Ott Hydromet Business Unit Adcon Telemetry A733GSM GPRS User Manual

A73x addWAVE

User Guide

Valid for A731, A732, A733 and A733GSM RTUs
Release 2.0 and higher

Rel. 2.3 / September 2006

A

A

A

A

DCON TELEMETRY GmbH

INKUSTRASSE 24

-3400 KLOSTERNEUBURG
USTRIA

TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
http://www.adcon.at
e-mail: [e-mail]

DCON INTERNATIONAL INC
2050 LYNDELL TERRACE
SUITE 129, DAVIS, 95616
CALIFORNIA, USA

TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
http://www.adcon.at
email: [e-mail]

Proprietary Notice:

The Adcon logo, the A720 series and addIT™, the A730 series and addWAVE,
addVANTAGE and AgroExpert™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Adcon Telemetry GmbH. All other registered names used throughout this
publication are trademarks of their respective owners.

This publication contains confidential information that is the property of Adcon
Telemetry GmbH. Disclosure to third parties of the information contained
herein is prohibited. Neither the whole nor any part of the information contained
in this publication may be reproduced in any material form except with the prior
written permission of Adcon Telemetry GmbH.

Release 2.2 / August 2006
Copyright © 2006 by Adcon Telemetry GmbH.
All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1 Introduction .........................................................................7

1.1 About the A73x RTU family..............................................................7

1.2 Compliance Statement and Warnings .............................................8

1.3 Conventions .....................................................................................8

2 Using the A73x RTU .......................................................... 11

2.1 Opening the packages ...................................................................11

2.2 Installing the RTU...........................................................................12

2.3 Special notes for the A733GSM/GPRS RTU.................................13

2.3.1 GPRS usage of an A733GSM/GPRS RTU....................................15

2.4 Field Installation .............................................................................17

2.5 More about the LED tool ................................................................19

2.6 Configuring an A73x RTU in the addVANTAGE

software..........................................................................................20

2.7 Maintaining and servicing the RTU................................................20

2.7.1 The RTU battery.............................................................................20

2.7.2 Changing the battery......................................................................21

3 Performing Advanced Functions..................................... 25

3.1 Understanding connectors .............................................................25

3.1.1 The RTU connectors......................................................................25

3.1.2 The POWER Connector.................................................................26

3.2 Communicating with the RTU ........................................................27

3.3 Serial communication protocol.......................................................28

3.3.1 General format of a command .......................................................28

3.3.2 General format of an answer .........................................................28

3.4 Using terminal commands .............................................................29

CMDS.............................................................................................29

3

Table of Contents

TIME...............................................................................................29

FREQ .............................................................................................29

RSSI...............................................................................................30

ID....................................................................................................30

SLOT..............................................................................................31

SST ................................................................................................31

PMP ...............................................................................................31

ANLG .............................................................................................32

ANRT .............................................................................................35

DATA..............................................................................................36

IMME..............................................................................................38

FDEV..............................................................................................38

INFO...............................................................................................39

PORT .............................................................................................40

RX ..................................................................................................43

TX...................................................................................................43

B.....................................................................................................44

BLST ..............................................................................................44

VER................................................................................................44

SDI .................................................................................................45

DATASDI........................................................................................46

SDA................................................................................................48

FPC ................................................................................................48

GSMPIN .........................................................................................48

GSMPUK........................................................................................49

GSMSTAT/GPRSSTAT .................................................................49

GPRSAPNSERV............................................................................49

GPRSAPNUN ................................................................................50

GPRSAPNPW................................................................................50

GPRSHOST ...................................................................................51

GPRSPORT ...................................................................................51

GPRSDNS1/GPRSDNS2 ..............................................................51

GPRSSECRET ..............................................................................52

GPRSCONNINT.............................................................................52

GPRSCONNALIGN........................................................................53

GPRSTMOUT ................................................................................53

3.5 Notifications....................................................................................54

3.6 Returned errors list ........................................................................54

3.6.1 Command line interpreter ..............................................................54

3.6.2 Device descriptors and storage handler ........................................54

3.6.3 Real time clock...............................................................................55

3.6.4 Radio interface ...............................................................................55

3.6.5 Notifications....................................................................................55

4

Table of Contents

4 Specifications .................................................................... 57

5 APPENDIX .......................................................................... 60

5.1 Upgrading an older A733 GSM......................................................60

6 Index ................................................................................... 63

5

Introduction

1 Introduction

This manual explains the hardware aspects of Adcon’s A733, A732, A731, and
A733GSM/GPRS remote telemetry units (hereafter referred to as A73x), including
installation issues and certain parameter configurations. The manual is divided as
follows:

• "Introduction,” which gives some general information and document
conventions.

• "Using the A73x RTU,” which details the installation and use of the remote
telemetry unit.

• "Performing Advanced Functions,” which contains technical information for
the advanced user.

• "Specifications,” which describes operating parameters for the devices.

1.1 About the A73x RTU family

The A731, A732, and A733 RTUs incorporate an A431 radio module operating in
the 430 to 470 MHz range, making it adaptable to most radio communication
regulations in the world. The output power is variable up to 0.5 W, while the
modulation is narrow-band FM (6.25, 12.5 or 25 kHz channel spacing). The
A733GSM/GPRS RTU incorporates a GSM module and uses the standard GSM
network for retrieving telemetry data (900/1800 MHz in Europe, 850/1900 MHz in
the US).

The A73x is a rugged RTU, complying with the IP65 ingress protection class
(NEMA 4). Depending on topography it ensures a reliable wireless connection to
other A73x RTUs, an A730MD or A730SD device, or an A840 Telemetry Gateway
over a distance of up to 20 km (12 miles). The A733GSM/GPRS has no such
limitations; however, your cellular service provider must cover the site where you
want to install the RTU. The A733GSM/GPRS operates in conjunction with the
A840 Telemetry Gateway only.

7

Compliance Statement and Warnings

1.2 Compliance Statement and Warnings

The A73x addWAVE (radio version) must not be used with any antenna other than
the one supplied by Adcon (or an antenna with identical technical specifications).

A minimum distance of 18 cm to the antenna is required to guarantee compliance
with basic safety restrictions. In conformity with EC Parliament recommendation
1999/519/EG, 28V/m is the reference value for the frequency range used. By
adhering to any and all recommended reference levels, you can ensure compliance
to basic restrictions that protect the general public against electromagnetic fields.

This device was notified by Adcon Telemetry in the following countries (as of this
release of the manual) with the respective radio authorities:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece,
Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA

Countries not mentioned above might be covered by a type of approval acquired by
our distribution partner.

In some countries individual user licenses and frequency allocations need to be
applied for. Please consult your dealer for further information.

Note: The above paragraphs are not applicable to the A733GSM/GPRS RTU.

The A733GSM/GPRS is available for the European 900 MHz and 1800 MHz net-

works as well as for the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz infrastructure in the US and
several other countries.

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

1. The device may not cause harmful interference,

2. The device must accept any interference received, including interfer­ence that may cause undesired operation,

3. Any changes to the device other than those mentioned in this manual
void the FCC type of approval.

1.3 Conventions

Certain conventions apply in this documentation.

Italics

Bold

fixed font

Indicate that the text is variable and must be substituted for
something specific, as indicated in the explanation. Italics
can also be used to emphasize words as words or letters as
letters

Indicates special emphasis of the text. Also indicates menu
names and items in a window.

Indicates characters you must type or system messages.

FileSave

Note

8

Indicates menu selection. For example, select the File
menu, then the Save option.

Indicates information of interest. Notes appear after the
information they apply to.

Introduction

 CAUTION

 WARNING

Indicates that you may get unexpected results if you don’t
follow the instructions. Cautions appear before the
information they apply to.

Indicates danger to yourself or damage to the device if you
don’t follow the instructions. Warnings appear before the
information they apply to.

9

Using the A73x RTU

2 Using the A73x RTU

The A73x series of remote telemetry units (RTUs) is part of the A730 series. For
testing purposes, you should have an A730SD/A730MD and/or an A840 Telemetry
Gateway installed before you install your A73x RTU. For information about
installing the A730SD or A730MD, refer to the addVANTAGE A730 User Guide

Version 3.4x. For information about installing the A840, refer to the Base Station,
A840 Telemetry Gateway and Wireless Modem A440 User Guide. The

A733GSM/GPRS RTUs operates in conjunction with an A840 Telemetry Gateway
only.

2.1 Opening the packages

The A73x RTU package contains the A73x RTU, an antenna, and a pipe clamp. If
ordered, the following items come in separate packaging:

• A solar panel with pipe clamp

• A set of aluminum poles

• An LED tool

• Sensors and cables, one box for each sensor, and fastening ties in each

sensor box

Make sure you have received all the equipment and read through the instructions
that follow. When you are sure you understand them, you are ready to install your
RTU.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show the top and bottom view of an A733 addWAVE RTU.

11

Installing the RTU

Fig. 1: addWAVE RTU (top)

Fig. 2: addWAVE RTU (bottom)

2.2 Installing the RTU

The following restrictions apply:

• In general, the typical “line-of sight” distance the RTU can communicate is
10 km (6 miles). This is valid if both the RTU and its partner device are
mounted on a 3 m mast (9 ft.); the results may vary under different
conditions, and you can sometimes achieve greater distances.

Note: The above does not apply to the A733GSM/GPRS RTU. In principle there is no

distance limit for this type of device as long as your cellular provider covers the
area where it is installed.

• As with all wireless communication devices, the higher the transmitter is,
the better the communication will be.

• All A73x devices accept the standard Adcon sensors (A731 excluded),
which are different from the A730MD series in that they provide IP65 class
protection. All Adcon sensors are delivered by default with this new type of
connector. An adapter cable is optionally available to connect current
sensors to the RJ-12 ports of the A730MD stations.

Note: For technical reasons, Adcon cannot provide adapters for the RJ-12 connector to

the A73x devices.

12

Using the A73x RTU

2.3 Special notes for the A733GSM/GPRS RTU

The A733GSM/GPRS RTU is based on a GSM module which employs a GSM
cellular network to transmit the telemetry data. Before you install such a device,
you must make sure a sufficient signal for proper operation of the RTU on the site
where you plan to use it exists; you can do this by using a standard cellular phone
operated by the same cellular provider. You can also verify that you can
communicate with the RTU simply by calling it as you would a normal cellular
phone.

The two ways to operate your A733GSM/GPRS RTU are as follows:

GSM mode: In this case please ask whether your provider offers CSD

1.

connections.

Most cellular/GSM providers use a different telephone number for data
communication than for voice communication. Don’t forget to ask for this data
number when you order your SIM card, if you do not use the RTU in GPRS
mode!

When your modem calls the RTU from a land line, use the data number: else
the RTU will answer, but immediately send a busy tone, as the voice call
cannot connect to a data terminal. Voice calls cannot connect to a data
terminal, so you need to set up your modem to use the data number when
calling the RTU from a land line.

2. GPRS mode: Please make sure your SIM card is well suited for GPRS
operation.

You also need to insert your SIM card into the SIM holder inside your
A733GSM/GPRS RTU by following these steps:

1. Open the lid of the A733GSM/GPRS RTU by unscrewing the four bolts in the
corners of the RTU and then remove the lid as shown in Figure 3 .

Fig. 3: Removing the A73x Lid

Note: You don’t have to remove the battery plug from the base board during this

operation, but make sure nothing is attached to the POWER connector.

13

Special notes for the A733GSM/GPRS RTU

Fig. 4: Installing the SIM card in the A733GSM/GPRS RTU

2. Locate the SIM card holder and open it by sliding it as indicated by the red
arrow (see Fig. 4, left).

3. Raise the holder top and slide the SIM card into it (Fig. 4, center).

4. Snap the holder top back on and slide it back as shown again by the red arrow
depicted in Fig. 4, right.

5. Remount the lid, taking care that the rubber gasket sealing the box is not out of
place and is free of dust or dirt.



WARNING: Be sure to mount the rubber gasket properly, so that the unit’s IP65 environmental

protection is not affected.

6. Put the four screws back in place, applying moderate force (approximately 150
to 200 Ncm), tightening crosswise. For additional information, please contact
Adcon Telemetry or your local reseller of Adcon Telemetry products.

This completes the SIM-card installation. Now you will need to activate the card by
using a personal identification number (PIN). You will find this number in the
package that you got from your cellular service provider.

Before you can activate your card, the A733GSM/GPRS must be properly
powered. As the RTUs are delivered from the factory with the batteries uncharged
(they have a longer shelf life in this state), you must charge the batteries first. The
best way to do this is to attach the solar panel to the power connector and expose
the RTU to the sunlight for at least one hour. If the sky is overcast the battery will
still charge, but at a lower rate; in this case allow at least four hours for charging.

You need a serial adapter cable to enter the PIN; you can get the cable from Adcon
Telemetry or your reseller. When you have the cable, you can proceed as follows:

1. Connect the serial cable from the COM port of your PC to the RTU. Configure
your terminal as follows: 19200 baud, 1 stop bit, 8 data bits, no parity, no
handshaking protocol (neither hardware nor software). For more details, see
“Communicating with the RTU” on page 27.

2. Make sure that you can communicate with the RTU by pressing the enter key:
the device will answer with its own ID number and a hash sign (#).

3. Type the command GSMPIN nnnn (where nnnn is the PIN code) and press
enter. If the PIN is conforming to the standard PIN format requirements the
RTU will answer id gsmpin 0, where id is its ID number (this is NO PIN check
with your provider!).

This completes the PIN entry procedure. You can check the status of the
A733GSM/GPRS RTU at any time by typing the GSMSTAT command. This
command returns a list of GSM parameters:

14

Using the A73x RTU

#gsmstat
26142 gsmstat
GSM modem on: Yes
SIM card found: Yes
PIN set: Yes
PIN accepted: Yes
Sleepmode OK: Yes
PUK required: No
Default IMEI nr: No
GPRS: Yes
GPRS IP conn.: No
Attempts left to enter PIN: 3, PUK: 10
0
#

The above shows that:

• The GSM modem is on.

• A valid SIM card is inserted.

• The SIM card was activated with a valid PIN code.

• The GPRS feature is enabled.

• The GPRS connection is not established.

The GPRS-related lines from the above-displayed output of the GSMSTAT
command are shown only by RTU firmware versions capable of the GPRS
communication mode (for version information see below).

Other information is also listed, but it is of no concern to the user, except the PUK
required entry. If this parameter is Yes, it can be the result of entering a wrong PIN
three times in a row. You can see this also in the last string displayed by the
GSMSTAT / GPRSSTAT command (number of retries left).

To reactivate the card you will need its PUK number, which you also get from your
cellular provider with the SIM card. To reactivate the card, enter the command
GSMPUK pppppppp nnnn (where pppppppp is the PUK code and nnnn is the
new PIN). Note that the new PIN is used immediately to activate the SIM card.

The command GPRSSTAT is a synonym for GSMSTAT.



WARNING: Your A733GSM/GPRS RTU has an internationally unique identification number

(IMEI). This number is on a leaflet packaged with your device, and you will need it
if you lose the device. Please keep the number in a safe place.

2.3.1 GPRS usage of an A733GSM/GPRS RTU

Configuring the GPRS Parameters

To configure your A733GSM/GPRS RTU for usage with GPRS, ensure that the
module has firmware version 2.10 or above installed. If your A733GSM/GPRS RTU
features a Motorola GSM/GPRS module, be sure to have firmware version 2.14 or
higher installed.

Verify that you have configured the GSM Parameters as described in the previous
section (GSMPIN, GSMROAM).

Note: If you want to use only the GSM features of the RTU, you have to set “GPRSPORT

0“ to disable the GPRS capabilities. The power consumption will then be as low as
with the older GSM-only units.

15

Special notes for the A733GSM/GPRS RTU

Set/configure the following parameters through a terminal connection to enable
GPRS connection to your ISP:

GPRSAPNSERV “[servername]”

where [servername] is the name of the ISP's
GPRS access server (required)

GPRSAPNUN “[username]”

where [username] is the name of the GPRS
user’s name for the ISP (might be optional)

GPRSAPNPW “[password]”

where [password] is the password for the

GPRS user (might be optional)
The following examples show the GRPS parameters for an Austrian mobile phone
services provider:

GPRSAPNSERV “A1.net”

GPRSAPNUN “[e-mail]”

GPRSAPNPW “ppp”

Note: Please take extreme care not to misspell the GPRS-parameter values, and not to

switch the case of letters. Misspelled names/entries could cause the RTU not to
connect to the GPRS network or A840.

Configuring the TCP Parameters

The A733 GSM/GPRS RTU will only connect to the A840 Telemetry Gateway if the
following TCP Parameters are set:

GPRSHOST “[a840-ipaddress]”

where [a840-ipaddress] is the IP address
of the A840 Telemetry Gateway the RTU
has to connect to. For RTUs with built-in
Motorola GSM/GPRS modules, this
parameter must be an IP address in
decimal dotted notation, e.g.

123.45.23.45.

GPRSPORT [portnumber]

where [portnumber] is the port number
where the communication with the A840
Telemetry Gateway will occur. If this
parameter is set to 0, the RTU will
operate only in GSM mode.

GPRSDNS1 [dotted_dns_address]

(optional) first DNS server address of
your GPRS network operator (e.g.

123.34.2.34). This and the next command
are not available on RTUs with built-in
Motorola GSM/GPRS modules.

GPRSDNS2 [dotted_dns_address]

(optional) second DNS server address.

Note: When using an Internet Firewall in front of the LAN where the A840 Telemetry

Gateway resides, be careful to properly configure the firewall and the
A733GSM/GPRS RTU connection parameters [a840-ipaddress] and
[portnumber]. This is particularly important if you use NAT (network address
translation) on your firewall.



CAUTION: If you are using an Internet Firewall in front of your A840 Telemetry Gateway, allow

connection to devices only with IP addresses from your GPRS network operator’s
IP networks to your A840 Telemetry Gateway. When your GPRS network operator
changes the addresses of his IP networks, you must adjust your firewall’s filters
appropriately.

16

Using the A73x RTU

Configuring the RTU GPRS Connection settings

Use the following commands to define the intervals the RTU will wake up and
connect to the A840 Telemetry Gateway:

GPRSCONNALIGN [align]

GPRSCONNINT [interval]

GPRSSECRET <secret>

GPRSTMOUT [interval]

Set these parameters according to the needs of your application. Make sure you
choose the proper parameters for GPRSTMOUT (to allow for appropriate idle
times, but not ones that are too long), GPRSCONNALIGN and GPRSCONNINT
(for specifying the proper connect times of the RTU). Also take into account, that
the RTU will be polled for data by the Adcon Telemetry Gateway within the
GPRSTMOUT time.

alignment of calls in seconds (default 28800,

i.e. 8:00). NOTE: These wall clock times are

either UTC or local time of your A840

Telemetry Gateway, depending on the setting

of the “Wireless Network uses:” switch on

your A840 Telemetry Gateway.

interval between two connection attempts in

seconds (default 43200, i.e. 12 hours).

this 32-bit integer (0 to 4294967295) has to

be set for the RTU and the gateway. This is a

shared “secret” or password.

idle time out in seconds (default 3600, i.e. 1

hour). Connections that are idle this long will

be terminated by the RTU.

If you need your RTU to detect within an hour that the connection to the Adcon
Telemetry Gateway is broken, set the GPRSTMOUT to 3600 seconds. But make
sure, that the RTU is polled for data at least once within that time span.

Note: Keep in mind that "calling" the A840 Telemetry Gateway costs battery power.

Recommended Settings for A733 GSM/GPRS with WaveCOM Module:

On the RTU:

• GPRSCONNINT 3600 or 7200 or 10800 (1, 2, 3 hours connection interval)

• GPRSCONNALIGN is per default set to align the connection to 8:00 (UTC)

On the gateway:

• Check the "Close connection after poll" checkbox for the RTU

2.4 Field Installation

Installing A73x RTUs in the field is a fairly simple process. You’ll perform a
connectivity check with an LED tool (does not apply to A733GSM/GPRS RTUs).
The LED tool is shown in Fig. 5.

17

Field Installation

Fig. 5: LED Tool

Note: The LED tool is a blind plug to be plugged into the POWER connector.

Follow these steps to install an A73x RTU in the field:

1. Review the installation area and choose the best site (for the A733GSM/GPRS

RTU, skip to Step 3).

2. Perform a connectivity check using the LED tool:

a. Insert the LED tool into the POWER connector and wait up to 10

seconds. If the unit connects to at least one station (or a base station),
it will light up the LED for about 4 seconds.

b. Keep observing the LED tool and, after several more seconds, the LED

will blink one or more times (the number of blinks indicates the number
of stations it has successfully contacted).

Note: For the A733GSM/GPRS, make sure that you have a sufficient RF signal from your

cellular service provider. The simplest way to achieve this is to check a cellular
phone operated by the same cellular service provider on the site where you want to
install the RTU.

3. Assemble your pole set.

4. Put an Adcon plastic cap into the top of the pole and secure it with a pie clamp

to protect the top of the pole from damage.

5. Using a hammer, drive the 80 cm aluminum rod into the ground.

6. Using the pipe clamp supplied, fasten the solar panel onto the pole. Make sure

that the panel is facing south (north if you are located in the southern
hemisphere) and out of the way of the A73x RTU.

Note: The solar panel can be mounted under or behind the A73x RTU, but make sure

that the RTU does not shadow the panel.

7. Fasten the A73x RTU to the top of the pole with a pipe clamp. Adcon

recommends that you perform another connectivity test (not for the
A733GSM/GPRS), if you can, to check the positioning of the device.



WARNING: If you turn the fastening screws too tightly, you could damage the connectors.

8. Attach the sensors to the I/O connectors and the solar panel to the POWER

connector by turning the plugs’ fastening screws clockwise until secure.

9. If you have SDI-12 sensors, attach the SDI-12 adapter and the respective

sensors. For more details about installing the SDI-12 adapter, consult the
leaflet that came with the adapter.

10. Secure the extra length of the sensor cables to the pole with cable ties.

18

This completes the installation of your A73x RTU. If one of the I/O connectors is left
unused, use the cap specially provided to protect it against moisture and dust. Be
sure to make a note of the following information because you’ll need it when you
configure the device in the software:

• Serial number for each RTU (for the A733GSM/GPRS RTUs, the data
telephone number also)

• Type of sensors connected to each RTU and to which I/O port

Using the A73x RTU

2.5 More about the LED tool

The LED tool allows you to rapidly check the status of an A73x RTU. After you
insert the LED tool into the POWER connector, the unit waits up to two seconds
and then sends a broadcast frame (does not apply to the A733GSM/GPRS RTU). If
a nearby listening station or receiver decodes the frame, it will answer back—this
may take up to 10 seconds. When the RTU receives an answer, the LED tool lights
up for about 4 seconds. After another few seconds, the LED lights up one or more
times, depending on the number of stations/receivers that answered its broadcast
frame.

In addition, the LED always blinks briefly at 0.5 second intervals to indicate that the
unit is alive and the internal battery has enough energy to operate. If the blinking
interval lengthens to 2 seconds, the battery has become undercharged (that is,
under 5.6 volts but over 5.2 volts)—which is called the misery state. In this state,
an A73x RTU reduces its activities to a minimum. The radio unit is switched off, the
sensor sampling ceases, and no data is stored in the internal memory. Only the
internal real-time clock is maintained and the power management functions are
performed.

If the battery level drops below 5.2 volts, the system switches completely off,
effectively decoupling itself from the battery to protect it. In this case the LED tool
stays off permanently. An A73x RTU in such a situation will restart only after
connecting it to an external power supply (even a solar panel under low light
conditions).

Note: New A73x RTUs are delivered with their internal batteries unformatted, meaning

they are completely discharged, and you should install them only on sunny days.
The battery will be fully charged after two consecutive sunny days, but you should
get an LED light-up after several minutes of charging in the sunlight.

Testing GSM/GPRS/A840 Connection with LED Tool

When the LED tool, the solar panel, or the SC cable is connected to the RTU, the
modem starts and tries to connect to the gateway. When you connect an LED tool,
the tool indicates the different states of the modem connection with blink-codes (for
details see below). What happens after the GPRS unit successfully connects to the
A840 Telemetry Gateway is determined by the configuration of the gateway. If the
“Close connection after poll" check box is checked, a poll cycle is conducted
immediately (and if the time is not yet set at the RTU, it will be set). If "Close
connection after poll" is not selected, a poll cycle is conducted according to the poll
settings on the gateway (either at the specified poll times or at the specified poll
interval). In this mode the time on the RTU will be set on the first poll cycle.

Misery state (battery voltage below 5.5V but above 5.2V): Short blink every other
second.

Normal mode, but GSM/GPRS modem not yet started: Short blink every half
second.

Modem in GSM mode (mostly transitional mode): 3 seconds on, half a second off.

19

Configuring an A73x RTU in the addVANTAGE software

Modem in GPRS network: 3 seconds off, half a second on with short blinks in the
off periods.

TCP connection to Gateway established: Blinking in a half-second-on, half-second­off rhythm.

2.6 Configuring an A73x RTU in the addVANTAGE
software

To configure the A73x RTU with an A840 Telemetry Gateway and the
addVANTAGE 4 Pro software, check the Base Station, Telemetry Gateway A840
and Wireless Mode A440 User Guide.

2.7 Maintaining and servicing the RTU

The A733 unit needs virtually no maintenance. It is waterproof and designed to
withstand harsh environmental conditions (-30 to +70 °C, or -22 to 158 °F), high
RH values, water, and other non-corrosive liquids. It conforms to the European
protection class IP65. These standards also apply to the connectors, as long as
they are mated or capped. Don’t let unmated/uncapped connectors on either the
A73x RTU or the sensors be exposed to the environment for extended periods of
time. When used in coastal areas with high salt content in the air, use an extra
protective case to avoid corrosion. Avoid spraying agrochemicals on your RTU, as
they might form very aggressive compounds.

2.7.1 The RTU battery

The internal battery supplies 6.2 volts and consists of either a NiCd (radio RTUs) or
a NiMH (GSM/GPRS) battery pack. The internal electronics manage the battery
charging/discharging process, ensuring it a long life. This approach, coupled with a
remarkably low average consumption (6 mW for the standard RTU and 15 mW for
the GSM RTU), allows an A73x RTU to operate at least two weeks on a fully
charged battery, with the following conditions:

• The channel has moderate radio activity, with requests every 15 minutes.

• Total consumption of attached sensors is 100 mA.

20

• The sensors are sampled once every minute and an averaged slot is
stored in the internal memory every 15 minutes.

Table 1 shows the A73x device’s expected operation time on a fully charged
battery under various conditions. The sensor consumption totals 100 mA.

Radio Activity Sensor Sampling Average

Consumption (mA)

Estimated
Operation (days)