Kamstrup USB Meter Reader User manual
Manual
Operation Manual
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Operation Manual Kamstrup USB Meter Reader
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Contents
1 ........................................................................................................................................1Introduction
.............................................................................................................................. 11.1 FAQ
.............................................................................................................................. 31.2 Usage/Good practices
.............................................................................................................................. 41.3 Definitions
.............................................................................................................................. 51.4 Menus and toolbars
2 ........................................................................................................................................9Views
.............................................................................................................................. 102.1 Home
.............................................................................................................................. 132.2 Reading
.............................................................................................................................. 182.3 Data
3 ........................................................................................................................................25Dialog boxes
.............................................................................................................................. 263.1 "New USB Meter Reader" dialog box
.............................................................................................................................. 273.2 "Edit USB Meter Reader" dialog box
.............................................................................................................................. 323.3 "Edit Meter" dialog box
.............................................................................................................................. 393.4 "New group" dialog box
.............................................................................................................................. 433.5 "New job" dialog box
.............................................................................................................................. 463.6 "Set-up" dialog box
.............................................................................................................................. 483.7 "About menu" dialog box
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1 Introduction
The USB Meter Reader system consists of the following components:
·USB Reader
·Power Pack
·Charging cable
·Quick Guide.
USB Reader
USB unit for wireless reading of Kamstrup meters. Connect the unit to a USB port on a Power Pack, as
described below, or a USB port on a PC. Alternatively, it is possible to use a cigarette plug with USB.
We recommend using at least 2 “USB Readers”: one mounted rigidly on the PC and one e.g. on a Power
Pack that is used for meter reading.
Power Pack
Power supply for ”USB Reader”. Before using Power Pack, it must be charged.
Turn it on and off by pressing the round button.
A light emitting diode in the middle of the button shows the status of the charging process:
·Red, 0-40 % charged
·Orange, 40-70 % charged
·Green, 70-100 % charged.
Charging cable
The charging cable is used for charging Power Pack. Connect the little plug to Power Pack and the big plug
to a USB port, e.g. on a PC. The time of charging is 5-8 hours, depending on how much power the USB port
can supply.
Quick Guide
Describes how to download the program Kamstrup USB Meter Reader from Kamstrup’s website and install it
on the PC.
1.1 FAQ
Why does it take longer to read a Kamstrup electricity meter?
See "Why does the reading time vary?".
Why does it take longer to read a Kamstrup MULTICAL®
meter?
See "Why does the reading time vary?".
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Why does the reading time vary?
The reading time varies depending on the meter type as well as in which state the meter is. To illustrate the
scenarios, a Kamstrup electricity meter and a Kamstrup MULTICAL®meter are described in the following.
When meters are called upon, they may be in different states. A Kamstrup electricity meter is never in a low
power state and thus replies immediately. A Kamstrup MULTICAL®, however, may be in a low power mode
and thus has to "wake up" before answering. Therefore, when trying to read both a Kamstrup electricity
meter and a Kamstrup MULTICAL®, the electricity meter will be read first due to its state. However, if you try
to read once more (directly after), the heat meter will be read first. This is due to the construction of the
meters. When reading an electricity meter, you always get the actual data. This implies that the electricity
meter has to gather the information and send it back to the reader. The MULTICAL®, however, has the data
ready in the radio module and can therefore send the data right away once the MULTICAL®is "awake". Note
that the data can be up to 24 hours old.
Summarised, the reading time will vary because the meter may/may not be "awake" and may/may not have
the data ready when contacted.
What is Missing meters?
See "Definitions".
What/when is Last Reading / Reading time?
See "Definitions".
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1.2 Usage/Good practices
Introduction
This section describes how to use your "USB Reader" when collecting/reading data from meters.
Using the Power Pack
When using Power Pack, use the following work flow:
1. Create a job for the "USB Reader" that you use. Note that you do not need to plug your "USB Reader"
into the PC if you have another "USB Reader" plugged into the PC. The job list will be sent to your "USB
Reader" wirelessly.
2. The "USB Reader" will start reading once it is under movement (green diode starts glowing). Thus, when
you start walking/driving, the reader will start reading. Note that there is a small delay before it starts
reading. When you can see the orange diode flashing, stop and wait until the flashing stops. When it
stops, continue to walk until it starts flashing again. Proceed in this way until you have ended your route.
3. When in contact with the Kamstrup Meter Reader system again, your "USB Reader" will transfer the data
to the system. In "Home" you can click the "USB Reader" and check if you are missing any meters. If so,
you can transfer the missing meters list to the "USB Reader" (refer to "Home" for further information).
Perform reading away from another "USB Reader" connected to a PC
When using Power Pack, it is a good idea to be out of range from another "USB Reader" connected to a PC.
This is to avoid the "USB Reader" in the PC contacting your "USB Reader" while reading. The "USB Reader"
in the PC will constantly try to retrieve the new data from your "USB Reader". Thus, every time you collect
new data, your "USB Reader" will have to send the new data back to the other "USB Reader" before starting
up the reading sequence again. The communication also stops the "USB Reader" from showing the
"Finished reading" sign (orange led flashes 3 times).
Using a PC to collect data
To use the Kamstrup USB Meter Reader system when collecting data, do the following:
Collect data from a list of meters
1. Create a job for the "USB Reader" plugged into the PC.
2. Go to the view "Reading" and select the tab "Read meter(s) on USB Reader”.
Collect data from a specific meter
1. Go to the view "Reading" and select the tab "Read specific meter(s)".
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1.3 Definitions
Introduction
In this section, you will find the definitions used in the Kamstrup Meter Reader program. If you do not find an
answer here, go to FAQ.
Missing meters
"Missing meters" is a definition which is used in the views "Home" and “Reading” in the toolbar. A meter is
defined to be missing when the last reading time is before the definition "missing meters" (see below). Thus,
if a meter was read e.g. on 26/11/2009 and the definition "missing meters" is set to 2 days (default), then the
meter will appear on the missing meters list on 29/11/2009. Changing the definition "missing meters" to 14
days will make the meter appear on the missing meters list on 11/12/2009.
Definition of “missing meters”
The number of days from the current date on which data is considered to be old. Thus, if the defintion
"missing meters" is e.g. 2 days (default) and today's date is 20/10/2009, then all data from 17/10/2009 and
before is considered to be old. You can set this value in the menu File ðSet-up.
Last Reading / Reading time
Last reading is the time on which the Kamstrup USB Meter Reader system receives the data from a "USB
reader". Thus, if you collect data on 08/08/2009 and do not return to your office the same day (but e.g. the
following morning), then the "Last Reading" time will be on 09/08/2009.
Job / Job list
A Job, or Job list, is a list of meters that a "USB reader" should read. To create a Job (Job List), click on
“Job lists" in the toolbar and create the job in the dialog box “New job”.
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1.4 Menus and toolbars
Introduction
In Kamstrup USB Meter Reader, you will find one menu bar and one toolbar. This chapter will give you a
short description of the two.
Topics:
·The menu bar
·The toolbar.
The menu bar
The menu bar is divided into four menus: "File", "View", "Edit" and "Help" as shown above.
The File menu
The "File" menu contains four selections. Click the links to get a detailed description of each selection.
1. "Set-up" is used to change settings such as language, definition of “missing meters” etc.
2. "Export" is only available in the "Data” view (also shortly described below) and is used when exporting all
stored data into e.g. a .PDF file.
3. "Print" is also only available in the "Data" view (also shortly described below). This will open the dialog
box “Print Preview".
4. "Exit" closes the application.
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The View menu
The "View" menu contains three selections representing the different views in Kamstrup USB Meter Reader.
Click the links to get detailed information about each view.
1. "Home" is the view that Kamstrup USB Meter Reader shows at start-up.
2. "Data" provides a detailed overview of all the meters.
3. "Reading" is used when you are collecting data/reading meters.
The Edit menu
This menu contains four selections. You use this menu when you want to add, edit or delete "USB Readers"
or meters from your system. For a detailed introduction to the dialog boxes, click the links below.
1. "USB Readers" is where you delete or change a name of a “USB Reader” in your system.
2. "Meters" is where you add, edit or delete meters.
3. "Groups" is used to create or delete a group of meters.
4. "Job lists" is where you choose the meters which should be read by a “USB Reader”.
The Help menu
The "Help" menu contains two selections: "Contents" and "About". Click the links to get a detailed
description.
1. "Contents" opens the online manual.
2. "About" opens the "About" dialog box where you can see the current running software version and the
Kamstrup USB Meter Reader product number.
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The Toolbar
The toolbar is divided into three sections:
1. The "View" section
2. The "Edit" section
3. The "File" section.
The View section
The "View" section contains three buttons. These buttons represent different views in Kamstrup USB Meter
Reader. Click the links to get detailed information about each view.
1. "Home” is the view that Kamstrup USB Meter Reader shows at start-up.
2. "Data" provides a detailed overview of all the meters.
3. "Reading" is used when you are collecting data/reading meters.
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The Edit section
This section contains four buttons. You use this section when you want to add, edit or delete "USB
Readers" or meters from your system. Clicking a button in this section will open a new window. For a
detailed introduction to the dialog boxes, click the links below.
1. "USB Readers" is where you delete or change a name of a “USB Reader” in your system.
2. "Meters" is the dialog box where you add, edit or delete meters.
3. "Groups" is used to create or delete a group of meters.
4. "Job lists" is where you choose the meters which should be read by a “USB Reader”.
The File section
This section is only available in the "Data" view (see above). Here you can export or print all your meter data.
1. "Export" is used to export the grid into either .XLS, .PDF or .CSV format. Choose the destination, format
and filename in the standard dialog box “Save data grid to file”.
2. "Print" will open the dialog box ”Print Preview”. It is also possible to open the dialog box by clicking File ð
Print.
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2.1 Home
Introduction
“Home” (or “Live View”) is the start-up window of the Kamstrup USB Meter Reader program. Here, an
overview shows the "USB Readers" in your system. This chapter gives you a detailed explanation of what
you can see and do in the “Live View”.
Topics:
·Overview of “Home” (“Live View”)
·Missing meters.
Overview
Every time you start up Kamstrup USB Meter Reader, you will be presented with the “Live View”. Here, you
have from left a computer image, a list of "USB Readers" (empty if no "USB Reader" has been installed) and
last the “Missing meters” frame. These parts are shown in the screenshot below:
1. The animated image illustrates the "USB Readers" plugged into your computer. If the image is not
present, the system has not detected any "USB Readers" plugged into the computer.
2. Here, you have the list of "USB Readers" in your system (described in detail later).
3. On the right, you have the frame “Missing meters” (described in detail later).
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The USB Reader list
The "USB Reader” list is situated in the middle as seen above (2). Note that if you have no "USB Reader"
installed, the list will be empty. The topmost "USB Reader" (“Peter” in the screenshot above) will always be
the "USB Reader" plugged into the PC. The rest of the list is sorted alphabetically with the "USB Readers"
out of reach at the bottom. The list gives you various information about the "USB Readers". Some of this can
be seen in the below image:
1. Above each "USB Reader", you will find the name of the "USB Reader".
2. The signal strength is shown after the image. If the USB icon is shown, it means that the "USB Reader" is
directly connected to the PC through the USB port. Note that only one “USB Reader” will have this icon,
and that it is always situated at the very top of the list above a green line.
3. If there is no contact to a "USB Reader", it will be dimmed and put last on the list.
USB Reader status icons
Each "USB Reader" has one or more status icons:
1. "USB Reader" is updated. Job list is updated and all meter data on the "USB Reader" has been retrieved
and saved.
2. The job list on the "USB Reader" is out of date and is being updated. Note that the list is updated
automatically.
3. The "USB Reader" has new data which currently is being collected by the system. Note that this is done
automatically.
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The missing meters frame
Missing meters are meters on a "USB Reader’s" job list that are older than the specified number of days (as
standard, the definition "Missing meters" is set to 2 day). By clicking on a "USB Reader", the missing
meters frame will be updated and show:
1. the name of the "USB Reader"
2. a list of meters that are defined as missing (older than the specified number of days).
3. the button “Send list to USB Readers” that takes the missing meters and send these to the "USB
Reader". Note that this will change the "USB Reader’s" job list to only contain the missing meters.
4. the number of missing meters.
5. the button “Print” that opens the dialog box “Print Preview”. Here, you can print the list of missing meters.
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2.2 Reading
Introduction
The view "Reading” is used when you are out collecting data or installing a new meter using a portable PC
with a "USB Reader" inserted into the USB port. The view has two tabs: "Read meter(s) on USB Reader"
and "Read specific meter(s)". This chapter gives you a detailed explanation about what you can see and do
in the view "Reading".
Topics:
·Switching to "Reading" view
·Overview of the "Reading” view
·Using the "Read meter(s) on USB Reader"
·Using the "Read specific meter(s)" tab.
Switching to “Reading” view
You can either switch to the "Reading” view by clicking on “Reading” on the toolbar as shown below or
through the menu View ðReading.
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Overview
In the "Reading" view, you can switch between two tabs depending on what type of reading you want to do.
An illustration of a "USB Reader" reading data from some meters is shown while reading. The components
are shown below.
1. The two tabs “Read meter(s) on USB Reader” and “Read specific meter(s)”
2. The illustration of a "USB Reader" collecting data from meters is shown while reading data
3. The START/STOP button.
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Collecting the data from meters on a USB Reader (the "Read
meter(s) on USB Readers” tab)
The tab is used when you want to read (collect data) from the "job list" of the "USB Reader" currently
plugged into the computer. To start reading, you simply click the START button. Note that the meters will
not be read in the order of the list, but rather one by one as the "USB Reader" establish contact with them.
While reading, the view will constantly keep you updated on the progress:
1. The progress bar shows the percentage of read meters that you have currently read.
2. The "Meter read" icon shows you that the meter has been read. Note that the collected data is stored.
3. The illustration shows you that the "USB Reader" is collecting data.
4. You can always stop the ongoing reading by clicking the STOP button. Clicking the START button once
more will make the "USB Reader" read all the meters again.
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Reading/collecting data from a specific meter (the "Read
specific meter(s)" tab)
The tab is used when you want to read (collect data) from a specific meter. To read the data from a meter,
simply select the meter you want to read on the list and click the START button.
1. The meter from which the "USB Reader" is trying to read/collect data is the one selected on the list.
2. The "Meter read" icon illustrates that the meter is not a "missing meter". Thus, the "Meter read" icon will
be added to the selected meter if the reading is successful.
3. An illustration will be present while the "USB Reader" is trying to collect the data.
4. You can always stop the ongoing reading by clicking the STOP button. Note that the "USB Reader" will
only try to read the meter for a given amount of time before stopping.
Table of contents
