Sensus Metering Systems AR5002 Users Manual
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide
Models AR5001 & AR5002
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide
Copyright © 2006 Sensus Metering Systems. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose,
without the express written permission of Sensus Metering Systems.
Sensus Metering Systems, the Sensus logo, AR5000, ...???... are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Sensus Metering Systems.
Components of the TouchRead System are protected under U.S.
patents 3,748,654; 4,132,981; 4,652,877; 4,758,836 and other
pending.
Sensus cannot accept any financial or other responsibilities that may
be the result of your use of this information including direct,
indirect, special, or consequential damages. There are no warranties
extended or granted by this document. Refer to separate Sensus
warranty documents for product warranty coverage and specifics.
Sensus Metering Systems, 8601 Six Forks Road – Suite 300, Raleigh,
NC 27615. 919-845-4000.
FCC notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Sensus Metering
Systems could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
ii Sensus Metering Systems
Contents
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
Device Care & Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Use the Hand-Held Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Turn the Device ON/OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
About the Key Controls / Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
About the Meter Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
How to Carry & Hold the AR5000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Configuring the AR5000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Link the AR5000 to a TouchRead Device (SmartGun/AutoGun) . . . . . 1-9
Change the Display Font & Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Adjust the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
View the Battery Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
View the Current HHD ID & User . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
View the Date & Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Set Up & Use the Communication Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Connect the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Mount the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Place the AR5000 in the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Charge the AR5000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Charge the AR5000 in the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Charge the AR5000 using the Wall Charger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Battery Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Contact Customer Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Chapter 2: Collect Meter Data
Start Collecting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Select A Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Alter Route Behaviors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide iii
Chapter: Contents
Manage Reading Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
About Meter Read Behaviors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Resolve Readings That Don’t Match the Displayed Location . . . . . . . .2-9
Resolve a Non-Route Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Resolve Reading Malfunctions and Bad Reads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Enter Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Enter Manual Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Enter TouchRead Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
Enter RadioRead Readings (AR5002 only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
Enter Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Mark Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20
Answer Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-21
Add New Meters to Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22
Chapter 3: Find Route Information
Search the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Search for an Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Go to the First Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Go to the Last Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Search for a Meter ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Search Displayed Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Find Unfinished Sections of the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Find UnRead Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Find UnVisited Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Find Unanswered Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
Find Special Entries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
Find Marked Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Find Noted Locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
Find Limit Violators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20
Review Read Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23
Review Route Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23
Review Previous Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-25
iv Sensus Metering Systems
About the
AR5000
The AR5000 is the latest hand-held data collection device
from Sensus Metering Systems. This system provides a wide
range of options for collecting information and simplifies
many of the functions associated with reading utility meters.
Use the information in this document as a reference for the
basic features and setup options available in the AR5000.
You use the AR5000 series hand-held device to collect
readings from utility meters. Readings take place along
predefined routes. The device allows you to select a route
and enter readings using several methods. Both the AR5001
and AR5002 model versions provide the same basic set of
features, including the ability to enter meter reading data
manually or with the Sensus TouchRead system. The AR5002
model has the added capability of reading Sensus RadioRead
equipped meters.
Both devices also allow you to enter notes about locations,
mark locations to follow up later, and manage situations
where the information in the device doesn’t match the
locations on the route. You can also search through routes
and readings, check that the route is complete, and obtain
other statistics.
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-1
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
Office staff add route information into the AR5000 and
extract your meter readings and notes from it by connecting
it to a PC via a communication stand. The stand also charges
the battery, which should last through your shift.
This chapter gives you an introduction to the device,
including basic instructions for use, setup, and maintenance.
The chapter is divided into the following sections:
Device Care & Handling
•
warnings and care instructions.
Use the Hand-Held Device
•
for the ON/OFF, keypad, and display functions.
Configuring the AR5000
•
configuration options.
Set Up & Use the Communication Stand
•
Basic setup instructions for the communication stand.
Charge the AR5000
•
AR5000 and replace the battery.
Contact Customer Support
•
Support.
You can find instructions for reading route information in
Chapter 2:
searching for specific route-related information in Chapter 3:
Collect Meter Data
Find Route Information
on page 1-3 - This section lists
on page 1-4 - Basic instructions
on page 1-9 - Basic AR5000
on page 1-18 -
on page 1-22 - How to charge the
on page 1-27 - For Customer
. You can find instructions on
.
1–2 Sensus Metering Systems
Device Care & Handling
!
!
!
Device Care & Handling
Users need to do very little maintenance on the AR5000.
Typically, keeping the device in good working order requires
little more than occasional cleaning. Clean the case and
keyboard of the AR5000 with warm water, a mild detergent,
and a toothbrush.
Caution Do not use any kind of brush on the
display. A brush will scratch the display
and make it difficult to read the text.
Caution The AR5000 is water resistant, but not
water-proof. Do not submerge the unit for
extended periods.
If your AR5000 is going to be used in an environment where
it will be regularly exposed to substances such as oil or tar
that require stronger cleaning supplies, check with Sensus
Customer Support for a list of approved cleaning chemicals
that will not damage the case or seals on the AR5000. Find
contact information for Sensus Customer Support in
Customer Support
You do, however, need to observe some basic precautions
when handling the AR5000. The unit is housed in a rugged,
shock resistant, sealed case. But, it is a precision piece of
equipment.
on page 1-27.
Contact
Caution Do not drop the AR5000.
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-3
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
Use the Hand-Held Device
Typically, you are going to pick-up your AR5000 at the
beginning of a shift and use it to collect meter reading
information. Before you use the system, you need to
familiarize yourself with the basic system controls.
This section provides information on the basic AR5000
controls and functions and is divided under the following
headings:
Turn the Device ON/OFF
•
power for the AR5000.
About the Key Controls / Functions
•
overview of the basic function keys.
on page 1-4 - How to switch the
on page 1-5 - An
About the Meter Display
•
display and basic display controls.
How to Carry & Hold the AR5000
•
straps and hold the AR5000.
on page 1-7 - An overview of
on page 1-8 - How attach
 Turn the Device ON/OFF
You can leave the AR5000 switched ON for extended periods
of time. The batteries are designed to keep the unit operating
for more than enough time to complete an average work
shift. Typically, you can use the AR5000 for a shift and then
place the unit into the charging stand with the power
switched ON (see
Note
To extend battery life, the AR5000 has a sleep
feature that switches OFF the screen. If the
unit is inactive for approximately 10 minutes,
the system blanks the screen and sets the
device to the power-saver mode.
Charge the AR5000
on page 1-22).
1–4 Sensus Metering Systems
Use the Hand-Held Device
To switch the AR5000 ON/OFF...
 Press and release the On/Off key.
• If the system is ON, pressing the ON/OFF key blanks the
screen and set the AR5000 to power-saver mode.
• If the system is in power-saver mode, pressing the
On/Off key switches the AR5000 back ON and returns
the system to the same screen that was displayed when
the system switched to power-saver mode.
About the Key Controls / Functions
shortcuts to many of the functions that you use frequently for
adjusting configuration settings and viewing information.
There are five Function keys. However, you can access up to
12 different functions and three additional controls with these
five keys. The list below provides a brief description of the
default function key assignments. These function key
assignments can be changed by office staff using a PC to
communicate with and configure the device. You should find
out whether the default assignments have been changed.
AR5000 Keypad & DisplayThe Function keys on the AR5000 can be defined and used as
The following functions are available by pressing only the
function key:
• F1 - Manual Read - Use this function key to display the
Enter Text screen to enter a manual meter reading (see
Enter Manual Readings
• F2 - Note - Use this function key to display the Note screen
for entering a note about a location, such as “beware of
dog” (see
• F3 - Search - Use this function to display the Search
Route... menu to find a particular address, meter, or other
information (see
• F4 - Mark - Use this function key to mark/unmark the
currently selected location on a route so that you can
Enter Notes
on page 2-14).
on page 2-19).
Search the Route
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-5
on page 3-3).
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
easily go back to it later (see
page 2-20).
• F5 - Transaction History - Use this function key to display
the transaction history of meter readings collected on the
route from the beginning of the route to the most current
reading (see
The following functions are available by pressing and holding
the blue key and then pressing the function key:
• F6 (blue key + F1) - Configuration - Use this function to
display the Configuration menu.
• F7 (blue key + F2) - Gun Utilities - Use this function key to
display the Smart/AutoGun Utilities screen for linking to a
SmartGun or AutoGun (see
Review Previous Transactions
TouchRead Device (SmartGun/AutoGun)
• F8 (blue key + F3) - This key is undefined by default.
• F9 (blue key + F4) - This key is undefined by default.
• F10 (blue key + F5) - This key is undefined by default.
The following functions and controls are available by pressing
and holding the yellow key and pressing the function key at
the same time:
• F11 (yellow key + F1) - This key is undefined by default.
• F12 (yellow key + F2) - Display Route Name - Use this
function key to display the name of the currently selected
route. The system displays a message with the route
name. Press the Esc key to clear the route name message.
• Backlight ON/OFF (yellow key + F3) - Use this control to
switch the backlight ON/OFF for better visibility in low-light
conditions.
• Contrast Light (yellow key + F4) - Use this control to
decrease the on-screen contrast and lighten the
appearance of characters.
• Contrast Dark (yellow key + F5) - Use this control to
increase the on-screen contrast and darken the
appearance of characters.
Mark Locations
on
on page 3-25).
Link the AR5000 to a
on page 1-9).
1–6 Sensus Metering Systems
Use the Hand-Held Device
The remaining keys on the AR5000 keypad work in much the
same way as a standard typewriter keyboard. You can use
these keys to enter alpha/numeric information or to navigate
around the screens and menus as described in the various
sections of this guide.
About the Meter Display
Typically, you will not need to make any adjustments related
to the screen. However, you can adjust the display’s contrast
and backlight to your preferences (see
page 1-13). In addition, you can set the size and style for the
display font (see
page 1-11).
system’s high-contrast Liquid crystal display screen. This
monochrome display has a 4.1” diagonal viewing area, is
shock-mounted, sealed, and equipped with a heater for cold
weather operation.
Change the Display Font & Size
Adjust the Display
on
on
Function Keys & DisplayYou view all of the AR5000’s route information on the
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-7
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
How to Carry & Hold the AR5000
You can use the AR5000 with two different types of carry
straps. One strap allows you to sling the unit over your
shoulder for hands-free carrying, and the other makes it easy
to hold the device in one hand while you are reading meters.
Straps on the AR5000 Both the hand strap and the shoulder strap attach with clips
to the attachment points at the top and bottom of the
AR5000. Use the clips on the end of each strap to connect to
the device, as shown in the illustration.
When you are carrying the AR5000 with the shoulder strap,
you do not need to hold the device in your hands while
walking. However, you do need to hold the device in one
hand to operate the controls, enter any information, or
search for data.
Holding the AR5000
1–8 Sensus Metering Systems
Configuring the AR5000
Configuring the AR5000
You can configure a number of settings, before you take the
AR5000 into the field. For example, everyone has different
preferences for the system display brightness and volume
settings. You can link the AR5000 to a TouchRead gun to
transfer meter readings without the need to manually enter
them. Or, you may want to check some of the basic system
settings, such as the battery charge level.
This section provides procedures for configuring and verifying
the following:
Link the AR5000 to a TouchRead Device
•
(SmartGun/AutoGun)
AR5000 to communicate with a TouchRead gun.
Change the Display Font & Size
•
adjust the size of the font on the screen.
on page 1-9 - How to configure the
on page 1-11 - How to
Adjust the Display
•
brightness and contrast of the screen.
View the Battery Status
•
battery.
View the Current HHD ID & User
•
check the ID number and user designation for the unit.
View the Date & Time
•
date and time.
• Change the Volume Setting - How to adjust the volume
setting for the system sounds. ???
on page 1-13 - How to adjust
on page 1-14 - How to check the
on page 1-15 - How to
on page 1-16 - How to check the
 Link the AR5000 to a TouchRead
Device (SmartGun/AutoGun)
If you are going to use a TouchRead gun to collect meter
data, then you need to link that gun with the AR5000. Linking
enables the AR5000 to receive readings from the gun.
Typically, this link is already established when you pick-up the
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-9
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
equipment at the start of the shift. However, you should
always verify that the gun and the AR5000 are linked. If they
are not, you need to perform the following procedure.
Configuration Menu To link a TouchRead device...
1 Open the Configuration menu.
• If you have just removed the AR5000 from the charging
stand, the system automatically displays a Startup
Screen.
Use the PgUp/PgDn key to highlight Configuration on
the Startup Screen. Press the Enter key. The system
displays the Configuration Menu.
• While you are working on a route, press the F6 key. The
system displays the Configuration Menu
Smart/AutoGun Utilities
Screen
Note
F6 is the default key assignment for the
Configuration menu. Key assignments can be
changed. For more information, see About the
Key Controls/Functions.
2 Use the PgUp/PgDn key to select Smart/AutoGun Utilities.
3 Press the ENTER key.
The system displays the Smart/AutoGun Utilities screen.
4 Use the PgUp/PgDn key to highlight Link To AutoGun.
5 Press the ENTER key.
1–10 Sensus Metering Systems
Configuring the AR5000
The system displays the Link to AutoGun screen, with the
message Waiting for AutoGun, and a status bar.
AutoGun.
b Release the trigger when the screen on the AutoGun
displays a Configuration Menu.
c Use the arrow keys to highlight Link.
d Press the center button on the AutoGun.
The AutoGun displays a Link sub-menu.
e Use the arrow keys to highlight AR400x on the Link sub-
menu.
f Press the center button on the AutoGun and hold the
AutoGun no further than arm’s length from the AR5000.
The AR5000 searches for a signal from the AutoGun.
When the systems communicate successfully, the
AR5000 displays the Smart/AutoGun Utilities screen
again. The AutoGun displays the message Link enabled
to HDDID xxx.
Link to AutoGun Screena Press and hold the trigger (center button) on the
 Change the Display Font & Size
Some users need to view large numbers and letters on the
AR5000 screen. Other users prefer the text on the display to
be smaller. You can adjust the appearance of the characters
(display font) or the size of the on-screen text.
1 Open the Configuration menu.
• If you have just removed the AR5000 from the charging
stand, the system automatically displays a Startup
Screen.
Use the PgUp/PgDn key to highlight Configuration on
the Startup Screen. Press the Enter key. The system
displays the Configuration Menu.
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-11
Configuration MenuTo change the font and size...
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
• While you are working on a route, press the F6 key. The
system displays the Configuration Menu
Note
F6 is the default key assignment for the
Configuration menu. Key assignments can be
changed. For more information, see About the
Key Controls/Functions.
2 Use the PgUp/PgDn key to select Handheld Configuration.
Handheld Configuration Screen 3 Press the ENTER key.
The system displays the Handheld Configuration screen.
4 Use the PgUp/PgDn key to highlight Font.
Font Control Screen 5 Press the ENTER key.
The system displays the Font Control screen. This screen
displays the current Font and Size.
• To change the font, use the PgUp/PgDn key to highlight
Font and press the Enter key.
Each time you press the Enter key, the system changes
the displayed font. You have several font choices.
Continue pressing the Enter key until the system
displays the font you would like to use.
• To change the font size, use the use the PgUp/PgDn key
to highlight Size and press the Enter key.
Each time you press the Enter key, the system changes
the font size. You have choices ranging from 12 points
(smallest), to 30 points (largest). Continue pressing the
the Enter key until the system displays the font size you
would like to use.
1–12 Sensus Metering Systems
Configuring the AR5000
6 Once you have selected the display settings that you
would like to use, press the Esc key until you return to the
screen that you were viewing before changing the display
font and font size.
 Adjust the Display
Users carry the AR5000 into many different types of
environments. This means that the users are operating the
unit under many different lighting conditions. You can switch
the screen backlight on/off to enhance visibility in dark
conditions. Backlight is literally a light that shines on the
display to enhance the visibility in low light conditions. You
can also adjust the contrast on the screen to your preference.
Contrast affects the difference in light/dark between the
characters on the screen and the background.
To switch the backlight on/off...
1 Press and hold the yellow key to right of the TAB key.
2 Press the F3 key.
• If the backlight was switched ON before you began this
procedure, the system switches the backlight OFF.
• If the backlight was switched OFF before you began this
procedure, the system switches the backlight ON.
To adjust the contrast on the screen...
1 Press and hold the yellow key to the right of the TAB key.
2 Press the F4 key or F5 key.
• Press the F4 key to make the contrast lighter.
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-13
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
• Press the F5 key to make the contrast darker.
Note
Adjusting the backlight and the contrast does
not require you to display a configuration
screen.
 View the Battery Status
Before you take the AR5000 into the field, check to verify
that the battery is charged. If you run the system on long
routes or for more than 8 hours in a day, you may also want
to check the battery during the day to verify that it is carrying
enough charge to complete your work.
Configuration Menu To view the battery status...
1 Open the Configuration menu.
• If you just removed the AR5000 from the charging
stand, the system displays a Startup Screen.
Use the PgUp/PgDn key to highlight Configuration on
the Startup Screen. Press the Enter key. The system
displays the Configuration Menu.
• While you are working on a route, press the F6 key. The
system displays the Configuration Menu
Note
F6 is the default key assignment for the
Configuration menu. Key assignments can be
changed. For more information, see About the
Key Controls/Functions.
1–14 Sensus Metering Systems
Configuring the AR5000
2 Use the PgUp/PgDn key to select Battery Status.
The system displays the Battery Status screen.
• The safe operating range for Battery Voltage is
TBD???V - 8.4V.
• The safe operating range for Battery Charge is
TBD???% - TBD???%.
4 Once you finish, press the Esc key until you return to the
screen that you were viewing before checking the battery.
If the battery needs to be charged, see
on page 1-22.
Charge the AR5000
 View the Current HHD ID & User
The office staff can setup an ID number for each AR5000
hand-held device (HHD). They also can assign an ID for the
operator (user) that is assigned to a specific HHD.
Battery Status Screen3 Press the ENTER key.
Before you take the AR5000 into the field, check to verify
that you have the AR5000 unit assigned to you. The same
screen that displays the Hand-held and Operator IDs also
displays the version number of the installed software and the
serial number for the hand-held unit.
1 Open the Configuration menu.
• If you just removed the AR5000 from the charging
stand, the system displays a Startup Screen.
Use the PgUp/PgDn key to highlight Configuration on
the Startup Screen. Press the Enter key. The system
displays the Configuration Menu.
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-15
Configuration MenuTo view the HHD and operator IDs...
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
• While you are working on a route, press the F6 key. The
system displays the Configuration Menu
ID, User, Software Version
Screen
Note
F6 is the default key assignment for the
Configuration menu. Key assignments can be
changed. For more information, see About the
Key Controls/Functions.
2 Use the PgUp/PgDn key to select ID, User, SW Version.
3 Press the ENTER key.
The system displays the ID, User, Software Version
screen.
4 Once you finish, press the Esc until you return to the
screen that you were viewing before checking the IDs.
 View the Date & Time
The AR5000 puts a date and time stamp on every data entry
you make. Before you pickup the device to begin reading, the
date and time are set automatically each time the device is
connected to a PC using the Communication Stand.
Before you take the AR5000 into the field, check to verify
that the date and time are correct.
Configuration Menu To view the date and time...
1 Open the Configuration menu.
• If you just removed the AR5000 from the charging
stand, the system displays a Startup Screen.
Use the PgUp/PgDn key to highlight Configuration on
the Startup Screen. Press the Enter key. The system
displays the Configuration Menu.
1–16 Sensus Metering Systems
Configuring the AR5000
• While you are working on a route, press the F6 key. The
system displays the Configuration Menu
Note
F6 is the default key assignment for the
Configuration menu. Key assignments can be
changed. For more information, see About the
Key Controls/Functions.
2 Use the PgUp/PgDn key to select Date and Time.
The system displays the Date and Time screen.
4 Once you finish, press the Esc key until you return to the
screen that you were viewing before checking the date
and time.
Date and Time Screen3 Press the ENTER key.
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-17
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
Set Up & Use the Communication Stand
The communication stand serves two functions for the
AR5000. First, the stand provides a connection that the office
staff uses to transfer and synchronize files between the
AR5000 and an office computer. Second, the stand charges
the AR5000’s battery.
AR5000 Communication Stand Typically, office staff are the only people involved in
transferring and synchronizing information on the office PCs
and the AR5000. You should only need to verify that the
system battery is properly charged (see
on page 1-22).
This section provides information on how to connect the
communication stand and is divided under the following
headings:
Connect the Stand
•
communication stand to AC power and an office PC.
Mount the Stand
•
communication stand on a wall.
on page 1-18 - How to connect the
on page 1-20 - How to mount a
Charge the AR5000
Place the AR5000 in the Stand
•
verify that the stand is operating properly.
 Connect the Stand
When you first setup the communication stand, you need to
make three cable connections - AC power, PC communication,
and communication to another stand. Once you have setup
and successfully connected the communication stand(s), you
only need to place the AR5000 into the stand to have it
1–18 Sensus Metering Systems
on page 1-21 - How to
Set Up & Use the Communication Stand
automatically begin charging and ready to communicate with
the office PC.
To connect the communication stand...
1 Determine where you want to place the communication
stand.
• If you are going to leave the stand on a counter or
table-top, verify that the surface is level, stable, and
free of moisture and debris.
• If you are going to mount the stand on a wall, see
Mount the Stand
on page 1-20. Mount the stand before
making any cable connections.
2 Locate all of the necessary cables.
• AC Power Cable - This cable provides the AC power
connection to a single communication stand.
• PC to Master Stand Communication Cable - This cable
has a 15-pin connection on the stand end and a 9-pin
serial connector at the PC end. Use this for the signal
connection from the PC to a single stand or from the PC
to the first of multiple stands.
If you are connecting several stands, you can chain them
together using additional cables:
• Stand to Stand Communication Cable - This cable has a
15-pin connector at both ends. Use this for the signal
connection between multiple stands.
• Stand to Stand Power Cable - This cable has an AC
power connecter at both ends and powers up to 25
stands in series. For each additional 25 stands, you
need one additional AC power cable to connect to the
wall socket.
Typical Connections Between a
PC & Communication Stands
3 Connect the cables.
a Connect the signal cables between the first stand and
the PC.
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-19
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
b Connect the signal cables between the remaining
stands, if needed.
c Connect the AC power cable between the first stand and
the wall socket.
Back of the Communication
Stand
Note
For every 25 stands, connect another AC
power cable to the wall socket.
d Connect the power cables between the first stand and
up to 24 additional stands, if needed.
 Mount the Stand
You have the option of setting the communication stand on a
stable table-top, or mounting the stand to a wall. The back of
the stand is fitted with four slots that can accommodate #10
pan head screws.
To mount the communication stand on a wall...
1 Mark the location for mounting the stand.
a Verify that the AC power and communication cables will
reach the AC power outlet, the computer, and other
stands involved in this installation.
b Transfer the hole pattern from the back of the stand to
the desired location on the wall.
2 Drill and anchor screws sufficient to support the weight of
the stand and the AR5000, along with the stress of
placing/removing the device.
3 Mount the stand and connect the cables (see
on page 1-18).
Stand
1–20 Sensus Metering Systems
Connect the
Set Up & Use the Communication Stand
Place the AR5000 in the Stand
Once you have setup the communication stand, you can
place the AR5000 into the stand to begin charging (see
Charge the AR5000
all of the data transfer and file synchronization between
shifts. Typically, the AR5000 user only needs to verify that
the stand is working correctly.
Verify that the unit is seated correctly in the stand. The top
LED on the stand is green and is lit when the device is
properly placed in the stand.
on page 1-22). The office staff performs
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-21
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
Charge the AR5000
The AR5000 is a battery-powered device. Typically, users
place the unit in a Communication Stand at the end of their
shift and pick it up again at the start of their next shift. This
period in the stand (+/- 16 hours) provides enough time for
the battery to be fully charged and ready for use. However,
you need to make sure that the battery has enough of a
charge to keep the system working while you read meters on
a route.
This section provides information on the following:
Charge the AR5000 in the Stand
•
most common method for charging the AR5000 battery.
on p age 1-22 - This is the
Charge the AR5000 using the Wall Charger
•
- Use a wall charger if you need to charge the AR5000
when the stand is not available.
Battery Maintenance
•
replace the battery.
on page 1-24 - When and how to
on page 1-24
 Charge the AR5000 in the Stand
Communication Stand Users typically put the AR5000 into the Communication Stand
at the end of every shift. This serves two purposes. One, the
stand provides a data-link that the office staff can use to
transfer information to-and-from the AR5000 (for more
information, see
page 1-18). The second function of the stand is to charge the
AR5000 battery.
Note
Set Up & Use the Communication Stand
You can leave the AR5000 in the charging
stand for extended periods of time. Once the
unit is fully charged, the stand continues to
monitor the battery charge level and provides
additional power only as needed to keep the
battery fully charged.
on
1–22 Sensus Metering Systems
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