Technical Manual

Table Of Contents

12 D C U M a i n t e n a n c e a n d O p e r a t i o n M a n u a l

Data Collector Unit (DCU)

A Data Collector Unit’s main purpose is to capture,

store, and transmit meter readings from endpoints.

DCUs are tuned to receive on the same frequency

that the endpoints broadcast their readings. DCUs

are installed to facilitate overlapping endpoint

coverage, and endpoint readings are captured by

multiple DCUs. The DCU can collect from, and

transmit to, electric, gas, and water devices

simultaneously.

A DCU consists of a main electronics enclosure,

antennas, and either an AC or solar charging

system. DCUs may be mounted on poles, buildings

or towers. DCUs transmit all of the information

received from the endpoints, as well as DCU

operational information such as battery voltage,

signal strength, and alarms to the AclaraONE headend through a variety of

backhaul options.

Backhaul Options

For a DCU equipped with a single backhaul, (LTE, Ethernet, or Fiber) the DCU

initiates a connection with the headend on the primary IP address. If the

connection to the primary IP address fails after 6 attempts, the DCU will attempt to

connect to the secondary IP address. This process will repeat until a successful

connection is made. The DCU will log an error code for any failed connection

attempt, including failures based on Cellular or Ethernet connection issues, and

will send those messages after the first successful connection.

LTE

An LTE cellular backhaul is available in the DCU for Verizon, AT&T, Rogers,

and Bell Canada. For US carriers, customers can utilize their own private account

and Access Point Name (APN), or leverage Aclara’s Wireless Network (AWN)

platform.

The Verizon carrier supports 4G connectivity only while AT&T supports a 3G

fallback mode.

Ethernet

The DCU can be ordered with a direct Ethernet connection through the use of an

alternate main board. See additional details in the DCU Installation Instructions,

20977-TUM for details on wiring and connection. An Ethernet DCU supports up to

a 100 Mbps data speed.