User's Manual

AMR OVERVIEW
VRT Transponder—User Guide Page 3
AMCO Automated Systems, January 2003 Last Saved: 1/28/2003 10:00 AM
Chapter Two
Chapter TwoChapter Two
Chapter Two
Automated Meter Reading Overview
The TRACE system uses radio frequency (RF) signals to allow utility
personnel to read meters from a distance while the reader is in motion.
This technology is called automated meter reading (AMR). This
technology greatly increases the speed at which routes can be covered
with a high degree of accuracy.
Basic AMR Components
An automated meter reading system requires the following basic
components:
 Transponder—The transponder interfaces with the water meter
register/encoder to capture water usage data, receives commands
from an interrogator and transmits the water usage data.
 Interrogator—At its simplest, the interrogator remotely reads meter
data transmitted by transponders. At more sophisticated levels an
interrogator may also program transponders, store route data, “wake
up” transponders, and verify transponder conditions, among other
functions.
 Antennas—Both the transponder and the interrogator use antennas
to broadcast and receive RF signals. The transponder’s antenna is
typically located inside the transponder case. Some interrogators use
external antennas (as shown in the illustration below), one for
transmitting and one for receiving. Many handheld interrogators use
a single antenna for both transmitting and receiving (antenna may be
internal or external).
Transponder
METER
The interrogator sends out an RF signal to the desired transponders. Upon receiving an authorized
command the transponder transmits its stored meter data.
S/N 6501529
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Interrogator
Interrogator transmits commands
& queries to transponder(s)
Transponder transmits
meter data to the
interrogator’s receiver