Neptune E-CODER) R450i Product manual

E-CODER®)R450i™
Installation and Maintenance Guide

E-CODER®)R450i™
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This manual is an unpublished work and contains the trade secrets and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 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 design or inventions 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 without notice.
Trademarks Used in this Manual
ProRead and E-CODER are trademarks 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:
lThis device may not cause harmful interference.
lThis 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.

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.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the users' authority to operate the equipment.
Professional Installation
In accordance with section 15.203 of the FCCrules and regulations, the Meter
Interface Unit (MIU) must be professionally installed by trained meter installers.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Industry Canada
The term "IC" before the radio certification number only signifies that Industry
Canada technical specifications were met.
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of theCanadian
Interference Causing Equipment Regulations. 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 appareillage numérique de la classe B répond à toutes les exigences de
l'interférence canadienne causant des règlements 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'opération peu
désirée.

E-CODER®)R450i™
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Literature No. IME-CODER)R450 09.19
Part No. 13252-001
Neptune Technology Group Inc.
1600 Alabama Highway 229
Tallassee, AL 36078
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Copyright © 2006 – 2019
Neptune Technology Group Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Contents
Chapter 1: Product Description 1
RF Protocol Error Detection 1
Low Battery RF Emissions 1
Chapter 2: Specifications 3
Electrical Specifications 3
Chapter 3: General Installation Guidelines 5
Tools and Materials 5
Safety and Preliminary Checks 6
7
Chapter 4: Installing the E-CODER®)R450i™
Prior to Installation 7
Inspecting the Unit 7
Unpacking 7
Tools Needed 7
8
Site Selection
Installing the E-CODER®)R450i™8
New Meter Installation 8
Retrofit Meter Installation 9
E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide vi

9
Connecting the E-CODER®)R450i™ Antenna
Chapter 5: Activating and Testing the E-CODER®)R450i™ 11
11
12
14
14
Activating the LCD Using the Solar Panel
RSSI Values and R450™ System Capabilities
Other Sample Configuration Emails
Completing the Activation
Completing the E-CODER®)R450i™ Installation 15
Chapter 6: Maintenance and Troubleshooting 17
Low RSSI: Tips and Techniques for New PIT MIU Installations 17
Low RSSI: Tips and Techniques for Existing Installations 17
Replacement Parts 18
Contact Information 18
18
19
By Phone
By Email
Appendix A: E-CODER®)R450i™ Flags 21
Description of Flags 21
Glossary 23
Index 25
vii E-CODER®)R450
i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide
Contents

Figures
1
4
4
9
10
10
10
Figure 1 – E-CODER®)R450i™
Figure 2 – E-CODER®)R450i™ Dimensions
Figure 3 – Pit Antenna Dimensions
Figure 4 – Insert the Antenna into the Pit Lid
Figure 5 – Locking Nut on Antenna
Figure 6 – Secure the Locking Nut
Figure 7 – Installation Complete
Figure 8 – Activating Using a Magnet 11
E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide viii

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ix E-CODER®)R450
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Figures

Tables
3
5
5
12
13
13
15
18
21
Table 1 – E-CODER®)R450i™ Specifications
Table 2 – Recommended Tools
Table 3 – Recommended Materials
Table 4 – Config Email Breakdown
Table 5 – Collector RSSI Uplink
Table 6 – E-CODER®)R450i™ RSSI Downlink
Table 7 – Installation Checklist
Table 8 – Replacement Parts
Table 9 – Eighth Digit Resolution by Meter Size
Table 10 – E-CODER®)R450i™ Flags 21
E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide x

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xi E-CODER®)R450
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Tables

E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide 1
Chapter 1: Product Description
This chapter provides a general description of the Neptune®E-CODER®)R450i™ register.
The E-CODER)R450iis an integrated register containing both the E-CODER®and R450™
technologies in one register that collects meter data. It then transmits the data that a meter
reader collects. A Neptune fixed network data collection system receives the data and stores
it to download into the utility billing system for processing.
The E-CODER)R450ican be upgraded and configured. At the factory, serial numbers are
programmed into the MIU and each MIU is given two unique serial numbers or
identification numbers. Custom serial numbers are not available.
RF Protocol Error Detection
The RF protocol is comprised of a header, data packet, and an error detection mechanism
that reduces the erroneous data.
Low Battery RF Emissions
The MIU does not produce out-of-band emissions under low battery conditions.
The E-CODER)R450iis easy to install and requires a Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) license to operate. For information on obtaining an FCC license, refer to “FCC
Licensing,” in the R450™ System New Customer Guide.
Figure 1 – E-CODER®)R450i™

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2E-CODER®)R450
i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide
Chapter 1: Product Description

E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide 3
Chapter 2: Specifications
This chapter defines the specifications for the E-CODER®)R450i™.
Electrical Specifications
Specification Description
Environmental Conditions
Operating Temperature –15º to 149ºF (–10º to +65ºC).
Storage Temperature –40º to 158ºF (–40º to 70ºC).
Operating Humidity 100% submersible.
Functional Specifications
Register Reading Three to nine digits.
MIU ID Nine digits.
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions See "Pit Antenna Dimensions" on the next page
Weight 1.57 lbs. (712.14 grams).
The following table defines the specifications for the E-CODER R450i.
Table 1  – E-CODER®)R450i™ Specifications

Figure 2 – E-CODER®)R450i™ Dimensions
Figure 3 – Pit Antenna Dimensions
4E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide
Chapter 2: Specifications

E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide 5
Chapter 3: General Installation Guidelines
This chapter defines the tools, materials, and general installation information for the
E-CODER®)R450i™.
Tools and Materials
Tables 1 and 2 show the recommended tools and materials you may need to successfully
install the E-CODER)R450i.
Some items may not apply to your specific installation, or the list may not contain all
required tools or materials.
Item Description / Recommendation Use
Tool Kit Tool Kit contains standard tools
including:
lScrewdrivers.
lHammer.
lPliers.
l7/16 wrench.
Various installation procedures
performed by the utility.
Flashlight
Activate the LCD.
Magnet 6 lb. force, part number 12287-001.
Activating the E-CODER)R450i.
Installation tool Smartphone or cellular phone.
To receive emails.
Table 2 – Recommended Tools
Item Description / Recommendation Use
Moisture protection compound Novagard®sealant, part number
96018-072.
Connecting the Pit antenna to the
E-CODER)R450i
Site work order Documentation provided by your
utility.
Receiving and recording information
about the work site
Installation tool Smartphone or cellular phone. To receive emails
Table 3 – Recommended Materials

Safety and Preliminary Checks
Observe the following safety and preliminary checks before and during each installation:
lVerify that you are at the location specified on the Site Work Order.
lVerify that the site is safe for you and your equipment.
lNotify the customer of your presence, and tell the customer that you will need access to
the water meter.
lIf the Site Work Order does not have an MIU ID number on it, write the ID numbers of the
E-CODER you are installing. If the Site Work Order already has an MIU ID number on it,
verify that it matches the ID number on the MIU you are installing.
6E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide
Chapter 3: General Installation Guidelines

E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide 7
Chapter 4: Installing the E-CODER®)R450i™
This chapter provides instructions for:
lStoring and unpacking the E-CODER®)R450i™.
lPerforming preliminary tests.
lVerifying materials.
lSelecting a site.
lInstalling the unit.
Prior to Installation
This section defines how to unpack and store the E-CODER)R450iprior to installing it.
Inspecting the Unit
After receipt, inspect all shipping containers for damage, and inspect the contents of any
damaged cartons prior to storing.
After completing the inspection, store the cartons in a clean, dry environment. The unit
remains in sleep mode until it is exposed to light.
Unpacking
As with all precision electronic instruments, handle the E-CODER)R450icarefully; however,
no additional special handling is required. When shipped, the assembly is lying on its side.
You should lift the assembly out of the box by the meter main case.
After unpacking the E-CODER)R450i, inspect it for damage. If the E-CODER)R450iappears to
be damaged or proves to be defective upon installation, notify your Neptune Territory
Manager or Distributor. If one or more items require reshipment, use the original cardboard
box and packing material.
Tools Needed
"Tools and Materials" on page5 shows the recommended tools you need to successfully
install the E-CODER)R450i.
Some items may not apply to your specific installation, or the list may not contain all
required tools or materials.

Site Selection
Installation and operation in moderate temperatures increase reliability and product life. See
“Environmental Conditions” on page3.
Follow these guidelines when selecting a location for the E-CODER)R450i:
lInstall the unit in a vertical and upright position.
lClear all obstructions from the installation location.
Always follow your company's safety practices and installation guidelines when installing an
E-CODER. Never install a unit during a lightning storm or under excessively wet conditions.
Installing the E-CODER®)R450i™
Follow the steps in this section to install the E-CODER®)R450i™.
New Meter Installation
Follow these steps to perform a new or retrofit meter installation.
1. Flush the service line prior to installation to remove debris in the line.
2. Place an electrical grounding strap on the service line, connecting the inlet and outlet
service lines on either side of the meter setting.
You must install inlet and outlet meter valves and couplings / setters if they are not already
present. Allow appropriate space in the line for the meter laying length and two coupling
gaskets. Align the pipe ends so that the coupling and meter threads can engage without
binding or cross-threading.
3. Before installing the meter, remove the thread protectors and spud caps. Be sure that no
debris enters the meter during installation.
Use caution; the meter threads are sharp.
4. Place the coupling gaskets inside the coupling nuts and set the meter in the line. Position
the meter horizontally with the register dial facing up. The direction of flow marked on
the meter must agree with the direction of water flow.
5. Start the coupling nuts by hand then use a wrench and tighten sufficiently to prevent
leakage. Be careful not to cross-thread the connections.
8E-CODER®)R450 i ™Installation and Maintenance Guide
Chapter 4: Installing the E-CODER®)R450i™