Elster Solutions MMI01 User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Overview ____________________________________________________________ 0

1.1 System Components ______________________________________________________ 1

2. Setup _______________________________________________________________ 2

3. Controls & Indicators__________________________________________________ 3

3.1 Power Supply____________________________________________________________ 3

3.2 Power/Status Panel _______________________________________________________ 4

3.3 Transmitter/Receiver _____________________________________________________5

4. Operation ___________________________________________________________ 6

4.1 Reading Mode ___________________________________________________________ 6

4.1.1 GPS Operation &Alarms________________________________________________________9

4.2 Performance Enhancement Features _______________________________________ 10

4.2.1 GEO Mode _________________________________________________________________ 10

4.2.2 Dynamic Window____________________________________________________________11

4.2.3 Frequency Scan______________________________________________________________ 11

4.3 Command Mode ________________________________________________________ 12

4.3.1 Summary Command __________________________________________________________12

4.3.2 Tools Command _____________________________________________________________ 17

4.3.3 Quit Command ______________________________________________________________ 27

4.3.4. Help Command _____________________________________________________________ 29

5. Troubleshooting _____________________________________________________ 32
Appendix A: File Formats _______________________________________________ 33

A.1 GUIDE File____________________________________________________________33
A.2 READING.RTE File ____________________________________________________34
A.3 .VAN File______________________________________________________________ 36

Appendix B: Specifications ______________________________________________ 37

List of Figures

Figure 1. Mini-MI ______________________________________________________ 1
Figure 2. MMI Status Indicators __________________________________________ 3
Figure 3. Transmitter/Receiver Status Indicators _____________________________ 5
Figure 4. Reading Mode Display___________________________________________ 8
Figure 5. Summary Command Menus _____________________________________ 12
Figure 6. Summayr Display Data Format __________________________________ 13
Figure 7. Tools Command Menus_________________________________________ 17
Figure 8. Trouble Shoot Display __________________________________________ 18
Figure 9. System Setup Menu ____________________________________________ 20
Figure 10. Route Scan Menu_____________________________________________ 22
Figure 11. Backup Memory Menus________________________________________ 23
Figure 12. Frequency Control Menu ______________________________________ 24
Figure 13. Set Perm Menu_______________________________________________ 26
Figure 14. Quit Command Menus_________________________________________ 27
Figure 15. Help Command Menus ________________________________________ 29
Figure 16. Location & Time Menu ________________________________________ 30
Figure 17. Set Time & Date Menu ________________________________________ 31
Figure 18. READING.RTE Header Format_________________________________ 34
Figure 19. READING.RTE Record Format_________________________________ 34
Figure 20. READING.RTE Example File __________________________________ 35
Figure 21. VAN File Header Format______________________________________ 36
Figure 22. VAN File Record Format ______________________________________ 36
Figure 23. VAN File Example____________________________________________ 36

Chapter 1 Overview

Chapter 1: Trace MMI Overview

The Trace ® Mini-Mobile Interrogator (MMI) is a portable data retrieval and storage
system designed to provide remote meter reading in conjunction with the Trace meter
transponders. The Trace system is designed to convert the mechanical index reading of a
utility meter to a duplicate electronic register reading. This electronic register reading is
transmitted via radio frequency (RF) signals to the MMI. The Trace MMI reads each
transponder by use of an RF interrogation that consists of a unique serial number along
with a command requesting the contents of the electronic register. Each transponder is
selected for reading on either a first-in-first-out (FIFO) basis, a latitude/longitude (L/L)
basis, or a combination of the two GEO mode. The MMI obtains route data from a
customer supplied floppy disk containing the street address, latitude/longitude , and serial
number of each transponder that is to be read.

The MMI uses a GPS-based navigation system that tracks the vehicle position. If the
Lat/Lon mode of interrogation has been selected, whenever the MMI comes into the
range of a particular transponder it begins to send an interrogation for that unit. When
the transponder receives a signal with the correct serial number it transmits its electronic
register reading, tamper status, and an error detection code.

The MMI listens for each transponder reply using an 8-channel receiver. Reply data
integrity is confirmed by monitoring receiver data tracking signals and by an error
detection code known as a BCH code. A transponder reply is only accepted if the BCH
code analysis is valid. This ensures that the data was received without error. The meter
reading along with transponder status, receiver channel activity, time of the read, and
vehicle position at the time of the read is stored in an output file contained on a floppy
disk. Once the MMI has been initialized with the appropriate route data, the system will
collect readings automatically, allowing the operator to drive the route in a safe and
efficient manner.

Chapter 1 Overview

MMI System Components

Figure 1. Mini-MI

The MMI system consists of several main components, as displayed in figure 1. All
components are stored in the end covers during transportation. The entire system
consists of a handheld terminal, GPS receiver, transmitter antenna, receiver antenna,
power cord, and a main computer. The connection and usage of these components is
covered in chapter 2.

Chapter 2 Setup

Chapter 2: MMI Setup

The MMI is transported with all components contained in the carrying case. Before use,
these components must be unpacked and connected. Setup is simple and fast, and the
entire setup operation should take no more than five minutes. Use the following
instructions for a fast and trouble free setup:

• Unlatch the two latches on the rear cover door. Open the door slightly and then slide

the door off the two hinge pins. Now remove the GPS receiver, power cable, and
both antennas from their storage pouches. Store this door in a safe place.

• Next, unlatch the two latches on the front cover door. As above, remove the door,

then remove the handheld terminal and connecting cable, and the desired route disk
from their storage pouches. Store this door in a safe place.

• Now connect the transmit antenna to the appropriate connector and finger tighten

until snug. Next connect the receive antenna by pushing in on the connector and
twisting ¼ turn until it locks. Both antennas use unique connectors which are keyed,
so they cannot be connected backwards.

• Place both antennas on the top of the vehicle, and make sure that they are separated by

approximately 3 feet. A separation distance of two arms length apart is sufficient.
Typically the transmit antenna is placed at the front of the vehicle, and the receive
antenna at the rear. The coaxial cable may be routed over the top of the door on some
vehicles, or it may be necessary to route the cable through a slightly opened window.

Caution: If routing the cable over the top of the door, be certain to inspect the

distance between the top of the door and the vehicle frame to ensure there is adequate
clearance for the cable to avoid crushing it.

• Next connect the GPS receiver to the appropriate connector and finger tighten until

snug. Next moisten the suction cups on the GPS mount, and attach the unit to the
outside top of the vehicle windshield. As with the transmit and receive antennas, the
signal cable may routed over the top of the door, or through a window.

• The handheld terminal may now be connected using the supplied cable. Either end of

the cable may be connected to the terminal.

• Finally, connect the power cable to the appropriate MMI rear connector and finger

tighten until snug. Continue by inserting the opposite connector into the vehicle
cigarette lighter port.

Now the MMI is properly setup and ready to receive a route disk. Please take time to
read the following section to become familiar with the various controls and indicators
found on the MMI.

Chapter 3 Controls & Indicators

K

K

K

K

l

p

Controls & Indicators

The MMI uses a combination of LED’s (light emitting diodes), audible alarms, and the
handheld terminal to provide both status and a means of control to the operator. These
indicators are used to convey the status of the power supply unit, external voltages,
temperature, and transmitter/receiver operation. This section should be well understood
before operating the MMI. Failure to become familiar with the various status and control
features built into the MMI could lead to poor performance, or even system damage.

Power Supply Indicators:

The power supply unit is equipped with 3 status LED’s. Each of these are illuminated
when the MMI is powered, and each respective supply voltage is operation normally. As
shown in figure 2, the LED’s denote whether the +5, +12, and -12 volt power supplies are
working properly. Also, the RF amplifier is equipped with an LED to indicate the
condition of the +12 volts used to power it. Under normal circumstances, all four of
these LED’s should be illuminated at all times while the MMI is powered.

+5 volts O

Silence
Switch

+12

Tem

Status

Pane

+12 volts O

Batt

AlarmAlarm

Main
Power
Switch

-12 volts O
RF

AMP

Power

O

RF

AMP

Enabled

RF A mplifie rPower SupplyPower /

Figure 2. MMI Status Indicators

Chapter 3 Controls & Indicators

Power/Status Panel Indicators & Control:

The power/status panel shown in Figure 2 contains 2 switches and 4 LED’s used to
monitor and control the main power provided to the MMI as well as to monitor the
internal temperature. All four of the status LED’s should be off under normal conditions.
The bottom switch is the main power switch and is used to power the MMI on and off.
The alarm silence switch is a push-button used to silence the audible alarm which is
activated any time a new alarm condition is detected. Once an alarm condition is
detected, an audible alarm will beginning sounding on and off at about 2 beeps per
second. Also, the alarm LED will begin flashing at the same rate as the audible alarm.
The audible alarm is used to alert the operator that a major status problem has been
detected, and requires immediate attention. If the alarm is chosen to be ignored, then the
alarm silence push-button may be pressed, which will shut off the audible alarm. The
alarm LED will continue to flash, however, until the actual alarm condition ceases. The
audible alarm will not sound again until all alarm conditions are eliminated and then one
or more conditions recur, or until the MMI is powered off then back on again. The
following three items are monitored by the power/status module for proper operation:

• +12 LED: This will be illuminated any time the external 12 volt supply

connected to the cigarette lighter drops to an unusable voltage.
This alarm may occur due to the power cable becoming
disconnected, or if the vehicle alternator is unable to produce
adequate operating current.

• Batt LED: This will be illuminated any time the internal battery voltage drops

to an unusable voltage. Once this alarm occurs, the MMI should

be

immediately shut down. Ignoring this alarm could cause
unpredictable behavior. The MMI is able to operate approximately
10 minutes from the internal battery before the voltage becomes
unusable.

• Temp LED: This will be illuminated any time the internal MMI temperature
exceeds approximately 160° F. This condition may be caused
by several factors, including cooling fan failure, blocked fan
intakes, or excessive ambient temperature.

• Alarm LED: This will flash on and off approximately 2 times per second
whenever any or all of the +12, Batt, and Temp LED’s are
illuminated. This LED will continue to flash until all of the
+12, Batt, and Temp alarms are discontinued.

Chapter 3 Controls & Indicators

N

Transmitter/Receiver Status Indicators:

The MMI is equipped with eight receivers and one transmitter. All of these devices use
phase-locked-loops (PLL’s) to control each frequency with a high degree of accuracy.
The PLL’s also allow both transmitter and receiver frequencies to be easily changed with
software in real time. Many of the status LED’s to be described below display PLL
programming status. Since each PLL is software programmable, it is important to be able
to instantly verify if a particular one has been programmed correctly. It is possible to
improperly, either intentionally or accidentally, program a PLL to a frequency where the
transmitter or receiver is not able to operate correctly. In this case, the PLL OK LED
would be turned off.

There are four receiver boards with two receivers on each board. These cards and their
locations are displayed in figure 3. Each receiver channel has two LED’s to display
programming and data status. Each green LED on the receiver boards is used to verify
that particular channel has been programmed to a valid frequency. The green LED’s
should be illuminated at all times during operation except for approximately 7 seconds
after MMI power is initially applied. During this time, the LED’s may be either on or off
randomly. During normal operation, all green LED’s should be illuminated. The red
LED’s will flash any time a particular channel is receiving valid data, visually verifying
that the receiver is working properly.

There is one transmitter board in the MMI and its location is shown in figure 3. The
transmitter has three LED’s used to display its status. The Power OK LED should be
illuminated any time the MMI is powered. As with the receiver PLL OK LED, the
transmitter PLL OK LED should be illuminated at all times. The TX On LED displays
whether the transmitter has been enabled by the software. Referring to figure 2, anytime
the TX On LED is illuminated, the RF Amp Enabled LED should be illuminated as well.
This verifies that the RF amplifier is operating.

Receiver C a r ds

#1&2 #3&4 #5& 6 # 7&8

Tra n smitter

Card

Figure 3.
Transmitter/
Receiver Status
Indicators

PLL OK
Data

CH1 CH3 CH5 CH7

CH2 CH4 CH6 CH8

PLL OK
Data

Power OK

PLL OK

ot used

TX On

Chapter 4 Operation

Chapter 4 Operation

Once the MMI is unpacked and the external components are properly connected, the route
disk may be inserted. Once the MMI is powered on, it performs several internal self­checks. The indication and results of these tests are displayed on the hand-held terminal.
Some self-check problems will require the operator to press a key to acknowledge the
error before continuing. Please consult the trouble-shooting section of this manual if
errors occur during testing which prevent normal usage of the MMI. Once the self-check
has been completed, the MMI will read in a new route from the floppy disk (if the MMI is
not resuming a interrupted route). From here, the reading mode is automatically entered,
and meter reading may begin. Initially, MMI operating parameters are determined by the
settings contained in the Guide file. Many of these parameters may be overridden using
the system setup menu contained within the tools menu, discussed in the command mode
operating section.

All MMI operations fall into one of two basic modes, the Reading mode, and the
Command mode. The Reading mode is entered as soon as the MMI has been initialized.
The Command mode is used to analyze system data and parameters, alter operational
parameters, and perform miscellaneous tasks. The Command mode exists as a group of
five main commands. Each main command has various sub-menus that are supported.
The Reading mode does not require any operator input, and therefore has no menu
structure. There are two operations available in the Reading mode, the mode of reading
may be changed with the back space key, or the Reading mode may be exited by pressing
any other key. Pressing any of the yellow keys on the handheld terminal will invoke the
particular menu associated with that key.

Reading Mode

During normal operation of the MMI, the Latitude/Longitude (Lat/Lon or L/L) or GEO
mode of interrogation is used, and only transponders in the interrogation window are
interrogated. The interrogation window is an imaginary area surrounding the MMI that is
used to determine which transponders should be interrogated. This is simply a means in
which only certain transponders are selected for interrogation. Correspondingly, the
route may be driven in any order, since the MMI is constantly computing which
transponders are available for interrogation. A transponder will typically respond within
distances less than 2000 feet. The window size typically never needs to be changed, but it
may be necessary to reduce it, for example, when there are many transponders in a small
area. The smaller window size will allow for a smaller group of transponders to be
placed in the interrogation window, allowing them to be polled more quickly. The
window size may also be increased if there is some inaccuracies in the stored position of
a transponder, and you want to be sure that it is interrogated. If the window size is too
small, the MMI may never interrogate a particular transponder, which if interrogated,
would probably respond. Likewise, if the window size is set too large, then too many
transponders may be located in the window, which will slow down the interrogation for
each one.

Chapter 4 Operation

If the transponder Lat/Lon database is known to be good, then the performance
enhancement feature known as Dynamic Windowing may be enabled. This feature
examines the route transponder density in real time, and adjusts the interrogation window
automatically to allow only the optimum number of transponders into the window at a
given time.

The MMI should typically be used in the GEO mode of interrogation, although there may
be some instances where the FIFO mode may be necessary. In the FIFO mode, the MMI
scans the entire list of transponders in memory, and will attempt to read each unread
transponder one-by-one. If there is a large number of unread transponders in the database,
then this method can become very slow, even becoming ineffective. The FIFO mode
should only be used with a small number of transponders, and with the MMI either
stationary, or moving slowly. The FIFO mode may be used in the unlikely event that
there are problems with the navigation system. In FIFO mode, the vehicle location is not
used, therefore the data from the GPS system is not needed.

While in the Reading mode, various display items are used to provide feedback to the
operator. Using the parameters in the Guide file, or through the System Setup sub-menu,
the option may be selected to display information for each transponder with a good status
as it is processed by the MMI. Along with this option, the MMI can be directed to beep
with each good read. If desired, all display options may be turned off, or any combination
of options may be turned on.

The MMI may be placed in the Command mode at any time during operation. While in
the Command mode, the polling of transponders in the route is suspended. During the
execution of a particular route, the operator may change any of the System Setup
parameters as needed. The altering of the various parameters will not affect any of the
data in the route, but improper settings may adversely affect the performance of the MMI.
In the event that the System Setup parameters have been altered, and the original settings
are unknown, the operator may use the Break option, to halt the MMI. The MMI may
then be re-powered, and the default Guide file settings will be restored, and the prior
progress of the route will resume from the point where the Break option was used.

If the MMI is inadvertently turned off before a proper exit is accomplished, the current
route data will still be saved in backup memory. When the MMI is turned on again, the
route will continue from the point where it was at before it was turned off. The MMI may
be anywhere along the route when power is restored.

The vehicle position is constantly calculated and updated by the GPS navigation system.
The current vehicle position is used with the Lat/Lon or GEO mode of interrogation to
determine which transponders are within range of the vehicle, and may therefore be
interrogated. The current vehicle position is also used with either interrogation mode to
mark the Lat/Lon coordinates at the moment a good read takes place. The resulting
position data is stored with the other data for the transponder that responded. The mode
of interrogation may be changed at any time during the reading mode by pressing the

Chapter 4 Operation

backspace key. This will change the current interrogation mode from FIFO to GEO to
L/L. The mode of interrogation may also be changed using the System Setup command
within the Tools sub-menu.

As shown in figure 4, several pieces of information are displayed for a good transponder
reply during the reading mode (if the option to do so has been enabled). The first item
displayed is the serial number. Next, the meter reading is displayed. The next item is the
tamper status. A '.' is displayed for a non-tampered transponder. A 'T' is displayed for a
tampered transponder, ‘R’ for a tamper reset, and a 'F' is displayed if the tamper reset
command failed. The last field displayed is the street address of the meter.

10:22 | MOD E : FIFO | G ood : 200 | GPS : A | IW : A LL

2539216 1235 T 123 South Main St.
2558131 10144 . 96 Valley View Drive
0078067 9411 T 5995 Hagley Drive

0078067 . . . . . . . . R 5995 Hagley Drive

2121411 104551 T 4545 W. Brown Deer Rd.

2121411 . . . . . . . . F 4545 W. Brown Deer Rd.

Figure 4. Typical Reading Mode Display

A status line, shown above, is displayed at the top of the screen during the reading mode.
The time, mode of reading, number of good reads, GPS status, and number of
transponders inside the interrogation window are displayed. The GPS status area may be
at one of three statuses; ‘A’ indicates the GPS receiver is communicating with the MMI
and is producing valid position data, ‘S’ indicates that the GPS receiver is
communicating, but is not producing valid position data, and the self-navigation option is
active and functioning. The status ‘N’ indicates the GPS receiver is communicat ing, but
is not currently producing valid position data, and finally ‘-‘ indicates that the GPS
receiver is not communicating with the MMI properly.

Chapter 4 Operation

GPS Self Navigation & Lost Coverage Alarms

While in the Reading mode using either L/L or GEO modes, the MMI depends on the
continual position updates provided by the GPS receiver. Since the GPS receiver is
listening to satellites at various positions in the sky, objects such as tall buildings, trees
and high-growing foliage may block the view of some of the necessary satellites. When
such a blockage occurs, the GPS receiver is temporarily unable to provide Lat/Lon
coordinates. This naturally presents a serious problem while in L/L or GEO modes.

An option known as self-navigation is available that can continue producing Lat/Lon
position updates during brief GPS blockages. While in self-navigation mode, each time
the MMI receives a reply from a transponder, it takes the stored Lat/Lon coordinate for
that transponder and updates the vehicle position. While in self-navigation mode, the
Dynamic Window (see the performance enhancement section for a description) feature is
disabled, since the vehicle position may have a greater amount of error than normal. As
long as the MMI is continually receiving transponder replies, and the time between
successive reads is brief, then the self-navigation mode will continue. If however, a
period of no read activity occurs, then the self-navigation mode will be terminated, and
the FIFO mode will become active. Once self-navigation mode is terminated, it will not
resume again until the GPS status transitions from active to inactive. At the time valid
GPS position data becomes available again, the previous reading mode will become
active, and features such as Dynamic Window will be resumed, if enabled.

The MMI will alert the operator whenever the GPS becomes unable to produce position
data for any reason while in either L/L or GEO modes. Any time the GPS data becomes
unavailable, both an audible and message alert will be presented on the handheld
terminal. When the GPS position becomes unavailable, and self-navigation mode has not
been enabled, then a message will be displayed indicating that the GPS is blocked, and
FIFO mode is being initiated. If self-navigation mode was enabled at the time of GPS
blockage, then another message will be displayed indicating that GPS data is unavailable,
and the self-navigation mode is now active. If self-navigation mode is unable to continue
to produce position data, and GPS data is still unavailable, then an alert will be given
indicating that no position data is available, and FIFO mode is being initiated. Finally,
when GPS position data is restored, then another alert will be issued indicating this status.
Upon the resumption of GPS data, the reading mode which was active prior to the loss of
position data, as well as any performance enhancement features will be restored.