Next Century TR4 Quick start guide

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TR4 Transceiver
Indoor Meter Reading and Wireless Transceiver
Operation and Installation Guide
1| Product Overview
The NextCentury TR4 Transceiver introduces the
next generation of superior wireless performance.
Featuring Meter+™ technology, this Transceiver
offers broad meter compatibility in a single model.
Engineered for long maintenance-free operation,
the TR4 provides hourly-read precision with a 10-
year battery life.
Meter+™ Advanced Compatibility
The TR4 Transceiver utilizes Meter+™ technology, making
this single model compatible with virtually all modern
encoded and pulse-output utility meters, including water,
electric, gas, run-time, and thermal meter models.
• Single model supports a pulse or encoded meter
• Easy configuration, external programmer is not
required
• Visual LED indicators to verify meter connections
Intelligent Wireless
The TR4 Transceiver builds on the previous generation’s
longest in-class wireless range, and now boasts up to 3x
more range.
Utilizing two-way NextCentury RF Connect™ wireless,
the TR4 has intelligent routing capabilities ensuring
success in a variety of environments, from spread-out
commercial properties to high-density apartment
complexes in excess of 4,000 meter points.
The TR4 is a drop-in replacement for any previous
generation NextCentury Transceiver. Wireless network
operation is seamlessly compatible with all earlier
generation Repeaters and Gateways.
A Superior Platform
Property setup, configuration, and usage data are
managed on the NextCentury Cloud Platform. This robust
management solution connects you to a wide range of
features facilitating property setup and ongoing operation.
2| Technical Specifications
2.1 – Certifications
FCC: 2AB8I-TR4 IC: 20949-TR4
2.2 – Wireless Communication
• Two-way NextCentury RF Connect™
• 902-928 MHz Unlicensed Band
2.3 – Meter Compatibility
• Pulse or encoded meter types (see section 3)
• Single model supports all configurations
2.4 – In-Field Configuration
• Simple meter configuration—no external
programmer required
2.5 – Battery
• Preinstalled, field-replaceable CR18505
• Estimated 10-year battery life*
*Note: 10-year battery estimated with operating temperatures
between 60ºF-90ºF, and 6-hr device check-in. Achieved battery
life can be greater or less than 10 years depending on the meter
type, system configuration, and lifetime operating temperature.
2.6 – Dimensions
• 3.3in x 1.8in x 1.3in (84mm x 46mm x 33mm)
2.7 – Operation Environment:
• -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F )
• Should be installed in an indoor, dry environment

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3| Meter Compatibility
3.1 – Pulse Output Meters
• Passive pulse sensing (including reed switch, solid-state
relay, contact relay, open-drain types)
• Active voltage sensing (max. 16 VDC)
3.2 – Encoded Output Meters
• Neptune (Including ProRead, ECoder, and ProCoder
register models)
• Sensus UI-1203 (Includes most meter models, from
Sensus, Hersey, Mueller, Master Meter, Badger,
Kamstrup, Elster, Metron-Farnier, and Zenner)
• GWF ECO (Includes all GWF encoder meters)
• Elster/AMCO K-Frame (Includes most meter models,
from Elster, AMCO, ABB and Kent)
4| In-Field Installation
4.1 – Mounting Plate Installation
• Peel off backing on the included adhesive pad and mount
onto the wall
• (Optional) For additional holding strength, the included
screws and plastic anchors can be used. Pre-drill using a
7/32” (5.5mm) drill bit
• When used with the NextCentury M201 Water Meter,
remove the TR4’s mounting plate and slide onto the
meter’s included mounting adapter
• For third-party meters, the Zip Mount Adapter can be
used
4.2 – Meter Wiring
• Strip meter wire ends to 3/16” (5 mm)
• Insert stripped wire ends into the blue terminal
connector and tighten securely using a Slotted 3mm or
Phillips (PH-0) screwdriver
• For meters prewired with 2-pole terminal connector,
remove the 3-pole connector and use meter’s connector,
installing on the bottom two pins
4.3 – Meter Wiring Diagram
5| LED Indicators
The TR4 features two separate LED indicators with simple color-
coded feedback.
6| Configuring Meter Type
6.1 – Entering Configuration Mode
Note: The TR4 is configured for a pulse meter by default. No
configuration change is necessary.
• Press and hold the Test Connect button for 5 seconds to
enter Configuration Mode
• The Meter LED will display a solid color to show the
current meter configuration
6.2 – Toggle Pulse or Encoded
• Tap the Test Connect button to toggle between Pulse
Meter (red) and Encoded Meter (blue) configurations
• After 3 seconds, the meter type is accepted

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7| Pulse Meter
7.1 – Configure for Pulse
• Enter configuration mode
• If the Meter LED is solid blue, the TR4 is configured for a
pulse meter (see previous section)
7.2 – Verify Meter Connection
A pulse from the connected meter is indicated by a fast blue
blink of the Meter LED
8| Encoded Meter
8.1 – Encoded Meter
• To verify which meter type is currently configured, enter
configuration mode
• If the Meter LED is solid red, the TR4 is configured for an
encoded meter (see section 6)
8.2 – Verify Meter Connection
• Press the Test Button
• The TR4 will try to read the connected meter
• A green blink indicates the TR4 can read the meter
• A red blink indicates the meter could not be read and
wiring should be checked
9| Programming & Wireless Check-In
9.1 – Property Setup
The NextCentury website or NCSS mobile app can be used to set
up and configure the property, units, and meters. Visit
support.nextcenturymeters.com for additional property setup
details.
9.2 – Programming
Property programming is the process of associating Transceiver
serial numbers to the meters they are reading. Scan the barcode
to ensure the serial number is entered accurately.
9.3 – Gateway Device Management
After programming, the connected Gateway will automatically
sync and communicate with the TR4.
9.4 – Wireless Connection LED Indicators
The RF LED indicator provides feedback to easily check that the
TR4 is within range of the property’s Gateway (either directly, or
through Repeaters)
• Tap the Test Connect button
• The TR4 RF LED will rapidly blink red, indicating it is
transmitting
• The RF LED will then blink 2x green if a response is
received from the Gateway
9.5 – Wireless Troubleshooting
If the RF LED does not blink green after tapping the Test Connect
button, then the TR4 is not receiving a response from the
Gateway. The following steps can help identify the issue:
• If the TR4 does not blink green, even when close to the
Gateway, make sure it has been programmed to the
property and the Gateway is online
• Try multiple times—if eventually a response is received,
then an additional Repeater may be needed to improve
the wireless network
• Move the TR4 closer to the Gateway or nearest
Repeater. If a response is received, then an additional
Repeater may be needed
10| Advanced Features &
Troubleshooting
Visit support.nextcenturymeters.com for additional guides and
troubleshooting information.
11| Television and Radio Interference
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

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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 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:
• 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.
12| FCC Part 15 & Industry Canada
Compliance
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and Industry Canada
license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
This portable equipment with its antenna complies with FCC’s and IC’s RF
radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
Users are advised to maintain a separation distance of 20cm to comply
with FCC and IC RF exposure limits.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables
aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas
produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter
tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible
d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
13| Warranty/Disclaimer Scope of
Warranty
NextCentury warrants that all communication equipment manufactured
by NextCentury will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use and in accordance with NextCentury’s documented
installation and operating procedures for a period of three (3) years from
the date of manufacture.
Products not manufactured by NextCentury, including without
limitation, accessories, attachments, meters, or batteries used in
conjunction with NextCentury equipment are warranted, if at all, only
by the original manufacturer. NextCentury’s warranties do not include
replacement of batteries used to power NextCentury products.
Limits of Liability
This warranty only applies to Read Management System components
produced by NextCentury, and does not cover any products which have
been damaged by misconduct, negligence, vandalism, acts of God,
excessive operating conditions, or unauthorized attachments or
modifications. This warranty will be null and void if products are placed in
non-recommended installation application/fashion, or are converted,
altered, or treated by other than NextCentury recommended procedures
and instructions, or are read by equipment not approved by NextCentury.
NextCentury’s liability and customer’s exclusive remedy under this
warranty is expressly limited to repair or replacement of the product at
NextCentury’s option, and is conditioned upon the customer returning
the product(s) to the location designated by NextCentury within the
warranty periods or limits stated herein, and pre-paying the freight costs
both to and from the specified location. In no event shall NextCentury be
liable for costs or expenses associated with the removal or installation of
products under this warranty.
NextCentury shall have no liability or responsibility to the purchaser or
any third party for any loss, cost, expense, damage, or liability, whether
direct or indirect, or for special, incidental, indirect, or consequential
damages of any kind, regardless of whether such liability is based on
breach of contract, tort, strict liability, breach of warranties, or otherwise,
and even if advised of the likelihood of such damages. Incidental and
consequential damages include, but are not limited to, lost revenue, loss
of profits, data, business, or goodwill. In addition, damages resulting from
negligence on the part of the customer, including, but not limited to, the
care and maintenance of NextCentury products or damages resulting
from negligence regarding periodic testing of the product’s performance,
are not covered under this guarantee.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY
NEXTCENTURY MAY VOID THIS WARRANTY AND THE USER’S
AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
AVAILABLE TO THE PURCHASER AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES, OR REMEDIES, WHETHER WRITTEN
OR ORAL, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION,
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ALL OF WHICH NEXTCENTURY
HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS.
Due to updated regulations and product improvements, NextCentury
Submetering Systems, LLC reserves the right to change the product
specifications without notice.
14| Contact Information
For any questions or concerns, please contact NextCentury
Submetering Solutions Product Support:
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [email protected]