Elster Solutions MNIC User Manual

ISED Canada’s Radio Standards Specification: RSS-247

TÜV SÜD Project Number: 72124703

Certification Exhibit

FCC ID: QZC-MNIC

IC: 4557A-MNIC

FCC Rule Part: 15.247

Manufacturer: Elster Solutions

Model: MNIC

Manual

2320 Presidential Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NC 27703 USA Voice: 919-381-4235

A3 ALPHA® with SynergyNet® communications

For use with the SynergyNet NIC option board
IL42-4047A

GENERAL

This leaflet provides general information for the SynergyNet network interface card communication (NIC) option for the
A3 ALPHA meter. For information on installing the A3 ALPHA meter, see the ALPHA meter installation instructions (IL42-4001S
or later).

The A3 ALPHA meter may be ordered with the SynyergyNet NIC option board, which provides 900 MHz ISM band
communications. Additional hardware configurations may include either a relay option board or an interrupter control board for
standard ALPHA meters.

Typically, the internal antenna used with the SynyergyNet NIC option board is sufficient for reliable communication with the
SynergyNet network. However, if the A3 ALPHA meter is enclosed in a metal service cabinet or the antenna needs to be mounted
higher to increase communication distances, an external antenna may be used.

This leaflet contains general information for installing the A3 ALPHA meter equipped with connections for an external antenna.

For information on the operation of the A3 ALPHA meter, see the A3 ALPHA meter technical manual (TM42-2190C or later) or
the A3 ALPHA meter technical manual for use in Canada (TM42-2195C or later).

WARNING

!

Use authorized utility procedures to install and service metering equipment. Dangerous voltages are present. Equipment
damage, personal injury, or death can result if safety precautions are not followed.

Use circuit closing devices on current transformer secondaries (3S, 4S, 5S, 5A, 6S, 6A, 8S, 9S, 10S, 10A, 26S, 29S, 35S, 36S,
and 36A meters). Equipment damage, personal injury, or death can result if circuit closing secondaries are not used.

LOCATION OF ANTENNAS

See Figure 1 for the location of the SynergyNet NIC internal antenna.

The SynergyNet NIC internal antenna is fix-mounted to the periphery of the A3 ALPHA meter’s electronic housing. The
SynergyNet NIC antenna is not adjustable or removable.

Alternatively, A3 ALPHA meters may be ordered with an external SynergyNet NIC antenna. With this option, the meter is shipped
with an RF “pigtail” output cable which allows connection to an antenna external to the meter. This is advantageous in locations
with lower signal strength.

A3 ALPHA® with SynergyNet® communications 2

Figure 1. Location of internal antenna

SynergyNet NIC
internal antenna

A3 ALPHA meter
electronic assembly

CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL ANTENNA

NOTICE

Installation of an external antenna must be performed by a utility company professional meter installer or contract personnel
hired by the utility company to perform electricity meter installation.

WARNING

!

Use approved utility safety procedures while installing the external antenna and meter RF output cable in the meter socket
box. Dangerous voltages may be present. Assure that there is sufficient clearance between any line-energized socket part
and the exposed metal of the antenna connectors. Also assure that the external antenna is electrically bonded to the meter
socket box. Failing to follow approved utility safety procedures, failing to allow sufficient clearance, or failing to electrically
bond the external antenna to the meter socket box may result in equipment damage, personal injury, or death.

The A3 ALPHA meter with the SynergyNet NIC option board has been certified for operation with the following antennas.
Antennas not included in this list are strictly prohibited for use with this device.

• Internal antenna: Honeywell Smart Energy electricity metering P/N: 1B12150H01

• Local external antennas: Laird/Antenex TRA9023P (3.1 dBi) for use only with metal service cabinets and meter sockets;
Laird/Antenex TRA9023NP (3.1 dBi) for use only with non-metal service cabinets

• Remote external antennas: PCTEL/MAXRAD P/N MFB9150 (2.15 dBi); PCTEL/MAXRAD P/N MFB 9153 (5.15 dBi)

The external antenna connects to the SynergyNet NIC option board using a connector lead as shown in Figure 2. There are two
options available for connecting an external antenna:

• Local external antenna

• Remote external antenna