Neptune R450 Customer Manual

R450™ System New Customer Guide

R450™ System New Customer Guide

This manual is an unpublished work and contains the trade secrets and
confidential information of Neptune Technology Group Inc., which are not to be
divulged to third parties and may not be reproduced or transmitted in whole or
part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical for any purpose,
without the express written permission of Neptune Technology Group Inc. All
rights to designs or inventions disclosed herein, including the right to
manufacture, are reserved to Neptune Technology Group Inc.

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice
Neptune reserves the right to change th

e product specifications at any time

without incurring any obligations.

Trademarks Used in This Manual

ARB is a registered trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc. 
R450 System is a trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc. 
N_SIGHT R450 is a trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc.

Windows XP is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows Vi
is

a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

SQL Anywhere are registered trademarks of Sybase, Inc.

Other brands or product names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective holders.

R450™ System
New Customer Guide

Literature No. NC R450 System 01.13

Neptune Technology Group Inc.
1600 Alabama Highway 229
Tallassee, AL 36078
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

sta

.

Copyright © 2008- 2013
Neptune Technology Group Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Contents

1 Introduction

About This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Typographical Conventions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1

N_SIGHT R450 Host Software Compatibility

Guaranteed Systems Compatibility

Project Personnel Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Utility Manager

Responsibilities of Data Project Manager

Responsibilities of R450 DC Installation Manager

Responsibilities of MIU Installation Manager

Responsibilities of Neptune

General Information

Toll-Free Customer Support

Length of Software Warranty

Equipment Repair

Ordering Additional Equipment

Additional Training

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

2 R450 System Overview

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

R450 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

System Overview

Components

N_SIGHT R450 Host Software

R450 System New Customer Guide iii

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Contents

R450 DC Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

R450 System Wide Area Network (WAN) Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

R450 DC - Network Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

R450 Meter Interface Unit (MIU)

N_SIGHT R450 Host Software

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Account Setup

Mapping Feature

General Terminology and Explanation

Standard Industry Terms

R450 System Terms

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

3 Customer Requirements

N_SIGHT R450 Host Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

System Requirements – Client PC Specifications

System Requirements – Server Specifications

*Information Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Additional System Requirements and Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Meter Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

R450 DC Specifications

Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . .

Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

R450 DC Footprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Safety Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Customer Requirements

Server/System Setup and Specifications

Small Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) for Emails

iv R450 System New Customer Guide

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Remote Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

GPRS Requirements, if Applicable

GPRS Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Ethernet Requirements

Ethernet Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

4 Implementation Steps for R450 System

Step One: Prior to Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Step Two: Customer Profile Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Step Three: Install and Power the R450 DCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Contents

Step Four: Schedule Training

Step Five: Onsite System Training

N_SIGHT R450 Training for System Operator

Customer Service Personnel Training

Step Six: Implementation of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Forms Required

Onsite Visits

Followup Monitoring

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

5 Propagation Analysis

Propagation Analysis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

After the Form is Completed

FCC Licensing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

R450 System New Customer Guide v

Contents

6 CIS/N_SIGHT R450 Interaction

CIS and N_SIGHT R450 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Number of Dials

Pulling Reads

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Pushing Data

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

A Required Form

One Required Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

B Propagation Analysis Request Form

Propagation Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

C N_SIGHT R900 v4 File Format

Default Record Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Record Type Hierarchy

Sample Layout

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Record Formats

Header Formats

Field Definitions

vi R450 System New Customer Guide

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

D Direct Data Input into N_SIGHT R450 Database

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Methods

Components

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Contents

Index

Data Elements

Pictures

Options - CSV File

Format

Template

Instructions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

R450 System New Customer Guide vii

Contents

Notes:

viii R450 System New Customer Guide

Figures

Figure Title Page

2.1 R450 System Flow Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

3.1 R450 System Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

A.1 Sample Customer Profile Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

B.1 Sample Propagation Analysis Page 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

B.2 Sample Propagation Analysis Page 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

R450 System New Customer Guide ix

Figures

Notes:

x R450 System New Customer Guide

Tables

Table Title Page

2.1 WAN Technology Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

3.1 Server Specifications
C.1 Legend for v4 Record Format
C.2 Record Type Hierarchy
C.3 Company Record Format
C.4 Route Record Format
C.5 Premise Details Record Format
C.6 Alternate Premise Detail Record Format1
C.7 Premise Notes Record Formats (Optiona
C.8 Meter Detail Record Formats
C.9 Order Status (Export file only) Record Formats
C.10 Read Detail Record Formats
C.11 ERT Detail Record Formats (Optional)
C.12 Route Trailer Record Format

C.13 Vehicle Detail Record Format (Export file only). . . . . . . . .

C.14 Company Trailer Record Format (Optional)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-13

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-14

l) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-27

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-27

R450 System New Customer Guide ix

Tables

Notes:

x R450 System New Customer Guide

Chapter 1 Introduction

The R450™ System New Customer Guide is designed to prepare your
utility company for the R450 System.

This chapter provides you with an introduction to the implementation
process
sonnel responsibilities, and general information on system support.

About This Guide

This guide provides you with basic information to help you get started
with the implementation process. It is designed to be used by the Utility
Manager and Billing Programmer to explain the steps that must be com­pleted before on-site training can begin.

Typographical Conventions

Before you begin reading this guide, it is important to understand the
typographical conventions used in the documentation. The following
kinds of formatting in the text identify special information.

. It explains

All small caps Refers to keys

the focus of the guide, the pre-implementation per-

Example: ENTER, ALT, TAB

All bold initial caps Refers to field names, buttons, and functions.

Example: Device field, OK button, or File menu

Lower case bold Refers to the exact keystrokes you enter. What you

type is always shown in lower case letters.

Example: Type neptune in the Device field.

R450 System New Customer Guide 1-1

Introduction

N_SIGHT R450 Host Software Compatibility

Neptune is committed to backward compatibility with its innovative
new product development.

Guaranteed Systems Compatibility

All T-10 water meters are guaranteed to be adaptable to our ProRead™
AutoDetect, E-Coder
R450 System without removing the meter from service.

In addition, all Neptune ARB
patible with current production Neptune ProRead and Sensus ICE abso­lute encoders and legacy Neptune (ARB III-V) and Sensus (ECR II)
absolute encoders.

The R450™ meter interface unit (R450 MIU) is
tune AR
(ECR III)
the high resolution 8-digit meter reading and E-CoderPLUS data (inter­mittent leak, continuous leak, reverse flow, and zero consumption) are
transmi

Add
sors from various vendors and can pro
detecting water leaks on distribution lines.

BV, ProRead and E-Coder encoders and Sensus ECR II and ICE

encoders. When Neptune's E-Coder is connected to the R450,

tted.

itionally, the R450 MIU is compatible with the acoustic leak (sen-

Project Personnel Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Utility Manager

The following list describes the responsibilities of the Utility Manager
who is the primary contact at the utility between the utility staff, the util­ity billing programmer, and the Neptune support staff.

®

, TRICON®/S, TRICON/E®3, and Neptune 

®

Utility Management Systems™ are com-

compatible with Nep-

vide the

utility with a means of

• Determine the site selection and access
R450™ Data Collector (R450 DC).

• Work with Neptune in obtaining the necessary FCC license.

• Set up the General Packet Radio

1-2 R450 System New Customer Guide

ibility for the

Service (GPRS), if applicable.

Neptune

Introduction

• Assess the RF 450 antenna tower access, including the power and
costs of renting.

• Designate a manager for each of the following:

- Data Project

- Collector Installation

- MIU Installation

• Manage the MIU installations in the most efficient way:

ternally

- In

- One route at a time

- One zone at a time

- Randomly.

• Determine how data will be entered into the N_SIGHT R450 host
software.

• Determine the im

- When to conduct the site survey

- When to install the MIUs

- When to install the software

- When to train personnel.

plementation schedule to be used:

Responsibilities of Data Project Manager

The following list describes the responsibilities of the Data Project
Manager who works with the Utility Manager to effectively enter the
data into the N_SIGHT R450 host software.

• Be sure the personal computer (PC)
N_SIGHT R450 host software meets the requirements specified
in N_SIGHT R450 Host Software Requirements on Page 3-1.

reate Users.

• C

• Create Customer (one per site).

• Create Collectors.

that will

host the 

R450 System New Customer Guide 1-3

Introduction

Responsibilities of R450 DC Installation Manager

The following list describes the responsibilities of the R450 DC Installa­tion Manager who works with the Utility Manager and the professional
installers to ef
R450 System.

• Know the requirements and specifications of the R450 DC as out-

lined in R450 DC Specifications o

• Work with the Utility Manager in selection of the site for the R450

DCs.

• Select the professional installers for the project.

• Become very familiar with the installation guidelines and proce-

dures outlined in the R4
nance Guide, Part Number 1

• Review instructions for installation with the professional installers.

• Oversee the installation of R450 DCs.

ficiently set up the R450 DCs for use with the

50 Data Collector Insta

2835-001.

n Pa

ge 3-6.

llation and Mainte-

• Test the operation of the R450 DCs.

Responsibilities of MIU Installation Manager

The following list describes the responsibilities of the R450 MIU Instal­lation Manager who works with the Utility Manager and the profes­sional installers to efficiently set up the R450 MIUs to send and receive
data from

• Know the meter requirements and specifications

•

• Select the professional installers for the project.

• Become very familiar with the R450

1-4 R450 System New Customer Guide

the R450 DCs.

MIU as

Perform the propagation studies for the specified

Number 12856-001.

outlined in Meter Requirements on Page 3-5.

MIU Quick Insta

of the R450

area.

ll Guide, Part

Introduction

• Review instructions and procedures for installation with the install­ers as outlined in the R450 MIU Install
Guide, Part Number 12857-001.

• Oversee the installation of R450 DCs.

ation and Maintenance

• Test each R450 MIU installed to be

Responsibilities of Neptune

Neptune works with the Utility Manager in obtaining the necessary FCC
license. Neptune secures a license based on a frequency determined for
the best coverage area and then transfers it to the utility upon request.

In addition, the Neptune Systems Implementation Specialist works
the followin
project have been successfully completed and that all required utility
personnel have been properly trained on the system.

• Utility Manager

• Data Project Manager

• R450 DC Installation Manager

• R450 MIU Installation Manager

General Information

Toll-Free Customer Support

sure it transmits to the 

R450 DC.

with

g personnel at the utility to ensure that all aspects of the

For toll-free Customer Support, please dial [phone]. Your call
will be directed to the appropriate person.

Length of Software Warranty

The length of the standard software warranty is one year from the ship
date unless a maintenance contract was included in the bid or original
order. Please contact your local Neptune sales representative or distribu­tor for pricing on extended maintenance agreements.

R450 System New Customer Guide 1-5

Introduction

Equipment Repair

If your equipment requires repair, please contact our Customer Support
representatives in order to obtain a Returned Material Authorization
(RMA) number. You can reach our support representatives by calling
[phone], emailing a request to [e-mail], or fax­ing a request to [phone]. Please be able to describe the nature of
the probl

telephone number for additional information.

em, supply a seri

Any item that is returned for any reason must be accompanied by an RMA
number. Any return without an RMA will be delayed in processing.

Ordering Additional Equipment

Please contact your local Neptune sales representative or distributor for
prices on additional equipment. This information may also be obtained
from the Customer Service Department by calling the toll free number
[phone].

al number, and provide a contact name and

Additional Training

Once your order is processed, a Neptune Systems Implementation Spe­cialist will contact you and schedule a tentative training date. Training
schedules are subject to change if implementation
pleted.

Additional training is offered as refresher courses. Please contact your

Neptune sale

local

1-6 R450 System New Customer Guide

s representative or distributor for pricing information.

phases are not com-

Chapter 2 R450 System Overview

R450 System

This section on the R450 System provides you with an overview of the
R450 System operations and a breakdown of the system components.

System Overview

Neptune's R450 System users can get critical, timely data from the field
as well as daily, system-wide, time-synchronized, midnight readings
from all meters and MIUs that support leak detection and conservation
initiatives. This eliminates off-cycle readings for high water-bill com­plaints, move-ins, or move-outs.

The R450 System also offers auto-discovery over the network
allowing utilities to confirm network communications and MIU and
register operation before leaving an installation site. The R450 System
optimizes reading succes
licensed transmitter that avoids collisions and interference associated
with unlicensed bands. The high power also helps reduce collector
infrastructure lowering total deployment costs.

s rates through a high-power, two-way

The R450 System operates in the 450-470 MHz licensed frequency

protected by the FCC to ensure

band
and minimal interference. The radio messages transmitted by the R450
MIU are received by a network of R450 DCs covering the service area.

The R450 System is designed to minimize the total number of
R450 DCs to ensure overall system performance and
sage success rate.

R450 System New Customer Guide 2-1

maximum message success rate

ximum mes-

ma

R450 System Overview

Components

At scheduled intervals, each R450 DC communicates the data 
(R450 MIU IDs, meter readings, E-CoderPLUS data, and Permalog
Leak Detection data) to the N_SIGHT R450 host software by GPRS (or
other netw
this communication with the host software, the time clock internal to the
R450 DC is updated, and any further instructions
downloaded to the R450 DC for future action.

The R450 System components include the following:

• Host Computer — electronically stores meter readings and other

ork backhaul such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and so forth). During

from the host

data collected by

the R450 MIUs through the R450 DC.

are

• N_SIGHT R450 Host Software —

received from the R450
into graphs an
information, reports can be generated describing the accuracy in
overall system health of your network.

• R45

• R450 Meter Interfac

0 Data Collector — electronically stores meter readings and

other data collected by

tion from water meters to the R450 DC.

d manageable representations for a utility. From this

MIUs that was collected by the R450 DC

the meter reader or service technician.

e Unit — transm

presents the information

its meter reading informa-

2-2 R450 System New Customer Guide

R450 System Overview

The following illustration shows how the R450 System works together.

Figure 2.1 R450 System Flow Diagram

N_SIGHT R450 Host Software

N_SIGHT R450 host software can be hosted on-site at the utility on a
server specified in Table 3.1 on Page 3-3 or by the Neptune Customer
Support Specialists, or the utility can elect to have N_SIGHT R450 host

ware hosted through Neptune. Either way, utility personnel have full

soft
control of the advanced functionality of N_SIGHT R450 host software
24 hours a da

The N_SIGHT R450 host software is a thin client Web-based
application.
for the utility’s Customer Information System (CIS) for both meter
reading and work order applications. Additionally, the host software
supports reading performance reports and advanced usage analysis
capabilities. It also has the ability to export data in Microsoft Excel,
Microsoft Word, and Adobe PDF formats.

R450 System New Customer Guide 2-3

y.

It communicates with the file layout format as an interface

R450 System Overview

R450 DC Units

The N_SIGHT R450 host software has the basic capability of providing
the following data to utilities on a daily basis for monthly billing
applications:

• A daily, time-synchronized meter reading taken at midnight from

er mete

all wat

• 24 hourly usage/consumption readings delivered daily for resolu-

tion of customer billing disputes and im

R450 DCs are rugged, NEMA 4x weatherproof assemblies, and
include a 450MHz RF transceiver, micro-processor, and AC power
supply with the N_SIGHT R450 host software and the host server. The
R450 DC operates in temperature extreme ranges
R450 DC requires 110 VAC because of the robust two-way RF
transceiver which enables the
wide midnight meter readings and provide other value-added
functionality associated with a two-way system.

rs for monthly billing purposes.

proved cu

capability to take synchronized system-

stomer service.

of -30° to 8

5° C. The

R450 System Wide Area Network (WAN) Options

The R450 DC can be ordered with a variety of WAN technologies to
communicate with the N_SIGHT R450 host software. The GPRS cellu­lar modem
munication methods include Wi-Fi and Ethernet.

GPRS Wireless Data Continuous IP

Ethernet (Wired) Continuous IP

Wi-Fi (802.11) Continuous IP

2-4 R450 System New Customer Guide

option is standard; however, other available backhaul com-

able 2.1 WAN Technology Alternatives

T

WAN Technology Connecti

vity Transport

R450 DC - Network Coverage

The R450 System is tower-based and fully optimizes the high power
R450 MIU and R450 DC to effectively cover a utility's syst
system deployment, Neptune conducts a detailed propagation analysis
using a modeling software customized to pinpoint the best locations for
the R450 DCs to ensure maximum message success rate as well as data
security
multiple R450 DCs
the assurance that meter data comes through even if there is a temporary
problem

In the case of power outages at the R450 DC, each R450 DC is
equi
loss of communications between the R450 DC and the Host, the
R450 DC is equipped with enough memory to allow it to continue to
coll
The R450 DC communicates that data to the host server and
N_SIGHT R450 host software once power or communication is
restored between the R450 DC and the host computer.

. One R450 DC supports several

with individual R450 DCs.

pped wi

ect data for a mi

R450 Meter Interface Unit (MIU)

R450 System Overview

em. Prior to

thousand R450 MIUs and

hear a single R450 MIU, providing the utility with

th non-volatile memory to prevent loss of data. In case of

nimum of three days before the data is over-written.

The R450 MIU is designed to collect meter usage data and remotely
transmit the information to tower-based collectors at pre-determined
intervals. The powerful R450 MIU operates within the 450 - 470 MHz
FCC licensed bandwidth to ensure maximized read success rates as well
as reliable RF performance. In standard mode, the MIU transmits meter
usage data daily. Each meter reading is synchronized with the network
and taken at midnight. The MIU uses time diversity when
communicating/transmitting to the R450 DCs to maximize meter
reading success

The R450

er monit

encod
plus the advanced functionality of E-Coder (intermittent leak,
continuous leak, reverse flow, and zero usage). When the R450
identifies a critical alarm state, it is designed to notify designated utility
personnel via email for immediate response. The R450 MIU can be
remotely programmed from the host software for hourly profiling to
address such issues as consumption disputes, conservation compliance,
as well as, monitoring large commercial and industrial usage.

R450 System New Customer Guide 2-5

rates.

MIU coupled with Neptune's solid-state E-Coder absolute

ors the high, 8-digit resolution, 15-minute interval data

R450 System Overview

The R450 MIU can be connected to two ProRead or E-Coder absolute
encoder registers when the registers are configured in network mode. In
addition, the R450 MIU is compatible with the AMR Permalog leak
detection sensor from Fluid Conservation Systems, Inc. (FCS) and can
provide the utility with a means of detecting water leaks on distribution
lines.

N_SIGHT R450 Host Software

The N_SIGHT R450 host software provides the most advanced fixed
network AMI functionality of any fixed-base system on the market
today. Whether your information requirements are a daily read to
support billing and off-cycle reads or hourly consumption and usage
profile data to support customer service inquiries, N_SIGHT R450 host

ware provides al

soft

Neptune recognizes there is a difference between the amount of data and
the val
left for interpretatio
personnel. The N_SIGHT R450 host software is designed to support
key departme
Billing, and Operations) by providing high-value data in user-friendly
screens and reports to help utility personnel manage their day-to-day
operations. N_SIGHT R450 host software provides users with easy
system
discovery over the network, synchronized midnight meter readings,
monthly/daily/hourly customer usage graphs, enhanced reporting,
priority alarms, and mapping functionality.

l of this information at your fingertips.

ue of data

monitoring

communicated through an R450 System. Data can be

n or displayed in a way that adds value to utility

nts within your utility organization (Customer Service,

and control, over-the-air system upgrades, auto-

Account Setup

Account setup consists of how accounts will be loaded into
N_SIGHT R450. Accounts are uploaded to the system through the data
push process from
CSR or throug

Once the accounts are in the system, then
within

the application. Route information can be pushed over from the

N_SIGHT R450 as well.

2-6 R450 System New Customer Guide

N_SIGHT R900 through manual input by a utility

h a web services import.

groups or zones can be created

R450 System Overview

• Zones can be geographic – North, South, East, or West

Mapping Feature

• Groups can b
tial. Examples include the following: 

- Hotels, hospitals, apartments, restaurants

- Stores such as Wal-Mart

• Routes can be the bi

To set up groups, zones, and routes for your accounts, use the Table
Maintenance function located on the System Maintenance ta
N_SIGHT R450 host software.

For more information and the steps on how to set up your account, 
press F1 while using the N_SIGHT R450 host software to view the 
N_SIGHT R450 Online Help.

The N_SIGHT R450 Mapping feature is an optional module. This fea­ture allows you to view your R450 System in a variety of ways using
standard mappin

In order to use this feature, you must enter all the latitude and longitude coor­dinates for each MIU and Data Collector. In order to access the GIS/mapping
feature of the N_SIGHT R450 host software, you must purchase
license. If you have purchased this license, please contact
ogy Group System Support to acquire the software license key.

e anything such as industrial, commercial, or residen-

lling routes

g tools.

from the CIS.

b with the

a software

Neptune Technol-

R450 System New Customer Guide 2-7

R450 System Overview

General Terminology and Explanation

Standard Industry Terms

Before proceeding, note these standard industry terms. They are used in
the subsequent section.

Ter m De scriptio n

AMR Automatic Meter Reading. The automated process of

EMR Electronic Meter Reading. Similar to AMR.

Header Record The information at the top of an import or export file

reading meters.

which designates the beginning of a route. This record
contains basic route related information such as the
cycle number, route number, survey information, start/
end date and times, reader ID, totals, and vehicle infor­mation. Optional headers may be included in the import
file for broadcast and route messages.

Host Software The N_SIGHT R450 host software resides on a server.

The application can be accessed through a Web
browser from PCs within the network.

Meter A device that measures a resource. Many utility compa-

nies use the term “meter” to refer to a set of readings.

R450 Neptune's two-way Radio Frequency transmitter that

broadcasts an MIU ID and the meter reading from a
Neptune encoder or Invensys ECR II and III register.

2-8 R450 System New Customer Guide

R450 System Terms

Term Description Example

R450 System Overview

The following is a list of terms that can be helpful for the 
R450 System.

System ID Unique system-wide number for a given utility to

compartmentalize co-located collectors into vir­tual “groups”

Customer Number Unique identifier for customer using zip code for

utility

Collector 
Number

Collector ID A unique, sequential description of collector for a

Customer Special 
Number

Sequential number of collector for a given Cus­tomer Number

given utility

Neptune-assigned unique manufacturing special
number used with part numbers. Special refers to
the System ID and the frequencies for the cus­tomer.

101 (ABC Utility)
102 (Anytown)
104 (Metropolis)

48329 
(Anytown, AL)

12

48329_0012
(Anytown 12)

SXXX

R450 System New Customer Guide 2-9

R450 System Overview

Notes:

2-10 R450 System New Customer Guide