A3 ALPHA® Meter/Collector Product Guide PG42-1005A
A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector PG42-1005A General Description The A3 ALPHA meter/collector is the communications point between the EnergyAxis System and the local network of REX meters that are registered to the meter/collector. The EnergyAxis System communicates with the A3 ALPHA meter/collector using a standard telephone line. The A3 ALPHA meter/collector then communicates with its registered REX meters using a 2–way, 900 MHz radio frequency network.
PG421005A A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector ILC1 option board ITM3 option board J5 Meter circuit board J4 Meter electronic housing Figure 1. A3 ALPHA meter electronic assembly Figure 2.
A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector PG42-1005A Metercat Programming Note To have the A3 ALPHA meter function properly as a data collector in the EnergyAxis System, it is important that the meter be programmed correctly using Metercat. In the Remote component tab in Metercat, be sure that the following options are set: ■ Port 1 usage is set to internal modem. ■ Port 2 usage is set to direct connect. ■ On the Port 1 Modem tab, enable line sharing (the Enable Line Sharing box is checked).
PG421005A Operation of the A3 ALPHA Meter with ILC1 Option Board A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector The A3 ALPHA meter and the ILC1 option board typically operate independently of each other. The primary task of the ILC1 option board is to maintain the local area network (LAN) and read and store billing data from REX meters. The ILC1 option board communicates with the A3 ALPHA meter/collector to read time and day type information. This information is then propagated through the LAN to the REX meters.
A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector PG42-1005A Call Initiation The A3 ALPHA meter/collector can initiate billing, alarm, and outage/restoration calls based on the customer program configured in the meter.
PG421005A Reading the A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector The A3 ALPHA meter/collector can be read in the following ways: ■ visually using the LCD ■ remotely using the ITM3 option board and Elster Electricity meter support software For more details on the information that can be read on the LCD, see "Display List Items." Using the telephone modem, Table 1 shows the information that can be obtained from the A3 ALPHA meter/collector. Table 1.
A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector Changing an A3 ALPHA Meter with ILC1 Option Board PG42-1005A WARNING ! Use authorized utility procedures to remove metering equipment. Dangerous voltages are present. Equipment damage, personal injury, or death can result if safety procedures are not followed. If the A3 ALPHA meter/collector must be taken out of service (because of an error condition, the telephone modem fails, etc.), the A3 ALPHA meter/collector can be replaced with another A3 ALPHA meter/collector.
PG421005A A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector The display format for all displayable items, including the items relating to the ILC1 option board, can be programmed using Elster Electricity meter support software. ILC1 Option Board Error Codes Unlike A3 ALPHA meter error codes, ILC1 option board error codes must be programmed as displayable items in the A3 ALPHA meter display list; otherwise, the meter LCD will not display any indication that a condition exists that affects the ILC1 option board's operation.
A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector PG42-1005A programming. This error may be corrected remotely by the MAS. If the error code is displayed after reprogramming, return the A3 ALPHA meter with ILC1 option board to Elster Electricity for repair or replacement. General configuration error. This code indicates a problem with the ILC1 option board's configuration or program. The error may be corrected remotely by the MAS. Contact Elster Electricity if this error code continues to be displayed on the LCD.
PG421005A A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector Collector operation. This code indicates that the A3 ALPHA meter is operating as a collector. While operating as a collector, the A3 ALPHA meter is collecting and storing REX meter data. ILC1 Option Board Information ILC1 option board information can be displayed on the A3 ALPHA meter LCD. ILC1 option board information are items that are not associated with any particular error condition. Table 4 identifies all the items that are available for display.
A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector PG42-1005A Table 5. Maximum number of days of load profiling storage available based on 15-minute load profiling intervals REX meters allowed to register Days of LP storage 35 40 70 20 100 14 250 5 500 2 1024 1 Table 6. Maximum number of days of load profiling storage available based on 30-minute load profiling data intervals REX meters allowed to register Days of LP storage 70 40 100 28 250 11 500 5 1024 2 Table 7.
PG421005A FCC and Industry Canada Compliance A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector Compliance Statement (Part 15.19) The A3 ALPHA meter/collector complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Warning (Part 15.
A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector PG42-1005A Technical Specifications Absolute Maximums Voltage Surge voltage withstand Current Continuous 528 VAC Test performed ANSI C37.90.1 Oscillatory Fast Transient ANSI C62.41 IEC 61000-4-4 ANSI C12.1 Insulation Continuous at Class Amperes Temporary (1 second) at 200 % of meter maximum current Results 2.5 kV, 2500 strikes 5 kV, 2500 strikes 6 kV @ 1.2/50 µs, 10 strikes 4 kV, 2.5 kHz repetitive burst for 1 minute 2.
PG421005A A3 ALPHA Meter/Collector DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY There are no understandings, agreements, representations, or warranties either express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, other than those specifically set out by any existing contract between the parties. Any such contract states the entire obligation of the seller.
Elster Electricity, LLC Raleigh, North Carolina, USA +1 800 338 5251 (US toll free) +1 919 212 4800 support@us.elster.com www.elsterelectricity.com Information herein is subject to change without notice. Product specifications cited are those in effect at the time of publication. © 2003 by Elster Electricity, LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States.
