ITRON CCU 100 User manual

CCU 100 and Repeater 100 Installation Guide
ChoiceConnect® Fixed Network
TDC-0971-011

Identification
CCU 100 and Repeater 100 Installation Guide
01 July 2016 TDC-0971-011
Copyright
© 2010-2016 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved.
Confidentiality Notice
The information contained herein is proprietary and confidential and is being provided subject to the condition that (i) it be held in confidence except to the extent required otherwise by
law and (ii) it will be used only for the purposes described herein. Any third party that is given access to this information shall be similarly bound in writing.
Trademark Notice
Itron is a registered trademark of Itron, Inc.
All other product names and logos in this documentation are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Suggestions
If you have comments or suggestions on how we may improve this documentation, send them to [e-mail]
If you have questions or comments about the software or hardware product, contact Itron Technical Support:
Contact
•Internet: www.itron.com
•E-mail: [e-mail]
•Phone: [phone]
Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference that may cause undesirable operation.
This device must be permanently mounted such that it retains a distance of 36 centimeters (14.2 inches) from all persons in order to comply with FCC RF exposure levels.
USA, FCC Class B - Part 15
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a 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 or TV technician for help.
Compliance Statement Canada
Déclaration de Conformité
Under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) regulations, this radio
transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the
transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type
and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more
than that necessary for successful communication.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut
fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour
l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain
de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité
nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.
This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) license-
exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference
(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation
of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage,
(2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Caution ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
Use only approved accessories with this equipment. In general all cables must be high
quality, shielded, and correctly terminated. Unapproved modifications or operation beyond
or in conflict with these instructions for use, may void authorization by the authorities to
operate the equipment.

Before You Begin ........................................................................................................vii
Documentation Conventions ............................................................................................................. vii
Related Documents.......................................................................................................................... viii
CCU/Repeater Basics....................................................................................................1
CCU Configuration ..............................................................................................................................1
CCU/Repeater Components ...............................................................................................................1
CCU/Repeater Module..............................................................................................................2
Local GPS (WAN-3G Only)/WAN Antenna System..................................................................3
900 MHz Antenna .....................................................................................................................4
Planning a CCU/Repeater Installation..........................................................................7
Installation Profiles ..............................................................................................................................7
Siting Collectors or Repeaters.............................................................................................................7
Propagation Study and Collector or Repeater Site Selection ...................................................8
GPS and WAN Coverage .........................................................................................................8
AC Service Requirements.........................................................................................................9
External Ethernet Connections .................................................................................................9
Remote 900 MHz Antenna Placement ...................................................................................10
Grounding the Antenna System..............................................................................................10
900 MHz Antenna ...................................................................................................................11
Lightning Arrestor ..............................................................................................................................12
AC Mains Power................................................................................................................................13
DC Mains Power ...............................................................................................................................14
Materials Not Provided by Itron .........................................................................................................14
Coaxial Cable..........................................................................................................................14
Remote Mount Standard 5.15 dBi 915 MHz Antenna on a Standard CCU/Repeater..14
Remote Mount High Gain (8.15dBi) 900MHz Antenna on a Standard Collector or
Repeater .......................................................................................................................14
Remote Mount High Gain (8.15 dBi) 900 MHz Antenna on a Tower CCU ..................15
External GPS and WAN Antennas ...............................................................................15
Antenna Sweep Test ....................................................................................................16
Antenna Connectors ...............................................................................................................16
Mounting Hardware.................................................................................................................16
Installing the Collector or Repeater ...........................................................................19
Installation Overview .........................................................................................................................19
Attaching the External GPS/WAN Antennas.....................................................................................20
Attaching the Direct Mount Standard (5 dBi) 915 MHz Antenna.......................................................20
Attaching the Collector or Repeater ..................................................................................................22
Mounting Hardware.................................................................................................................22
Pipe Mount ..............................................................................................................................23
Pole Mount ..............................................................................................................................25
Contents
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Contents
Wall Mount ..............................................................................................................................27
Davit Arm Mount .....................................................................................................................28
Connecting Cables ............................................................................................................................29
Installing a Local 4G WAN Antenna..................................................................................................33
Installing the Battery..........................................................................................................................34
Providing Power ................................................................................................................................37
CCU Installation Wiring Diagram ......................................................................................................38
Tower Installation ..............................................................................................................................38
Tower Installation Overview....................................................................................................39
TCU Components ...................................................................................................................41
Tower CCU Wiring Installation Diagram .................................................................................44
Solar Powered Installation.................................................................................................................45
Sunwize Solar Panel Wiring Legend ......................................................................................46
To assemble the Solar CCU 100 ............................................................................................47
Solar Installation Wiring Diagram............................................................................................50
Relocating a CCU or Repeater .........................................................................................................51
Battery Care and Maintenance ...................................................................................53
Shipping Requirements .....................................................................................................................53
Battery Storage and Charging...........................................................................................................53
Long-Term Storage.................................................................................................................53
State of Charge .......................................................................................................................54
Charging the Battery ...............................................................................................................54
Battery Service Life ...........................................................................................................................55
Calendar Life...........................................................................................................................55
Preventative Maintenance ......................................................................................................56
Replacing the Integrated Battery.......................................................................................................56
Detailed Collector or Repeater Specifications ..........................................................57
CCU or Repeater Dimensions and Weight .......................................................................................57
Antenna Specifications......................................................................................................................60
Environmental Specifications ............................................................................................................61
Transmitter ........................................................................................................................................62
Diagnostic Radio ...............................................................................................................................62
Collector or Repeater Power Operating Range ................................................................................62
Battery Pack ......................................................................................................................................62
Port and Protocol Requirements................................................................................65
Logical Architecture of Fixed Network (Multiple Network Zones) .....................................................65
Ports and Protocols ...........................................................................................................................66
Status and Diagnostics...............................................................................................71
Status Indicator .................................................................................................................................71
Performing an Antenna Sweep Test .................................................................................................72
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Contents
Changing the Repeater Password .............................................................................75
Antenna Line Sweeps Procedure...............................................................................81
Anritsu Site Master Calibration..........................................................................................................81
Testing on a Network Device with a Remotely-Mounted 900 MHz Antenna ....................................82
General Testing Conditions ....................................................................................................82
Specific Testing Conditions.....................................................................................................82
Understanding Party Responsibilities ...............................................................................................84
Itron’s Responsibilities ............................................................................................................84
Supplier’s Responsibilities ......................................................................................................84
Itron ChoiceConnect Antenna and Line Sweep Test Form...............................................................87
Itron ChoiceConnect 900 MHz Antenna Specifications ....................................................................89
Technical Data ........................................................................................................................89
Typical Coaxial Cable Specification Summary Table .......................................................................90
Sample Sweeps Output.....................................................................................................................91
Grounding Specifications ...........................................................................................93
Understanding Grounding and Bonding .................................................................................94
Understanding the Ohms Level ....................................................................................94
Reducing the Ohms level..............................................................................................94
Using a Megger ............................................................................................................95
Adjusting the Routing of the Grounding Conductor......................................................96
Supplier General Requirements and Equipment Competencies..................................97
Exterior Grounding System Design for Concentrators............................................................97
Existing Building or Rooftop Sites ................................................................................99
Co-Located Sites & Other Existing Structures ...........................................................100
New Wood Pole Sites .................................................................................................100
Equipment Buried Ground Ring ............................................................................................100
Chemical Ground Rod Installation ........................................................................................101
Itron Concentrator Equipment...............................................................................................105
TCU / CCU on a Concrete Pad ..................................................................................105
TCU / CCU on a Steel Frame or I-Beam or Platform .................................................105
TCU / CCU on a Raised Metal Platforms ...................................................................105
TCU / CCU / Repeater Remote Antennas & Coax on Towers ...................................106
Installing Coax Ground Kits ..................................................................................................106
Collector Sites with Indoor Itron TCU / CCU Equipment ......................................................109
RF Components Protection (Coax) ............................................................................109
Grounding Rooftop Network Devices....................................................................................111
Down Conductor Installation .................................................................................................112
Cold Water Pipe Option ..............................................................................................113
Building Steel Option ..................................................................................................113
Antenna and Coax Grounding - Rooftops ..................................................................113
Cable Tray Grounding ................................................................................................114
Water Tower Grounding .............................................................................................115
New Wooden and Concrete Antenna Poles ...............................................................115
Equipment Shelter Grounding ....................................................................................116
Repeaters on Communication Tower Sites ................................................................116
Repeaters on Rooftops...............................................................................................117
Multiple Story Site Ground System.............................................................................117
Down Conductors Installation - Building / Shelter Penetrations .................................117
Down Conductors Installation - Limits of Bend Radius ..............................................117
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Contents
Down Conductors Installation Connection Methods...................................................117
Cable Entrance Facilities ............................................................................................118
Clamp-On Ground Resistance Testing .................................................................................119
Principle of Operation .................................................................................................119
Determining the Correct Measuring Point ..................................................................120
Testing Procedures.....................................................................................................121
Measuring Rod/Grid Resistance.................................................................................121
Understanding Party Responsibilities ...................................................................................122
Itron Responsibilities...................................................................................................122
Supplier Responsibilities.............................................................................................122
Index ...........................................................................................................................125
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The CCU 100 (also known as a cell control unit or collector) is the main collection point
for the ChoiceConnect Fixed Network. The CCU reads data from Itron electricity meters,
gas endpoints, and water endpoints and gathers consumption, daily, or hourly meter reads,
and other information from endpoints and communicates it back to the utility over a
public or private network. When used with the Fixed Network Repeater 100, the coverage
territory per CCU 100 is extended. It also manages the collection, processing, and storage
of endpoint data and can support two-way functionality to the endpoint. Equipped with a
backup battery, the CCU 100’s adaptable design allows for a wide range of installation
options, utilizing either AC or solar power.
Repeater 100s are used to extend the range of the CCU and add communication reliability
and redundancy between endpoints and collectors. Installed on towers, buildings, poles or
other structures, the Repeater 100 collects meter data from Itron electricity meters, gas
endpoints, and water endpoints and relays the meter data to collectors within the network.
This makes the ChoiceConnect 100 Fixed Network cost-effective by reducing the number
of required collectors.
Important Proper installation of the CCU/repeater ensures trouble-free operation of
the Itron Fixed Network system. The installation of both the collector and repeater
must be done by professional installers.
Documentation Conventions
This document uses the following conventions.
Convention
Example
Key presses are in
bold.
Click
OK
to finish.
Menu paths are in bold. Select Start > File > Save As.
Computer commands to be typed by the user
are in a
monospace
font.
At the C: prompt, type cd itron/bin
File names are in a
monospace
font. The data is uploaded to the
upload.dat
file
Hypertext links are blue. For contact information, see the Copyright page (on page ii).
Note A note indicates neutral or positive information that stresses or
supplements important points of the main text. A note supplies information that
may apply only in special cases.
Caution A caution advises users that failure to take or avoid a specified action
could result in a loss of data.
Warning A warning advises users that failure to take or avoid a specified action
could result in physical harm to the user or the hardware.
Before You Begin
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Before You Begin
Tip A tip helps users apply the techniques and procedures described in the text
to their specific needs. A tip is not essential to the basic understanding of the text.
Related Documents
For more information about CCUs/repeaters and the Fixed Network, see the following
guides:
•Network Collection Engine User Guide
•Motorola R56 Manual- Standards and Guidelines for Communication Sites
Available from Motorola, this manual illustrates industry best practices for mounting
and grounding antenna systems, and routing antenna cables into buildings. Use this
guide as a reference when remotely mounting the 900 MHz antenna.
See also the following appendixes in this guide:
•Antenna Line Sweeps Procedure on page 81
•Grounding Specifications on page 93
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The CCU 100 and the Repeater 100 are configurable for the following installation
locations:
•Water tower or communications tower
•Wood, concrete, or metal utility pole
•Wall (indoor or outdoor)
•Pipe or mast (between 2 and 3.5 inches in diameter)
•Roof
•Other vertical structures
Integrated mounting and coupling brackets secure the device in high winds and under
heavy ice loads. If you have any concerns about your CCU/repeater mounting location,
consult a professional engineer.
The CCU 100 also supports an optional solar power kit. Kits are sized by peak sun hour
calculations which vary regionally across the country. The kit includes solar panels and a
large battery backup unit. Size and weights vary by package type (based on peak sun
hours).
A collector or repeater consists of a number of components in a single weatherproof
device. Electrical components are encased in a plastic enclosure that provides double
insulation and a high level of safety for the installer.
Caution Only authorized Itron personnel may open this device. Unauthorized
access or modifications to this device voids the warranty.
Per FCC rules, unapproved modifications or operation beyond or in conflict with
these instructions for use could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
CCU Configuration
A Fixed Network system administrator must configure each CCU 100 before it can be
installed in the field. Verify with your supervisor or the system administrator that all
CCUs are configured before you attempt to install them.
For more information about CCU configuration, see the ChoiceConnect® Fixed Network
CCU 100 Initial Configuration Guide.
CCU/Repeater Components
The CCU 100 and Repeater 100 come in two basic configurations; they have either an
internal GPS antenna (recommended) or local GPS/WAN antenna. The 900 MHz antenna
may be mounted directly on the CCU/repeater (recommended) or it may be mounted
remotely.
CHAPTER 1
CCU/Repeater Basics
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Chapter 1 CCU/Repeater Basics
Only an external GPS connection is provided in the Repeater 100. A WAN modem is not
present in a repeater.
Since the collector or repeater may be installed in an outdoor environment, each
component of the collector or repeater is weather-tight and can withstand wind
requirements in excess of 100 MPH.
Note When determining the configuration of the collector or repeater, be sure to
review the Fixed Network 100 Ordering Guide for specific part numbers, cable
lengths, and various options for the components.
CCU/Repeater Module
The collector or repeater case houses the backup battery, GPS receiver, optional WAN
radio, processing board, and 900 MHz radio. The antennas for the radios can be either
internally connected, which is recommended, or externally connected, depending on the
CCU/repeater configuration.
Caution Only authorized Itron personnel may open this device. Unauthorized
access or modifications to this device voids the warranty.
Per FCC rules, unapproved modifications or operation beyond or in conflict with
these instructions for use could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
The following illustration shows a CCU without the connectors for external GPS/WAN
antennas.
Item
Description
1Collector or repeater module
Processes data from the antennas and relays it on to the Fixed Network Application Software. Only
authorized Itron personnel may open this module.
2900 MHz antenna
This 900MHz antenna receives messages from and sends messages to endpoints and repeaters in the
network. The connection for this antenna is a Type N female.
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CCU/Repeater Components
Item
Description
3Collector or repeater label
Displays the collector identification number, model number, and other associated information.
4Power connector
Supplies power to the collector or repeater module. AC mains, DC, or solar power options are
available. A three pin cable connects the collector or repeater to the mains supply. A two pin cable
connects the collector or repeater to a DC supply. A five pin cable connects the collector or repeater to
the solar system.
5Ground lug
The ground lug is provided on both the CCU and the repeater. Attach the ground lug to earth ground
if there is no ground wire available with the three-conductor power cable, or when you are using a
photocell adapter. This ground helps protect the internal circuitry from high voltage transient events.
The ground lug accepts AWG minimum wire size 14, and maximum wire size 4. The recommended
wire is #10 BTCW.
6Ethernet
Connects the collector or repeater to the Ethernet backhaul. Also used to connect the collector or
repeater to a router for initial collector setup. Mating weatherproof cables are available from Itron.
These cables are sealed industrial Ethernet circular IP67 connectors (CONEC).
Note A waterproof cap seals the Ethernet port from the elements in the field. Be sure to securely
attach the cap once the collector is installed.
7Status indicator
This indicator displays the current operational status of the collector or repeater. For more
information, see Status Indicator for more information.
8Battery Door
Removal of this door allows access to the replaceable battery pack.
*(Not shown)
External GPS antenna connector. This female SMA connector is only on the external antenna
CCU/repeater. Use this connector when mounting the GPS antenna externally.
External WAN antenna connector. This female N connector is only on the external antenna CCU.
Use this connector when mounting the WAN antenna externally.
Local GPS (WAN-3G Only)/WAN Antenna System
The external antenna collector or repeater configuration uses a GPS/WAN antenna kit
connected to the collector or repeater by one or two separate pieces of coaxial cable.
Cables are not included in the kit.
•The WAN antenna is only connected in CCU installations that use a wide area
network backhaul system.
•The GPS antenna is used in all deployments of this system.
You must install the antennas in a location that allows reception of GPS and WAN
signals.
Itron recommends using a handheld GPS unit to verify your GPS antenna mounting
location can receive a signal from at least three satellites.
For more information, see GPS and WAN Coverage on page 8.
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Chapter 1 CCU/Repeater Basics
Caution You must install the external GPS antenna in a vertical orientation, and the
antenna must have an unobstructed view of the southern sky (North America and
Europe) to properly receive a GPS signal.
The external GPS/WAN antenna system is shown below.
Item
Description
1External GPS antenna
Receives GPS data from orbiting satellites. The cable
connection on the bottom of this antenna is TNC female.
2Mounting bracket
Attaches the antenna to your desired mounting location.
3Antenna masts
Provide support for the GPS and WAN antennas. Cables for
each antenna are routed through the masts. Clamps on the front
of the mounting bracket secure the masts.
4External WAN antenna (CCU only)
Provides the wide-area network (WAN) signal for the CCU.
The repeater does not use this antenna. The cable connection
on the bottom of this antenna is N female.
900 MHz Antenna
The 900 MHz antenna transmits and receives data messages from endpoints and repeaters
in the network.
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CCU/Repeater Components
There are three antennas that can be used for the 900 MHz radio link.
•A standard vertically polarized antenna (5 dBi) directly attached to the collector or
repeater.
•A standard vertically polarized antenna (5 dBi) connected remotely.
•A high-gain vertically polarized remote antenna (8.15 dBi) mounted remotely in place
of the direct attached solution.
Warning Do not install an 8.15 dBi antenna directly on the CCU. Antenna
installation directly on the CCU will compromise mechanical integrity and will not
meet the compliance requirement for a loss of 2.2 dB.
You must properly ground remote antennas during installation. When a remote antenna is
used, a lightning arrestor is recommended.
Coaxial cable that is used to connect the remote 900 MHz antenna to the collector or
repeater must be properly grounded. For more information, see Lightning Arrestor on
page 12. All coaxial cable connections must be weather-proofed per industry standards,
unless otherwise specified. When the collector or repeater is ordered with a remote 900
MHz antenna kit, some associated mounting hardware is included. Coaxial cables for the
remote 900 MHz antennas are not included in the kit. The installer must provide these
cables. For coaxial cable specifications, see Coaxial Cable on page 14.
For more information, refer to the following sections:
•Antenna Specifications on page 60
•Remote 900 MHz Antenna Placement on page 10
•Grounding the Remote/External Antenna Systems on page 10
•Performing an Antenna Sweep Test on page 72
•Antenna Line Sweeps Procedure on page 81
•Grounding Specifications on page 93
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Chapter 1 CCU/Repeater Basics
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This chapter describes how to prepare for a collector or repeater installation.
Installation Profiles
You can install the collector or repeater in a variety of configurations and locations.
Depending on the installation location, you can:
•Install the CCU or repeater components in the same location (as an integrated
solution). This is the recommended configuration.
•Install the GPS/WAN antennas externally from the collector or repeater.
•Install the 900 MHz antenna remotely (as a distributed solution).
For example, you can install the collector or repeater at the base of a water tower, mount
the external GPS/WAN antenna system further away for optimum reception, and place the
900 MHz antenna at the top of the water tower.
The following profiles were identified for CCU installation.
Location
Description
Utility pole The collector or repeater is installed on a utility pole. Mount the collector or
repeater as high as possible on the pole for optimum reception.
Light pole The collector or repeater is installed on either a light pole or the davit arm
that extends from the light pole. Mount the collector or repeater as high as
possible on the pole for optimum reception.
Outdoor wall or pipe with remote
900 MHz antenna
The collector or repeater is installed on an outside wall or pipe with the
900 MHz antenna remotely mounted to achieve the maximum elevation
and reception.
Indoor wall or pipe with remote
900 MHz antenna and external
GPS/WAN antennas
The collector or repeater is installed inside an equipment room with the
900 MHz antenna remotely mounted to achieve maximum elevation and
reception. The WAN (or other digital cellular) and GPS antenna are
externally mounted to provide acceptable coverage.
Pipe or mast The collector or repeater is secured to a pipe or fence railing (from 2 to 3.5
inches in diameter). This type of installation typically occurs on the tops of
water towers.
For more information about these profiles, as well as the Itron-recommended profile, see
Installing the CCU/Repeater on page 19.
Siting Collectors or Repeaters
Collectors or repeaters are installed in the field on a variety of surfaces, such as wooden
or metal walls, metal pipes, fence railing, and utility poles.
CHAPTER 2
Planning a CCU/Repeater Installation
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Chapter 2 Planning a CCU/Repeater Installation
When you are determining the placement of the collector or repeater, the following are
primary considerations:
•Site for optimum RF reception.
•Site for optimum GPS and/or WAN reception.
•Ethernet connection availability (if required).
•Power connection availability.
•Structure or location present that can physically support the collector or repeater and
its mounting hardware.
Caution Always ensure you have permission to install a collector or repeater at
the selected site prior to beginning installation. If you have questions or need
assistance, contact Itron's Joint Use Team.
Propagation Study and Collector or Repeater Site Selection
Before you install a collector or repeater in the field, contact Itron to perform a
propagation study. A propagation study is performed for the following reasons:
•Evaluates the quantity and types of endpoints in the network.
•Assesses environmental and geographical considerations related to a collector or
repeater installation.
•Optimizes collector or repeater placement in the network for the best possible
reception.
•Helps influence the physical and structural implications of mounting a collector or
repeater to a given surface.
Once the propagation study is complete, you can determine the exact collector or repeater
installation location and the collector or repeater mounting surface. This is an iterative
process that may need to be repeated, depending on the final installation types and
heights.
GPS and WAN Coverage
You must install collectors or repeaters in locations where a GPS signal is strong and
consistent. If WAN is being used as the communications backhaul for the network, a
strong and consistent WAN signal is required (for collectors only). If the signal is too
weak, or its availability fluctuates, the collector cannot gather accurate date/time
information or communicate with the Fixed Network software.
Itron recommends using a handheld GPS unit to verify your collector, repeater, or
external GPS antenna mounting location can receive a signal from at least three satellites.
To ensure the best possible signal, avoid installing the collector, repeater, or external
antennas in the following locations:
•Adjacent to or between tall buildings, signs, towers, or bridges.
•Near swaying limbs, branches, or cables that could strike and damage the antenna.
•Between, beneath, or near highway overpasses, elevated train platforms, or tunnels.
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Siting Collectors or Repeaters
•Near objects or devices attached to the same pole.
•Within 500 feet of high power radio frequency (RF) transmitters (such as paging
transmitters, cellular transmitters, and municipal communications transmitters).
Note Typically, maintaining a 10-foot vertical separation from other transmitters
allows for a co-location type of installation.
•Near potential broadband sources of radiated RF energy (such as power line
transformers, RADAR transmitters, cellular antennas, and neon or fluorescent signs).
•Inside metal enclosures (an antenna will not communicate if it is surrounded by
metal) or inside a building. The collector or repeater can be installed in a building or
other metal enclosure, but the antennas must be installed externally.
Warning Before installing a collector or repeater near or on the same pole as a
transformer, consult the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), local utilities,
municipalities, and cable and telephone companies for recommended distances
from transformers and power lines.
AC Service Requirements
The collector or repeater must be powered by a 90-265 VAC source defined as a
maximum 15 amp branch circuit (a minimum 15 amp branch circuit for TCU 100s), and
the collector or repeater must be protected by a certified branch circuit breaker. Do not
connect the collector or repeater to a circuit protected by a GFCI breaker. Size the wiring
in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 and, where applicable,
the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, CSA C22.1 or the prevailing local code. For more
information on these options, see AC Mains Power on page 13, DC Mains Power on page
14, or Solar Powered Installation on page 45.
External Ethernet Connections
If the Ethernet is used as the communications backhaul, the collector installation site must
have Ethernet access. Also, be sure to use weatherproof cables in this type of installation.
If the collector is not on the same subnet as the database server, additional network
configurations are necessary. See Port and Protocol Requirements on page 65. Network
functionality, specifically on-demand reads, adaptive channel planning, list management,
and endpoint type exclusion, are affected if the database server cannot initiate
communication to the collector.
Caution If you use Ethernet as the communications backhaul, the collector must
be identified as Ethernet-based when performing the initial collector configuration.
Failure to identify the collector as Ethernet-based prohibits the collector from
communicating with the Network Collection Engine.
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Remote 900 MHz Antenna Placement
Antenna placement is one of the most important factors in determining your overall
system performance. Careful consideration must be given to proper antenna placement.
Follow the general guidelines below when determining the ideal location for a remote-
mounted 900 MHz antenna.
•Mount the antenna vertically.
•Mount the antenna in a location where there is a clear, unobstructed, 360-degree view
of the horizon. The antenna receives and transmits in all directions. Objects like
building walls, nearby metal surfaces, or other obstructions will interfere with the
proper operation of the antenna.
•Do not mount the antenna on a rooftop where nearby buildings are higher than the
installation location.
•Do not mount the antenna near existing RF radiating antennas. If existing RF
radiators are nearby, the horizontal separation distance to the radiator must be a
minimum of 100 feet and/or 10 feet of vertical separation. In instances where nearby
RF radiators are present, conduct an intermodulation interference study to evaluate
the potential for interference and any effects it may have on system performance.
Consult your Itron systems engineer for more information.
•Height is preferred for optimal performance. Itron recommends you install the
antenna no higher than 100 feet. If the antenna is going to be more than 100 feet
above the collector, Itron recommends using a Tower CCU 100.
A side arm antenna installation must be done if the 900 MHz antenna is mounted where it
does not have an unobstructed 360-degree view. Refer to the following guidelines for a
side arm antenna installation.
•For the 900 MHz antenna the minimum standoff distance is 24 inches, where the
interfering structural members are four inches or less in diameter and spaced more
than eight feet apart.
•For structural members between 4 and 10 inches in diameter, use a sliding scale of 2
to 5 feet. (For example, a 24-inch standoff at 4-inch diameter to a 60-inch standoff at
10-inch member diameter.)
•Inform Itron about any conditions that may impact the collector or repeater
performance.
Grounding the Antenna System
To minimize the potential for a lightning event, it is essential that remote/external antenna
systems be properly grounded. Proper grounding prevents the accumulation of static
charges on the antenna system, and also provides a direct discharge to ground for any
acquired charges.
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All grounding materials and procedures must meet or exceed local codes. Use coaxial
grounding kits recommended by the coaxial cable manufacturer.
Warning Under no circumstances should the antenna grounding wires be run
inside a building. Always install ground bars and grounding material on the
building's exterior.
To ground an antenna system
1. Mount a copper ground bar near the antenna. This is the top ground bar.
2. Mount a second copper ground bar near the collector or repeater. This is the bottom
ground bar.
3. Connect the two ground bars with a #6 gauge green jacketed stranded wire or a #2
solid copper wire.
4. Ground the antenna mount and the top coaxial ground kit to the top ground bar.
5. Ground the bottom coaxial ground kit and the lightning arrestor to the bottom ground
bar.
6. Connect the bottom ground bar to one or more earth ground rods.
7. All ground wires should be connected straight to ground, with no right angle turns or
sharp bends in the wires.
8. Install ground leads on coaxial grounding kits without loops or bends.
9. Install grounding kits in the proper orientation per the manufacturer's specifications.
For more information about grounding and bonding, see Grounding Specifications on
page 93.
900 MHz Antenna
The 900 MHz antenna transmits and receives data messages from endpoints and repeaters
in the network.
There are three antennas that can be used for the 900 MHz radio link.
•A standard vertically polarized antenna (5 dBi) directly attached to the collector or
repeater.
•A standard vertically polarized antenna (5 dBi) connected remotely.
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•A high-gain vertically polarized remote antenna (8.15 dBi) mounted remotely in place
of the direct attached solution.
Warning Do not install an 8.15 dBi antenna directly on the CCU. Antenna
installation directly on the CCU will compromise mechanical integrity and will not
meet the compliance requirement for a loss of 2.2 dB.
You must properly ground remote antennas during installation. When a remote antenna is
used, a lightning arrestor is recommended.
Coaxial cable that is used to connect the remote 900 MHz antenna to the collector or
repeater must be properly grounded. For more information, see Lightning Arrestor on
page 12. All coaxial cable connections must be weather-proofed per industry standards,
unless otherwise specified. When the collector or repeater is ordered with a remote 900
MHz antenna kit, some associated mounting hardware is included. Coaxial cables for the
remote 900 MHz antennas are not included in the kit. The installer must provide these
cables. For coaxial cable specifications, see Coaxial Cable on page 14.
For more information, refer to the following sections:
•Antenna Specifications on page 60
•Remote 900 MHz Antenna Placement on page 10
•Grounding the Remote/External Antenna Systems on page 10
•Performing an Antenna Sweep Test on page 72
•Antenna Line Sweeps Procedure on page 81
•Grounding Specifications on page 93
Lightning Arrestor
Install a lightning arrestor (or surge protector) capable of withstanding multiple lightning
strikes when you are using a remote/external antenna. This helps protect the collector or
repeater in the event of a lightning strike.
The lightning arrestor is fitted between the coaxial antenna cable and the RF jumper cable
that connects to the collector or repeater module. It includes a bulkhead connector
interface that mounts to a ground plate with a washer and nut. The arrestor is also
furnished with a ground lug, if your installation does not have provisions for a ground
plate. The ground lug on the arrestor is designed for #2 AWG solid or stranded wire.
Caution The lightning arrestor must be connected to an earth-ground.
The ground lug is manufactured by AMP/Tyco Electronics (part number 320754) and is
designed for #2 AWG solid or stranded wire (0.257-inch to 0.335-inch diameter). The lug
must be properly crimped (never soldered) to the wire using SOLISTRAND tooling
designed for the lug. The following figure details a proper crimp.
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