User's Manual

VRT REMOTE GAS-METER TRANSPONDER OVERVIEW CHAPTER 4
Page 20 VRT Gas Transponder ― User Guide
AMCO Automated Systems • P/N 52870T010 Rev 1 May 2003
How it Works
The VRT RGT is designed for use with commercial gas meters
where the meter/index design prohibits direct transponder
attachment.
A “pulser” circuit board is interfaced with the index gears to provide
an electronic “pulse” that translates each turn of the mechanical
gear into electronic pulses. These pulses are sent via a cable to the
transponder where they are recorded as consumption values.
Most applications accommodate connection of the transponder
within one foot of the meter. However, certain applications (where
the meter is obscured by metallic materials that can block radio
signals, for example) a remote transponder with a longer cable may
be special ordered so that the transponder can be mounted farther
away from the meter in a position more favorable for interrogation.
Features and Capabilities
The VRT RGT can be programmed for use with a fixed factor,
pressure-compensated index.
The transponder maintains current time and date, which are used to
manage the recording of real-time data for retrieval as required
during the normal read cycle.
In addition to maintaining index reading, the transponder:
• Stores 35 daily index readings in separate electronic indexes
recorded at the start of the utility day. (The utility day start time
is programmable.)
• Maintains up to four time-of-use (TOU) electronic indexes that
each have programmable start and stop times.
VRT Remote Gas-meter Transponder Construction
The VRT RGT is available for American Meter 5-foot and 10-foot
meters. The transponder has a high impact plastic housing with
rubber gasket and it includes the following internal components:
• RF transmitter
• RF receiver
• Tamper switch
• Transmit and receive antennas
• Battery
• Electronic components
The meter’s existing index and index cover are attached to the VRT
RGT pulser board during installation.