ITRON IMR User manual

Itron Mobile Radio User Guide
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 1

Itron Mobile Radio User Guide
14 May 2019
TDC-1719-002
Copyright © 2019 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved.
Confidentiality Notice
Confidential Information of Itron®, Inc., provided under nondisclosure obligations. 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.
For more information about Itron or Itron products, go to www.itron.com.
If you have questions or comments about a software or hardware product, contact Itron Technical
Support Services.
Contact
Email: [e-mail]
Itron Access: https://support.itron.com
Telephone Itron Technical Support North America: 1-877-487-6602
For technical support contact information by region, go to www.itron.com and select your country
and language.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 2
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide

Table of Contents
Table of Contents 3
Itron Mobile Radio compliance 5
1. Introduction 1
Feature List 1
Related Documents List 1
2. About Your Itron Mobile Radio 3
Itron Mobile Radio Parts List 3
3. Daily Operation 5
Charging the Portable IMR Battery 5
Charging the Mobile IMR-XA or IMR-FT Battery 5
Turning the Radio On or Off 6
4. LED Status Indicators 7
Power Indicator LED Table 7
Comm Indicator LED Table 8
5. Communication Ports 9
6. Carrying the Portable Itron Mobile Radio 10
7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT 11
IMR-XA / IMR-FT Antenna Specifications 11
Installing the Antenna 12
Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle 12
Installing the Permanent Antenna Mounting Base 13
Installing the Magnetic Antenna Mounting Base 13
Installing the DC Power Cable 14
Power Cable Routing--All Installations 15
Power Cable Installation--Removable 15
Power Cable Installation--Permanent 15
Installing the Mounting Jacket in the Vehicle 16
Installing on a Seat Belt 16
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Itron Mobile Radio User Guide

Installing on a Partition 16
Installing on a Pedestal 17
Removing the IMR-XA from the Mounting Jacket 18
8. Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio 19
Cleaning the Radio Case 19
Installing a Replacement Battery 20
Servicing the IMR-XA Charge Base 20
Removing the IMR-XA Charge Base 21
Replacing the Charge Base Antenna Cable 21
Servicing the IMR-XA External Antenna 22
Inspecting the Antenna Connectors and Cables 22
Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip 23
Cleaning the Antenna 23
Replacing the Antenna Gasket 24
Replacing the Antenna Cable 24
9. Storing Your Radio 25
10. Battery Basics 26
Battery Best Practices List 26
11. Safety 28
AC Power Adapter 28
12. Troubleshooting 29
Issue and Solution Table 29
Radio Readings Tips 30
13. Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance 31
Pairing Bluetooth for Itron Mobile for FCS Users 31
Pairing Bluetooth in Windows 31
To Pair Bluetooth in Windows 31
14. Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations 34
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Itron Mobile Radio User Guide

Itron Mobile Radio compliance
Equipment description
Itron Mobile Radio
PMN: IMR PMN: IMR2 PMN: IMR-XA/IMR-FT
FCC ID: EO9IMRA FCC ID: EO9IMRB FCC ID: EO9IMRB
IC: 864A-IMRA IC:864A-IMRB IC: 864A-IMRB
HVIN: IMRA HVIN: IMRB-INT HVIN: IMRB-EXT
FCC USA intentional radiator compliance statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
FCC USA un-intentional radiator compliance statement
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 reas-
onable 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.
ISED Canada compliance statements
Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité
Under Innovation, Science and Economic Devel- Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 5
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide

Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité
opment Canada (ISED) regulations, this radio trans-
mitter may only operate using an antenna of a type
and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the trans-
mitter by Innovation, Science and Economic Devel-
opment Canada. To reduce potential radio
interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent iso-
tropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than
that necessary for successful communication.
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 brouil-
lage radioélectrique à l'intention des autres util-
isateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son gain
de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équi-
valente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas l'intensité néces-
saire à l'établissement d'une communication
satisfaisante.
This device complies with Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada license-exempt
RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (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, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil
doit accepter tout brouillage radio électrique subi,
même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en com-
promettre le fonctionnement.
RF Exposure (FCC/ISED)
Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité
This equipment complies with radiation exposure
limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
The IMRB-EXT vehicle antenna(s) must be
installed to provide a separation distance of at
least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-
located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
Cet équipement est conforme à l'exposition au ray-
onnement limites définies pour un environnement
non contrôlé. L'antenne du véhicule IMRB-EXT doit
être installée de manière à prévoir une distance de
séparation d'au moins 20 cm de toutes les per-
sonnes et ne doit pas être colocalisé ou fonc-
tionnant en conjonction avec toute autre antenne
ou émetteur.
Electromagnetic compatibility
Caution: ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
Use only approved accessories with this equipment. In general all cables must be high qual-
ity, 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.
Important: Changes or modifications to the device or its antenna not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the device.
Transportation classification
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 6
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide

The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits operating transmitters and receivers on all
commercial aircraft. When powered, Itron Mobile Radios are considered operating trans-
mitters and receivers and cannot be shipped by air with the battery installed. To ship by air,
remove the battery and follow li-ion shipping regulations.
Specific absorption rate data
The IMRA and IMRB devices meet the government's requirements for exposure to radio
waves. Your Itron Mobile Radio has a radio transmitter and receiver. It is designed and man-
ufactured not to exceed limits for exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy set by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) of the U.S. government and by the Canadian reg-
ulatory authorities. These limits are part of comprehensive guidelines and establish per-
mitted levels of RF energy for the general population. The guidelines are based on
standards that were developed by independent scientific organizations through periodic and
thorough evaluation of scientific studies. The standards include a substantial safety margin
designed to assure the safety of all persons, regardless of age or health.
The exposure standard for wireless mobile and/or portable devices employs a unit of meas-
urement known as the specific absorption rate, or SAR. The SAR limit set by the FCC and
by the Canadian regulatory authorities is 1.6 W/kg1. Tests for SAR are conducted using
standard operating positions accepted by the FCC and by Innovation, Science and Eco-
nomic Development Canada with the radio transmitting at its highest certified power level in
all test frequency bands. Although the SAR is determined at the highest certified power
level, the actual SAR level of the radio while operating can be well below the maximum level.
This is because the Radio is designed to operate at multiple power levels, depending on the
needs of the customer.
Before an Itron Mobile Radio is available for sale to the public in the U.S. and Canada, it
must be tested and certified to the FCC and Innovation, Science and Economic Devel-
opment Canada that it does not exceed the limit established by each government for safe
exposure. The tests are performed in positions and locations (for example, worn on the
body) and reported to the FCC and made available for review by Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada. The highest SAR value for this Itron Mobile Radio, model
IMR when tested for use when worn on the body as described in the user’s guide is 0.25
W/kg (IMRA) and 1.2 W/kg (IMRB). While there may be differences between the SAR levels
of various Itron Mobile Radio models and at various positions, they all meet the government
requirements for safe exposure. Please note that improvements to this product model could
cause differences in the SAR value for later products; and in all cases, products are
designed to be within the guidelines.
1In the United States and Canada, the SAR limit for wireless mobile and/or portable devices used by the
public is 1.6 W per kilogram averaged over 1 g of tissue. The standard incorporates a substantial margin of
safety to get additional protection for the public and to account for any variations in measurements.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 7
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide

Warning: Warning: Use this device only in a manner consistent with
the Itron Mobile Radio User Guide
The Australian version of this device has been tested and found to be compliant to Australian
standards. It is identified with the RCM mark on the label.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 8
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide

1. Introduction
This document details the features and functions of the Itron Mobile Radio and provides
information relating to its use and maintenance.
The Itron Mobile Radio is available in several models: the original handheld, portable Itron
Mobile Radio (IMR) with a built-in antenna and the new External Antenna and Field Tools
versions of the IMR (IMR-XA, IMR-FT) that are mounted in a vehicle for mobile drive-by end-
point reading and field tool operations, respectively.
All IMR models share many of the same features and operations. Those common to all
models will be described and attributed to the IMR in a generic sense. Key differences in
models will be described and attributed to either the portable IMR or the mobile IMR-XA and
IMR-FT.
Feature List
Each Itron Mobile Radio is equipped with the following features.
Feature IMR IMR-XA /
IMR-FT
Power button. See Turning the Radio On or Off on page6. X X
LED status indicators. See LED Status Indicators on page7. X X
USB communication port. See Communication Ports on page9. X X
Bluetooth wireless communications. See Optimizing Bluetooth® Per-
formance on page31
X X
Related Documents List
For more information about the Itron Mobile Radio and the Itron Mobile for FCS app. See the
most current versions of the following documents.
Itron Mobile for FCS User Guide (TDC-1717-xxx) The Itron Mobile Radio is designed for use
with handheld and laptop computers running the Itron Mobile for FCS app.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 1

Itron Mobile Radio Quick Reference Guide (TDC-1720-xxx)
Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement (TDC-1722-xxx)
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 2
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 1. Introduction

2. About Your Itron Mobile Radio
When you unpack your radio, make sure you have all of the components listed in the fol-
lowing tables. If any are missing, contact Itron Support Services immediately.
For the portable IMR, an optional Radio Carrying Kit is available for order separately. The
Radio Carrying Kit contains a belt clip and a shoulder harness.
Itron Mobile Radio Parts List
The following tables describe all the parts that are included with your Itron Mobile Radio.
The portable Itron Mobile Radio comes with the following items.
Itron Mobile Radio with built-in antenna
AC power adapter AC wall plug with USB type A port.
Communication and charging cable USB cable.
Documentation Itron Mobile Radio Quick Reference Guide
Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement
(Optional) Belt clip and shoulder harness Included if the optional Radio Carrying Kit is ordered.
The mobile IMR-XA and IMR-FT come with the following items.
Itron Mobile Radio with
attached charge base
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 3

External antenna 26.5 inch antenna whip
Antenna vehicle mount with
cable
Antenna mount with attached cable.
Available as a permanent mount with a 17-foot
cable or a magnetic mount with a 12-foot cable.
IMR-XA mounting jacket with
adapter plate
Securely holds the IMR-XA and mounts to a seat belt, partition, or
pedestal.
DC power cable Two-meter cable with 12V DC vehicle accessory plug.
Communication and charging
cable
Two-meter USB cable with right-angle micro USB plug.
Documentation Itron Mobile Radio Quick Reference Guide
Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 4
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 2. About Your Itron Mobile Radio

3. Daily Operation
Inspect the radio for broken, loose, or missing parts and fasteners, taking corrective action as
required.
Ensure that the IMR-XA external whip is securely connected to its mounting base, and the
mounting base is securely attached to the vehicle.
Make sure the radio is operated and stored within the recommended temperature range.
Operating temperature: -5° F to 140° F (-15° C to 50° C)
Storage temperature: -40° F to 158° F (-40° C to 70° C)
Cold temperature extremes may result in reduced available energy from the battery
pack. This energy is recoverable as the battery pack warms to 68° F (20° C).
Do not subject the radio to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a vehicle in bright
sunlight. Extended exposure to warm temperature extremes can result in permanent
reduction in available energy from the battery pack.
Exit all external applications at the end of each work day and power the radio off. This
ensures that all applications communicating with the radio have terminated their com-
munication links and the IMR battery is not being discharged.
Charge the portable IMR battery nightly.
Charging the Portable IMR Battery
1. Plug the USB cable into the radio.
2. Plug the USB cable into a PC or an AC wall adaptor.
3. Allow the radio to charge for at least six hours before you use it or store it.
Charging the Mobile IMR-XA or IMR-FT Battery
1. Plug the vehicle DC power cable into the charge base.
2. Plug the DC power cable into the vehicle accessory adapter.
3. Allow the radio to charge for at least six hours before you use it or store it.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 5

Turning the Radio On or Off
Turn on while using battery power:
Press and hold the button for three seconds (until the Power LED turns green) to turn the
radio on.
Turn off while using battery power:
Press and hold the button for three seconds (until the Power LED turns white) to to turn
the radio off.
Turn on while using external power:
The radio is always on when using external power.
When the radio is using external power (connected to an energy source with the USB
cable or the IMR-XA / IMR-FT connected to 12V DC vehicle power cable) pressing the
button turns the power LED green until the button is released, but it does not turn the
radio off. The IMR-XA and IMR-FT radios remain on as long as they are being powered
by the vehicle.
To preserve battery energy, a radio not connected to external power automatically shuts
down after a period of inactivity. If this occurs, turn the unit on as described above.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 6
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 3. Daily Operation

4. LED Status Indicators
Two multi-color LED status indicators are located on the top of the radio. These indicators
are labeled with a power icon and a communication icon . The color and illumination of
the LED lights provide feedback about the Itron Mobile Radio's status.
The LED lights have two patterns for displaying different states.
Solid. LED is on continuously.
Flash. LED turns off and on at a constant interval.
Power Indicator LED Table
The following table describes the LED colors and patterns for the most common radio con-
ditions.
Power indicator
Solid Flash
green Initializing
Button pressed
Charged
green Battery more than 50%
yellow N/A yellow Battery more than 20%
red Charging red Battery less than 20%
white Error: Battery
Turning on
white Error: General
Note: When an IMR with a fully discharged battery is connected to
power via its USB cable, it may display a solid white LED or the LED
may randomly turn on and then off again. This is normal behavior while a
fully discharged battery is charging to a minimum voltage, at which time it
should follow the states shown in the Power indicator LED table. Wait
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 7

several hours while the battery charges and you should eventually see
the power LED turn solid red, indicating it is charging, and finally solid
green, indicating that it is fully charged and ready for use. If the white
LED never turns off while the IMR is connected to power, the battery is
likely bad and must be replaced. This will need to be done approximately
every 300 to 500 charge cycles. See Installing a Replacement Bat-
tery on page20.
Comm Indicator LED Table
The following table describes the LED colors and patterns for the most common radio con-
ditions.
Comm indicator
Solid Flash
green
USB connected white Error
blue Bluetooth® connected blue Bluetooth low energy connected
Note The application connected to the radio may assign a display pattern to the LEDs that is not
described in these tables.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 8
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 4. LED Status Indicators

5. Communication Ports
The Itron Mobile Radio has one micro USB communication port under a protective rubber
flap on the side of the radio near the top.
Note: The USB cable supplied with the IMR-XA and IMR-FT has a
down-angle micro USB connector to facilitate proper cable management
with the mounting jacket. Using a cable with a straight or up-angle con-
nector will put unnecessary stress on the radio USB port and may, over
time, lead to a poor cable connection.
In addition, the radio is equipped with an internal port for wireless Bluetooth®com-
munications. If communication is in place through Bluetooth, attaching the USB cable only
provides power. Communication may occur through Bluetooth while charging with the USB.
Note: Some Windows 7 or Windows 8 users may experience difficulty
connecting to the device via USB or may see a prompt to install an
updated Texas Instruments driver for the device. Download and install
the Itron Mobile Radio USB driver available from Itron Access at
https://access.itron.com/ (available for registered users).
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 9

6. Carrying the Portable Itron Mobile Radio
The portable Itron Mobile Radio’s optional shoulder harness and belt clip provide convenient,
hands-free ways to carry the radio while installing, reading, and maintaining meters and end-
points. The shoulder harness and belt clip let you wear the radio comfortably while walking or
driving.
As a safety feature, the clips are designed to break away if the radio snags or becomes
caught, releasing the wearer and reducing the likelihood of injury.
The radio may also be carried in a pocket, backpack, or bag.
The radio is water resistant.
Note: If you are carrying the radio, make sure the side with the ridges is
facing away from your body, conductive materials, or anything else
which may shield the radio signal.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 10

7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT
Refer to the following procedures for guidance on installing your IMR-XA or IMR-FT.
Installing the Antenna on the next page
Power Cable Routing--All Installations on page15
Installing the Mounting Jacket in the Vehicle on page16
IMR-XA / IMR-FT Antenna Specifications
This section provides the specifications for the IMR-XA / IMR-FT external vehicle antenna.
Caution: The IMR-XA / IMR-FT system is designed to operate with the
antenna listed here. Antennas not listed here are strictly prohibited for
use with this IMR-XA / IMR-FT system. The required antenna imped-
ance is 50 ohms.
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Conformity
This radio transmitter, 864A-IMRB, has been
approved by Innovation, Science and Eco-
nomic Development Canada to operate with
the antenna types listed below, with the max-
imum permissible gain indicated. Antenna
types not included in this list that have a gain
greater than the maximum gain indicated for
any type listed are strictly prohibited for use
with this device.
Cet émetteur radio, 864A-IMRB, a été approuvé
par Innovation, Sciences et Développement
économique Canada pour fonctionner avec les
types d’antennes énumérés ci-dessous, avec le
gain maximal admissible indiqué. Les types
d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste et dont le
gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué pour
l'un des types répertoriés ne sont strictement pas
autorisés pour une utilisation avec cet appareil.
Specification 915 MHz Mobile Antenna
Itron part number MSE-0122-002
Frequency range 908-958 MHz
Maximum gain 5 dBi
Polarization Vertical omni-directional
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 11

Specification 915 MHz Mobile Antenna
Impedence 50 ohms
Termination 1-1/8-inch 18 thread mount
Overall dimensions 26.5-inch length x 1.43-inch diameter
Installing the Antenna
Installation of the antenna includes the following tasks. Perform the tasks in the order shown
in the following list.
1. Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle below
2. Installing the Permanent Antenna Mounting Base on the next page
3. Installing the Magnetic Antenna Mounting Base on the next page
Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle
The antenna remains installed on the vehicle. The manufacturer's instructions, which ship
with the antenna components, are summarized in the following procedures. Itron recom-
mends consulting the antenna manufacturer's instructions in addition to this guide.
Note: Do not trim, shorten, or secure any cabling until you are confident
of its routing.
Location selection criteria include the following.
Access from inside the vehicle to the exterior antenna mounting location is usually required.
If the vehicle has a headliner, remove nearby trim pieces or even a dome light to gain access
to the mounting location.
Install the antenna a minimum of 12 inches from any other antennas or metal structures on
the vehicle's roof that could disrupt communication with endpoints. 30 inches is recom-
mended.
Select a location on the vehicle's roof that has as flat a surface as possible. The metal of the
roof must be 0.02 to 0.04 inches thick.
The location should be no more than one inch deep and at least 2.5 inches in diameter to
properly secure the antenna base.
To meet RF exposure safety requirements, the antenna must be installed a minimum of 21.7
inches (55 centimeters) from where any bystanders may be located.
14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 12
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT