900 MHz Belt-Clip Radio 900 MHz Belt-Clip Radio User’s Guide
Identification 900MHz Belt Clip Radio User’s Guide 23 July 2013 TDC-0889-WIP 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Copyright © 2009-2013 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved. Confidentiality Notice The information contained herein is proprietary and confidential and is being provided subject to the condition that (i) it be held in confidence except to the extent required otherwise by law and (ii) it will be used only for the purposes described herein.
Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
Specific Absorption Rate Data The FCC ID:E09BCR900/IC:864A-BCR900 model of 900MHz Belt-Clip Radio meets the government’s requirements for exposure to radio waves. Your 900 MHz BCR has a radio transmitter and receiver. It is designed and manufactured not to exceed limits for exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the U.S. government and by the Canadian regulatory authorities.
Contents Chapter 1 Introduction ............................................................................................... 1 Related Documents .................................................................................................. 1 Documentation Conventions .................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Basics ............................................................... 3 Unpacking Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio ....
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction This document details the features and functions of the 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio (BCR) and provides information relating to its use and maintenance. Related Documents The 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio is designed for use with handheld and laptop computers running Itron mobile data collection software applications.
Introduction Warning This type of note is used to warn of potential physical harm to the user or hardware. It is critical that you pay strict attention to Warning notes, read the information carefully, and heed the advice and/or instructions. Tip This type of note provides the user with extra hints/tips to make a task easier to perform or a concept easier to understand. Caution This type of note advises users that failure to take or avoid a specified action could result in a loss of data.
C H A P T E R 2 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Basics The 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio is a lightweight, compact device designed for use with Itron mobile data collection software running on FC200 and FC300 series handhelds and laptop computers. It is used for reading, programming, and maintenance of Itron endpoints. Because of its size and mounting options, the 900 MHz BCR is easy and comfortable to use.
900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Basics AC power adapter Belt clip Communication cable When you unpack your BCR, make sure you have all of the components listed here. If any are missing, contact Itron Support Services immediately. Charge the BCR’s battery to 100 percent capacity (this takes about three and a half hours) before using it. This helps insure the accuracy of the BCR’s power gauge calculations. Frequent incomplete charges lead to progressively larger errors that only a full charge can rectify.
900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Basics Caution Use only Itron-approved and -supplied antennas with the 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio. This device has been designed to operate with an antenna having a maximum gain of 5.0 dBi. Antennas having a gain greater than 5.0 dBi are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms. Use only Itron-approved accessories with this device. To install the battery 1.
900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Basics Plug the connector into the socket in the top of the battery compartment. 3. Insert the battery into the compartment, carefully tucking the wires into the space above the battery. 4. Replace the compartment cover and fasten it in place with the four screws you removed in step 1.
900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Basics Turning the 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio On and Off Turn on your 900 MHz BCR as soon as you have unpacked and charged it. To conserve battery power, turn the radio off whenever you are not using it. To turn the radio on • Press the ON/OFF button (see 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Features on page 9). The POWER LED shines green for two seconds to indicate the power is on, and then it flashes to indicate the battery’s power level (see Conserving the BCR’s Battery).
C H A P T E R 3 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Features The 900 MHz BCR unit comes equipped with: • An ON/OFF button (1) (see Turning the 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio On and Off on page 7) • Three LED status indicators (2) on top of the unit • A dual-function USB communication port (3) on the bottom Also shown here are the two contacts (4) on the bottom of the BCR through which the radio’s battery is charged when the BCR is in its cradle.
900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Features LED Status Indicators Three LED status indicators are located on the top of the radio, labeled POWER, COMM, and LINK. POWER LED The POWER LED indicates the power status of the BCR’s battery pack.
900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Features COMM The COMM LED indicates the radio’s Bluetooth connectivity status. Bluetooth status LED indicator On and waiting to connect Double-flashes blue every two seconds On and connected Single-flashes blue every two seconds USB Connection Flashes red every two seconds LINK The LINK LED indicates radio activity.
900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Features USB Communication Port The 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio has one dual-function communication port on the bottom of the device. The port provides the radio with a USB cable connection that enables it to receive both USB communications and power from a host PC. In addition, the radio is equipped with an internal port for wireless Bluetooth communications.
900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Features Antenna Types The 900MHz Belt-Clip Radio is approved for use with the following antenna types: Antenna length Part number Description Gain Type Impedance 8¼-inch antenna FC3277ANTENNA (ships with BCR Accessory Kit) 2.1 dBi Vertical Omni 50 ohms Unity Vertical Omni 50 ohms 3.0 dBi Vertical Omni 50 ohms 5.0 dBi Vertical Omni 50 ohms Use this antenna when reading endpoints at long range, more than six feet (1.8 meters) away.
900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Features Industry Canada Conformity This radio transmitter (IC: 864A-BCR900) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed previously with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
C H A P T E R 4 Mounting the 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio The 900 MHz BCR’s ergonomically designed belt clip provides a convenient, hands-free way to carry the BCR while installing, reading, and maintaining meters and endpoints. It lets you wear the radio comfortably while walking or driving. As a safety feature, the clip is designed to break away if the radio snags or becomes caught, releasing the wearer and reducing the likelihood of injury. To attach and use the belt clip 1.
C H A P T E R 5 Maintaining Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio is rugged and water-resistant. However, you should take the following precautions to ensure that it gives you many years of reliable service. • Do not subject the radio to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a vehicle in bright sunlight. • Do not leave it in damp or dusty places. • Do not drop your radio or subject it to severe impacts.
Maintaining Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Battery Basics The 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio uses a rechargeable lithium-ion (LiIon) battery pack as its main power source whenever it is not receiving power through its cradle or USB cable. Warning Do not use any power source other than the Itron-recommended battery. Using another power source could damage the BCR. Warning—Risk of Explosion! There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect battery type.
Maintaining Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Itron recommends the following practices to ensure long battery life: • Charge the radio at room temperature (approximately 68° F/20° C) for best results. • Charge the radio at the end of each work day. • Check the charge status at the beginning of each work day. Tip The battery will not charge in an environment that is 32º F/0º C or less. To check the battery’s power level 1. Make sure the BCR is turned off completely. 2.
Maintaining Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio To charge the battery through the USB cable 1. Connect the Hirose connector (1) on one end of the USB cable to the BCR’s communication port (see USB Communication Port). 2. Connect the USB connector (2) on the opposite end to your PC's USB port.
Maintaining Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio To charge the battery through the cradle 1. Plug one end of the AC adapter into the corresponding socket in the back of the the cradle. Caution Use only an Itron-approved AC adapter with a 12-volt, 3.5 amp input power rating with this device. 2. Plug the other end into an AC electrical outlet. 3. Insert the BCR into the cradle.
Maintaining Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio When the BCR is plugged into the (powered) cradle, the cradle provides it with power. While the radio is in the cradle, Bluetooth communication is possible, as long as the USB cable is not connected to the radio. If the USB cable is connected (see To charge the battery through the USB cable), the radio still draws power from the cradle, but communication can take place only through the USB cable, and Bluetooth communication is disabled.
Maintaining Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio To store your BCR 1. Connect the BCR to external power and allow the battery pack to fully charge. • If the radio is on, the POWER LED flashes green twice (quickly) every two seconds while charging. When it shines steadily green, charging is complete. • If the radio is off, the POWER LED flashes alternately red and green while charging. It stops flashing and the light goes off when charging is complete. See LED Status Indicators on page 10. 2.
Maintaining Your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Do not subject the radio to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a vehicle in bright sunlight. Extended exposure to warm temperature extremes can result in permanent reduction in available energy from the battery pack. Charging is disabled below 32° F (0° C) and above 113° F (45° C) to protect the lithium-ion batteries. • Conserve battery pack energy when possible to maximize battery life during daily use.
C H A P T E R 6 Safety Your 900 MHz BCR is ergonomically designed for safe, comfortable use. However, as with all equipment, you should follow good working practices while using it. Some people experience discomfort while using electronic equipment. If ignored, this discomfort can lead to repetitive stress injury (RSI), also known as cumulative trauma disorder or repetitive motion injury. Minimize the risk by following these guidelines: • Maintain good posture while using the radio.
Safety • Inspect the AC adapter before use. Do not use it if there are any signs of damage or deterioration. • Make sure all connectors are firmly connected. • Avoid mechanical strain to cables and connectors. • Make sure the adapter’s green LED is lit while the adapter is in use. • In the event of overloading, the AC adapter is designed to be fail-safe and may stop functioning. • Do not try to use the AC adapter to power any other equipment.
Safety Warning—Explosion Hazard Substitution of components may impair suitability for Class 1, Division 2 locations. Avertissement—Risque d’Explosion La substitution de composants peut rendre ce materiel inacceptable pour les emplacements de classe 1, division 2.
C H A P T E R 7 Troubleshooting If you have a problem with your 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio, review the appropriate troubleshooting steps listed below. After that, if the problem remains unresolved, contact an Itron customer service representative (e-mail: support@itron.com; phone: 1 800 635 8725). Problem Possible Solutions Battery does not charge • Verify the connection and power to the charging cradle (if used). • Check that the BCR is fully seated in the cradle (if used).
Troubleshooting battery when its capacity drops to 70 percent of its original capacity. • If the battery’s power does not last following a full charge, return the BCR to an approved Itron service center to have its battery replaced. USB connection problems • Visit the FTDI website and download the latest drivers that support FT232R devices. • Install drivers Bluetooth • See your application’s user guide for connection problems setup information.
Troubleshooting • Because of the way the Bluetooth communication protocol works, communicating devices must be closer to each other when they first establish communication than they must be to maintain the connection afterwards. If the connection fails between the BCR and the computer, you may have to move closer to reconnect.
A P P E N D I X A 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Capabilities and Limitations Equipment Description Model: 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio FCCID: EO9BCR900 IC ID: 864A-BCR900 900 MHz Belt Clip Radio Transmitter Information Transmit frequency MAS: 952 MHz–957 MHz Transmit frequency ISM: 908 MHz–923.8 MHz MAS transmitter conducted power: +22 dBm ISM transmitter conducted power: +10.5 dBm Antenna type: omnidirectional Antenna transmitter gain: 2.
