• .NET Framework 4.2

• 400 MHz Intel Xscale processor

• 64 MB RAM

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 14 2. About handheld devices

• 3.5" QVGA TFT Color LCD resistive touch-screen

• 54-key ergonomic keypad with separate numeric keys

• Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery

• TRACE Interrogator PC card

• Elster software

• Half-duplex RF communications

• RF Transmitter - 451 MHz

• RF Receiver - 414 MHz

• FCC compliance: Part 90, FCC ID# G8JHHI01

• Operating temperature: -4 °F to +122 °F (-20 °C to + 50 °C)

• Ethernet communications through charging cradle

• The Dap 5240X is IP-67 rated (1 meter submersion). The Elster nose cone is IP-67
rated (1 meter submersion)

• IEC 68-2-32 method - 2 meter drop onto concrete test

Using an external antenna

An external antenna may be mounted on the roof of your vehicle and attached to the
PI 500 for increased reading performance. In this mode of operation, a meter reader
MUST stop the vehicle before using the handheld device to read an RTM.

Caution: For safely reasons, a meter reader should not drive and operate the

handheld device at the same time.

Safe RF exposure using external antenna

The antenna used for the PI 500 transmitter must be installed to provide a separation
distance of at least 9.5 inches (24 cm) from all persons and must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

More about Dap CE5240x

For more information on the Dap handheld and its cradle, please refer to the

Microflex CE5000 User's Guide

shipped with your Dap handheld.

Dap

evoWalk and PI 900 handhelds

The evoWalk handheld device is the handheld interrogator for Elster evolution AMR
products. The evoWalk is a rugged Radix handheld computer modified with an evolution
PC Card and Elster software. This reliable handheld interrogator collects both RF and
manual reads from water meters and is compatible with evolution RTMs.

The PI 900 handheld device is the handheld installation tool for Elster’s EnergyAxis System
Gas Module. The PI 900 is a rugged Radix handheld computer with the EnergyAxis PC
card installed. This handheld allows field personnel to install the EnergyAxis Gas Module
onto gas meters.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 15 2. About handheld devices

Figure 2-2. Radix FW900 handheld

Radix specifications

• Windows CE operating system

• .NET Framework 4.2

• 400 MHz Intel XScale PXA255

• 128 MB RAM; 128 MB Flash

• 3.5” *89mm) 240 x 320 TFT 65K Color industrial grade touch screen

• 48-key ergonomic keypad with separate numeric keys

• User replaceable lithium-ion battery pack, 3 hour charge, up to 8 hours use

• EnergyAxis PC card

• Elster software

• RF Transmitter - 900 MHz

• RF Receiver - 900 MHz

• FCC compliance: Part 90 and Part 15. The FCC ID is G8JHHI03.

• Operating temperature: -4 °F to +140 °F (-20 °C to + 60 °C)

• USB, Ethernet, serial, IPP, multiple communications ports

• IP-67 rated (1 meter submersion)

• Elster nose cone is IP-67 rated (1 meter submersion)

• MIL-STD-810F method - 1.5 meter drop onto concrete test

The evoWalk and PI 900 handhelds do not support using an external antenna.

Safe RF exposure using external antenna

The antenna used for the evoWalk and PI 900 transmitter must be installed to provide a
separation distance of at least 8 inches (20 cm) from all persons and must not be co­located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

More about Radix

For more information on the Radix handheld and its cradle, please refer to the

FW900 User's Guide

shipped with your handheld.

Radix

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 16 2. About handheld devices

Basic operation

The handheld device is pre-loaded with Elster software which allows for either automatic
or manual meter reading functions, or both. The routes are loaded into the handheld using
Route Manager software. Once the interrogator establishes two-way communications
with an Elster RTM, the following data can be collected from various electronic indexes in
the RTM through the use of commands:

Data collected TRACE handhelds evoWalk

Current meter reading Yes Yes

Daily meter readings (35 days)

TOU indexes

Water leakage

Tamper and other alarms Yes Yes

a. Addressable readings often used for billing customer move in/move out.
b. Used for billing-rate structure or to encourage conservation.
c. With programmable thresholds.

Data collected by the handheld device is validated, audited and stored for subsequent
uploading to Route Manager. Meter reading instructions are downloaded to interrogators
indicating what data is required from each RTM in the route. Changes to reading
instructions are made in Route Manager or in the CIS system to ensure that whatever
specific information is needed gets collected. Not all data is requested from all RTMs
making route read-times as low as possible.

b

a

Any, All, or None All

Up to 4 No

Yes

c

Yes

Transmission accuracy

The accuracy of transmitted data is insured in two ways:

• the RTM only replies after detection of its unique serial number

• the RTM transmits an error-detection code with the meter data that is used by the
interrogator to confirm that the data has been received without errors.

Within the handheld device are programmable Trouble Codes and a free-form text
message field for specific account details.

Navigating

Simple menu commands allow access to the software functions. These commands fall into
either Route functions or Route Manager Communications functions. From the Route
Selection function a user can specify which of the loaded routes are targeted for reading
operations. Route Manager Communications provides for downloading route
information and uploading read data from the handheld device to the Route Manager
software.

Once the route is loaded, readings can be done automatically over RF, over RF with
verification against the manual meter reading input, or via manual reading input.

Accelerator keys are provided, along with on-demand help, to provide advanced account
and route navigation. See Appendix A, “Accelerator keys for meter reading” and Appendix

B, “Accelerator keys for installing RTMs” for details.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 17 2. About handheld devices

PI 500 installation tool

Recently added functionality allows users to operate the PI 500 as an installation tool for
TRACE RTMs. In this mode the device performs the following actions:

• setting initial index value (to match the existing mechanical index reading)

• setting leak detection parameters (water only)

• programming of the predivider and pressure compensation factor (gas only)

• verifying or updating of the date and time setting

See Chapter 7, “Installing RTMs” for details.

Note: When used as an installation tool, the PI 500 must be used with the short range

antenna to ensure proper communication with the RTM.

With optional hardware, the handheld device can also capture the meter latitude and
longitude values for use by Elster mobile interrogators and other mapping programs.

PI 900 installation tool

The PI 900 is an installation tool for EnergyAxis gas module RTMs. This device performs the
following actions:

• setting initial index value (to match the existing mechanical index reading)

• programming of EnergyAxis gas modules

• verifying or updating of the date and time setting

See Chapter 7, “Installing RTMs” for details.

Database warning

Do not attempt to modify or edit any of the database tables or files outside of the Elster
handheld / Route Manager environment without prior authorization by Elster technical
support personnel. Unauthorized manipulation of these files may void your software
service agreements.

Ta b

Arrow keys

Reset and
Function

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 18 3. Handheld operation

3 Handheld operation

Commonly used keys

The handheld’s keyboard allows the user to access software functions. Elster handhelds
respond to the keystrokes independent of hardware.

Note: All letters are assumed to be upper case. Function keys <F1> - <F4> are also used.

Figure 3-1. Dap CE5240x handheld keyboard

Elster Handhelds

Radix R button

Arrow keys

User Guide 19 3. Handheld operation

Figure 3-2. Radix handheld keyboard

<Esc>

• Cancels operation

• Exits screen

<Enter>

• In menus/list boxes, selects item

• In editable field, submits entry

• When on an unread RF account, triggers an RF read

• With Automove on and on a completed account, and moves to next account

•In Details list box (History and TOU) initiates single interrogation of highlighted item

Arrow keys

These keys (<Up>, <Down>, <Left>, and <Right>) are used to navigate directionally in the
screen.

<Tab>

• Navigates between fields within the current screen (messages, search, etc.).

Entering responses (Yes/No)

You respond to questions using either of the following methods:

• Tap the button Yes or No with the stylus

• Press <Y> or <N> on the keyboard

• Moving to the desired button by using left/right arrow keys and pressing <Enter>

when the button is highlighted

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 20 3. Handheld operation

Using the stylus

Use the stylus to tap a command button or to move focus to a data entry field. If you do not
have a stylus, use the tip of your fingernail (not the soft pad of your finger).

Reading meters

Using the handheld device for meter reading is easy. The reading cycle consists of four
main stages:

1. Preparation:

a. Prepare the handheld device to accept the route from the Route Manager

software by touching the F3 - Route Manager Communications line in the main
menu or by pressing <F3>.

b. Once the handheld device is ready to accept a connection, Route Manager can

connect to the handheld device and the route is transferred from Route Manager
to the handheld device.

See Chapter 9, “Communicating with Route Manager.”

2. Initiate meter reading process:

• Begin meter reading by touching the F2 - Route Selection line in the main menu

or by pressing <F2>. The handheld device will display the Route Selection screen
that allows you to select a route for reading.

See Chapter 5, “Reading accounts.”

3. Acquire meter readings:

• If the meter shown on the Read screen has a RTM, then press <Enter> to begin

the read process. The handheld device will interrogate the RTM, report the
reading, and display the next meter in the route. If the meter is manually read,
then enter the numeric meter reading and press <Enter> to move to the next
account.

4. Transfer read data to Route Manager:

• When all readings have been gathered, the handheld device is unloaded by

pressing <Esc> to exit the route and return to the Main Menu. Then press <F3> to
enter Route Manager Communications. After the handheld device connects to
Route Manager, the handheld device will transfer stored readings to Route
Manager on the PC.

See “Uploading routes from device to Route Manager” on page 83.

Turning the device on and off

Dap

To turn the handheld on, press the <F1> key. If the handheld device is not in its charger, it
will normally turn off after three minutes of no activity.

To turn the handheld off, press the Blue key then press the <F1> key.

Radix

To turn the handheld on, press and hold the <Radix R> key until the handheld turns on.

The handheld turns off automatically after the handheld had been idle for more than two
minutes; the idle timeout is configurable (see the

FW900 User Guide

for details).

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 21 3. Handheld operation

Charging the device

Dap

Place the handheld securely in its charging cradle to recharge the battery. The handheld
will automatically turn on once it is placed in the cradle. The Battery Status Light on the
bottom right corner of the handheld will light up indicating a connection has been made:

• red light indicates that the unit is charging

• yellow light indicates that charging is not possible due to various reasons

• green light indicates that the unit is fully charged

Radix

Place the handheld in its cradle to recharge the battery. The red Battery Status Light on
the top right corner of the handheld will flash on and off while the battery is charging. Once
that battery is fully charged, the status light will remain on.

Resetting the handheld device

Dap

You may occasionally need to deliberately reset the handheld. The handheld is a computer
and it can be reset like a desktop computer.

You can reset the handheld device by simultaneously pressing the <F1> + <0> + <9> keys
for several seconds until the handheld beeps.

After the second beep the handheld starts the reboot process.

After the reboot, the Elster PI software will automatically be loaded.

Note: The three keys need to be depressed for a few seconds to start the reset.

Radix

Note: The Radix handheld will not reload the Elster PI software if it is in its cradle when

rebooting using this process.

To reset the handheld:

1. Hold down the <R> + <X> +

2. Release the keys when the screen goes blank.

3. Recalibrate the touch screen as directed.

The Elster PI software will reload if the handheld is not in the cradle.

<↑> keys down simultaneously for several seconds.

Logging in to the handheld

If security is enabled for the handheld device, then the meter reader must login before any
routes can be selected. The login information consists of a user name and password.
Different levels of security can be set in Route Manager for each user (refer to the

Manager User Guide

for details).

Route

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 22 3. Handheld operation

Holding the handheld

For meter reading

When using a handheld device to read RTMs, hold the handheld device at a distance of at
least 10 feet from the RTM. It should be held between a 45° to 90° angle from the ground
(figure below).

For RTM installation

When programming a RTM, the handheld device uses short range radio frequency. The
handheld device should be held from 0 to 3 feet from the RTM. The angle of the handheld
does not matter. See Chapter 7, “Installing RTMs” for details.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 23 4. About Interrogator software

4 About Interrogator software

After successfully logging into the handheld device, you will first see the Interrogator splash
screen followed by the main menu screen.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 24 4. About Interrogator software

The main menu screen allows the selection of the following modes:

• Route Selection (see “Selecting a route” on page 24)

• Route Manager (RM) Communication (see “RM Communication” on page 24)

• View Configuration (see “Viewing handheld configuration” on page 25)

Selecting a route

To select a route to read:

1. Press <F2> or select Route Selection.

A listing of route Names and Types loaded in the device displays.

2. To select the route for reading touch the desired route on the screen.

— Or —

Use the <Up> and <Down> arrow keys to select the route and press <Enter>.

The first account in the route displays.

See Chapter 5, “Reading accounts” for details.

RM Communication

The RM Communication mode is used to exchange data files and other information with
Route Manager. To view the RM Communications screen:

1. Press <F3>.

— Or —

Select <F3> - RM Communication.

The specified communication port opens, the Communications screen displays and
initiates polling for incoming messages from Route Manager.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 25 4. About Interrogator software

See Chapter 9, “Communicating with Route Manager” for details.

Viewing handheld configuration

To the configuration of the handheld:

1. Press <F4>.

— Or —

Select <F4> - View Configuration to view the configuration settings for the handheld
device.

The View Configuration screen displays the current configuration for the handheld.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 26 4. About Interrogator software

Updating handheld configuration

Note: The configuration settings should only be modified by the handheld administrator.

1. From the View Configuration screen you can press <F4> again to access the Update
Configuration screen.

The figure below shows the fields available for update.

The table below details the information entered on the Configuration Update screen:

Item Description

HH Name Enter a maximum of 10 characters for the handheld

name.

Note: The entered name must match the handheld

name in Route Manager.

Auto Move Select:

• Tr ue - to automatically display the next account’s
screen after a good read

• False - to stay on the account screen after a read

Con Type Set the connection type:

• 1 - for Ethernet communication

Note: Contact Elster Customer Support for other types of

communications options.

Tamper Try
[PI 500 only]

Enter a value of 0 to 10 to indicates how many attempts
are made to clear a tamper status.

Note: A higher number will increase battery usage and

reducing the amount of time before the handheld
needs to be recharged. To maximize battery life,
Elster recommends setting this value to 0.

Cradle Port number of the cradle.

Note: Do not change unless directed by Elster Customer

Support.

IP Port number used for IP communications.

Note: Do not change unless directed by Elster Customer

Support.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 27 4. About Interrogator software

Item Description

Ftp Port number used to FTP file transfers.

Note: Do not change unless directed by Elster Customer

Support.

Extend Battery Life
[PI 500 only]

Capture GPS on Read
[PI 500 and evoWalk]

To exit from the Update Configuration screen without making or saving changes,
press <Esc>.

2. After making changes, press Update to save your changes.

A confirmation box will appear to verify that you really want to save your changes.

3. Tap the button Yes or No with the stylus.

— Or —

Press <Y> or <N> on the keyboard.

If checked, the RF communications port will be closed
after each read to maximize battery life.
If unchecked, the communications port remains open
between reads allowing faster reads.

If checked and the account GPS coordinates are 0, the
meter reader will be asked if they want to capture the
RTM GPS coordinates. See “Taking GPS coordinates” on

page 67 for details.

Exiting Elster Interrogator

1. While the main menu screen is open, press <Esc> to exit the software.

A dialog displays asking you to confirm you wish to exit.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 28 4. About Interrogator software

2. Use <Tab>, <Left> or <Right> arrow keys to select the response.

— Or —

Touch Yes or press <Y> or press <Enter> when the button is highlighted to accept the
selection.

Touch No or press <N> or press <Enter> when the button is highlighted to cancel.

Elster Handhelds
User Guide 29 5. Reading accounts

5 Reading accounts

Navigating accounts

You can use the handheld's keyboard or the touch screen using a stylus to execute
functions. The handheld responds to the keystrokes independent of platform. All letters are
assumed to be upper case. Function keys <F1> - <F4> are also used.

<Esc>

• Cancels an operation

• Closes the current screen

<Enter>

• In menus/list boxes selects item

• In editable field submits entry

• With Automove on, submits entry and moves to next Account

• In Details list box (History & TOU) initiates single interrogation of highlighted item

• In Read box on Data Entry Screen, initiates RF interrogation of current account

<Up> and <Down> arrow keys

These keys are used to navigate between accounts within the current Route. When either
the first or last account is reached an audible warning will sound and the display will
remain on the current account.

Reading an account

After selecting a route (see “Selecting a route” on page 24), you will see the first account in
the route.

If there are appointments set for selected route, the message, “Do you want to view the
appoints for this route?”, will display on the screen (see “Viewing appointments” on page

50).

Note: The appearance of the handheld display is configurable. Refer to the

Manager User Guide

from examples shown in this manual.

for details. Your handheld display may appear different

Route