Energate PowerTab User Manual

PowerTab™
User Guide

Copyright © 2011, Energy Aware Technology Inc. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2 . PowerTab Basics

2.1 Your PowerTab’s power modes

2.2 Charging your PowerTab

2.3 Joining to your smart meter

2.4 Leaving your smart meter's network

2.5 Navigating your PowerTab screens

2.6 Signal strength and battery charge indicators

3 . Using Your PowerTab

3.1 Viewing your current electricity use

3.2 Tracking your electricity use over time

3.3 Receiving messages from your service provider

3.4 Understanding the lights on your PowerTab

10
11

12
12

13
14
15

4 . Troubleshooting/FAQ

4.1 If your PowerTab fails to join a network

4.2 If your PowerTab has lost the network

4

6
6

7
8
9

4.3 If your PowerTab won’t turn on

4.4 If your PowerTab will not recharge

4.5 If you need to change the battery

4.6 How to figure out what an individual appliance
is consuming?

4.7 Your current use value does not change when you turn
on/off a light

4.8 Your service provider sent you a message,
where did it go?

5 . Appendix

5.1 Safety Instructions

5.2 Product Specifications

5.3 FCC Compliance

5.4 Manufacturing Information

16
16

17
18
18
19

20

20

21

22
22

23
24
26

2

3

1 Introduction

The PowerTab is an In-Home Display (IHD) that provides real-time
feedback on your electricity consumption. The display communicates
wirelessly with the smart electricity meter outside your home.

Insert Battery
into PowerTab

Magnet

Your PowerTab allows you to:

• View your current household electricity use

• Track your electricity consumption over time

• Test consumption of operating individual appliances

• Receive and acknowledge messages from your utility

service provider

Your PowerTab package contains a display unit, a battery, and a
power adapter.

4

PART 1 – Introduction PART 1 – Introduction

Green
Light

Yellow
Light

<L> Button

Red
Light

<R> Button

DC Power
Adapter Jack

LCD
Screen

5

2 PowerTab Basics

This section provides information on the primary functions of
your PowerTab.

2.1 Your PowerTab’s power modes

Your PowerTab has three power modes: On, Off, and Sleep.

To turn your PowerTab on, press either <L> or <R>.Turn your PowerTab
off by pressing and holding <L> for three seconds. A confirmation screen
will appear. Press <L> again (“Yes”) to approve the shutdown.

Note: Your PowerTab is unable to receive text messages from
your service provider when it is off.

When not connected to a network, the PowerTab will turn off
automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity. When the PowerTab is
connected to a network, it will enter sleep mode after 5 minutes of
inactivity. In sleep mode, only primary information remains visible and
the current time is shown in the top right corner of the screen. This is
depicted in the sample screen.

6

PART 2 – PowerTab Basics PART 2 – PowerTab Basics

Wake the PowerTab from sleep by pressing <L> or <R>, or by plugging
it in.

2.2 Charging your PowerTab

To charge your PowerTab, first ensure the battery is installed, then
connect the power adapter to the DC power adapter jack and plug your
PowerTab into a power outlet.

Note: Leaving your PowerTab plugged in for extended periods of
time will adversely affect its battery life. To maximize battery life,
unplug your PowerTab when it's finished charging and allow it to
fully discharge before recharging.

7

2.3 Joining to your smart meter

When your PowerTab is not joined to a network, it will display the
following screen:

To commission your PowerTab, follow the procedures supplied by your
service provider. Typical procedures will require the use of the display's
Extended Unique Identifier (EUI-64) and its install code, both displayed
on the No Network screen.

When the commissioning process is complete, join the meter by holding
<L> and <R> for three seconds at the No Network screen.

Note: It is advisable to keep your PowerTab connected to external
power while attempting to join a network to prevent any possible
interruptions due to power failure.

8

PART 2 – PowerTab Basics PART 2 – PowerTab Basics

Your PowerTab may take up to 5 minutes to complete the network
joining process.

2.4 Leaving your smart meter's network

Warning: Only take this step under the direction of your utility or
service provider.

To remove your PowerTab from your meter’s network:

1. Turn the device off

2. Turn the device on

3. While the startup screen is shown, hold <L> and <R> buttons
for 10 seconds

4. Press <L> (“Yes”) at the network leave confirmation screen
that appears

9

2.5 Navigating your PowerTab screens

2.6 Signal strength and battery charge indicators

The main screens of your PowerTab are arranged in a loop. Navigate
through the screens by pressing <L> or <R>.

The Message screen is only available when there is at least one message
available. Additional message screens will be included in the loop when
there are multiple messages available.

10

PART 2 – PowerTab Basics PART 2 – PowerTab Basics

The battery icon in the top-right corner of your PowerTab screen
shows an approximation of its remaining charge. When connected to
external power, the battery icon will animate to show that your PowerTab
is charging. When your PowerTab has finished charging but is still
plugged in, a plug is displayed in the middle of the battery icon.

The vertical bars in the top-left corner of your PowerTab screen show the
strength of its connection to the network. Six bars indicate the highest
signal strength, while one bar indicates that your PowerTab is nearly
outside the network’s range.

Signal
Strength
Indicator

Battery
Icon

11

3 Using Your PowerTab

Your PowerTab provides you with feedback that will enable you to better
understand your electricity bills and manage your consumption. This
section explains a few ways in which you might use your PowerTab.

3.1 Viewing your current electricity use

To view your home's current rate of electricity consumption, navigate to
the Current Use screen on your PowerTab shown below using the <L> or
<R> button.

displayed electricity consumption rate when the appliance is both on and
off. The difference between the two rates will be a close approximation
of the energy usage of that appliance.

3.2 Tracking your electricity use over time

To view your home's total electricity consumption over a fixed period
of time, navigate to the Running Total screen on your PowerTab shown
below using the <L> or <R> button.

The large number on this screen shows your accumulated consumption in
kilowatt-hours.

The large number on this screen shows your actual consumption rate in
kilowatts. The smaller text at the bottom of the screen shows the current
date and time in 'MM/DD/YY - HH:MMa' format.

To determine the energy consumption of a single appliance, compare the

12

PART 3 – Using your PowerTab PART 3 – Using your PowerTab

The Running Total can be reset by pressing the <L> and <R> buttons at
the same time. The smaller text at the bottom of the screen shows how
much time has elapsed since the last reset. If you want to see how much
electricity you consume during a certain event or time period, reset the
total and then check it once the event is done.

13

3.3 Receiving messages from your service provider

If your service provider has sent you a message, it will appear on its own
screen. An example message is shown below.

Messages will remain viewable on your PowerTab until they expire
(configured by your service provider). Expired messages are not
retrievable.

Some messages may require that you acknowledge them and will instruct
you to do so. Press <L> and <R> at the same time at the relevant
Message screen to acknowledge the message. If a message requiring
acknowledgment expires before you've acknowledged it, it will no
longer be possible to send an acknowledgement for that message.

3.4 Understanding the lights on your PowerTab

Your PowerTab has indicator lights which are used to indicate the
presence of new messages.

Note: The lights will continue to function while your
PowerTab is in sleep mode.

When a new or unacknowledged message is available on your
PowerTab, the lights will show this by simultaneously blinking once every
7 seconds. The lights will continue to blink until you have acknowledged
this message or changed to another display screen.

14

PART 3 – Using your PowerTab PART 3 – Using your PowerTab

15

4 Troubleshooting/FAQ

Solutions to most of the problems you might encounter with your
PowerTab are described in this section.

4.1 If your PowerTab fails to join a network

If your PowerTab displays "No networks found" after you attempt to join
your meter's network, your PowerTab may not be in wireless range of
your meter. Try moving closer to your meter and attempt joining again.
If this does not solve the issue, it may be necessary to recommission the
PowerTab. Contact your service provider and ask them to commission
your PowerTab again.

4.2 If your PowerTab has lost the network

Between reconnection attempts, the following screen indicates how much
time is remaining before the PowerTab’s next automatic retry.

When your PowerTab loses connection to the network it will periodically
attempt to reconnect. During a reconnection attempt you will see the
following screen:

16

PART 4 – Troubleshooting/FAQ PART 4 – Troubleshooting/FAQ

You may force an immediate reconnection attempt at any time by
pressing <L> or <R>.

The connection interruption may have occurred because:

• Your PowerTab is not within wireless range of your meter.

17

Try moving your PowerTab closer to the meter or away from
large obstacles.

• Your meter’s network has gone down due to a power outage
or due to being serviced by a field technician.

4.3 If your PowerTab will not turn on

If your PowerTab will not turn on in response to a button-press, its
battery may be dead. Try connecting the power adapter to the DC
power adapter jack and plug your PowerTab into a power outlet.

4.5 If you need to change your battery

Your PowerTab uses a rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride AA battery.

CAUTION: Only rechargeable, Nickel-Metal

Hydride batteries may be used in the PowerTab.
DO NOT USE ANY OTHER CELL CHEMISTRIES
WITH YOUR POWERTAB.



4.4 If your PowerTab will not recharge

If your PowerTab will not charge and is displaying the battery icon
shown in the following screen, it has detected a battery that it is unable
to charge. Replace the battery with a rechargeable Nickel-Metal
Hydride (NiMH) battery.

18

PART 4 – Troubleshooting/FAQ PART 4 – Troubleshooting/FAQ

To replace your PowerTab’s battery, follow these steps:

• Disconnect your PowerTab from the power outlet

• Open the battery door and remove the battery

• Insert a new rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery

according to the orientation shown in the battery compartment.

• Replace the battery door and check that the PowerTab
has turned on.

Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries with a capacity
from 2000mAH – 2600mAH and manufactured by the following
companies, are the only suitable replacements for the battery that you
received with your PowerTab.

19

You should not replace the battery with anything other than those
listed here:

• Energizer rechargeable NiMH battery, 2000mAH – 2600mAH

• Duracell rechargeable NiMH battery, 2000mAH – 2600mAH

• PowerEx rechargeable NiMH battery, 2000mAH – 2600mAH

• Sanyo rechargeable NiMH battery, 2000mAH – 2600mAH

• Rayovac rechargeable NiMH battery, 2000mAH – 2600mAH

4.6 How to figure out what an individual appliance is consuming?

Your PowerTab displays the electricity used by your entire home.
Electricity consumed by individual outlets or appliances can only be
indirectly measured by comparing your home's consumption rate with
those appliances on and off. (See section 3.1.)

4.7 Your current use value does not change when you turn on/off a light

Some electrical loads are too small to register a change in your meter's
current electricity use value. For example, Compact Florescent Light
bulbs (CFLs) draw very little electricity and may not cause a change on
your PowerTab's Current Use screen.

20

PART 4 – Troubleshooting/FAQ PART 4 – Troubleshooting/FAQ

4.8 Your service provider sent you a message, where did it go?

Your service provider sends messages with a pre-set expiration time.
Once a message has expired it can no longer be viewed. Generally,
messages will not be set to expire until they are no longer relevant.

21

5 Appendix

5.1 Safety Instructions

To ensure your PowerTab is used safely, please read these Safety
Instructions and the rest of this User Manual thoroughly before using the
product.

• The PowerTab contains a magnet. Do not place your PowerTab
directly on credit cards, computers, or other pieces of electronic
equipment, as this may cause damage.

• Do not attempt to repair your PowerTab or DC power
adaptor yourself. If you are experiencing problems with the
device, contact your service provider for assistance. Opening the
product casing for any reason will void the product warranty.

• Do not touch any exposed electronic circuitry of the device if it
becomes damaged.

• Do not immerse your PowerTab in water.

• Avoid using your PowerTab in high moisture areas such as a

bathroom for extended periods of time.

• Keep your PowerTab away from heat sources such as stoves and
heaters.

• Do not drop your PowerTab or cause any sudden impact to it.

• Take care when handling a damaged LCD display as the liquid

crystals can be harmful to your health. If any fluid does leak from
your PowerTab’s LCD, immediately wash with soap and water.

5.2 Product Specifications

Communications

• Frequency Band: 2.4GHz

• Radio Output Power: 20dBm

• Protocol: IEEE 802.15.4

Size and Weight

• Length: 28 mm (1.10 inches)

• Width: 108 mm (4.25 inches)

• Height: 79 mm (3.11 inches)

• Weight: 134 grams (4.7 ounces)

Battery

• Approximate life between charges: 2 weeks

• Recharge time: 15 hours

22

PART 5 – Appendix PART 5 – Appendix

23

5.3 FCC Compliance

FCC Class B Part 15

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:

est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas
produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout
brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible
d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

FCC/IC RF Exposure Statement

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Energy Aware
Technology Inc. may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

IC RSS 210

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS
standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation
of the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada
applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation

24

PART 5 – Appendix PART 5 – Appendix

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for
an uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used for this equipment
must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 8 inches
(20cm) from all persons.

Cet équipement est conforme à l'exposition aux radiations de FCC
et d'Industrie Canada établies pour un environnement non contrôlé.
L'antenne (s) utilisé pour cet équipement doit être installé pour fournir
une distance d'au moins 20cm à partir de toutes les personnes.

25

5.4 Manufacturing Information

Designed by Energy Aware Technology Inc.
134 Abbott Street, Suite 604
Vancouver BC
V6B 2K4

Made in Canada in an ISO 9000-2008 certified facility.

26

PART 5 – Appendix PART 5 – Appendix

27

PowerTab is a trademark of Energy Aware Technology Inc.

used with permission by Energy Aware Technology Inc.