Tehama Wireless Design Group TW113 Users Manual

Tehama System Installation Overview

1. General Description

The Tehama AMR system consists of three device types to remotely monitor various
environmental and utility readings and provide the data to a central database or PC for formal
presentation and reporting. Metering Data Transceiver (MDT TW-111, TW-112 and TW113)
devices will be placed in all locations requiring local monitoring of data. The MDT devices will
transmit time stamped data to the DCAP device (DCAP TW-222), which receives the data and
stores it in a Database. The database information is available over Ethernet on the local LAN or
the Internet. For MDTs that are out of range from the DCAP, Repeater devices (RPT TW-222
and TW223) are added in appropriate locations to relay the data between MDTs and the DCAP.

The system operates in the 915MHz ISM bands using off-the-shelf Semtech RFIC radios. The
system operates either as a FHSS over 60 narrow band frequency channels, incorporating a
bidirectional communication link with Acknowledge (ACK) messages to ensure all data reaches
the DCAP or as a DTS non-hopping spread spectrum with 500kHz Bandwidth. The MDTs are
battery operated, bursting data packets at pre-programmed times then shutting down to conserve
battery life, estimated to exceed 5 years. The DCAP and Repeater units are line powered with
the option to power the Repeaters (TW223) with a combination of solar panel and rechargeable
Lithium batteries.

With a typical MDT transmission rate of one per hour (four per hour for Time of Use applications),
a single DCAP can accommodate up to 1000 MDTs. There is no limit to the number of repeaters,
though an average installation where MDTs are spread out in each living space will require one
Repeater for every 20-30 MDT/MDTs.

Figure 1: Typical System

TW113 user guide_REV3.docx 1 of 8

NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE

A system consists of two or three types of hardware, and a software program:

A DCAP Unit

•

A variable number of MDT units, each with 2 AA batteries

•

A variable number of Repeater units (optional, depending on size of installation) with

•

external DC power or solar panel supply.
Tehama Configuration Utility (CIT) running on a PC

•

Warning

CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT. SUCH MODIFICATIONS

COULD VOID THE USER

’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT

2. Tehama Configuration & Installation Tool (CIT)

You should have received a copy of the Tehama Configuration and Installation Tool (CIT)
software. If not, please contact [e-mail]
runs on a Windows based PC. More detailed information can be found in our training class
materials or the Tehama QuickStart Guide available on our

The tool can be run on the PC either prior to or during a site installation, or when new MDTs are
added to a system. The tool is used to add configuration data to the database. Examples of
configuration data include the name, type, and location of equipment an MDT is connected to,
and alarm trigger settings for the different MDTs.

and request the link. The CIT

web site.

3. Data Collecting Access Point (DCAP) Setup

This step configures the Internet settings for the DCAP and lets you set unique passwords for
remote access.

Screw in the Antenna that came with the unit.

•

Power up the DCAP with the supplied power adaptor.

•

Attach the DCAP to your local LAN with the supplied Ethernet cable.

•

Launch the CIT tool on the PC

•

If a static IP or non-default passwords are desired, attach the supplied USB cable to your

•

computer and to the DCAP. If this is the first time attaching to a DCAP, Windows may
respond with a “found new hardware” message. Follow the steps to let Windows download
the driver software. Your PC will need to be connected to the Internet to download the
drivers.

Go to the DCAP -> Configure via USB menu item. The Serial Port field should be

•

automatically populated with the correct COM port
Click on the Get button to see the current settings

•

DCHP (Dynamic IP Address) is the default. If you want a static IP, select static and fill

•

out the extra fields.

TW113 user guide_REV3.docx 2 of 8

Set the MySQL database passwords for both users and click “Set”. Clicking on the

•

“Default Vals” button will fill the fields with the factory default passwords. This is
provided as a convenience if password security is not an issue (for example in an
evaluation system).

Click on the “Create a Site Entry” button to auto-fill a Site entry with the information

•

from this panel.
Unplug the USB cable. It is not needed again unless you need to change the IP address

•

or the database passwords at a future time.

4. MDT and Repeater Configuration

All MDT and Repeaters come from the factory with a default factory-set configuration; there is
no user changeable setup. MDTs need only be connected to the meter and turned on. A
number of different MDTs are available, our most popular being a single pulse input unit with a
one-hour transmission interval. See our web site for other variations available.

Standard MDTs

MDT devices come from the factory in a powered off state. They can be powered on using a
hidden button under the Tehama Wireless logo.
The big circle in the photo below shows where the hidden button is located on the enclosure. It
may take a few times to get the feel of the button, but an LED to the left gives you feedback
when the button is pushed.

Submersible MDTs TW113

The Submersible MDT operates exactly like our regular MDT. A button press is created by waving
a magnet near the areas shown in the picture below. Status and control are the same as our
regular MDTs, including a “press” to initiate a read and transmit it to the DCAP. The LED on the
top provides the same feedback as our regular LEDs.

TW113 user guide_REV3.docx 3 of 8