Neptune R450 User manual

R450™ QUICK INSTALL GUIDE
R450™ Quick Install Guide

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1 General Instructions
The R450™Meter Interface Unit (MIU) is designed for use with
multiple types of approved encoder registers:
• Neptune ARB®III, IV, V
• ProRead™ and E-Coder®
• Sensus (Invensys) ECR® II, and ECR®III
Before installing a MIU, the encoder register must be correctly
wired and programmed to work with the MIU.
Notes:
• When using a ProRead encoder register (Rev. E or earlier), the
ProRead register must be programmed for three-wire mode.
• If using a new ProRead register (Rev. F or later), Auto Detect
can recognize it, and it does not need to be programmed.
• If using an existing register, make sure all three wires are
connected, and it is programmed in three-wire mode.
To ensure that the ProRead register is programmed for three-
wire mode, use the ProRead programmer and its RF/MIU 6, 8,
or 10 ID TDI format. You can accomplish this using the ProRead
receptacle before removing the receptacle or three bare wires.
2 Safety & Preliminary Checks
Read the following notes before proceeding.
• 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 must have access to the water meter.
• Confirm or update the MIU ID number on the Site Work Order.
For greater detailed information and installation
instructions, refer to the R450 MIU Wall and Pit
Installation and Maintenance Guide (Part No.
12857-001).
When installing meters, follow any guidelines
issued by your company in addition to those
given in this guide. Never perform an
installation during a lightning storm or under
excessively wet conditions.

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3 Pit & Wall Site Selection
R450 Wall MIU
• For best results, Neptune recommends mounting the MIU on
the outside of the building approximately 5 feet above ground.
• The preferred mounting surface for the MIU would be a flat wall,
but the unit can also be mounted to a pipe or wood post if a flat
wall is not available.
• If the MIU is to be installed inside a basement or building,
Neptune highly recommends testing the Received Signal
Strength Indicator (RSSI) reception of various locations inside
the basement prior to finalizing the location. The RSSI is the
strength of the radio signal when it is received by the
R450 Data Collector (R450 DC). See “Activating and Testing
the R450 MIU” on page 14.
• Avoid installing the MIU behind metal fences or walls.
• The maximum cable length between the encoder register and
MIU depends on the register’s manufacturer and model. Refer
to Table 1 on page 3 for maximum cable lengths.
R450 Pit MIU
• For best results, Neptune recommends placing the antenna
through a hole in the pit lid.
• Avoid installing the MIU behind metal fences or walls.
• Make sure there is enough room in the pit for the MIU. Because
the meter position is fixed, the antenna is usually installed off-
center.
• The MIU comes with an attached cable, but in some instances,
additional cable is required. The maximum cable length
between the encoder register and MIU depends on the
register’s manufacturer and model. Refer to Table 1 on page 3
for maximum cable lengths.
Install the MIU in a vertical and upright position.

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* American Wire Gauge (AWG)
** Meets manufacturer’s published specification for wire
length between encoder and remote receptacle.
4 Preparing the Encoder Register
Read the following notes before proceeding.
If the MIU is connected to a new ProRead encoder register, or
if a three-conductor cable is already connected to a ProRead
encoder register, ensure that the ProRead register is
programmed for three-wire mode using the ProRead
programmer and its RF/MIU 6, 8, or 10 ID TDI format. This can
be accomplished through the ProRead receptacle before
removing the receptacle.
Table 1 Maximum Cable Lengths
Approved
Encoder Register
Maximum
Cable
Length
Wire
Gauge
Neptune ARB III, IV, V 300 feet
(91 meters)
22 AWG*
Neptune ProRead/
E-Coder
500 feet
(152 meters)
22 AWG*
Networked Neptune
ProRead/E-Coder
250 feet
(76 meters)
22 AWG*
Sensus (Invensys) ECR II
ECR III
200 feet
(61 meters)
22 AWG*
• When a ProRead encoder register (Rev. E or
earlier) is used, the ProRead register must be
programmed for three-wire mode. If two Pro-
Read registers are connected to one MIU, the
encoder registers must be programmed in Net-
work Mode: one in RF compound register Hi and
the other in RF compound register Lo.
• If a register is removed, the MIU will revert to a
single register installation and send the Hi side
reading.

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5 Wiring the Encoder Register
22 American Wire Gauge (AWG) three-conductor cable must be
used from the encoder register to the MIU. Refer to the following
steps.
1 Connect the three-conductor wire to the encoder register’s
terminals per the manufacturer’s instructions.
See Neptune’s Encoder Quick Install Guide,
(Part #: 12572-001), using the color code in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Encoder Wiring
2 Thread the cable around the strain relief posts of the encoder.
3 Apply sealant liberally and ensure that it encapsulates the
terminal screws and exposed wires
.
4 Snap the cover onto the encoder register.
5 Proceed to the section specified for either wall or pit
installation.
Before wiring the encoder register, make sure the
cable is long enough so the pit lid can be removed
easily after the installation. This will prevent
straining the cable.
For more detailed instructions, refer to
Neptune’s Encoder Quick Install Guide
(Part #: 12572-001).
All encoder terminal connections that are not
pre-wired and potted must be covered with
Novagard (G661) or Dow®Corning
Compound 4.

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6 Installing the R450 Wall MIU
Complete the following steps to install the wall MIU.
1 Remove the main housing
from the mounting adapter.
(The Hi-Lo fastener for
securing the main MIU
housing to the adapter plate
is shipped separately in box.)
Figure 2 Wall MIU Main Housing
2 Study Figure 3 and the loca-
tion requirements, then decide
how to install the MIU and
mount adapter with the set
screw positioned at the
bottom.
Figure 3 Mounting Adapter
For greater detailed information and installation
instructions, refer to the R450 MIU Wall and Pit
Installation and Maintenance Guide
(Part #: 12587-001).
A variety of holes in the mounting adapter allows
for a quick and easy installation.
• The cable enters through the bottom or rear
cable entry of the mounting adapter.
• When the MIU replaces a receptacle, use the
appropriate holes to allow reuse of the
receptacle’s original mounting holes. See
mounting hole configuration in Figure 3.
• When mounting the MIU to a pipe, use the bolt
hole for pipe mounting.
Hi-Lo fastener
Cable
exit
Cable
entry
Pipe clamp
holes

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3 Connect each individual colored wire from the wall MIU with the
appropriate colored wire from the approved encoder per the
encoder wiring. See Figure 1 on page 4. Repeat this step for
each colored wire.
4 For rear cable entry, store
excess wire and Scotchloks™
in the hollow cavity in the back
of the MIU using the strain
relief guides as shown in
Figure 4.
Figure 4 Back of MIU
5 For bottom cable exit, store
Scotchloks in the hollow cavity
in the back of the MIU. Then,
guide the remaining wire
through the cable exit notch at
the bottom right side of the MIU
as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 Cable Exit Notch
When using the Scotchlok gelcaps:
• Pair the wires according to the color chart in Figure 1 on
page 4.
• Connection from the MIU to the approved
encoder should be made using 22AWG
three-conductor wire.
• Neptune requires that you use either type UR
or UY Scotchlok gel caps to connect the
pigtail from the MIU to the register wire.
(Refer to Neptune's Encoder Quick Install
Guide (Part No: 12572-001) for proper
Scotchlok techniques.
Notch
Strain relief
guides

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• Slide the ends of the pair of colored wires into the gel
caps as far as they can go. Do not strip individual col-
ored wires.
• Then, firmly squeeze the gel cap with the appropriate
crimping tool (Eclipse Tools Part No. 100-008 or Neptune
Part No. 5500-158). One gel cap is used for each col-
ored wire pair. See Figure 6.
Figure 6 Gel Cap Connections
6 Slide the tongue on the top of
the MIU into the groove on the
top of the MIU Mounting
Adapter. See Figure 7.
Figure 7 MIU Back Plate
7 Secure the MIU to the Mount-
ing Adapter using the Hi-Lo
Fastener provided. See
Figure 8.
Figure 8 Hi-Lo Fastener
8 Activate the MIU per the section entitled “Activating and Test-
ing the R450 MIU” on page 14.

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7 Installing the R450 Pit MIU
Connecting the Antenna
1 Install the housing through the
1 3/4“ hole in the meter pit lid.
Slip the large plastic nut over
the antenna cable and thread
it into the antenna assembly to
secure it to the pit lid. Make
sure the smooth side at top of
the threads on the nut is facing
upward. See Figure 9.
Figure 9 Pit Antenna Cable
and Housing
2 Place the flat black rubber
washer on MIU around the
male coax connection. See
Figure 10.
3 Apply a coating of Nova-
guard around the base of the
“F” connector and on the flat
rubber washer.
4 Connect the coaxial cable
connector to the “F” connec-
tor on the transmitter hous-
ing. Tighten the connector
with a 7/16” wrench to a
torque of approximately 30
in-lbs. See Figure 10.
Figure 10 Coax Connection
•For greater detailed information and installation
instructions refer to the R450 MIU Wall and Pit
Installation and Maintenance Guide (Part No.
12857-001).
• Before wiring the encoder register, make sure
the cable is long enough so that when the
installation is complete, the pit lid (with MIU
attached) can be removed easily without
straining the cable.

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5 Make sure the washer is prop-
erly seated. Connect the plas-
tic connector housing to the
three-lobed black plastic latch
plate. See Figure 11.
Figure 11 Latch Plate
6 Slide the black conical-shaped
gasket down the cable until it
engages the connector hous-
ing. See Figure 12.
Figure 12 Rubber Seal
7 Tighten the connector nut onto
the threaded portion of the con-
nector housing.This connec-
tion should be hand-tight. Do
not use pliers. See Figure 13.
Figure 13 Connector Housing

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8 Do one of the following:
• For flooded pit or deep vault
installations, use the
included cable tie to hang
the MIU from the antenna
tube. See Figure 14.
Figure 14 Cable Tie
• For shallow residential pits,
position the MIU in the base of
the meter box as shown for the
shallow residential pit settings.
See Figure 15.
• Carefully coil the pit antenna
cable in the pit prior to reinstall-
ing the pit lid.
Figure 15 Pit Installation
9 Proceed to “Activating and Testing the R450 MIU” on page 14.
8 PIT MIU Installation - Retrofit Applications
Only
1 Complete steps 1 through 9 outlined in “Installing the R450 Pit
MIU” on page 8 to install the MIU through the lid.
2Usea3M Scotchlok Type UR connector to connect the MIU
wires to the encoder wires.
Be careful not to lodge the MIU between the
meter box and any components inside the box.
When connecting an R450 MIU to a Permalog
unit, be sure to use the supplied cable tie to
hang the MIU from the antenna shaft.
Cable tie

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3 Hold the Scotchlok con-
nector between index fin-
ger and thumb with the
red cap facing down. See
Figure 16.
Figure 16 Scotchlok Connector
4 Take a non-stripped black
wire from the pigtail and a
non-stripped black wire from
the receptacle/MIU and insert
the wires into the Scotchlok
connector until fully seated in
the connector. See Figure 17.
Figure 17 Seating Connector Wires
5 Place the connector
red cap side down
between the jaws of
the UR crimping tool
(Neptune Part No.
5500-158), as shown
in Figure 18.
Figure 18 UR Crimping Tool
Do not strip colored insulation from the wires,
or strip and twist bare wires prior to inserting
in the connector. Insert insulated colored
wires directly into the Scotchlok connector.

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6 Check to ensure that the
wires are still fully seated in
the connector before crimp-
ing the connector. Figure 19
illustrates improper connec-
tions due to the wires not
being fully seated.
Figure 19 Improper Connections
7 Squeeze the connector firmly with the proper crimping tool
until you hear a pop and gel seeps out the end of the
connector.
8 Repeat steps 2 through 6
for each color wire. See
Figure 21.
9 Once all three color wires
have been connected,
read the encoder register
to ensure proper connec-
tions and the receptacle/
MIU is functioning prop-
erly. See Figure 20.
Figure 20 Three Color
Wires Connected
Figure 21 Color Code for Wires
Red and green wires

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Connecting the Splice Tube
To complete the installation of the Scotchloks, complete the
following steps to install the Connector King Splice Tube.
1 Take all three connected
Scotchlok’s and push into
the splice tube until fully
encapsulated by the
silicone grease. See
Figure 22.
Figure 22 Splice Tube
2 Separate each black/
gray wire and place
in the slots on each
side as shown in
Figure 23.
Figure 23 Black/Gray Wires in Slots
.
3 Snap the cover closed to
finish the installation
as shown in Figure 24.
Figure 24 Cover in Place

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9 Activating and Testing the R450 MIU
MIU Activation
1 Position the magnet
against the left side of the
MIU directly in line with
the Neptune logo, as
shown. Swipe it bringing it
from the side and around
the corner to the top to
activate the MIU. See
Figure 25.
Figure 25 Activation Magnet
2 The MIU will transmit its configuration packet to the R450 DC
approximately 30 seconds following the magnet swipe.
3 The MIU will send the register reading to the R450 DC approx-
imately 15 seconds following the configuration packet.
4 Once the R450 DC receives the configuration packet and
meter reading, the R450 DC will send out an email confirma-
tion to the installer to allow for verification of proper installation
and MIU location. (email text shown below).
Example of MIU Config Email
Subject: 1224/G/-89/US 29/MIU Config
MIU RSSI...............Pass[-93]
Collector RSSI.........Pass[-89]
Register...............Valid Read
Collector..............US 29
Signal/Noise...........37
Noise..................126
MIU ID.................110001224
================================
Swipe
Magnet
Face
plate

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RSSI Values and ARB N_SIGHT AMI System Capabili-
ties
Signal Strength, RSSI values, is a key indicator of the
ARB N_SIGHT AMI System health as well as the
communication capabilities of the MIU to and with the
R450 DC.
These values are associated with Uplink, the ability of the
R450 DC to hear reading information from the MIU, and
Downlink, the ability of the MIU to hear instructions from the
R450 DC.
The MIU Config Email provides feedback on the RSSI values
between the MIU and the R450 DC following MIU Activation.
Depending on the RSSI values recorded, the System indicates
the values as:
•Pass
• Marginal
• Fail (should they fail)
It is important to note that RSSI values in the Pass range are
required for both the Downlink and the Uplink to ensure full,
two-way capabilities of the MIU as part of the ARB N_SIGHT AMI
System. See Table 2 which follows and Table 3 on page 16.
Table 2 MIU RSSI Downlink
RSSI
Description RSSI Values Result in Performance
Pass RSSI >= -95 Full capability
Marginal -105 <+ RSSI
< -95
Occasional two-way
capability — not reliable
Fail RSSI <= -105 MIU not capable of two-
way communications

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Table 3 Collector RSSI Uplink
Other Sample Configuration Emails
RSSI Validation Test Failed
If an MIU fails the validation test for RSSI during the installation
process, the installer will receive an email or SMS showing a
Marginal or Failed RSSI value. In the following example email,
note the Failed downlink value [-107] as well as the Marginal
uplink value [-107].
Subject: 0042/G/-107/ Collector One/
MIU Config
MIU <- Coll............ Failed[-107]
Coll <- MIU............ Marginal[-107]
Register............... Valid Read
Collector.............. Collector One
Signal/Noise........... 23
Noise.................. 130
MIU id................. 110500042
=====================================
Register Test Failed
If an MIU fails the error-check test on the register read during
the installation process, an installer receives the email below.
This indicates that there is a problem with the wiring to the
register.
RSSI
Description RSSI Values Result in Performance
Pass RSSI >= -105 Reliable daily readings
and profile data
Marginal -115 <+ RSSI
< -105
Reliable daily readings
and profile data
Fail RSSI <= -115 Very poor readings per-
formance

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Subject: 1776/B/-117/Collector Four/
MIU Config
MIU <- Coll........... Failed[-109]
Coll <- MIU........... Failed[-117]
Register.............. Register Con-
nectivity Problem
Collector............. Collector Four
Signal/Noise.......... 13
Noise................. 130
MIU id................ 110181776
====================================
Table 4 Config Email Subject Line Breakdown
5 Do one of the following:
• If a valid register connection and acceptable RSSI values
are reported, then proceed to “Completing the R450 Wall
MIU Installation” .
• If register connection is returned as invalid, then proceed
to “Troubleshooting” on page 18.
10 Completing the R450 Wall MIU Installation
1 Install a seal wire or seal clip through the seal holes,
if desired.
Value Description
1776 Last 4 digits of MIIU ID
B Valid read. There are three types of
reads:
• G = Valid read
• B = Bad read
• N = No register
-117 R450 DC Received Signal Strength
Indicator (RSSI)
Collector Four R450 DC Name

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2 Make sure the appropriate ID# on the MIU has been assigned
to the meter setting.
• For single register applications, use the bold-faced ID#.
• For two register configuration, assign the (HI S/N) to one
register and the (LO S/N) to the second register.
11 Troubleshooting
After the MIU has been wired, follow these steps to troubleshoot
an invalid register reading or connection, for example Bor Nin
the MIU Config email.
1 Check the wiring connections, that is, terminal screws and
Scotchloks, to ensure they are connected properly.
2 If the register is a non-prewired and pitted register, check that
the silicone is applied correctly.
3 If the register is a Rev. E or older, check to ensure it is pro-
grammed in a rewire RF format using a field programmer.
4 If the problem continues to exist, replace the register.
Troubleshooting Low RSSI: Tips and Techniques for
New Installations
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is a measurement of
the power present in a received radio signal. Neptune uses this
measurement during the installation process to determine if an
R450 DC is strongly receiving for an MIU. Refer to Table 2 MIU
RSSI Downlink on page 15 and Table 3 Collector RSSI Uplink
on page 16 for the values that Neptune considers acceptable,
marginal, or failed.
During the installation process, an installer receives an email
with the RSSI value to determine if the location of the MIU is
acceptable or not. If the RSSI value is either at the upper limit of
the marginal range or is a failed RSSI, the installer should try
these tips and techniques.
Outside Wall MIU Installation
• Relocate the MIU to a higher installation level (i.e. higher than 4
feet above ground level).
• Relocate the MIU near the corner of a house or building.
All tags are provided to aid in the elimination of
transcription errors.