Sensus AR5000 User manual

Sensus AR5000
User’s Guide
Models AR5001 & AR5002

ii Sensus Metering Systems
Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide
Copyright © 2006 Sensus Metering Systems. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose,
without the express written permission of Sensus Metering Systems.
Sensus Metering Systems, the Sensus logo, AR5000, ...???... are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Sensus Metering Systems.
Components of the TouchRead System are protected under U.S.
patents 3,748,654; 4,132,981; 4,652,877; 4,758,836 and other
pending.
Sensus cannot accept any financial or other responsibilities that may
be the result of your use of this information including direct,
indirect, special, or consequential damages. There are no warranties
extended or granted by this document. Refer to separate Sensus
warranty documents for product warranty coverage and specifics.
Sensus Metering Systems, 8601 Six Forks Road – Suite 300, Raleigh,
NC 27615. 919-845-4000.
FCC notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for 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:
• 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.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Sensus Metering
Systems could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide iii
Contents
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
Device Care & Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Use the Hand-Held Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Turn the Device ON/OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
About the Key Controls / Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
About the Meter Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
How to Carry & Hold the AR5000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Configuring the AR5000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Link the AR5000 to a TouchRead Device (SmartGun/AutoGun) . . . . . 1-9
Change the Display Font & Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Adjust the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
View the Battery Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
View the Current HHD ID & User . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
View the Date & Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Set Up & Use the Communication Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Connect the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Mount the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Place the AR5000 in the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Charge the AR5000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Charge the AR5000 in the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Charge the AR5000 using the Wall Charger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Battery Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Contact Customer Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Chapter 2: Collect Meter Data
Start Collecting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Select A Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Alter Route Behaviors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

iv Sensus Metering Systems
Chapter: Contents
Manage Reading Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
About Meter Read Behaviors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Resolve Readings That Don’t Match the Displayed Location . . . . . . . .2-9
Resolve a Non-Route Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Resolve Reading Malfunctions and Bad Reads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Enter Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Enter Manual Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Enter TouchRead Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
Enter RadioRead Readings (AR5002 only). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
Enter Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19
Mark Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20
Answer Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-21
Add New Meters to Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22
Chapter 3: Find Route Information
Search the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Search for an Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Go to the First Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
Go to the Last Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Search for a Meter ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Search Displayed Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9
Find Unfinished Sections of the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Find UnRead Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Find UnVisited Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13
Find Unanswered Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
Find Special Entries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
Find Marked Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
Find Noted Locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
Find Limit Violators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20
Review Read Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23
Review Route Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23
Review Previous Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-25

Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-1
About the
AR5000
The AR5000 is the latest hand-held data collection device
from Sensus Metering Systems. This system provides a wide
range of options for collecting information and simplifies
many of the functions associated with reading utility meters.
Use the information in this document as a reference for the
basic features and setup options available in the AR5000.
You use the AR5000 series hand-held device to collect
readings from utility meters. Readings take place along
predefined routes. The device allows you to select a route
and enter readings using several methods. Both the AR5001
and AR5002 model versions provide the same basic set of
features, including the ability to enter meter reading data
manually or with the Sensus TouchRead system. The AR5002
model has the added capability of reading Sensus RadioRead
equipped meters.
Both devices also allow you to enter notes about locations,
mark locations to follow up later, and manage situations
where the information in the device doesn’t match the
locations on the route. You can also search through routes
and readings, check that the route is complete, and obtain
other statistics.

1–2 Sensus Metering Systems
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
Office staff add route information into the AR5000 and
extract your meter readings and notes from it by connecting
it to a PC via a communication stand. The stand also charges
the battery, which should last through your shift.
This chapter gives you an introduction to the device,
including basic instructions for use, setup, and maintenance.
The chapter is divided into the following sections:
•
Device Care & Handling on page 1-3 - This section lists
warnings and care instructions.
•
Use the Hand-Held Device on page 1-4 - Basic instructions
for the ON/OFF, keypad, and display functions.
•
Configuring the AR5000 on page 1-9 - Basic AR5000
configuration options.
•
Set Up & Use the Communication Stand on page 1-18 -
Basic setup instructions for the communication stand.
•
Charge the AR5000 on page 1-22 - How to charge the
AR5000 and replace the battery.
•
Contact Customer Support on page 1-27 - For Customer
Support.
You can find instructions for reading route information in
Chapter 2:
Collect Meter Data . You can find instructions on
searching for specific route-related information in Chapter 3:
Find Route Information .

Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-3
Device Care & Handling
Device Care & Handling
Users need to do very little maintenance on the AR5000.
Typically, keeping the device in good working order requires
little more than occasional cleaning. Clean the case and
keyboard of the AR5000 with warm water, a mild detergent,
and a toothbrush.
If your AR5000 is going to be used in an environment where
it will be regularly exposed to substances such as oil or tar
that require stronger cleaning supplies, check with Sensus
Customer Support for a list of approved cleaning chemicals
that will not damage the case or seals on the AR5000. Find
contact information for Sensus Customer Support in
Contact
Customer Support
on page 1-27.
You do, however, need to observe some basic precautions
when handling the AR5000. The unit is housed in a rugged,
shock resistant, sealed case. But, it is a precision piece of
equipment.
!
Caution Do not use any kind of brush on the
display. A brush will scratch the display
and make it difficult to read the text.
!
Caution The AR5000 is water resistant, but not
water-proof. Do not submerge the unit for
extended periods.
!
Caution Do not drop the AR5000.

1–4 Sensus Metering Systems
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
Use the Hand-Held Device
Typically, you are going to pick-up your AR5000 at the
beginning of a shift and use it to collect meter reading
information. Before you use the system, you need to
familiarize yourself with the basic system controls.
This section provides information on the basic AR5000
controls and functions and is divided under the following
headings:
•
Turn the Device ON/OFF on page 1-4 - How to switch the
power for the AR5000.
•
About the Key Controls / Functions on page 1-5 - An
overview of the basic function keys.
•
About the Meter Display on page 1-7 - An overview of
display and basic display controls.
•
How to Carry & Hold the AR5000 on page 1-8 - How attach
straps and hold the AR5000.
ÂTurn the Device ON/OFF
You can leave the AR5000 switched ON for extended periods
of time. The batteries are designed to keep the unit operating
for more than enough time to complete an average work
shift. Typically, you can use the AR5000 for a shift and then
place the unit into the charging stand with the power
switched ON (see
Charge the AR5000 on page 1-22).
Note To extend battery life, the AR5000 has a sleep
feature that switches OFF the screen. If the
unit is inactive for approximately 10 minutes,
the system blanks the screen and sets the
device to the power-saver mode.

Sensus AR5000 User’s Guide 1-5
Use the Hand-Held Device
To switch the AR5000 ON/OFF...
ÂPress and release the On/Off key.
• If the system is ON, pressing the ON/OFF key blanks the
screen and set the AR5000 to power-saver mode.
• If the system is in power-saver mode, pressing the
On/Off key switches the AR5000 back ON and returns
the system to the same screen that was displayed when
the system switched to power-saver mode.
About the Key Controls / Functions
AR5000 Keypad & DisplayThe Function keys on the AR5000 can be defined and used as
shortcuts to many of the functions that you use frequently for
adjusting configuration settings and viewing information.
There are five Function keys. However, you can access up to
12 different functions and three additional controls with these
five keys. The list below provides a brief description of the
default function key assignments. These function key
assignments can be changed by office staff using a PC to
communicate with and configure the device. You should find
out whether the default assignments have been changed.
The following functions are available by pressing only the
function key:
• F1 - Manual Read - Use this function key to display the
Enter Text screen to enter a manual meter reading (see
Enter Manual Readings on page 2-14).
• F2 - Note - Use this function key to display the Note screen
for entering a note about a location, such as “beware of
dog” (see
Enter Notes on page 2-19).
• F3 - Search - Use this function to display the Search
Route... menu to find a particular address, meter, or other
information (see
Search the Route on page 3-3).
• F4 - Mark - Use this function key to mark/unmark the
currently selected location on a route so that you can

1–6 Sensus Metering Systems
Chapter 1: About the AR5000
easily go back to it later (see Mark Locations on
page 2-20).
• F5 - Transaction History - Use this function key to display
the transaction history of meter readings collected on the
route from the beginning of the route to the most current
reading (see
Review Previous Transactions on page 3-25).
The following functions are available by pressing and holding
the blue key and then pressing the function key:
• F6 (blue key + F1) - Configuration - Use this function to
display the Configuration menu.
• F7 (blue key + F2) - Gun Utilities - Use this function key to
display the Smart/AutoGun Utilities screen for linking to a
SmartGun or AutoGun (see
Link the AR5000 to a
TouchRead Device (SmartGun/AutoGun)
on page 1-9).
• F8 (blue key + F3) - This key is undefined by default.
• F9 (blue key + F4) - This key is undefined by default.
• F10 (blue key + F5) - This key is undefined by default.
The following functions and controls are available by pressing
and holding the yellow key and pressing the function key at
the same time:
• F11 (yellow key + F1) - This key is undefined by default.
• F12 (yellow key + F2) - Display Route Name - Use this
function key to display the name of the currently selected
route. The system displays a message with the route
name. Press the Esc key to clear the route name message.
• Backlight ON/OFF (yellow key + F3) - Use this control to
switch the backlight ON/OFF for better visibility in low-light
conditions.
• Contrast Light (yellow key + F4) - Use this control to
decrease the on-screen contrast and lighten the
appearance of characters.
• Contrast Dark (yellow key + F5) - Use this control to
increase the on-screen contrast and darken the
appearance of characters.