User Manual

URFI OVERVIEW
Universal RF Interrogator ? Installation Guide Page 8
AMCO Automated Systems • P/N 52845G120 Rev 1 FEB 2004
Power
Battery pack. A detachable battery pack allows the user to keep a spare
battery pack in the vehicle for extended service time.
A/C adapter. The battery may also be recharged by connecting the
battery back via its A/C adapter to a normal 120 VAC outlet.
On/Off control. On/Off control of the URFI is done by the handheld
terminal to maximize battery performance.
Communications
The URFI’s belt-mount design interfaces via RS232 serial link to a
handheld computer or, where required, a laptop PC.
NOTE: For the purposes of this document, from this point forward the
handheld/laptop computing device will be referred to as simply the
handheld terminal.
Data Processing
No route data is stored at the URFI level. All field processing and storage
of route data is managed by the handheld terminal.
Software. TRACE ReadIt™ is the software used in the selected
handheld or laptop computer to provide for both manual and automated
meter reading functions. This dual-mode functionality allows a utility the
convenience of automating any route in stages.
Route data. Routes are loaded into the handheld terminal or laptop
memory using your own route management system or via Pantheon
Route Manager, AMCO Automated Systems’ host software package.
Stored route data includes customer name, address, account number,
meter number, unique transponder ID, hi/lo warning limits, time and date
of read, utility-definable trouble codes and alphanumeric messages,
along with the meter reading itself.
Data transfer from handheld. At the end of a shift, stored meter reading
information is transferred from the handheld terminal to the host package
for ultimate use in billing systems for processing.
Transmission Accuracy
Data accuracy is assured by a three-part process:
1. Patented TRACE technology ensures that a transponder is triggered
to respond only when it receives a properly authorized transmission
of its unique serial number from the URFI (or any other AMCO
Automated Systems interrogator).