User's Guide

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 53
more than 4 intervals should be queued up in the message. On the other hand,
going too small can create problems as well. The lpBubbleupSchedule parameter
in the NIC should not be set to a smaller size than then LP interval size in the
meter. The NIC can transmit 15-minute LP data every 15 minutes, but it should not
be configured to send 15-minute LP data every 5 minutes.
If the meter is configured to not collect LP data (either configured with zero
channels of LP data, or configured without the R2 softswitch) then LP Bubbleup
Schedule should also be configured to zero. Opportunistic alarms commonly ride
in on bubble up messages. With LP data disabled, this leaves daily shift data (and
engineering stats) as the means to move these messages. If these other messages
are disabled for some reason, the user must also change the configuration of the
opportunistic alarm threshold to turn all alarms into real time alarms, or
opportunistic alarms will never be sent to the headend. (See Aclara RF Network
I-210+c Supported Alarms on page 41 for default alarm priorities.)
The demandResetLockoutPeriod should be set to 24 hours, and MeterMate should
have a demand reset lockout period of 4:15.
Opt-Out
Sometimes customers express concerns over RF energy. While entire banks of
meters are deemed safe according to US and Canadian standards, some customers
may still wish to opt out of the smart meter program.
• The most effective means of eliminating RF transmissions from the service
location is to use a meter that lacks an RF NIC. A meter can be installed that
has to be read physically once a month instead.
• If it is not necessary to completely eliminate RF transmissions, it is possible
to configure an RF equipped meter to transmit only last-gasp and
power-restored messages.
• If a bit more RF can be tolerated, the module can be configured to transmit
only the daily shifted data.
• Finally, if only minor reductions are needed, a small decrease in RF traffic
can be attained by configuring the endpoint for batch interval readings and
transmitting them infrequently.
Meter Passwords
The meter contains multiple boards. Every meter contains a meter module
assembly (MMA). This board contains the meter microprocessor and optical port
interface. Purchasing the Aclara RF Network causes an Aclara RF Network NIC to
also be added to the assembly. Both boards are provided with passwords when the
meter is built at the factory. This allows the NIC to talk to the meter module.
If someone with a MeterMate handheld were to walk up to a meter installed in the
field and connect it to the meter’s optical port, it would be possible for such a