User's Guide
Table Of Contents
- Table of Contents
- 1 - Introduction
- 2 - Safety Guidelines
- 3 - Regulatory Guidelines
- 4 - Product Specifications
- 5 - Features
- 6 - Inside the Meter
- 7 - Inspecting the Site for Anomalies
- 8 - Installing the Meter
- 9 - Testing NIC Communications in the Field
- 10 - Updates and Repairs
- Index
Chapter 5 • Features
A c l a r a R F E l e c t r i c I - 2 1 0 + c U s e r G u i d e 75
Meter Firmware
Meters have two types of firmware: a base code, which fully operates the meter,
and patches, which safely modify certain portions of the code. The I-210+c Gen 5
meter is able to accept patch updates but not base code updates. The Aclara RF
Network is able to deliver patch updates over the air to the meter.
The initial meter that supports this feature has base code version 6.0.7. This can
support any patch in the family. A document from Aclara Meters, 103X584
Firmware Patches for I-210+c Meters describes all of the available patches. Base
code versions and patch code version numbers combine to form an overall version
number for the firmware. The first two fields from the base code version join with
the first two fields from the patchcode version to make a firmware version. For
example, base code version 6.0.7 joins with patch code version 4.1.0 to make
firmware version 6.0.4.1.
When Aclara Meters publishes a new firmware update for the meter that seems to
be interesting, it should be tested out in the meter shop by programing the meter
with MeterMate.
If the update proves worthwile, an equivalent file may be obtained for use with
AclaraONE, which delivers the same patch. This file is digitally signed. When it is
transferred to the directory at AclaraONE, the user may select it, and AclaraONE
will identify suitable meters in the network and assist in the update process.
Softswitch Management
Over-the-air softswitch management is currently not supported.