User Manual

I210-AMP SmartMeter User Guide
7
3 Installing the I210-AMP SmartMeter
3.1 Preliminary Inspections
The I210-AMP SmartMeter is calibrated and tested at the factory and is ready for installation. Before
installing and applying power to the SmartMeter, a quick inspection of the SmartMeter is recommended to
ensure there is no damage to the SmartMeter, which could poItronbly occur during shipping. Physical
damage to the SmartMeter indicates potential damage to the inside of the SmartMeter. Do not connect
power to a SmartMeter that is suspected of having internal damage. Contact your Itron technical support
representative if you suspect your SmartMeter is damaged.
3.2 Installation Process
The customer will receive meters in a “Preconfigured” state. This means that meters have been
integrated with a SmartMeter Module loaded with the embedded software, an inactive (unless shipped
active per customer request) cellular network Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, and has passed
several quality control stages. In addition, a Ship file containing device specific information has been
generated by Itron for the customer. This file is imported into a configuration server by Itron personnel
and a copy is provided to the customer. Upon SIM card activation, upon shipment, or later upon
customer request, an Activation file containing cellular network-specific information is generated. This file
is also imported into the configuration server and a copy is provided to the customer.
Typically, a customer can deploy the meter using one of two methods, depending
on business needs:
3.2.1 Option 1: Direct Field Installation
This option is used when the customer prefers immediate deployment of the meters “from the box to the
base.” This option is desirable in a deployment situation where a large number of meters need to be
deployed in a relatively short period of time. The customer-specific information is automatically Over-the-
Air downloaded to the Itron module upon energizing the meter and no addition action is needed on-site.
Follow the meter installation instructions in Section 3.2.3.
3.2.2 Option 2: Meter Shop Test and Field Installation
There is no need for the Meter Shop to reprogram and test the SmartMeter when it arrives. Upon
shipment, the meter will have undergone significant functional and RF testing at the factory. Internal
quality control checks will ensure the Itron module is able to communicate with the meter successfully as
well as communicate with all other internal components before it is shipped. The device will also arrive in
a generic “Preconfigured” state with no customer-specific data stored in internal memory. There is no
need for the Meter Shop to perform any programming steps on the meter.
3.2.3 Meter Installation
1. The installer verifies network coverage with a SmartSynch Coverage Validation Unit (CVU).
Note: If the option board display codes are enabled in the meter program, the Received
Signal Strength Indicator (RITRON) display values can be used to verify coverage
without the CVU. Refer to section 5 for additional information.