User's Manual

EA Mobile User Guide
1. Introduction
11
EA_Mobile overview The EA_Mobile is a portable data retrieval and storage system designed to
provide remote meter reading of mechanical indexes via meter endpoints.
The EA_Mobile is designed for use in vehicles for fast, accurate automated meter
reading at maximum range and at normal residential driving speeds.
Caution: Use only automatic EA_Mobile operation while the vehicle is in
motion. To change EA_Mobile settings or view data, safely
move the vehicle off the roadway and park in a secure location.
Features and functions
The EA_Mobile along with several primary components is transported in a
wheeled case. Those components are:
• EA_Mobile interrogator unit
• GPS receiver
• Transmitting antenna
• EnergyAxis transceiver antenna
• LCD touch screen display
• Power supply cable
Endpoint data acquisition The endpoint is programmed with a unique serial
number at the time of manufacture. Upon installation on
a meter, the current (or baseline) meter index reading is
also programmed into the endpoint’s memory. As the
meter reading advances it automatically updates the
endpoint memory. For gas and water meters, the
endpoint also records changes to the tamper detection
sensor.
Compensation factor For gas and water endpoints, a compensation factor can
also be programmed into the endpoint memory ensuring
the endpoint readings match the compensated
mechanical index reading.
Route information loading Route data includes the meter account number, address,
latitude/longitude coordinates (when available), and
endpoint serial number. This information, along with
Guide and Start files, is downloaded to the interrogator
prior to commencing automated meter reading. By
tracking the vehicle or interrogator’s coordinates, a GPS-
equipped system determines which endpoints in the
route are within range at any given time and transmits
those serial numbers requesting meter data.
Interrogation Once placed in an interrogation mode by the meter
interrogator; the interrogator transmits serial numbers of
the desired endpoints along with a command requesting
the contents of each endpoint’s memory. Endpoints are
selected for reading on the basis of route and meter
location information stored in the interrogator and
presence of the endpoint within range of the interrogator.
Route data processing Meter data from endpoints is stored in the interrogator’s
memory and can be transferred to the utility’s host
computer for processing.