User Manual

Datamatic, LTD. System Training Manual Version 08.24.12
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Confidential Datamatic, Ltd. 2012
Installing the Sensor-end MOSAIC FIREFLY
The Datamatic Sensor FIREFLY for water meter applications relies on pulses of infra-red light emitted
by the sensor head four times a second and are directed at the face of the register dial. Sensors in the
head then read the infra-red light pulses reflected off the register face to determine if the needle has
passed underneath the sensor head. The successful sensing of the needle passage then depends on the
unrestricted light transmission from the light-emitting source in the sensor, through the air between the
source and the register lens, the register lens, the atmosphere in the register, the reflectance of the
register dial face and the reflected light’s transmission back through those elements to the sensor. The
performance of the Datamatic Sensor FIREFLY for water meter applications could be affected unless
the following requirements are maintained:
• Register lens face must be free of scratches to allow for a permanent, water-tight seal with the
sensor.
• Register lens material must be clear, free of cloudy imperfections or milky tones, etc.
• Register must have a solid colored, radius-type needle (no full-diameter needles).
• Register must be permanently sealed, with a completely dry register cavity - no water, moisture
or dirt or humidity fogging can be present in the register.
• Register conditions must allow for the Datamatic Sensor FIREFLY to generate a minimum
background value of 100.
Note - There will be a percentage of meter registers in every system, depending on age and condition of
meters, which may require replacement based on failures of above in order to support the Sensor
FIREFLY. You should incorporate these requirements in your ongoing water meter maintenance
program.
The 4 P’s of Installation
1. Preparation
2. Placement
3. Pressure
4. Programming
#1 Preparation
of the Meter
a) Remove meter box lid and check for meter serial number.
b) Survey the meter, checking lid, hole depth, and overall cleanliness.
c) Check for meter disqualification. Enter the corresponding skip code if necessary.
d) Place sensor flap onto FIREFLY cable.
e) Flip lid back and pre-clean meter face/lens using Work Out Waterless Hand Cleaner or Fast
Orange non-pumice cleaner and a cloth or cotton swab to remove residue.
f) Clean meter face/lens with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a NEW lint-free cotton swab.
g) Re-wipe the surface of the meter lens with a clean, new cotton swab each time until the swab
comes up clean, and the clean lens squeaks when wiped.
h) After cleaning, ensure that the lens is completely dry; allow time for the alcohol to evaporate.