Mueller Mi.Net User manual

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MI.NET MULTI-NETWORK COLLECTOR
Part Number 880-0214-001
Document Version F
April 2020
Installation and Operation Manual

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CONTENTS
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Mi.Net Multi-Network Collector System Description ................................................................................................................................. 5
Base Unit Modules .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Module Descriptions............................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Before You Begin ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Safety Considerations ............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Installation and Operation.........................................................................................................................................................................10
Base Unit Mounting Options .....................................................................................................................................................................12
Table I: Collector Mounting Options ....................................................................................................................................................14
2-1/2" Metal Pipe Mounting: ............................................................................................................................................................14
Utility / Wood Pole Mounting: ...........................................................................................................................................................14
BAND-IT Mounting:.............................................................................................................................................................................14
Flat Building Mounting ......................................................................................................................................................................14
Battery Installation ....................................................................................................................................................................................15
Remote Amplifier Installation ...................................................................................................................................................................16
External Cellular and GPS Antennas ....................................................................................................................................................17
Lightning Protection and Grounding.........................................................................................................................................................18
Power Connections ....................................................................................................................................................................................19
Solar Installations..................................................................................................................................................................................19
AC Installations ..........................................................................................................................................................................................19
Connection Procedure...........................................................................................................................................................................19
Attach Ferrite Filter ............................................................................................................................................................................21
Installation Checklist .............................................................................................................................................................................22
Pre-installation Collector Items.........................................................................................................................................................22
Post-installation Items.......................................................................................................................................................................22
Operation....................................................................................................................................................................................................23
LED Statuses..........................................................................................................................................................................................23
Set Up and Configuration......................................................................................................................................................................24
Appendix I: Mounting Unit with Band-It ....................................................................................................................................................24
Appendix II: Weatherproofing Connections.............................................................................................................................................33
Appendix III: Lightning Protection Recommendations ............................................................................................................................34
Surge protection ....................................................................................................................................................................................34
Grounding...............................................................................................................................................................................................34
Ground Connections:.............................................................................................................................................................................35
Appendix IV: Solar Installation ..................................................................................................................................................................36
Solar Power Installation Notes: ............................................................................................................................................................36
Solar Battery Monitoring Wiring............................................................................................................................................................36

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Solar Battery Alarms..........................................................................................................................................................................36
Solar Battery Signal Wiring................................................................................................................................................................38
Appendix: Compliance Information ..........................................................................................................................................................40
FCC Information.....................................................................................................................................................................................40
IC Information ........................................................................................................................................................................................40
Appendix VI: Maintenance........................................................................................................................................................................42
Replacement Modules ..........................................................................................................................................................................42
Gateway LEDs ........................................................................................................................................................................................43
Troubleshooting Guide ..............................................................................................................................................................................44
Appendix VII: Wiring Diagram...................................................................................................................................................................51
Appendix VIII: Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................................52
Appendix IX: Safety and Product Labels..................................................................................................................................................54
About Mueller Systems..............................................................................................................................................................................55

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OVERVIEW
The Mi.Net Multi-Network Collector is an unattended data collector and gateway device. It is intended for indoor or outdoor use in
advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) monitoring and control applications.
The complete Multi-Network Collector system consists of a base unit and an amplifier -tower top amplifier / antenna unit
(Figure 1).
In typical applications, the collector automatically gathers relevant data from smart metering devices located within the range of
its wireless AMI network interface, for billing or analysis purposes. It transfers this data back to remotely located servers by
means of a cellular or wired Internet connection. The collector also enables devices on its local AMI network to be remotely
controlled or reconfigured through the Internet.
The collector is intended for applications where the antenna unit is installed a significant distance from the base unit,
such as on a tower or pole. A tower top amplifier is included with all collector systems to compensate for signal loss over
the connecting cable.
MI.NET MULTI-NETWORK COLLECTOR SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The collector system delivers the maximum transmitter output power allowable by law. The collector enhances AMI network
range by enabling installation of the AMI network antenna a considerable distance from the base unit, and at a significant height
above ground level.
Increasing the AMI antenna installation height above ground significantly increases the system’s operating range. However, it is
often desirable to locate the collector base unit close to ground level for easier access to power and serviceability.
The collector system employs a remotely installed amplifier to compensate for losses over the length of the cable. This amplifier
restores transmitter power at the antenna to maximum allowable levels. To achieve optimal system performance, this amplifier is
fitted immediately below the antenna.
The remote amplifier is powered by the base unit through the coax cable connection between the two units. The fixed
collector system incorporates a standard 8dBi antenna. A smaller antenna with 6dBi gain is also available if more suitable
for site conditions.
The remote amplifier unit includes an integral bandpass filter, which attenuates strong out-of-band signals that might otherwise
impair AMI network reception. This allows the remote amplifier and AMI network antenna to be installed in relatively close
proximity (less than 500 meters) to strong sources of potential interference, such as a cellular base station system. Connection
to the remote amplifier is made by connecting the coaxial connector to the lightning arrestor connector as shown in Figure 1.

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Collector base units are housed in an IP-54 rugged polycarbonate enclosure. Power dissipation ranges from 30 watts (typical) to
100 watts (maximum). The 100W case occurs only when a collector’s internal batteries are being recharged following a power
interruption.
All antenna, network, and power connections to the collector base unit are made at the bottom of the enclosure.
Figure 1: Collector Base Unit and TTU remote antenna assembly – antenna not pictured

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BASE UNIT MODULES
The base unit contains 10 modules within its cabinet (see Figure 2). Many of these modules may be replaced in the event of
failure or damage. See Appendix IV for information concerning maintenance and replacement of these modules.
NOTE: Your equipment may vary slightly from photographs in this document.
Figure 2: Mi.Net Multi-Network Collector modules
1. Power Supply
2. Backup Battery
3. AC Circuit
Breaker
4. Battery Circuit
Breaker
5. Gateway
Assembly
6. Cellular Modem
7. Ethernet Jack
(RS-45)
8. Antenna Surge
Protectors
9. Power Surge
Arrestor
10. Power Terminals

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MODULE DESCRIPTIONS
1.
Power Supply
- Converts the electrical main’s power to +12v (13v - 14v nominal) required to operate the collector
electronics. The power supply also charges the 12v backup battery and maintains a float charge to ensure the battery
is fully charged in the event of a power outage.
2.
Backup Battery
– Is used to run the collector in the event of a power outage. The battery is a 12v, lead-acid type and
can operate the collector up to 20 hours under normal conditions. Run-time will be less in colder conditions or if the
battery is at the end of its life span (approximately 4 years). For optimum results, the battery should be replaced every
4 years or sooner.
3.
AC Circuit Breaker
– A 15Amp circuit breaker is included to protect against over-current faults on the AC power mains.
Used with the Battery Breaker, it may also be used to switch off the power to the collector electronics. Switch off both
breakers to ensure power is removed from the collector electronics.
4. DC Circuit Breaker
– A 15Amp circuit breaker is included to protect against over-current faults on the battery power
supply. Used with the AC Circuit Breaker -it may also be used to switch off the power to the collector electronics.
Switch off both breakers to ensure power is removed from the collector electronics.
5.
Gateway Assembly
– Performs many functions within the collector. Its functions include:
• Receiving and sending messages to the population of installed nodes
• Processing and aggregating data from nodes to be sent to the host server
• Monitoring functional health of the collector modules
• Providing status indicators
6.
Cellular Modem
- Transfers data between the gateway and the server / host system via the cellular / internet network.
7.
Ethernet Jack
- Provides an Ethernet link to transfer the gateway data to / from the server / host system (in place of the
cellular modem).
8.
Antenna Surge Protectors
- Included to protect the collector from nearby lighting strikes.
9.
Power Surge Arrestor
- Included to protect the collector from nearby lighting strikes.
10.
Power Terminals
- Provided to allow connection of the collector to the AC main’s power source.

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BEFORE YOU BEGIN
After you have installed the unit you will work with the Mueller Systems NOC group to perform the steps described in the
Post-installation Items section under Connection Procedure.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
The MNC is powered by 110 - 240VAC power. This voltage can be hazardous. All external power source connections must be
performed by appropriate professionals, who are properly licensed to work within the local jurisdiction.
Collector outdoor installation should only be attempted when weather conditions permit this task to be completed safely.
You must
contact Mueller Systems Network Operations Center (NOC) at least a day in
advance of installation
to ensure a technician will be available to send appropriate test
messages over the network once the unit is installed.

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INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
Carefully remove the collector base unit from its custom shipping container. Afterwards, open the enclosure and carefully
remove the packing materials from the interior. We recommend you retain these materials in the event the unit should need to
be returned for service or upgrade.
All antenna, network, and power connections to the collector base unit are made at the bottom of the enclosure (Figure 3).
Most installations will require only a power and RF antenna connection.
Installations that require a hardwired Ethernet connection will need to install a separate conduit and Cat5e Ethernet cable that
enters the collector cabinet at the labeled entrance on the bottom of the enclosure. Connection of the Ethernet RJ45 connector
is made inside the cabinet at the labeled connector jack (Figure 4).
Installation of a typical collector system consists of 3 major elements:
1. Mounting the base unit enclosure and remote amplifier assembly
2. Connecting the antenna, Ethernet (if required) and ground wires and cables
3. Connecting power to the collector
These processes will be described in the following sections.