User Manual

INTRODUCTION
Universal RF Interrogator ? Installation Guide Page 2
AMCO Automated Systems • P/N 52845G120 Rev 1 FEB 2004
Chapter One
Introduction
The TRACE
®
Universal RF Interrogator (URFI) is an important part of
AMCO Automated Systems’ portfolio of products for remote, automated
meter reading (AMR). The URFI provides a convenient radio frequency
(RF) interface necessary to enable AMR via an existing handheld data
entry terminal.
About this Document
This Universal RF Interrogator Installation Guide provides instructions for
connecting the URFI components with a third-party data entry terminal
and is designed to be used in conjunction with customer-developed AMR
operations documentation.
User Operations. For user information regarding AMR operation of the
URFI-enabled handheld terminal, refer to the documentation provided by
the host software developer.
Host Programming. For information necessary to develop host software
to enable AMR via an existing handheld terminal, refer to American
Meter’s URFI Host Programming Guide.
Audience
This document is designed for utility industry meter readers and
supervisory staff.
In order to establish appropriate levels of detail for the material, this
document assumes the following:
! The user is an expert in reading meters of the type currently
compatible with TRACE transponders and possesses all the skills
necessary to conduct meter reading by conventional means.
! The user has little or no prior expertise in the TRACE radio
frequency (RF) technology.
! The user is competent in the installation of simple electronic
components and hardware.