Commercial & Industrial Gas Meter IMU Interface
Operational/Installation and Specification Manual
Innovatec AxisPathTM Network
Copyright 2001 Innovatec Communications LLC
13000 West Silver Spring Drive
Butler, Wisconsin 53007
Phone: 262-783-0200
Fax: 262-783-0205
Internet: www.innovatec.com
Note
The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. The device may not cause harmful interferences.
2. The device must accept any interferences received, including interferences that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Innovatec Communications LLC
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Confidentiality Statement: The information, graphics, and materials in this document are confidential
and proprietary.
Document Revision Number: 1.0.1
Contents______________________________________________
Preface……………………………………………………………………………………………………. iv
Organization of Manual………………………………………………………………………………… iv
Documentation Conventions…………………………………………………………………………… iv
PART I C&I Gas Interface Theory and Installation .
Chapter 1 Theory of Operation…………………………………………………………………… 1-1
C&I Gas Interface Purpose………………………………………………………………………. 1-1
Functionality……………………………………………………………………………………… 1-1
Components………………………………………………………………………………………. 1-1
Chapter 2 Specifications…………………………………………………………………………… 2-1
Chapter 3 Installation and Initialization………………………………………………………….. 3-1
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………. 3-1
Safety Information………………………………………………………………………………... 3-1
Installation Procedures……………………………………………………………………………. 3-2
Equipment Needs……………………………………………………………………………… 3-2
Download Work Orders from the Utility Network……………………………………………. 3-2
Before Installation……………………………………………………………………………… 3-3
C&I Gas Interface End-Point Device Installation……………………………………………... 3-4
Complete and Close the Task………………………………………………………………….. 3-9
After Installation……………………………………………………………………………… 3-10
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting………………………………………………………………………… 4-1
Preface_______________________________________________
Organization of Manual
This manual is divided in the following manner:
• “C&I Gas Meter Interface Theory and Installation”, provides information specific to the IMU
end-point device.
• “Theory of Operation”, containing a basic overview of the Innovatec AxisPathTM network and
how the C&I Gas Meter Interface end-point device functions within the network.
• “Installation and Initialization”, containing step-by-step IMU end-point device installation
and initialization instructions.
• “Troubleshooting”, containing IMU -specific system troubleshooting information.
Document Conventions
This document uses a number of conventions designed to help communicate specific information.
These conventions include the following:
• Danger, Warning, and Caution:
DANGER!
Danger messages alert you to situations that will cause
personal injury or death if you do not follow the instructions
correctly.
WARNING!
Warnings alert you to situations that may potentially cause
personal injury or death if you do not follow the directions
correctly.
CAUTION
Cautions alert you to situations that may result in damage to
the hardware or software if you do not follow the
instructions correctly.
Chapter 1___________________________________________________
Theory of Operation
C&I Gas Meter Interface Purpose
The C&I Gas Meter Interface is a programmable end-point device, designed to replace or
supplement a customer’s existing mechanical utility meter index. Using a magnetic pulse output
adapter to interface to the meter output, it can be installed on a variety of meter brands.
The C&I Gas Meter Interface end-point device allows for accurate, near -real-time customer utility
use information, which can be read from a remote location.
Functionality
The C&I Gas Meter Interface end-point device performs two basic functions:
• Gathering and recording customer utility use information directly at the metering point.
• Sending and receiving messages to and from the utility company computer system such as:
- Utility use, status, alarm data, and similar information.
- Data requests, configuration, and verification messages.
C&I Gas Meter Interface end-point devices communicate with the utility company computer
system using a combination of Local Area Networks (LAN), AxisGateTM nodes, and a Wide Area
Network (WAN).
Components
C&I Gas Meter Interfaces are Innovatec end-point devices, containing two primary components: a
digital processor and a radio transceiver.
The digital processor within the end-point device gathers and records utility use data at the
metering point. Every time the meter drive rotates, pulses are recorded by the digital processor.
The pulses are conver ted into utility use data, and this data is stored until readings are requested
from the utility.
Each C&I Gas Meter Interface also contains a 900MHz two-way radio frequency (RF) transceiver.
This radio provides communication between the end-point device, and an AxisGateTM node.
Depending upon the communication distance involved, and Innovatec relay might be used
between the end-point device and the node, to extend RF communications. This RF connection
between the end-point device and the node, possibly through a relay, is a Local Area Network
(LAN).
AxisGateTM nodes then communicate with the rest of the AxisPathTM network using a Wide Area
Network (WAN). This communication allows C&I Gas Meter Interfaces to transmit use data to
the utility, or to receive requests or programming instructions from the utility, or from a technician
or installer using a Field Service Unit attached to a laptop computer.
See Innovatec publication 98-00004 (System Summary) for a more detailed explanation of
communications on the Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN).
Chapter 2_____________________________________________
Technical Specifications
C&I Gas Meter Interface Features
• Full Two-way 900 MHz spr ead-spectrum communications between the IMU and the utility
• Direct sequence spread-spectrum communication improves security
• 17 channels allow frequency coordination in dense applications with minimal interference
• Software programmable configuration and control profiles
• 3.6-volt lithium-based long life battery pack
• Unique serial number and assignable PIN
• Autonomous tamper alarms
• Virtual Shut-off capabilities
• Run-away meter detection
• First/Final Reading
• Customer Selectable Billing Dates
• Data and Intelligence Stored in the Meter
Item Specification
Physical dimensions 6.67”L X 4.76”W X 2.19”H
Weight 2.7 lbs.
Power supply (3) 3.6 volt D-cell lithium-based battery pack
Output power >27 dBm
Sensitivity >40 dBm SINAD
Channels 17 (spaced at 1.5 MHz)
Frequency range 902 to 928 MHz
Modulation Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
Base data rate 62.5 KB / second
Compliance FCC Part 15, Class C
Interface RF LAN
Antenna type Internal
Enclosure Lexan NEMA 4X Enclosure
Temperature range
-40° to +85°C
Chapter 3_____________________________________________
Installation and Initialization
Introduction
This section includes a set of detailed procedures for installation, configuration, and testing.
CAUTION
Read and study the following safety information before you
proceed with installation. In addition, cautions and warnings
appear within procedures and throughout the test, where
appropriate, to remind you of any related safety information.
Safety Information
• Observe the following safety guidelines. Careful planning of every job is essential. Nothing
should be taken for granted. Do not take chances!
• Read and follow all approved policies and procedures provided by your employer associated
with the procedures in this manual.
• Keep the work area clean and dry. Cluttered work areas cause accidents and injuries.
• Provide good lighting in the work area. You cannot work safely if you cannot see what you
are doing.
• Report unsafe conditions or defective equipment to your immediate supervisor.
• Select the right tool for the job. Use tools properly. Keep tools in good working order.
• Handle materials carefully. Lift and carry properly.
• Keep unauthorized people out of the work area. Be especially cautious of children, who tend
to be drawn to work activity.
• Innovatec Communications LLC assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to follow
these safety guidelines.
Equipment Needs
This section lists, and briefly describes, the various pieces of equipment required for C&I Gas
Meter Interface end-point device installation, initialization, and testing processes.
• Laptop computer -Runs the FSA software, which stores and retrieves work order information,
and configures and tests installed C&I Gas Meter Interfaces.
• Field Service Unit-900 MHz two-way radio frequency (RF) transceiver, allowing
communication with an IMU for initialization.’
Before Installation
Field Service Unit Set -Up
The Field Service Unit is a 900 MHz two-way radio frequency (RF) transceiver, used for
configuring and testing Innovatec devices.
After arriving at the customer site, activate and test the Field Service Unit as follows:
CAUTION
DO NOT turn the Field Service Unit ON if
the antenna is not installed. Damage to
the Field Service Unit will result.
1. Plug the Fiel d Service Unit connection cord into the serial port of the laptop
computer.
2. Plug a 9 VDC / 500 mA power supply into the Field Service Unit power socket.
CAUTION
Using anything other than a 9 VDC /
500 mA power source may damage the
Field Service Unit.
3. Turn on the Field Service Unit. An indicator light will shine if the
Field Service Unit power supply is functioning correctly.
Installation Procedure
1. Remove index register from C&I gas meter. For American, Rockwell and Sprague meters,
remove the index register and replace with the Pulsimatic pulse output register or the
RioTronics index register with pulse output. For a Roots meter interface, attach the
appropriately modified register head with pulse output to the meter before installing the pulse
output pickup device.
2. Attach the Innovatec C&I Gas Meter Interface (p/n 1620-05001) to a surrounding fixture to
the gas meter. Fixturing locations can include the meter piping, meter fixturing brackets or
surrounding structures.
3. Attach the cable assembly from the Pulsimatic or RioTronics pulse output generator to the
Innovatec C&I Gas Meter Interface (p/n 1620-05001). The cable assembly attaches with a
‘push and twist’ lock for the weather -resistant seal.
Start the Field Service Application
Note
See Innovatec publication 98-00001 (Field Service Application User’s Guide) for a more detailed
explanation of FSA operation.
1. Turn on the laptop computer.
2. Launch the FSA software. No error messages will display if the connection between the
computer and the Field Service Unit is working.
3. Log in to the Field Service Application.
Install the Pulse Output Interface Device
For American/Sprague and Rockwell meters, interface with either the Pulsimatic pulse output
adapter or the RioTronics adapter.
• Install the Pulsimatic unit in line with the index register and upon installation of the unit,
replace the index register on top of the Pulsimatic.
• Install the RioTronics-enabled index register in place of the existing index register.
For Dresser Industries’ Roots meters, please follow the instructions for installation of the
RioTronics Interface module.
Install the Innovatec C&I Gas Meter Interface radio device to the surrounding structure which can
include the meter piping, meter fixtures/supports or some adj acent structure to the meter.
Connect the meter pulse output device to the C&I Gas Meter Interface by using the weather resistant cable assembly from the pulse output device.
Setup the Radio for Communication through the Gateway
Chapter 4_____________________________________________
Troubleshooting
Table 3-1 Troubleshooting the C&I Gas Meter Interface
Problem Possible Solution
C&I Gas Meter Interface fails to
respond to the Field Service
Application (FSA).
Table 3-2 Troubleshooting the Laptop Computer/Field Service Unit
Problem Possible Solution
Laptop computer does not power up Charge/replace battery
Laptop computer does not start up
properly and/or the Field Service
Application cannot be found.
Field Service Unit does not power up Check power source and power circuit
C&I GMI end-point device ID mis-match
RF channel mis-match
Replace C&I GMI end-point device
Contact System Administrator
connections.
Table 3-3 Troubleshooting the Field Servic e Application (FSA)
Problem Possible Solution
Error message displays when Field
Service Application (FSA) starts up.
Check field service unit connection.
Loading...