User Manual

A3 ALPHA® with SynergyNet® communications
For use with the SynergyNet NIC option board
IL42-4047A
GENERAL
This leaflet provides general information for the SynergyNet network interface card communication (NIC) option for the
A3 ALPHA meter. For information on installing the A3 ALPHA meter, see the ALPHA meter installation instructions (IL42-4001S
or later).
The A3 ALPHA meter may be ordered with the SynyergyNet NIC option board, which provides 900 MHz ISM band
communications. Additional hardware configurations may include either a relay option board or an interrupter control board for
standard ALPHA meters.
Typically, the internal antenna used with the SynyergyNet NIC option board is sufficient for reliable communication with the
SynergyNet network. However, if the A3 ALPHA meter is enclosed in a metal service cabinet or the antenna needs to be mounted
higher to increase communication distances, an external antenna may be used.
This leaflet contains general information for installing the A3 ALPHA meter equipped with connections for an external antenna.
For information on the operation of the A3 ALPHA meter, see the A3 ALPHA meter technical manual (TM42-2190C or later) or
the A3 ALPHA meter technical manual for use in Canada (TM42-2195C or later).
WARNING
!
Use authorized utility procedures to install and service metering equipment. Dangerous voltages are present. Equipment
damage, personal injury, or death can result if safety precautions are not followed.
Use circuit closing devices on current transformer secondaries (3S, 4S, 5S, 5A, 6S, 6A, 8S, 9S, 10S, 10A, 26S, 29S, 35S, 36S,
and 36A meters). Equipment damage, personal injury, or death can result if circuit closing secondaries are not used.
LOCATION OF ANTENNAS
See Figure 1 for the location of the SynergyNet NIC internal antenna.
The SynergyNet NIC internal antenna is fix-mounted to the periphery of the A3 ALPHA meter’s electronic housing. The
SynergyNet NIC antenna is not adjustable or removable.
Alternatively, A3 ALPHA meters may be ordered with an external SynergyNet NIC antenna. With this option, the meter is shipped
with an RF “pigtail” output cable which allows connection to an antenna external to the meter. This is advantageous in locations
with lower signal strength.