READCENTER® Reading Data Management for GALAXY® Systems IMPORTANT: This manual contains important information. READ AND KEEP FOR REFERENCE. RDC-IOM-04 (10-11) 62014-125 Rev.
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Installation & Operation Manual CONTENTS GALAXY FEATURES AND BENEFITS............................................................................................. 5 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 6 PART I: OVERALL OPERATION Overview of READCENTER..................................................................................................................................... 8 Meter Reading Process..
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Installation & Operation Manual GALAXY FEATURES AND BENEFITS Feature Benefit GALAXY® transmitters* are powerful yet small units. Size allows mounting in numerous locations both indoor and outdoor. GALAXY transmitters are fully enclosed in an epoxy-based encapsulant. This design is completely applicable for locations where submerging conditions occur. GALAXY transmitters are available factory-programmed and pre-wired to RTR® (Recordall) and ADE® (Absolute Digital Encoder) registers.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management INTRODUCTION The READCENTER® Reading Data Management Installation and Operation Manual has three main parts: • Part I: Overall Operation Part I features basic information to help you understand the overall operation of READCENTER in relation to reading primarily with the GALAXY® gateway. • Part II: User Guide Part II is designed to be a technical reference and includes more process details.
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READCENTER® Reading Data Management Overview of READCENTER Badger Meter's READCENTER is a reading data management software application that provides a central location for performing various meter reading tasks. It allows data sharing across the meter reading solutions offered by Badger Meter. Supported reading technologies include GALAXY®, ORION®, BadgerTouch®, TRACE® and manual meter reading.
Installation & Operation Manual Meter Reading Process Structure READCENTER application software for gateway reading has three parts that can run on one computer or on separate computers: • A server (Monitor) handles communication with gateways. • A client (Control) performs system management and runs reports. • A database server stores information.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Operation Gateways have the ability to utilize a variety of networks and are configured with the information needed to report received data to a network address that READCENTER will monitor. To start the meter reading process, GALAXY gateways and transmitters are installed in the field. Gateways continually receive data transmissions from transmitters located within listening range and forward the information to READCENTER.
Installation & Operation Manual Program Startup 1. Double-click the READCENTER icon on the Desktop to start the program. 2. The startup screen appears. The current software version number is listed below the title. Clicking Backup makes a copy of the current database files. Refer to the Appendix for Backup Operation details. Clicking Cancel ends the program. NOTE: Depending on your set up, this option may not be available. 3.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Main Screen The READCENTER main screen is a multiple document interface (MDI) form that holds various function screens and has the following features: • Menu bar and tool bar at the top provide access to configuration settings. • Status bar at the bottom displays messages related to active processes. NOTE: Based on licensing, information may vary or the status bar may be blank. • Main pane (right) displays the title and will contain the selected function screen.
Installation & Operation Manual System Outline The software is laid out in sections and grouped according to task. The four main sections and functions within them are briefly outlined here. Gateway Reading This section contains functions used to perform the gateway reading process. • Gateway Setup: Describe gateways that have automatically reported to READCENTER. • Collected Readings: Show information by gateway along with the meter readings it reported during the time specified.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Accounts The Accounts section provides ways to view, search and group accounts. • Account Records: View all of the information available for each account. You can scroll through account records and search for specific records based on the account number, name, address, meter serial #, etc. Viewing and printing the meter reading history can also be done here. Notes can be optionally entered for individual accounts and saved for future reference.
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READCENTER® Reading Data Management Gateway Reading Gateway Setup The Gateway Setup function allows you to enter information that describes gateways that have automatically reported to READCENTER. Gateways that have reported are listed on the left side of the screen. Automatic Information NOTE: The information automatically fills in these fields. • Gateway #: The serial number of the gateway when a status message has reported.
Installation & Operation Manual Collected Readings The Collected Readings function shows information by gateway, along with the meter readings it reported during the time period specified such as Previous Day, Previous Week, etc. 1. Specify a date range to cover using the Start and Period settings. 2. Click Get Data to obtain meter reading information for the time period chosen. The left section of the screen shows a table of the gateways.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Gateway Reading Reports The Gateway Reading Reports function provides the ability to view meter readings by transmitter serial number and to view readings that match various criteria as shown below. A report or graph can be displayed or printed. 1. Select a report from the list. 2. Specify a date range to cover using the End Date and Period settings. 3. Click Run Report to run the report.
Installation & Operation Manual Screen Layout for Other Reports • The middle section of the screen is blank. The right section shows report details. • Two text boxes are displayed in the bottom tool bar next to the Close button. The left is blank. The right contains the number of records returned for the report selected. Buttons • Show Record: Open the Account Records screen showing all of the information for the account being viewed.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Graph Click the Graph button to see usage calculations and a usage graph for meter readings shown in the History report. This feature is also available in the Account Records function. Here is a Meter Reading Graph example covering reads over a period of time. Buttons • Print Graph: Open the print dialog box to select a printer. • Preview: Show a report of the customer and usage information. (Includes print option.) Here is an example of the Preview screen.
Installation & Operation Manual File Click the File button on the Gateway Reading Reports screen to allow saving report results to a comma delimited file for import into Excel. 1. Click Browse for the location to save the file. 2. Type the name of the file including .csv for the extension if it is to be opened in Excel. (The file may also be opened in a text editor. Use a .txt extension in this case.) If no extension is entered, the system will default to a .csv file. Click Open. 10-11 3.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Gateway Reading Cycle BILLING SYSTEM READCENTER Prepare a file for READCENTER Save/Clear Reads (Export or Download) Read Input File from Billing Open Gateway Reading Reports Select "Last Read" Choose End Date & Period Click "Run Report" Click "Apply" Open Route Reading Reports and View Unread & Exceptions Process the file from READCENTER (Import or Upload) Page 22 Write Output File to Billing 10-11
Installation & Operation Manual Prepare a File for READCENTER It is important that each Reading Cycle is processed in the following order. Start by creating a download file from the billing system. Save/Clear Reads NOTE: Skip this process if there are no accounts in the database. This function saves the previous meter readings to the READCENTER history and/or clears the current readings before beginning the new reading cycle.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Read Input File This function reads account information into READCENTER from an outside source, typically the billing system software. This information may include new accounts or changes to existing accounts. It may also include the previous meter reading and/or high and low limit ranges. Select Read Input File from the main menu listed under the Interface heading. Step 1 Click Browse to select the Input File Name and Location that holds your account information.
Installation & Operation Manual Each time a file is read in, a message similar to this one displays the first time an account is seen that is new to READCENTER. Each time a file is read in, a message similar to this one displays the first time an account is seen that is not new to READCENTER. When the process completes, a message similar to this one displays the results. NOTE: If you receive a Duplicate Module Serial # message, refer to page 55.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Apply Gateway Readings to the Customer Account Records This function is used to obtain billable readings from a desired date and post them on the customer account records. NOTE: If you receive a Duplicate Module Serial # message, refer to page 55. Select Gateway Reading Reports from the main menu listed under the Gateway Reading heading. 1. Select Last Read from the column of Reports. Data defaults to the current date. 2.
Installation & Operation Manual Route Reading Reports This function provides a list of predefined standard reports to view or print. These reports display information from the account records and are not associated with the Gateway Reading Reports. Select Route Reading Reports from the main menu under the Route Reading heading. 1. Choose Unread Meters from the General reports heading on the Route Reading Reports screen menu. 2. Select Accounts By Group (predefined), By Route or By Account. 3.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Write Output File This function allows you to send meter readings collected from READCENTER to the billing system. Select Write Output File from the main menu listed under the Interface heading. Step 1 Click Browse to select the Output File Name and Location where the billing software will look to retrieve account information from READCENTER. If the file name and location do not change, verify that the field is filled correctly.
Installation & Operation Manual Accounts The Accounts section of the main menu offers functions that allow you to view meter reading information for each account and organize accounts into groups if desired. Accounts are created in the system by adding them manually or by reading an input file. The input file can be created by the billing system, customer information system, meter data management system, or another system that manages customer data.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Filtering Records The row of fields below the column headings on the Account Records grid is called a filter bar. The filter bar allows you to search for details in the records such as account ID, last name and address based on a character or term you enter. For example, if you type a “W” into the blank cell under the Street Name heading, streets that begin with “W” will appear in the rows below.
Installation & Operation Manual Account Fields • For fields passed to the handheld or laptop, sizes listed may vary from what can be displayed. • Field sizes listed may vary from those defined in the structure of the input file from the billing system. Customer This section displays the Account ID, First Name, Last Name, House # and other information associated with the customer where the meter is located.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Meter This section displays details about the meter such as the Meter Serial # and Meter Location. Field Name Type Size Item # Numeric Not currently used. Meter Type Water Gas RT Gas ORION Electric Other Type of service being read. If not specified, the default is water. Meter Serial # Alphanumeric Meter Install Date Date Meter Location Alphanumeric 50 Details to help locate the meter.
Installation & Operation Manual Registration This section has information about how the meter is read, whether electronically or manually. NOTE: Compound meters may have two registration records associated with one meter. Each record has its own Service # and is related to a separate register. Status Flag Multiplier Field Name Type Service # Numeric This is a required entry that identifies individual meter readings that share the same Account ID. If not specified, the number 1 is assumed.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management To Reader This section has information that is helpful to the person or collection device that reads the meter. Field Name Type High Limit Numeric Reading passed from the billing system and sent to the collection device to warn of a high reading. Low Limit Numeric Reading passed from the billing system and sent to the collection device to warn of a low reading.
Installation & Operation Manual From Reader This section has information from the person or collection device that reads the meter. Fields are filled in after collection devices are unloaded. Field Name Type Present Read Numeric Meter reading for billing purposes. (See the Read Value Note on page 32 for adjustments that may have been made to radio and touch reads.) Read Date/Time Date/Time Date and time the meter reading was received.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Utility Use This section is a place for miscellaneous information from the billing system. Field Name Type Size Description Utility Use 1-10 Alphanumeric 50 Holds miscellaneous information. Notes This section holds information related to the account record. Field Name Type Size Description Note To Reader Alphanumeric Memo Message about the meter being read.
Installation & Operation Manual Account Groups The Account Groups function provides a way to define more detailed groups of accounts for use in loading and unloading collection devices; running reports; and performing other tasks related to meter reading. Defining Account Group Settings This is the most common function where you may choose to define multiple setting records by name.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Listing Accounts Accounts may be listed and filtered as described below. The grid on the left side of the Account Groups screen is used to display accounts that are in the database. Click the Fill List button at the top of the grid to show current account data. To find a specific Route ID, Sequence # or Account ID, enter search criterion in the filter bar. Only accounts that match the criteria entered will appear in the columns below the headings.
Installation & Operation Manual Selecting Accounts Below we define a group that splits a route. For the Select By entry, choose Route ID/Sequence # from the drop down. In the list of accounts, point to the first line and click the From --> button. Note that Route ID and Sequence # on the From line have been populated automatically. In the list of accounts, point to the record approximately in the middle of the route and click the To ---> button.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Note that Route ID and Sequence # on the To line have been populated automatically. To add other Group Items to the list, click Add Item on the tool bar and repeat the process of selecting accounts. From and To entries may also be typed in manually. As items are added, they appear in the Group Items grid. Available grouping options appear on the lower right portion of the screen.
Installation & Operation Manual Custom Reports Create reports using field names you select. NOTE: This only applies if READCENTER account information exists. Creating a Report 1. Click the New tab in the upper right of the screen. 2. Enter the name of the report and click OK. 3. Select a Field Name from the column on the left. 4. Click Add To List to add an item to the report. (Double clicking on the field name description will also add the item.) 5.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Setting the Operators and Criteria Account information can be sorted further by using the Operator and Criteria fields. If a report showing only GALAXY modules is desired, the non-GALAXY accounts can be filtered out by selecting an operator of ‘=’ and the criteria of ‘G-GALAXY’ in the Module Type field. 1. Click in the Operator field to activate the drop-down menu and select the desired operator. 2. Select or type the Criteria.
Installation & Operation Manual Viewing, Printing and Exporting 1. To view the selected accounts click View Selected Accounts at the bottom of the window. The accounts that match the report are displayed. NOTE: The fields may not be in the selected order in this window. This is not how the report will look when printed. 2. To print or export the report click Preview. A preview of the report opens. 3. Click the printer icon in the task bar at the top of the screen to print the report. 4.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Large Reports A maximum of 18 fields can be displayed on a report. They display in the following format. Field 1 Field 2 Field 3 Field 4 Field 5 Filler Field 7 Field 8 Field 9 Field 10 Field 11 Field 12 Field 13 Filler Field 15 Field 16 Field 17 Field 18 When grouping fields vertically, use the Filler description to create a blank field. In the example below, Filler was used in Field 6 and Field 14.
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READCENTER® Reading Data Management Deleting a Custom Report 1. Select the report from the drop-down menu at the top of the screen. 2. Click on Delete. 3. Click OK.
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READCENTER® Reading Data Management System Requirements NOTE: The specifications shown are to be used as a guideline. Some items relate more to requirements of the Operating System rather than the READCENTER application, and they are subject to change. Follow any Operating System vendor recommendations that exceed what is listed here. GALAXY Fixed Network Reading — Standalone for 1,000 Maximum Transmitters System Components 1. Server: 2. Client: 3.
Installation & Operation Manual GALAXY Fixed Network Reading — Client and Server Server Component: A server application requests or listens for meter readings from gateways.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Billing Interface Codes Module Types or Registration Types • • • • • • • C – Manual Z – ORION G – GALAXY R – RAMAR® X – Datamatic® P – TRACE D – Touch Read Types • • • • • • • D – Unread R – Regular H – High L – Low r – Regular with Inquiry h – High with Inquiry l – Low with Inquiry Read Methods • • • D – Unread d – Manual D – Interrogated Exceptions • • • • • • • • T – Tamper L – Leak F – Reverse Flow U – No Usage t – Tamper/Leak B – No Reply G – Rollover E – Enc
Installation & Operation Manual Read Resolution Codes (also known as Test Circle Codes) Code Description 01 RTR TC = 10 Gallon 02 RTR TC = 100 Gallon 03 RTR TC = 1000 Gallon 04 RTR TC = 10000 Gallon 05 RTR TC = 1 Cubic Foot 06 RTR TC = 10 Cubic Foot 07 RTR TC = 100 Cubic Foot 08 RTR TC = 1000 Cubic Foot 09 RTR TC = .01 Cubic Meter 10 RTR TC = .
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Backup Operation NOTE: If READCENTER data is stored by SQL Server Standard or Enterprise, backups are to be handled in accordance with end user corporate policies. A means of backing up the READCENTER SQL Server Express database files is available from the login screen. All users must have READCENTER and the GALAXY Monitor software stopped or closed when this is done or the operation will not complete successfully.
Installation & Operation Manual Using the Tool Bars The tool bars at the bottom of several READCENTER screens include icons that provide shortcut access to many time-saving features. The following information explains the icon functions in the order they appear on the tool bar. System Tool Bar • Add – Adds a new record to the database. Typically, records are added automatically when a file is read in from the billing system so this function is rarely needed.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Preview Screen Tool Bar The tool bar at the top of the Print Preview screen (see page 20) includes icons that provide shortcut access to features to help view, print and save the report. The following information explains the icon functions in the order they appear on the tool bar. • Open File – Browse to find the location of the stored report files. • Save File – Save the report to the stored file location. • Page Setup – Set up the report page(s) to print.
Installation & Operation Manual Troubleshooting This section gives you guidelines on how to respond if you encounter the situations described below during normal READCENTER operations. Situation: DUPLICATE MODULE SERIAL # A unique serial number is required for each transmitter (module). Occasionally, when a duplicate serial number is detected, the system displays the Duplicate Module Serial # pop up box.
READCENTER® Reading Data Management Duplicate serial numbers may occur in the following conditions: • • • A data entry error in the billing system where two account records have the same serial number assigned A transmitter relocation where the same serial number is assigned for two different account records within the billing system A change to the account identifier used in READCENTER to match with the one used in the billing system The unique Account ID/Service # combination should stay with the prope
Installation & Operation Manual Technical Support If you encounter a situation not covered in this manual, record the information and contact Badger Meter Technical Support. Errors do not normally occur, so it is important to report all occurrences of error windows to Technical Support. What to report When you contact Technical Support, explain the situation and go over what you recorded. Notes you made on the error and the steps you took will be very valuable.
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ADE, BadgerTouch, GALAXY, ORION, ReadAll, READCENTER and RTR are registered trademarks of Badger Meter, Inc. Other trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective entities. © 2011 Badger Meter, Inc. All rights reserved. Due to continuous research, product improvements and enhancements, Badger Meter reserves the right to change product or system specifications without notice, except to the extent an outstanding contractual obligation exists. Badger Meter | P.O.
