WM Systems WM-I3 User manual

User manual
for WM-I3®metering modem
v1.70
___________________________________________________
2022-08-17

Document specifications
This documentation was made for presenting the installation and configuration
steps of the WM-I3®pulse counter / MBUS data collector and transmitter device.
Document Version:
REV 1.70
Hardware Type/Version:
User Manual WM-I3
®
metering modem
Hardware Version:
V 3.1
Bootloader Version:
V 1.80
Firmware Version:
V 1.90m
WM-E Term®configuration
software version:
V 1.3.71
Pages:
37
Status:
Final
Created:
16-01-2021
Last Modified:
17-08-2022

Chapter 1. Introduction
The WM-I3®is our 3rd generation low-power cellular pulse signal counter and data
logger with a built-in cellular modem for smart water and gas metering.
Automated water meter readings with customizable breakdowns, leak detection and
prevention. Detection of water leakages to avoid flooding, non-revenue water for
more accurate billing, optimization of operating costs, and improvement of water
supply reliability.
Remote data collection via pulse input (S0 type) or M-bus (order option) of the
connected meter. Data is sent through LTE Cat.M / Cat.M cellular networks to a
central server or HES (Head-end System).
This smart water metering device has a standalone and intermittent operation.
It reads and counts the consumption data (pulse signals or M-Bus data) of the
connected meters in „sleep mode” and saves the data to the local storage. Then it
wakes up at pre-configured intervals to transmit the stored data using MQTT or
LwM2M protocol*, plain TCP/IP packets or JSON, XML format.
* Our LwM2M solution is compatible with the Leshan Server, Leshan Bootstrap and
the AV Systems’s LwM2M server solution.

The device has an IP67 waterproof housing. The installation is easy, which is supported
by operation LED lights to indicate proper functioning.
Optionally, add-on boards can be attached to the mainboard to extend the
capabilities (e.g. more inputs, M-Bus connection, etc).
The modem has a special internal battery which provides energy for more than 5-10
years.
With the over-the-air (OTA) protocol, the device can be configured and the firmware
can be updated remotely without the need to send experts to the field.
Operation / Wireless communication
The smart device has been designed for standalone and intermittent operation. The
modem is continously receiving and counting the pulse signals of the connected
meters or sensors –while the device is in stand-by operation.
Then it wakes up at the pre-defined intervals to transmit the collected consumption
data through the NB-IoT mobile network to a server IP address. Therefore, the
collected and counted signals can be transmitted to the data center.
The device provides a SIM-card independent- and mobile operator independent
solution.
It can be used by push data transmission method, thus the modem can initiate the
communication with the AMR centre periodically at a pre-configured time intervals.
Design and installation
The modem was especially developed for water, gas and heat metering usage - for
pulse-signal output capable meters, and smart metering devices, which can be
connected to the modem by its design and its connection interface.
It can be installed to the smart meter or sensor on the site or location - can be
mounted to wall or fixed position by a fastening metal strip due to the back side
fixation possibility of the enclosure.
Power source
The device is powered by an internal battery, therefore it provides independent
operation from any external power source. The special-filled battery provides long
lifetime (5 or 10 years) –or approximately able to serve up to 4 000 data sending cycles.

The device is able to monitor its battery status continuously and send alerts when
capacity is too low.
Security
The device has security features, such as local data encryption (usage of AES-256 hash)
and immediate alarm notification of the following sabotage and failure events:
•Tamper switch (for enclosure cover / top remove detection)* –under
development
•Acceleration (motion) detection* –under development
•Hall sensor (magnetic field detection)* –under development
•Leak detection, excessive flow/consumption detection (exceeding the normal
consumption, warning of a failure)
•Battery capacity monitoring (in case of low voltage detection, it will notify about
the necessity of battery exchange –by transmitting the voltage level value)
Configuration
The modem is configurable by local –due to serial link and wiring - or by remotely
through the wireless network via TCP (after configuring the APN, username and
password parameters by the hints of your mobile operator).
All data transmission related settings, meter counter handle, measurement units,
operation cycles of device wake-up/data storage/data sending can be all configured
by the downloadable WM-E Term®configuration software. The configuration is
possible for a singular device or branch of devices.
The software requires Windows®platform to be executed, and it supports several
languages.
With the over the air (OTA) protocol, the device can be configured and the firmware
can be updated remotely without the need to send experts to the field.
MQTT protocol usage
The description of the MQTT protocol usage on the WM-I3 can be configured by it
MQTT configuration description:
https://m2mserver.com/m2m-downloads/MQTT_Protocol_Description_for WM-I3_v1_20_EN.pdf

LwM2M protocol usage
Our LwM2M solution is compatible with the Leshan Server and Leshan Bootstrap
server. Please consider this, when you will install the LwM2M server for the WM-I3
usage.
The description of the LwM2M protocol usage on the WM-I3 can be configured by this
LwM2M settings description:
https://m2mserver.com/m2m-downloads/User_Manual_for_WM-I3_LwM2M_Settings_v1_70_EN.pdf

Chapter 2. Connections
2.1 External view
The top cover of the modem’s enclosure, which provides a safe and dehumified lock by
using the internal silicone ring inside of the cover.
2 –Enclosure top part (can be fastened by 4 screws)
3 –Fixation screws of the enclosure to close and lock the top cover of the enclosure
6b –Sealed input cable (Pulse / MBUS), with insulated wires
9 –External SMA antenna connector (50 Ohm)
6b
7
2
–
A
9
6b
3
–
A
3
–
A
3
–
A
3
–
A

2.2 External view (bottom side)
1 –Enclosure bottom part (ABS plastic with IP67 protection and 6 holes –where the
PCB can be fastened into the enclosure by screws at holes)
6b –Sealed input cable (Pulse / MBUS), with insulated wires
9 –External SMA antenna connector (50 Ohm)
14 –Fastening point - The enclosure can be fastened and fixed by screws here, to mount
the enclosure to a wall or the pipeline.
15 –Fastening point - The enclosure can be fastened and fixed by a metal strip here, to
mount the enclosure to a wall or the pipeline.
14
14
15
14
14
15
9
6b

2.3 Internal connectors, interfaces
1 –Enclosure bottom part (ABS plastic with IP67 protection and 6 holes –where the
PCB can be fastened into the enclosure by screws at holes)
3 –Fixation screws of the enclosure to close and lock the top cover of the enclosure
4 –Special filled, longlife battery (Lithium-Thyonyl-Chloride, 3.6V DC, CR14250 type)
5 –SIM card slot (for micro-SIM, 3FF type)
6a –Input cable connector (to J11) –for meter pulse output(s), S0-type
7 –Connection interface for MBus additional board (5-pins, marked by J17)
8 –Power ON pins (2-pin connection, make short to start the device, allows the battery
power source for the device –connector marked by J5)
10 –Tamper switch (for sense the cover / enclosure top remove)* - this feature is
currently inactive
11 –Configuration port (5-pins, for local configuration and firmware update, J12)
LEDS –Operation LEDs
4
5
1
–
A
8
–
A
10
6a
LEDS
11
7

2.4 Input cable connector pinout
The opposite side of the pulse input cable (6b) must be wired to the pulse output of the meter,
according to the cable pinout of J11 connector.
Important! The current firmware version can receive signals of the 1st pulse input.
For normal pulse counting
Active pins on cable nr. 6a:
-nr. 5: PULS0_0 (for signals of the #1
pulse input)
-nr. 2: PULS0_1 (counting direction)
–connect to use as normal
Pinout for reverse measuring
Active pins:
-nr. 5: PULS0_0 (for signals of the #1
pulse input)
-nr. 2: PULS0_1 (counting direction) –connect the pin to the GND (grounding) to
reverse counting
2.5 Fastening of the enclosure
The enclosure can be fastened and
fixed by screws (at point nr. 14) or a
metal strip (at mount point nr. 15)
and mount the WM-I3 enclosure to
a wall or the pipeline.
14
15
2
1
14

2.6 Antenna connection
An external LTE Cat.M/Cat.NB antenna (with SMA, 50 Ohm connector) should be mounted
to the antenna connector (9).
2.7 MBUS connection
The WM-I3 device has an optional MBUS addon board (12) –order option –which can be
connected to the J11 and J17 connectors by the right direction –as you can see on the next
photo.
The MBUS add-on board provides 36V capable MBUS port (13), where you can connect any
MBus- capable meter.
2.8 Installation steps
Step #1: Remove the enclosure’s plastic top cover (2) by releasing and removing the
four screws (3) with a screwdriver.
Step #2: Remove the short of the Power ON connection (8) if it was connected and
the operation of the device will be stopped (battery will be disconnected).
12
A
13
A

Step #3: Open up the SIM holder (5) from right-to-left and insert an activate SIM card
(which uses APN). Take care to the direction, the SIM card must be inserted from right
side to the direction of the battery, and the SIM chip looks down, the cutted edge of
the SIM is oriented to the Telit internet module. Close back the SIM holder’s cover.
Step #4: The J12 interface connection can be used for local configuration and firmware
refresh by using the configuration cable (17).
Step #5: The configuration cable’s (17) black connector must be placed to the WM-I3
mainboard’s J17 Connection interface (5-pins), according to the next photos. The black
connector’s 1st pin is signed by a white mark, this side of the connector must be placed
closer to the battery (oriented left on the photo).
Step #6: For the serial connection to a computer you have to connect the USB UART
Converter adapter (16) of the configuration cable to a PC.
17
A
16
17
A
7
A

Step #7: Prepare for the configuration. Make a short on the Power ON pins (nr. 8). This
will add battery power for the device.
Then the modem will be starting its operation according to the configured settings.
The device will be available to configure through the local serial connection.
Step #8: Configure the device operation parameters on the local USB port by the WM-
E Term software. Note, that you have to install the USB dongle driver before usage!
See Chapter 3.
Step #9: After the successful configuration disconnect the USB adapter (16) from your
computer and disconnect the configuration cable (17) from the J12 connector (nr. 7).
Step #10: Check that you already attached / mount the antenna to the external
antenna connector (9) of the device.
Step #11: Install the device and fasten / mount to wall –near to the meter –or mount
to the wall of the water pit or the water pipe/pipeline in a fixed position by pipe clamps.
Step #12: Fasten the external antenna’s magnetic mount to a metal part to fixate on
the drain cover –to ensure that it has undisturbed conditions and enough celular
network signal reception for the antenna. The current signal value can be checked by
the WM-E Term.
Step #13: Power ON the device by the nr. 8 pins (make a short) as it was already
described before.
Step #14: Place back the enclosure’s top cover (2) and fasten by four screws (3).
Important!
It is also necessary to have appropriate signal strength of the cellular network at the
operating location/site. You can change the position of the antenna on the location
for a better signal coverage.

2.9 LEDs
The LED signals are mainly inactive due to energy saving reasons.
These are only active in case of cellular network connection, requesting network’s
signal strength value (life signal) or a failure.
LED1 –CONNECTION (GREEN)
LED2 –SIGNAL STRENGTH (BLUE)
LED3 –FAILURE (RED)
2.10 Starting the device
In case of adding the power by inserting the nr. 9 jumper (close the two-pins), the
device will be started.
LED1
–A
LED2
–A
LED3
–A

Later, when the cellular module will be started and the SIM seems to be okay and the
APN settings are properly configured, the device will be able to connect to the
Cat.M/Cat.M (NB-IoT) network and send the counted consumption data (pulse count
or MBUS data).

Chapter 3. Modem Configuration
3.1 Important notes
The modem can be configured on the local serial port with the WM-E Term®software
which should be performed before the normal operation and usage.
The remote configuration of the device is also possible through MQTT messages. You
need to configure MQTT server for data exchange.
You can also use LwM2M communication and configuration, where you can to use an
LwM2M v1.00 compatible server as Leshan server or Leshan Bootstrap server.
For the local configuration, the WM-I3®must be connected to the computer’s USB
port by using the serial wires of the USB UART adapter on the device. (Check steps of
Chapter 2.6).
For the sucessful communication of the device, you have to configure the APN
settings of the active micro SIM card (as PIN code, APN, APN username and password)
and the data storage periods, NB-IoT data transmitting interval and mode of data
sending (mode, protocol, server port, server IP address) and some
measurement/meter related settings.
IMPORTANT! Note that the WM-I3 is operating from individual battery power source,
which has a limited capacity and life time. Take care to the configuration and be fast
as it is possible when you carry out the settings. When you have finished, remove the
jumper from the J5 (marked by nr. 9) pin to turn off the device.
3.2 Configuring the device by the WM-E Term
®
software
#Step 1. Microsoft®.Net Framework v4 must be installed on your computer. In case of
missing this component, you have to download it and install from the manufacturer’s
website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30653

#Step 2. Connect the USB dongle and download the driver from the manufacturer’s
website: https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers
Choose the CP210x Universal Windows Driver from the page and download the .ZIP
extension file.
Extract compressed the file to a location on your computer’s hard drive.
#Step 3. Open the Windows Control Panel and the Device Manager. There at the
Other devices section you will found a CP210x USB to UART Bridge controller or
similar entry.
Push a right mouse click on the entry and choose the Refresh driver option. Browse
the directory of the extracted driver (.zip file) and choose the directory and push to the
OK.
Then the driver will be installed.
#Step 4. The Control Panel / Device Manager will be listing the USB to UART bridge.
Check the COM port number! Note that you need to use this COM port number
during the configuration in the WM-E Term software!
#Step 5. Now download WM-E Term configuration software (Microsoft Windows®
7/8/10 compatible) from this URL:
https://m2mserver.com/m2m-downloads/WM-ETerm_v1_3_71.zip
You have to own administrator privileges for the directory where you are using the
program.

#Step 6. Unpack the downloaded .ZIP file into a directory.
Execute the WM-ETerm.exe file to start the configuration software.
#Step 7. The configuration software will be started. Push to the Login button
Leave the Username and Password fields as they are filled.
#Step 8. Then choose the Select button at the WM-I3 device to login into WM-I3
mode.

3.3 Setup the device connection –Serial link / Local configuration
1. Make serial connection with the USB UART Converter between WM-I3→PC.

2. Choose the Connection type on the left side of the screen, then choose the
Serial tab for the local USB connection (with USB to UART adapter).
3. Add a New connection name for the profile then push the Create button.
4. In the next window the connection settings will appear. There choose the right
COM port according to the available USB (serial) port number.
5. Click on the Save button to save the connection profile.
3.3 Setup the device connection –Remote configuration via
LwM2M protocol
Note that the Leshan Server or Leshan Bootstrap server must be already installed
and executed and the server must be connected to the network, because the
WM-I3 will trying to connect to the LwM2M server during the connection
configuration!