Itron IMR Users Manual

Itron Mobile Radio User Guide

Identification Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 14 December 2016 TDC-1719-000 Itron Mobile Radio

Confidentiality Notice The informat ion co nt ained herein is proprietar y and confide ntial and is being provided subject to the condition that (i) it be held in confidence except to the e xte nt requ ired otherwise by law and (ii) it will be used o nly for t he purposes described herein. Any third party that is given access to this informat ion s ha ll be s imilarly b ound in writing.

Trademark Notice Itron is a registered trademark of Itro n, 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 informat io n about Itron or Itro n p roducts, see www.itron.com. If you have questions or comments about the software or hardware product, contact Itron Technical Support Services.

Contact

• Email: support@itron.com

• Internet: sup port.itron.com

• Telep hone Itr on Technica l Suppor t North America: 1-877-487-6602

For technical support contact information by region, go to www.itron.co m and select your country and language. Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Class B Part 15 C ompli ance Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, purs uant 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 t o 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.

Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité Under Innova tion, Science and Economic

Development Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate usin g an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Inno vation, Scie nce and E conomic Development Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the eq uivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r. p . ) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.

This device compl ies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development 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 inte r fe rence, i nc l ud i ng i n te r f er e nc e t hat may cause undesired operation of the device.

Conformément à la r égle mentation d ' Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec u ne ante nne 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 'ante nne e t s on 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.

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, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioé lectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Caution ELEC TROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

Use only approved accessories with this equipment. In general all cables must be high quality, shielded, and correctly terminated. Unapproved modific ati o ns or ope ra t i on be yond or in conflict with these instructions for use, may void authorization by the authorities to operate the equipment.

portant Changes or modifications to the device or its antenna not expressly

approved by the part y responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the device.

Transportation Classification The Federal Aviation Administratio n pro hibits operating transmitters a nd rece ivers on a ll commercial aircraft. When powered, Itron Mobile Radios are considered operating tra ns mitters and receivers and cannot be shipped by air with the battery installed. To s hip by a ir, remove the battery and follow li-ion shipping regulations. Specific Absorption Rate Data The FCC ID: EO9IMR and IC: 864A-IMR model of Itron Mobile Radio meets the government’s requirements for exposure to radio waves. Your Itron Mobile Radio has a radio transmitter and receiver. It is designed and manufactured not to exceed limits fo r e xposure t o radio frequency (RF) ene rgy set b y t he Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the U.S. government and by the Canadian regulatory aut horitie s. These l imits are pa rt o f comprehens ive guidelines and establish permitted levels of RF energy for the general population. The guidelines are based on standards that were developed by independent scientific organizations through periodic and thorough evaluation of scientific studies. The standards include a substantial safety margin designed to assure the safety of all persons, regardless of age or health.

The exposure standard for wireless mobile and/or portable devices employs a unit of measurement known as the specific absorption rate, or SAR. The SAR limit set by the FCC and by the Canadian regulatory authorities is 1.6

W/kg

. Tests for SAR are conducted using standard operating positions accepted by the FCC and by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada with the radio transmitting at its highest certified power level in a ll test frequency band s. Although the SAR is determined a t the highest certified power level, the actual SAR level of the radio while operating can be well below the maximum level. This is because the Radio is designed to operate at multiple power levels, depending on the needs of the customer. Before an Itron Mobile Radio is available for sale to the public in the U.S. and Canada, it must be tested and certified to the FCC and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada that it does not exceed the limit established by each government for safe exposure. The tests are performed in positions and locations (for example, worn on the body) and reported to the FCC and made available for review by Innovation, Science a nd Econo mic Development Canada. T he highest SAR value for this Itron Mobile Radio, model IMR when tested for use when wo rn on the body as desc ribed in the use r ’s guide is 0.24 W/kg. While t here may be differences between the SAR levels of various Itron Mobile Radio models and at various positions, they all meet the government requirements for safe exposure. Please note that improvements to this product model could cause differences in the SAR value for later products; and in all cases, products are designed to be within the guidelines.

----------------------

In the United States and Canada, the SAR limit for wireless mobile and/or portable devices used by the public is

1.6 W per kilogram averaged over 1 g of tissue. The standard incorporates a substantial margin of safety to get additional protection for the public and to account for any variations in measurements.

arning Use this device only in a manner consistent with the Itron Mobile

Radio User Guide.

Introduction ............................................................................................ 1

Daily Operation ....................................................................................... 8

Battery Basics ...................................................................................... 18

Safety ..................................................................................................... 21

Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 25

Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations .............................. 29

Introduction

This document details the features and functions of the Itron Mobile Radio and provides information relating to it s use and maintenance.

The Itron Mobile Radio is equipped with the following features.

• Radio button. For informati on about the radio button, see Button Functions on page 9.

• LED status indicators. For information about the LED indicators, see LED Status

Indicators on page 9.

• USB communication port. For information about the USB communication port, see USB

Communication Port on page 13.

Documentation Conventions

Convention

Example

This guide uses the following documentation conventions:

Hypertext links ap pear in blue text. See Copyright for identification information.

Warning This type of note is used to warn of potential physical harm to the

user or hardware. It is critical that you pay strict attention to Warning notes, read the information carefully, and heed the advice and/or instructions.

Caution This type of note advises users that failure to take or avoid a specified

action could result in a loss of data.

Note Indicates neutral or positive information that stresses or supplements important points of the main text. A note supplies information that may apply only in special cases.

Unpacking Your Itron Mobile Radio

Item

Description

• Itron Mobile Radio with

• AC power adapter

• Communication cable

• Battery kit

• Documentation

Itron Mobile Radio Qui ck Reference Guide

The Itron Mobile Radio comes with the following items.

built-in antenna

AC wall plug with USB type A port. USB cable. Battery, battery compartment cover, screws, gasket

Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement

An optional Radio Carrying Kit is available for order separately. The Radio Carrying Kit contains a belt clip and a sho ulder harness.

When you unpack your radio, make sure you have all of the components listed here. If any are missing, contact Itron Support Services immediately.

After you install the battery, charge the radio to 100 percent capacity befor e using it. Complete charging ta kes about six hours.

For more information about the battery, see Battery Basics

To install and charge the battery

1. Plug the connector into the socket in the battery compartment.

You will have to bend the wires at the connector at a 90 d eg r ee angle.

2. Insert the battery into the compartment.

• Make sure the battery lab el is facing th e r idges on the radio case.

• Make sure the wires are alon g the same side as the connector.

• Make sure the removal tab is facing out.

Caution Do not pinch the battery wires when replacing the battery compartment cover.

3. Replace the battery compartment cover making sure the gasket is properly aligned for water

tightness.

4. Fasten the battery com partment cover in place with the provided screws.

Tighten the screws to ens ure water tightness.

5. Plug the USB cable into the Itron Mobile Radio.

6. Plug the USB cable into a PC, an AC wall adap ter, or a 12V AC car adapter.

7. Allow the Itron Mobile Radio to charge for at least six hours.

Daily Operation

• Inspect the radio for broken, loose, or missing parts and fasteners, tak ing corrective action as

required.

• Make sure the radio is operated and stored within the recommended temperature range.

Operating temperature: -4° F to 140° F (-20° C to 60° C) Storage temperature: -40° F to 158° F (-40° C to 70° C)

• Cold temp er ature extremes may result in reduced ava ilable energy f r o m the battery

pack. This energy is recoverable as the battery pack warms to 68° F (20° C).

• Do not subject the radi o to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a vehicle in

bright sunlight. Extended exposure to warm temperature extremes can result in permanent reduction in available energy from the battery pack .

• Exit all externa l applications at the end of each work day. This ensures that all applications

communicating with the radio have terminated their Bluetooth links.

• Charge the battery nightly.

Turning the Radio On or Off

To turn the radio on (battery power)

• Press and hold the button for three seconds (until the Power LED turns green) to turn the

radio on.

To turn the radio off (battery power)

• Press and hold the button for three seconds (until the Power LED turns white) to to turn the

radio off.

To turn the radio on (AC adapter)

• The radio is always on when using the AC adapter.

When the radio is using external power (connected to an energy source with the USB cable) pressing the button turns the power LED green until the button is released, but it does not turn the radio off.

LED Status Indicators

Two mu lti-color LED status indicators are loca ted on the top of the radio. These indicators are labeled with a power icon and a communication icon . The color and illumination of the

LED lights provide feedback about the Itron Mobile Radio's status. The LED lights have two patterns for displaying different states.

• Solid. Continuou s without interruption or alteration

• Flash. Alternating periods of colored illumination follo w ed by periods of non-illumination

of the indicator. The color remains consistent during all illumination periods.

The following tables describes the LE D colors and patterns for the most common radio conditions.

Power indicator

Solid

Flash

• Error: Battery

• Turning on

• Initializing

• Charged

• Button pressed

N/A

Charging

Error: General

Battery more than 50%

Battery more than 20%

Battery less than 20%

Comm indicator

Solid

Flash

USB connec ted

Bluetooth® connec ted

Error

Bluetooth low energy connected

Note The application connected to the radio may assign a display pattern to the LEDs that is not described in these tabl e s .

USB Communication Port

When you connect the Itron Mobile Radio to a PC using Windows 7 or Windows

The Itron Mobile Radio has one USB communication port under a protective rubber flap on the side of the radio near th e top.

In addition, the radio is equipped with an int ernal port for wireless Bluetooth communication is in place through Bluetooth, attaching the USB cable only provides power. Communication may occur through Bluetooth whi le c harging with the USB.

Note

8, you may see a prompt to install an updated Texas Instruments driver for the device. Install the necessary driver.

communication s. If

Carrying the Itron Mobile Radio

carrying the radio, make sure the side with the ridges is facing away

The Itron Mobile Radio’s shoulder harness and belt clip provide convenient, hands-free ways to carry the radio while installing, reading, and maintaining meters and endpoints. The shoulder harness and belt clip let you wear the radio comfortably while walking or driving.

As a safety feature, the clips are designed to break away if the radio snags or becomes caught, releasing the wearer and reducing the likelihood of injury.

The radio may also be carried in a pocket, backpack, or bag. The radio is water resistant.

Note If you are from your body, conductive materials, or anything else which may shield the radio signal.

Maintaining Your Itron Mobile Radio

Your Itron Mobile Radio is rugged and water-resistant. However, you should take the following precautions to ensure that it gives you many years of rel iable service.

• Do not subject the radi o to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a vehicle in bright

sunlight. For more information, see Battery Best Practices

• Do not leave it in damp or dusty places.

• Do not drop your radio or subject it to severe impacts.

• Do not use products containing DEET near the Itron Mobile Radio. DEET will degrade the

radio's casing.

• When installing or replacing the battery, make sure to follow the provided instructions to

maintain water tightness.

• Use the rubber flap to protect the radio’s USB port in dusty conditions.

To clean the Itron Mobile Radio case

1. Wipe the radio’s case with a damp cloth.

2. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove stubborn deposits.

3. Blow any water out of the c onnector and then leave the radio to drain an d air-dry.

Warning Never use solvents of any kind on the case. Do not expose it to

temperatures above 140° F (60° C).

Storing Your Itron Mobile Radio

Your Itron Mobile Radio can be safely stored for two week s or less with simple preparation. Follow the steps below to prepare your radio for short-term stor age.

To store your Itron Mobile R adio

• Connect the Itron Mobile Radio to external power and allow the battery pack to fully charge.

For information about charging status, see LED Status Indicators on page 9 If you are storing th e Itron Mobile Radio for an extended period of time, you should let it

remain charging or remove its battery.

Note Remove th e Itron Mobile Radio’s battery before stor ing the device for periods longer than two weeks.

Battery Basics

The Itron M o b ile Radio uses a rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery pack as its main power source whenever it is not receiving power through its USB cable.

Caution Do not use any power source other than the Itron-recommended

Charge the r adio's battery to 100 percent capacity before using it. Complete charging takes about six hours. Charge the battery pack through the USB cable, which can draw power from a computer, an AC wall outlet, or a 12V DC car adapter.

battery. Using another power source could damage the radio.

Warning Risk of Explosion! There is a risk of explosion if the battery is

replaced by an incorrect battery type. Dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulatory guidelines.

Attention Il y a danger d’explosion s’il y a remplacement incorrect de la

batterie. Remplacer uniquement avec une batterie du même type ou d’un type equivalent recommandé par le constructeur. Mettre au rebut les batteries usagées conformément aux instructions du fabricant.

Battery Best Practices

Itron recommends the following practices to ensure long battery life.

• Charge the r adio at the end of each work day.

• Check the charge status at the beginning of each work day.

• Charge the r adio at room temperature (6 8° F/20° C).

• Charging is disabled below 32° F (0° C) and above 104° F (40° C) to protect the lithium-ion

batteries.

• In cold weather, keep the radio inside your outer clothing. A cold battery will not last

all day even with full charge. Metalized fabrics should not be worn over the radio as they may severely reduce reading success.

• In hot weather, keep the radio out of direct sunlight. A hot battery's capacity is

degraded o v er time and eventually the b attery will not l ast all day even with a full charge.

• Shallow or partial discharge and charge cycles are pr eferred, rather than allowing the battery

pack to drain completely before recharging it.

• Charging after a shallow or partial discharge does not degrade battery pack life or

performance.

Safety

Your Itron Mobile Radio is ergonomically designed for safe, comfortable use. However, as with all equipment, you should follow good working practices while using it.

Minimize risk by following these guidelines.

• Maintain good posture while using the radio. Keep your fingers and body relaxed whenever

possible.

• Avoid keeping your muscles tense for long periods. Change tasks often to avoid prolonged

muscle strain. Support the radio while using it.

• Take frequent short breaks. Use these breaks to exerc ise the mu scles in your h ands, arms,

shoulders , neck, and back.

AC Power Adapter

Follow these instructions to help ensure your safety and extend the life of the adapter.

• Use the adapter indoors only.

• Avoid spilling liquid on the adapter.

Do not connect it if it is damp.

• Make sure ventilation around the adapter is not restricted while it is in use.

• Use only the AC adapter sup p lied with your Itron Mobile Radio.

Do not substitute an alternative or unapproved adapter; this may damage the Itron Mobile Radio and void the warranty.

• Inspect the AC adapter b efore use.

Do not use it if there are any signs of damage or deteriora tion.

• Make sure the connector is firmly connected.

• Avoid mechanical st r ain to cables and connectors.

• In the event o f o v erloadin g , t he AC adapter is designed to be fail-safe and may stop

functioning.

• Do not try to use the AC adapter to power any other equipment.

• Avoid use in dusty, damp, or contaminated environments.

Usage in Hazardous Locations

This device is suitable for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D locations. It should only be used with computer s yst ems approved for use in hazar dous locations.

Warning—Explosion Hazard Do not replace the battery unless power has been

switched off or the area is known to be non-hazardous.

Avertissement—Risque d’Explosion Couper le courant ou s’assurer que

l’emplacement est designe non dangereux avant de replacer le composants.

Warning—Explosion Hazard Do not disconnect equipment unless power has

been switched off or the area is known to be non-hazardous.

Avertissement—Risque d’Explosion Avant de deconnecter l’equipem ent, c ouper

le courant ou s’assurer qu l’emplacement is designe non dangereux.

Warning—Explosion Hazard Substitution of components may impair suitability

for Class 1, Division 2 locations.

Avertissement—Risque d’Explosion La substitution de composants peut rendre

ce materiel inacceptable pour les empl acements de class e 1, division 2.

Troubleshooting

Problem

Possible Solutions

• If charging from a PC through the USB cable, try a different

issue, replace the battery.

If you have a problem with your Itron Mobile Radio, review the appropriate troubleshooting steps listed belo w. If the problem remains un r esolved, contact an Itron customer service representative (e-mail: support@it ron.com; phone: 1.877.487.6602).

Battery does not charge

USB port on the PC. The port may be bad or incapable of providing sufficient current for charging.

• Try a different AC outlet.

• Make sure the USB port is clean and free of dirt or other

contaminants.

•

If the previous troub leshooting suggestions do not solve the

Problem

Possible Solutions

Battery power drains

• Make sure the battery indicates a full charge following an

issue, replace the battery.

• Install Texas Instruments drivers.

• See your application’s user guide for setup information.

quickly

overnight charge (see LED Status Indicators on page 9).

• If the previous troub leshooting suggestions do not solve the

USB connection problems

• Inspect the USB port for damage, dirt, or other contaminants.

Bluetooth connection problems

Radio will not turn off Radio will not turn on

Disconnect the radio f r om external power sources and press the button firmly for six seconds. This will force th e radio t o reset its firmware.

Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance

Bluetooth communication works best when the communicating devices have an unobstructed view from one devi ce to the other. When possible, remove or reduce obstacles between the Itron Mobile Radio and the mobile devi ce during Bluetooth c om mun ication.

Tips for Radio Readings

The Itron Mobile Radio is used to receive the radio signals from ERT-equipped meters. To maximize the radio capabilities, consider t he following factors when collecting data.

• Absorption. Conductive material such as steel, metallic pipe and siding, and tree leaves and

branches absorb more of a radio signal than concrete, bricks, sheetrock, plastic, and wood. Due to absorption, you may have shorter readability distances in industrial or business areas than in residential areas.

• Shielding. When con d uctive materials are clos e together, as in metal partitions or narrow-

mesh fencing , they act as a shield and absorb the entire radio signal. Move a short distance away from conductive material so the ERT signal is not shielded. Keep moving to assist in receiving signals that may be shielded. Metalized fabrics should not be worn over the radio as they may severely reduce reading success.

• Reflection. Radio signals can be r ef lected by some of the same types of conductive material

that absorb th em. Move a short distance away from the reflective material to find the direct ERT signal or a strong reflected signal. Keep moving to assist in receiving signals that may be reflected.

Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations

Equipment Description Itron Mobile Radio Model: IMR FCC ID: EO9IMR IC: 864A-IMR

Itron Mobile Radio Transmitter Information

Transmit frequency MAS, FCC: 952 MHz–960 MHz Transmit frequency MAS, ISED: 952 MHz–953 MHz Transmit frequency ISM: 908 MHz–923.8 MHz Antenna type: Directional antenna with maximum gain perpendicular to the front face of the IMR unit. Receiver Information Frequency ISM: 908–923.8 MHz

Bluetooth Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: PAN1326B FCC ID: T7V1316 IC: 216Q-1316 Transmitter class: Class 1 Transmit/receive frequency: 2402 MHz–2480 MHz Maximum transmitter power: 10.5 dBm Antenna type: integral, chip