Itron DCU53103 Users Manual

Mobile Collector 3 Lite (MC3Lite)

ehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide

V

Technical

Communications

knowledge to shape your future

Identification

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide

April 2018

TDC-1548-002

Copyright

© 2018 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved.

Confidentiality Notice

The information contained herein is proprietary and confidential and is being provided
subject to the condition that (i) it be held in confidence except to the extent required
otherwise by law and (ii) it will be used only for the purposes described herein. Any third
party that is given access to this information shall be similarly bound in writing.

Trademark Notice

Itron is a registered trademark of Itron, Inc.

All other product names and logos in this documentation are used for identification purposes
only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Suggestions

For more information about Itron or Itron products, see www.itron.com.

If you have questions or comments about the software or hardware product, contact Itron
Technical Support Services.

Contact

• Email: [e-mail]

• Internet: support.itron.com

• Telephone Itron Technical Support North America: 1-877-487-6602

For technical support contact information by region, go to www.itron.com and select your
country and language.

Contents

Chapter 1 Before You Begin............................................................................... 1

Important Safety and Compliance Information.....................................................................................................1

New in This Revision.............................................................................................................................................4

Chapter 2 Vehicle Preparation........................................................................... 5

Tools and Materials Needed................................................................................................................................. 5

Vehicle Preparation Tasks..................................................................................................................................... 5

Installing the Power Supply Cable........................................................................................................................ 5

To install the power supply cable ..............................................................................................................6

Installing the Integrated Antenna.......................................................................................................................... 6

Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle...........................................................................................7

Installing the Antenna Mounting Base....................................................................................................... 7

To install the RF antenna cable and mounting base ..........................................................................8

To connect the antenna to the antenna mounting base..................................................................... 9

Chapter 3 Installing MC3Lite Components.....................................................10

Pre-installation Requirements.............................................................................................................................10

Mobile Collection Hardware Kit................................................................................................................10

Installing the MC3Lite Components................................................................................................................... 11

Mobile Collector Sled...............................................................................................................................12

Seat Belt Pretensioner............................................................................................................................. 13

To install the seat belt pretensioner.................................................................................................. 15

Junction Box............................................................................................................................................ 15

To install the junction box ................................................................................................................ 15

Vehicle Docks...........................................................................................................................................16

Tablet and Computer Dock Parts List...............................................................................................17

To attach the tablet to the vehicle dock............................................................................................18

To lock and unlock the tablet dock...................................................................................................23

To tilt and swivel the tablet dock.......................................................................................................24

Mounting the MC3Lite in the Vehicle....................................................................................................... 27

To mount the MC3Lite radio on a bucket seat..................................................................................28

Vehicle Sled..............................................................................................................................................29

Vehicle Sled Parts List...................................................................................................................... 29

MC3Lite Connectors.........................................................................................................................30

Connecting the Power Cables.......................................................................................................... 31

Connecting the Antenna................................................................................................................... 35

Connecting the GPS and Data Cables............................................................................................. 36

Removing the MC3Lite System.......................................................................................................................... 38

To remove the Mobile Collection computer from the vehicle dock..........................................................38

To disconnect the cables......................................................................................................................... 38

Chapter 4 MC3Lite System Maintenance....................................................... 39

Inspecting the Antenna Connectors and Cables................................................................................................ 39

Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip..............................................................................................................39

To inspect the antenna base and whip.................................................................................................... 40

Cleaning the Antenna..........................................................................................................................................40

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 iii

Proprietary and Confidential

Replacing the Antenna Gasket........................................................................................................................... 40

To replace the antenna gasket................................................................................................................. 40

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 iv

Proprietary and Confidential

Chapter 1 Before You Begin

Mobile meter readers should use this document to install and operate the Mobile Collection
hardware system. For detailed information on the system, its components, and system
administration and maintenance, see the Mobile Collection Administration Guide.

This document also includes vehicle preparation, which includes installing the integrated
antenna, power cables, and, if appropriate, attaching the necessary GPS cables.
Unqualified personnel should not prepare a vehicle for the Mobile Collection system.

Important Safety and Compliance Information

This section provides important information for your safety and product compliance.

USA, FCC Part 15 compliance

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesirable operation.

This device must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 centimeters (7.9
inches) from all persons to be compliant with regulatory RF exposure.

USA, FCC Class B-Part 15

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 or TV technician for help.

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 1

Proprietary and Confidential

Before You Begin

Modifications and Repairs

To ensure system performance, this device and antenna shall not be changed or modified
without the express approval of Itron. Per FCC rules, unapproved modifications or operation
beyond or in conflict with these instructions for use could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.

Canada, ISED compliance

Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité

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

Under Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada (ISED) regulations, this
radio transmitter may only operate using an
antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain
approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada.
To reduce potential radio interference to other
users, the antenna type and its gain should be so
chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated
power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary
for successful communication.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR
d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1)
l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, (2)
l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout
brouillage radio électrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.

Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie
Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut
fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un
gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour
l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de
réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à
l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le
type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la
puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.)
ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à
l'établissement d'une communication
satisfaisante.

RF Exposure (FCC/ISED)

This equipment complies with radiation exposure
limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated
with minimum distance 20 cm between the
radiator and your body. This transmitter must not
be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 2

Proprietary and Confidential

Cet équipement est conforme aux limites
d'exposition aux radiations dans un
environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement do
it être installé et utilisé à distance minimum de 20
cm entre le radiateur et votre corps. Cet émetteur
ne doit pas être co-localisées ou opérant en
conjonction avec tout autre antenne ou
transmetteur.

Before You Begin

Electromagnetic Compatibility

Caution: Use only approved accessories with this equipment. All cables must be
high quality, shielded, correctly terminated, and normally restricted to 2 meters in
length. Unapproved modifications or operation beyond or in conflict with these use
instructions may void the authority's authorization to operate the equipment.

SUPPORTED VEHICLE INFORMATION

Itron's Mobile Collection systems are designed for use in land mobile vehicles such as cars,
trucks, and vans conforming to U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Use of any
Mobile Collection system in an aircraft is not supported by Itron nor certified for transmitting
by the Federal Aviation Administration and/or Transport Canada. Consult your local Aviation
Authority for additional guidance.

Warning: Do not visually monitor or physically adjust the Mobile Collection system
while driving. While driving, rely on the beeps produced when meter data is collected
to indicate proper system operation. Visually monitoring or adjusting the Mobile
Collection system while driving will divert your attention from your safe driving
responsibilities. Attention to driving is your primary responsibility, along with following
all the applicable driving regulations.

Mobile Collector 3 Lite Antenna Specifications

This section provides the specifications for the Mobile Collector 3 Lite antennas.

Caution: The Mobile Collection system is designed to operate with the antennas
listed here. Antennas not listed here are strictly prohibited for use with the Mobile
Collection system. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.

Specification 915 MHz Mobile Antenna Mobile Antenna Mount with GPS

Antenna

Itron part number MSE-0122-002 CBA-0334-001 or CBA-0335-001
Frequency range 908-958 MHz 1574-1576 MHz
Maximum gain 5 dBi 3 dBi
Polarization Vertical Omnidirectional Right-Hand Circular
Impedance 50 ohms 50 ohms
Termination 1-1/8"-18 thread mount

Overall dimensions 26.5” L x 1.43” D 2.25” x 4.25” x 1.25”

SMA male (GPS)

TNC male (Mobile)

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 3

Proprietary and Confidential

Before You Begin

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Conformity

This radio transmitter has been approved by
Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Canada (ISED) to operate with the antenna types
listed previously with the maximum permissible
gain and required antenna impedance for each
antenna type indicated. Antenna types not
included in this list, having a gain greater than
the maximum gain indicated for that type, are
strictly prohibited for use with this device.

Le présent émetteur radio est conforme aux CNR
d'Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les
types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessus et ayant un
gain admissible maximal et l'impédance requise
pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne
non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont le gain est
supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont
strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de
l'émetteur.

New in This Revision

The following information has been added or revised in this version of the document.

New Information

• Added information about Mobile Collector 3 Lite (MC3Lite)

• Added information about the Panasonic FZ-M1 tablet and dock

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 4

Proprietary and Confidential

Chapter 2 Vehicle Preparation

When you use a vehicle with Mobile Collection, there are specific changes to the vehicle
that are required to accommodate the antenna and power. This section provides information
on how to perform those changes.

DANGER: The following procedures must be performed by a qualified professional
installer with the appropriate tools, knowledge, and experience to ensure safe
installation in accordance with these instructions and all applicable safety standards.
Installation by unqualified personnel voids all warranties for the installed products
and associated components, and may subject the installer, operator, or others to
hazardous conditions leading to injury or death.

Tools and Materials Needed

You need the following tools and materials to prepare a vehicle for the Mobile Collection
system.

Tools Materials

De-burring file Integrated antenna package
Drill and drill bit set DC power supply cable
Crescent wrench Permanent antenna mounting package
Pliers Silicone sealant
Cutting, stripping, and crimping tools for 12V wire

and coax cable

Vehicle Preparation Tasks

Vehicle preparation includes the following tasks. Perform the tasks in the order presented.

Task Action See...

1 Install the power supply cable.

2

Install the integrated antenna. This is broken into
sub-tasks.

Installing the Power Supply Cable on

page 5

Installing the Integrated Antenna on

page 6

Installing the Power Supply Cable

The unterminated end of the DC power supply cable connects to the vehicle's electrical
system and remains in the vehicle. This is done so that you can easily connect and
disconnect the Mobile Collector to the other end. The following shows the unterminated end
of the power supply cable.

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 5

Proprietary and Confidential

Vehicle Preparation

ID Component
1 White wire
2 Black wire
3 Green wire

To install the power supply cable

1.

Select a location in the vehicle for the connector end of the cable so that it reaches the
cable that connects to the Mobile Collector. An extension cable is available from Itron, if
needed.

2. Route the unterminated end of the cable to the voltage and grounding sites in the vehicle.

Note: Do not route the cable where it can become abraded or damaged, such as under
the carpet in high traffic areas, over sharp edges, near hot engine components, near
brake or clutch linkages, or where it can be exposed to oil or other corrosive liquids.

3. If necessary, trim wires to a suitable length.

4. Connect the white wire (1) to a spare fuse in the vehicle's fuse panel that has a rating of
at least 15 ampere and receives power that is not turned on or off with the vehicle's
ignition (unswitched).

5. Connect the black wire (2) directly to the vehicle's chassis ground.

6. Connect the green wire (3) to a spare fuse in the vehicle's fuse panel that has a rating of
at least one ampere and receives power that is turned on with the vehicle's ignition set to
accessories (switched).

Installing the Integrated Antenna

Installation of the integrated antenna includes the following tasks. Perform the tasks in the
order presented.

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 6

Proprietary and Confidential

Vehicle Preparation

Task Action See...

1

2 Install the antenna mounting base.

3

Select a location of the antenna on the
vehicle.

Connect the antenna to the mounting
base.

Selecting an Antenna Location on the
Vehicle on page 7

Installing the Antenna Mounting Base on

page 7

Connecting the Antenna to the Mounting
Base on page 9

Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle

The antenna remains installed on the vehicle. The manufacturer's instructions, which ship
with the antenna components, are summarized in the following procedures. Itron
recommends consulting the antenna manufacturer's instructions in addition to this
installation guide.

Location selection criteria include the following.

• Access from inside the vehicle to the exterior antenna mounting location is usually
required. If the vehicle has a headliner, remove nearby trim pieces or even a dome light
to gain access to the mounting location.

• Install the antenna at least 12 inches—recommended 30 inches—from any other
antennas or metal structures on the vehicle's roof that could disrupt communication with
endpoints.

• Select a location on the vehicle's roof that has as flat a surface as possible. The metal of
the roof must be 0.02–0.04 inches thick.

• The location should be no more than one inch deep and at least 2.5 inches in diameter to
properly security the antenna base.

• To meet RF exposure safety requirements, the antenna must be installed a minimum of

7.9 inches (20 centimeters) from where any bystanders may be located

• The diameter of the ground plane at the antenna base should be at least three feet for
best performance. Ideally, the ground plane should be a minimum of three times the
wavelength being received. For example, a 900MHz signal, having a 13 inch wavelength,
should have a ground plane of 39 inches.

Note: Itron recommends that you do not trim, shorten, or secure any cabling until you are
confident of its routing.

Installing the Antenna Mounting Base

The following diagram shows the parts of the antenna base.

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 7

Proprietary and Confidential

Vehicle Preparation

ID Component
1 Mounting stud
2 Locating tab
3 Washer
4 Hex nut

To install the RF antenna cable and mounting base

1.

At your selected location, cut a 0.75 (3/4) inch hole in the mounting surface for the
mounting stud.

2. Cut a 0.218 (7/32) inch hole that is 0.85 inches from the center of the first hole for the
locating tab.

3. Clean the mounting surface and bottom of the antenna.

4.

Feed the cables through the large hole and route to desired locations inside the vehicle:
Mobile Collector mounting location and, if applicable, the GPS receiver location.

5. Apply a bead of silicone sealant around both holes.

6. Position the antenna on the mounting surface, inserting the mounting stud through the
large hole and the locating tab in the small hole.

7. From under the mounting surface (inside the vehicle), slide the washer on the mounting
stud and screw on the hex nut.

8. Tighten the hex nut until the gasket on the base of the antenna compresses to 50% of its
original thickness.

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 8

Proprietary and Confidential

Vehicle Preparation

9. Complete cable routing in the vehicle and secure the cables.

10. See Connecting the Antenna to the Mounting Base.

To connect the antenna to the antenna mounting base

1. Place the antenna gasket on the antenna mounting base. The gasket is shipped in a
plastic bag with the antenna.

2. Press the antenna onto the thread nut of the antenna mounting base.

3. Rotate the antenna clockwise until it is firmly in place.

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 9

Proprietary and Confidential

Chapter 3 Installing MC3Lite Components

The MC3Lite is part of the Mobile Collection system for electric, gas, water, and other
providers. It offers advanced radio technology for unsurpassed performance, along with a
sophisticated mapping application utilizing GPS technology that provides a visual indication
of endpoint location. This section provides directions on installing the components of the
MC3Lite system.

Pre-installation Requirements

Before installing the MC3Lite system components as outlined in this document, be sure that
the following pre-installation requirements are complete.

• The Mobile Collection vehicle is prepared following the information in the Vehicle

Preparation section on page 5.

• The seat belt pretensioner is installed in the Mobile Collection vehicle using the Mobile
Collection System Sled and Pretensioner Install Guide (TDC-0708-xxx).

• If using the pedestal option, ensure that you have already ordered and installed the
pedestal base per the manufacturer's installation instructions for your vehicle.

Note: A variety of bases (not included in the Mobile Collection installation package) are
available for use with the connector to address specific characteristics of different vehicle
makes and models. For details, contact any of the following.

• Gamber-Johnson at www.gamberjohnson.com

• Ram Mounting Systems at www.rammount.com

• Havis Products at www.havis.com
Note: Itron has no liability or obligation due to an incorrect installation or any installation

that does not follow the procedures included in this document. Itron is also not liable for
any third party equipment installed by the customer.

Caution:
recommends disabling it when the Mobile Collection system is installed. The force
of the air bag deploying can damage the computer, radio, or other components of
the system.

DANGER: Install the Mobile Collection system in the vehicle as described in this
document and those listed above. Failure to do so could lead to injury or death
from unsecured components during a collision.

If your vehicle is equipped with passenger-side air bag, Itron strongly

Mobile Collection Hardware Kit

Y

our Mobile Collection hardware kit arrives in a cardboard shipping box. The Itron radio unit

is packaged in a smaller reusable shipping box with foam inserts. You can save this Itron-

MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 10

Proprietary and Confidential