Neptune Advantage II User manual

Advantage II
Operating Instructions

Advantage II
Operating Instructions

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This manual is an unpublished work and contains the trade secrets and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 any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical for any purpose,
without the express written permission of Neptune Technology Group Inc.
All rights to designs or inventions disclosed herein, including the right to
manufacture, are reserved to Neptune Technology Group Inc.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Neptune reserves the right to change the product specifications at any time
without incurring any obligations.
Trademarks Used in This Manual
The following are registered trademarks of Neptune Technology Group Inc.:
lProRead
lARB
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: 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:
lReorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
lIncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.
lConnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
lConsult 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 20 cm is maintained from the general
population.
Professional Installation
In accordance with section 15.203 of the FCC rules and regulations, the MIU
must be professionally installed by trained meter installers.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Industry Canada (IC) Statements
Section 8.4 of RSS-GEN
This device complies with Industry Canada License-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
lThis device may not cause harmful interference.
lThis device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes RSS exonérées de licence d'Industrie
Canada. L'opération est soumise aux deux conditions suivantes: 1) cet appareil
ne doit pas provoquer d'interférence, et 2) cet appareil doit accepter toute
interférence, y compris les interférences pouvant entraîner un fonctionnement
indésirable de l'appareil.
Section 8.3 of RSS-GEN
Under Industry Canada 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.
This radio transmitter IC: 4171B-L900M has been approved by Industry Canada
to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible
gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated.
Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum
gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.

lMaximum permissible gain of +1 dBi and required impedance of 75 ohm.
lApproved Antenna types:
lR900®Pit Antenna, part number 12527-XXX.
lHigh Gain R900®Pit Antenna, part number 13586-XXX.
lR900®Wall Antenna, part number 13717-000.
lWire monopole, part number 12641-XXX.
En vertu de la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, cet émetteur radio ne peut
fonctionner qu'avec une antenne d'un type et un gain maximal (ou inférieur)
approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Pour réduire les interférences
radio potentielles avec d'autres utilisateurs, le type d'antenne et son gain
devraient être choisis de manière à ce que la puissance rayonnée
isotropiquement équivalente (e.i.r.p.) ne soit pas supérieure à celle nécessaire à
une communication.
Cet émetteur radio IC: 4171B-L900M a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour
fonctionner avec les types d'antennes énumérés ci-dessous avec le gain maximal
admissible et l'impédance d'antenne requise pour chaque type d'antenne
indiqué. Les types d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, ayant un gain supérieur
au gain maximal indiqué pour ce type, sont strictement interdits pour être
utilisés avec ce périphérique.
lGain maximal admissible de +1 dBi et impédance requise de 75 ohms.
lTypes d'antenne approuvé
lAntenne de puits R900®, numéro de pièce 12527-XXX
lAntenne de puits à gain élevé R900®, référence 13586-XXX
lAntenne murale R900®, numéro d'article 13717-00
lFil monopôle, numéro d'article 12641-XXX
Advantage II Operations Guide
Literature No. OI ADVANTAGE 04.06 01.2021
Part No. xxx
Neptune Technology Group Inc.
1600 Alabama Highway 229
Tallassee, AL 36078
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Copyright © 2006 - 2021
Neptune Technology Group Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Contents
Chapter 1: Product Description 1
Power On the Advantage II 1
Chapter 2: Use the Advantage II 3
3
Obtain a Meter Reading from a Remote ARB® Receptacle
Obtain a Meter Reading from a Remote Touch Pad 3
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting 5
5
5
ARB® End Probe Error
ProRead™, Sensus End Probe Error
Wiring Errors 5
Short Circuit 6
Open Circuit 6
Correcting Wiring Errors 6
Menu Options 6
Retransmit 7
Review 7
Recharging the Battery 7
Low Battery Message 8
Replacing the Battery 8
Disposing of Old Batteries 8
Repairing the Advantage II 8
Contact Information 9
By Phone 9
By Email 9
Glossary 11
Index 13
Advantage II Operations Guide vii

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viii Advantage II Operations Guide
Contents

Figures
1
3
5
5
6
Figure 1 – Normal Meter Reading Screen
Figure 2 – Captured Reading
Figure 3 – ARB® End Probe Error
Figure 4 – ProRead™ End Probe Error
Figure 5 – Short Circuit Screen
Figure 6 – Open Circuit Screen 6
Advantage II Operations Guide ix

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x Advantage II Operations Guide
Figures

Advantage II Operations Guide 1
Chapter 1: Product Description
The Advantage II is a convenient, lightweight meter reading device that provides single-
handed reading of remote readings through radio frequency communications. Readings can
be transmitted to devices running Neptune®360™ Mobile, or transmitted to handhelds. Use
the unit as a visual reader, an encoder installation testing device, or as a cordless interface for
collecting and transmitting meter readings to a Neptune handheld through radio frequency
communications. The Advantage II is designed to read ProRead™ and Sensus remotes from
the round end probe, while the rectangular end probe reads ARB®remotes. A model that
includes a wand extension for pit mounted remote pads is also available.
The Advantage II displays meter reading data on the unit’s screen. Simultaneously, it
transmits this same data via RF to a Neptune handheld that is equipped with an Advantage II
or DAP RF Receiver Adapter. Each Advantage II unit ships with:
lFour orange safety stickers. Place the stickers on the sides of the unit near the probe ends.
lA metal ring and hand strap. Clip the strap into the holes on either side of the screen.
Power On the Advantage II
Follow this step to power on the unit.
1. Using the tip of a pen or pencil, press the ON/OFF key once to activate the unit. The
ON/OFF switch is a miniature recessed push switch located on the right side of the ARB or
blank end of the unit. The unit plays a tone. Copyright and version data momentarily
display on the screen, followed by the normal meter reading screen:
Figure 1 – Normal Meter Reading Screen
• The meter reading may be preceded by an N or an R.
• The trigger pull or block insert also orients the display to the proper viewing direction.

• Neptune ProRead meter readings are followed by a single character indicating meter type
(for example, w = water) and a three-character user code.
• The trigger must be pulled down to obtain a reading from a pad. A trigger pull is not
required if inserting the ARB interrogator into the ARB receptacles. The reading is
automatic.
2 Advantage II Operations Guide
Chapter 1: Product Description

Advantage II Operations Guide 3
Chapter 2: Use the Advantage II
This chapter provides the steps to use the Advantage II.
Obtain a Meter Reading from a Remote ARB®Receptacle
1. First, make sure the unit is on. If it is off, press the ON/OFF key once to turn it on.
2. To obtain a meter reading from a remote ARB®receptacle, insert the rectangular ARB
interrogator squarely into the ARB receptacle.
The unit plays a short tone and displays the meter reading.
Obtain a Meter Reading from a Remote Touch Pad
1. Place the round end probe squarely onto the touch pad.
2. Pull and hold down the trigger to obtain the meter reading.
The unit plays a short tone and displays the meter reading screen.
Figure 2 – Captured Reading
The captured reading displays on the unit until you:
lCapture another reading,
lPull the trigger,
lPress a key.

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4 Advantage II Operations Guide
Chapter 2: Use the Advantage II

Advantage II Operations Guide 5
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting
This chapter provides the procedures to troubleshoot the Advantage II meter.
ARB®End Probe Error
If the ARB®end probe is NOT making proper contact with a remote receptacle when inserted
in the block, the unit plays a long error tone. The following screen appears.
Figure 3 – ARB®End Probe Error
ProRead™, Sensus End Probe Error
If the ProRead™, Sensus end probe is NOT in contact with a remote pad when you pull the
trigger for an extended period of time, the unit plays a long error tone. The following screen
appears.
Figure 4 – ProRead™ End Probe Error
1. To correct either end probe error condition, position the probe so that proper contact
with the remote is achieved. For ProRead and Sensus meters, pull the trigger after making
proper contact.
Wiring Errors
Two types of wiring errors can occur: short circuits and open circuits. On screen, short circuits
appear as an Hand open circuits appear as a dash (-).
The autosearch feature in the Neptune®handheld does NOT function when there is a
wiring error in the captured ID.

Short Circuit
An Hin the place of a number represents a short circuit. It usually means that the copper
portions of two wires are touching each other. A screen similar to the following is displayed.
Figure 5 – Short Circuit Screen
Open Circuit
An open circuit is represented by a dash (-) in place of numbers. This usually means that a
wire is broken or cut which can be caused by corrosion or contamination of the pins of an
ARB V box. A screen similar to the following appears.
Figure 6 – Open Circuit Screen
Correcting Wiring Errors
Follow these steps to correct a wiring error.
1. Check the pins in both the ARB V remote receptacle and the front interrogator of the
Advantage II for dirt, corrosion, and other contamination.
2. Clean the pins if required.
3. Insert the Advantage II again to obtain the reading.
Menu Options
Each time you press a MENU key a different menu option is displayed. To clear the menu
return to the normal meter reading screen, continue pressing MENU. The menu options are:
lRetransmit Last.
lRetransmit All.
lReview.
6 Advantage II Operations Guide
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

Retransmit
The Advantage II stores the previous five captured meter readings. This option allows you to
retransmit either the last reading or the previous five readings captured to the Neptune 360
mobile device or a handheld. As the unit captures additional readings it overwrites the oldest
reading.
1. Press ITEM to display RETRANSMIT LAST.
2. Press ENTER to retransmit the last read captured.
or,
1. Press ITEM again to display RETRANSMIT ALL.
2. Press ENTER to retransmit all readings.
or,
1. Press MENU to go to the next menu option.
Review
Reviews any readings stored.
1. Press ITEM to display the last reading captured.
2. Press ITEM again to see the next reading.
3. If the unit contains no readings, REVIEW remains on the screen.
or,
1. Press MENU to go to the next menu option.
Recharging the Battery
A battery charger is supplied with each Advantage II unit. Use the supplied charger to
recharge the battery. Using any other type charger voids the warranty.
1. Plug the charger transformer into a 110V outlet.
2. Insert the charging plug into the charging jack in the Advantage II handle. Make sure the
plug is fully seated into the jack. The amber light on the transformer illuminates when a
good connection is made.
• During daily use, recharge the unit overnight, every night.
• During long periods of storage or non-use, DO NOT charge the unit. Before using the unit
again, charge it for 16 hours.
• Use the ON/OFF button to turn the unit On, Off, or Reset it.
Advantage II Operations Guide 7
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

Low Battery Message
The Advantage II displays a low battery message and ceases operating when the battery is too
low for operation. The keypad remains operational, but the unit does not capture meter
readings.
If a low battery condition is detected, the low battery message appears and the unit remains
in this mode until you recharge the battery or until it ceases operation.
Replacing the Battery
Replacement batteries are available from your local Neptune sales representative. If you want
to replace the battery yourself, follow these steps.
1. Turn the battery cover screw and remove the cover.
2. Turn off the unit and carefully disconnect the battery at the white connector.
3. Reconnect the new battery in the same connector orientation.
4. Replace the battery, reposition the battery cover, and turn the screw to lock it into place.
5. Press the ON/OFF key once to turn on the unit.
Replacement battery part number: 11992-101 (comes with wiring harness and connector)
Disposing of Old Batteries
You must dispose of old batteries properly. Never put old batteries in a trash receptacle. Use
the return procedure and address on the next page to return old batteries from any Neptune
meter reading product back to Neptune for disposal.
Repairing the Advantage II
For help on the Advantage II System, contact Neptune Customer Support at the number on
the following page and follow the instructions the support representative provides.
Our repair department attempts to repair equipment as quickly as possible. If you require
Express shipping (Federal Express, UPS Blue or Red Label), please notify Customer Support
by telephone to expedite your order. To obtain pricing or order related parts and equipment,
contact your local Authorized Neptune sales office, Authorized Neptune®Distributor, or
contact the Factory Customer Service Department at 800-645-1892.
8 Advantage II Operations Guide
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

Contact Information
Within North America, Neptune Customer Support is available Monday through Friday,
7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.Central Standard Time, by telephone or email.
By Phone
To contact Neptune Customer Support by phone, complete the following steps.
1. Call [phone].
2. Select one of the following options:
l1if you have a Technical Support Personal Identification Number (PIN).
l2if you do not have a Technical Support PIN.
3. Enter the six-digit PIN and press #.
4. Select one of the following options.
l2for Technical Support.
l3for maintenance contracts or renewals.
l4for Return Material Authorization (RMA) for Canadian Accounts.
You are directed to the appropriate team of Customer Support Specialists. The specialists
are dedicated to you until the issue is resolved to your satisfaction. When you call, give
the following information:
lYour name and utility or company name.
lA description of what occurred and what you were doing at the time.
lA description of any actions taken to correct the issue.
By Email
To contact Neptune Support by email, send your message to [e-mail].
Advantage II Operations Guide 9
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting

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10 Advantage II Operations Guide
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting