Neptune Technology E-Coder)R900i Product manual

E-Cod
E-Cod
E-CODER)R900
i
™ INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
E-Coder)R900i™ Installation and Maintenance Guide

E-Coder)R900i™ Installation and Maintenance Guide

Copyright
This manual is an unpublished work and contains the trade secrets and confidential information of
Neptune Technology Group Inc., which are not to be divulged to third parties and may not be reproduced or transmitted in
whole or part, in anyform or by any means, electronic or mechanical for anypurpose, without theexpress written permission
of Neptune Technology Group Inc. All rights to designs orinventions disclosed herein, including the right to manufacture, are
reserved to Neptune Technology Group Inc.
Neptune engages in ongoing research and development to improve and enhance its products. Therefore, Neptune reserves
the right to change product or system specifications withoutnotice.
Trademarks used in this manual
E-Coder is a trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc. R900 is a registered trademark of
Neptune Technology Group Inc. E-Coder)R900iis a trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc. Other brands or product
names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
FCC Notice
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.
NOTE: Thisequipmenthas beentested andfoundto complywith thelimits fora ClassB digitaldevice,pursuant toPart 15of
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 accor-
dance 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 thisequipment 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 interfer-
ence 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/TV technician for help.
RF Exposure Information
This equipment complies with the FCC RF radiation requirements for uncontrolled environments. To maintain compliance
with these requirements, the antenna and any radiating elements should be installed to ensure that a minimum separation
distance of 20cm ismaintained from the general population.
Professional Installation
Inaccordance withsection15.203 ofthe FCCrulesand regulations,the MIUmust beprofessionallyinstalled bytrained utility
meter installers. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
Changesor modifications not expressly approvedby the partyresponsibleforcompliancecould void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Industry Canada
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations. Opera-
tion 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 maycause undesired operation.
Cet appareillage numérique de la classe B répond à toutes les exigences de l'interférence canadienne causant des règle-
ments d'équipement.L'opération est sujette aux deux conditions suivantes: (1)ce dispositif peut ne pas causer l'interférence
nocive, et (2) ce dispositif doit accepter n'importe quelle interférence reçue, y compris l'interférence qui peut causer l'opéra-
tion peu désirée.
Copyright © 2006-2012
Neptune Technology Group Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
E-Coder)R900i™ Installation and Maintenance Guide
Literature No. IM E-Coder)R900i 02.12
Part No. 12560-002
Neptune Technology Group Inc.
1600 Alabama Highway 229
Tallassee, AL 36078
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Contents
E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide v
1Product Description
E-Coder)R900iProgramming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
RF Protocol Error Detection . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
RF Frequency Control Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
RF Transmission Period and Randomness . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 2
2Specifications
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Transmitter Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . 3
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Functional Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Dimensions and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
E-Coder)R900iDimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3General Installation Guidelines
Tools and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safety and Preliminary Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4Activating and Reading the E-Coder)R900i
How to Activate LCD Using the Light Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
How to Read . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . 7
Common Causes of Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
How to Tell if Water is in Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
What to Do if There is a Leak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
If Continuous Leak is Repaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
If Intermittent Leak is Repaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 9
5Installing the Inside Version
Prior to Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Contents
vi E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide
Installing the E-Coder)R900iInside Version MIU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
New Meter Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Retrofit Meter Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Testing the E-Coder)R900iInside Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Completing the E-Coder)R900i Inside Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6Installing the Pit Version
Prior to Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Installing the E-Coder)R900iPit Version MIU . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 16
New Meter Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Retrofit Meter Installation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Testing the E-Coder)R900iPit Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Completing the E-Coder)R900iPit Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7Data Logging Extraction Steps
Extracting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
8Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Replacing the MIU Battery (E-Coder)R900iInside Version) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Removing the Battery Assembly: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Replacing the MIU Battery (E-Coder)R900iPit Version) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Removing the Battery Assembly: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Upgrading the E-Coder)R900iAntenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
AE-Coder)R900iFlags
Description of Flags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Contents
E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide vii
Glossary
Index

Notes:
Contents
viii E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide

E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide ix
Figures
Figure Title Page
1 E-Coder)R900iInside and Pit Versions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 E-Coder)R900iInside Dimensions . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 4
3 E-Coder)R900iPit Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 4
4 Light Sensor for E-Coder)R900iPit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5 Activating E-Coder)R900iInside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6 E-Coder)R900iInside Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7 E-Coder)R900iPit Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
8 HHU Home Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 19
9 Synchronization Screen . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
10 Start Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
11 Listening for Transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
12 Data Logging Activation for E-Coder)R900iInside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
13 RF Log Display for the E-Coder)R900iInside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
14 Receiving Interval Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
15 Data Ready to be Save . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
16 Data Has Been Saved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
17 Screwdriver in Tamper Nail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
18 Sliding Battery over Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
19 Pushing in New Tamper Nail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
20 Screwdriver in Seal Pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
21 Removing Battery from Hinges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
22 Cutting the Battery Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
23 Preparing the Replacement Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
24 Cutting Replacement Battery Wires . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 26
25 Using Scotchloks to Splice Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
26 Attaching New Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
27 Pushing Seal Pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
28 Feeding Antenna Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
29 Placing Washer on MIU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
30 Connecting the Coaxial Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
31 Connecting the Plastic Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

x E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide
Notes:
Figures

E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide xi
Tables
Table Title Page
1 Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 Icons and Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 Possible Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 Checklist for Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5 Checklist Before Leaving Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6 8th Digit Resolution by Meter Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7 E-Coder)R900iFlags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

xii E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide
Notes:
Tables

E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide 1
1 Product Description
This section provides a general description of the E-Coder)R900i™ register (subsequently
referred to as E-Coder)R900i). The E-Coder)R900iby Neptune is an integrated register
that contains both the E-Coder®and R900®technologies in one register that collects meter
reading data. It then transmits the data for collection by the meter reader. A Neptune walk-
by, mobile, or R900®Gateway fixed network data collection system receives the data and
stores it to be downloaded into the utility billing system for processing.
The E-Coder)R900iis easily installed and operates within an RF band which does not
require an operating license. The E-Coder)R900imeets FCC regulations part 15.247
allowing higher output power and greater range. The E-Coder)R900iuses frequency-hop-
ping spread spectrum technology to avoid RF interference and enhance security. The
transmitted data is updated at 15-minute intervals and is transmitted every 14 seconds. A
unique 10-digit MIU ID is included in the transmission of data. This allows the meter to be
read by a Neptune walk-by, mobile, or R900 Gateway fixed network data collection sys-
tem. The E-Coder)R900iis designed to offer advantages to utility organizations of all
sizes:
• Increases meter reading accuracy
• Eliminates "hard to read" meters
• Protects utility liability by increasing meter reader safety
• Requires no external wiring or programming
• Provides enhanced 8-digit AMR meter reading
• Provides proactive customer service benefits (leak, tamper and backflow detection)
Figure 1 E-Coder)R900iInside and Pit Versions

Product Description
2 E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide
E-Coder)R900iProgramming
The E-Coder)R900iis NOT field-programmable. At the factory, each of the following
items is programmed into the MIU:
• Serial number - Each MIU is given a unique 10-digit serial number/identification
number.
• Time between MIU transmissions - The time between MIU transmissions is set for
approximately 14 seconds. Custom time is not available.
• Meter size and change gear information.
RF Protocol Error Detection
The RF protocol is comprised of a header, data packet, and an error detection mechanism
that reduces the erroneous data.
RF Frequency Control Algorithm
The MIU's frequency-hopping spread-spectrum has a sequence of at least 50 different
channels for transmitting data. Associated with the 50 channels are 50 frequencies that are
pre-selected in a pseudo-random manner. These 50 frequencies are coded into the soft-
ware.
RF Transmission Period and Randomness
The random period generation uses the same random seed created for the channel defini-
tion to generate the transmission randomness. The randomness algorithm is defined so that
no two consecutive transmissions from two MIUs will interfere with one another.

E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide 3
2 Specifications
This section provides you with the specifications for the E-Coder)R900i.
Electrical Specifications
Transmitter Specifications
Environmental Conditions
Functional Specifications
Dimensions and Weight
Power Lithium battery
Transmit Period Every 14 seconds
Transmitter Channels 50
Channel Frequency 910-920 MHz
Output Power Meets FCC Part 15.247
FCC Verification Part 15.247
Operating Temperature -22° to 149°F (-30° to 63°C)
Storage Temperature -40° to 158°F (-40° to 70°C)
Operating Humidity 0 to 95% Condensing (Pit only)
Register Reading 8 digits (AMR)
9 digits (Visual)
MIU ID 10 digits
Dimensions Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 2
Weight Inside - 1.08 lbs. (490 grams)
Pit - 1.38 lbs. (625 grams)

Specifications
4 E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide
E-Coder)R900iDimensions
The following diagrams show both the inside and pit dimensions for the E-Coder)R900i.
Figure 2 E-Coder)R900iInside Dimensions
Figure 3 E-Coder)R900iPit Dimensions

E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide 5
3 General Installation Guidelines
This section describes tools, materials, and general installation information for the
E-Coder)R900i.
Tools and Materials
Table 1 shows the recommended tools you may need to successfully install the
E-Coder)R900ior to replace the MIU’s internal battery.
Safety and Preliminary Checks
Observe the following safety and preliminary checks before and during each installation:
• Verify that you are at the location specified on the Site Work Order.
• Verify that the site is safe for you and your equipment.
• Notify the customer of your presence, and tell the customer that you will need access
to the water meter.
• If the Site Work Order does not have an MIU ID number on it, write in the ID num-
ber(s) of the MIU you are about to install. If the Site Work Order already has an MIU
ID number on it, verify that it matches the ID numbers on the MIU you are about to
install.
Someitems may notapplytoyour specific installation, orthelist may not containallrequired tools
or materials.
Table 1 Recommended Tools
Item Description/ Recommendation Use
Tool Kit Contains standard tools including:
• Screwdrivers
• Hammer
•Pliers
Various installation procedures
performed by the utility
Flashlight Activate the LCD

6 E-Coder)R900iInstallation and Maintenance Guide
4 Activating and Reading the E-Coder)R900i
How to Activate LCD Using the Light Sensor
The light sensor is recessed under the small round hole near the center of the dial face. The
hole is marked with a flashlight graphic. See Figure 4.
Figure 4 Light Sensor for E-Coder)R900iPit
The light sensor activates the LCD display for
several minutes when the unit is exposed to a
light source. For example, a unit mounted in
an inside location would turn on the LCD for
several minutes after the room light is turned
on. A unit mounted in an outside pit would
turn on the LCD for several minutes after the
pit lid is opened exposing the unit to daylight.
If the LCD is currently off, the LCD may be
reactivated by covering the dial plate with
your hand for about two seconds. In bright
sunlight, it may be necessary to close the
cover or the pit lid momentarily. If the LCD
does not reactivate as expected, try shining a
flashlight on the light sensor.
Figure 5 Activating E-Coder)R900iInside
Light sensor