About the Mobile Collection 2.x System Flash Card Reader Route data can be transferred to and from the Mobile Collector using a removable flash card (two CompactFlash® cards are supplied). The Windows operating system on the GoBook recognizes the flash card as a removable drive, allowing standard file access. Periodic data backups to the flash card can be configured in the Mobile Administration application; see the Mobile Collection Administration Guide (TDC-0381-001) or Online Help for more information.
Chapter 2 Using the Mobile Collection 2.x System LED Flash Card Color Green Description Operating normally None System is shutting down or completely off Red Data transferring to/from the flash card reader None System is shutting down or completely off Locking Mechanism The locking mechanism attaches the GoBook to the Mobile Collector. Locking the GoBook to the Mobile Collector reduces the likelihood of the GoBook separating from the Mobile Collector in the event of a collision.
About the Mobile Collection 2.x System ID 1 Connector RF antenna Description Connects to the roof-mounted antenna. See the Mobile Collection Vehicle Preparation Guide. Itron provides a magnetic mount option for the RF antenna. This magnetic mount is intended as a temporary solution and it is for emergency use only. Long-term use of a magnetic mount antenna could adversely affect system performance and is not a supported configuration of this product.
Chapter 2 Using the Mobile Collection 2.x System Mobile Collector Sled The Mobile Collector sled is a mounting bracket designed to secure the Mobile Collector radio in the vehicle and support it and the GoBook in an upright position on the passenger seat. GoBook Mounting Systems There are two mounting options for the GoBook: • Direct Mount Option The GoBook mounts directly on the Mobile Collector.
Installing the Mobile Collection 2.x System The GoBook III mounts onto the Mobile Collector radio within the mounting guides, but communicates through a USB cable and is powered from a cable connected to the Mobile Collector. Vehicle Dock / Pedestal Option Optionally, you may mount the GoBook on a vehicle cradle that is attached to a pedestal.
Chapter 2 Using the Mobile Collection 2.x System 3. While gently applying downward pressure, rotate the collector back and forth slightly until the three pins on the base fit into the three matching holes on the underside of the Mobile Collector. 4. Grip two corners of the Mobile Collector that are opposite each other diagonally and rotate it counter-clockwise until you hear the locking pin snap into the underside of the Mobile Collector.
Installing the Mobile Collection 2.x System To connect the antennas and power cables 1. Plug the power cable (1) into the power connector on the Mobile Collector. 2. Attach the pre-wired RF antenna cable (2) and turn the knurled part of the antenna cable clockwise until the cable is firmly attached. If the power cable does not reach the Mobile Collector, use the optional extension cable to extend the length (extension cables may be purchased from Itron).
Chapter 2 Using the Mobile Collection 2.x System Attach the GoBook MAX to the Mobile Collector Follow these steps to mount the GoBook MAX onto the Mobile Collector. Before attempting to mount the GoBook onto the Mobile Collector, be sure to unlock the locking mechanism. To attach the GoBook MAX to the Mobile Collector 1. From the driver’s side of the vehicle, align the GoBook MAX with the four mounting guides on top of the Mobile Collector. 2.
Installing the Mobile Collection 2.x System 4. Insert the key into the mounting lock and press the locking mechanism so it engages the GoBook MAX. 5. Turn the key clockwise to lock the GoBook MAX in place. 6. Remove the key from the lock so that it is not stolen or accidently broken. 7. Lift the GoBook MAX screen up and gently push it back so that it rests on the Mobile Collector screen rest.
Chapter 2 Using the Mobile Collection 2.x System If necessary, gently move the GoBook III slightly from side to side to ensure the connectors on top of the Mobile Collector mate with those on the underside of the GoBook III. 4. With one hand, pull on the locking mechanism to release it. With the other hand, gently push down on the top of the GoBook III, as shown below. 5. Release the locking mechanism to lock the GoBook III in place. 6.
Installing the Mobile Collection 2.x System 5. Turn the key clockwise to lock the GoBook MAX in place. Remove the key from the lock so that it is not accidently broken or stolen. 6. Plug the vehicle dock cable into a vehicle dock USB port. Two USB ports are located on the back of the vehicle dock. 7. Plug the vehicle dock cable into the Mobile Collector radio by pulling the SMA connector sleeve back, plugging the connector in to the Mobile Collector as shown, and releasing the sleeve.
Chapter 2 Using the Mobile Collection 2.x System 5. Plug the vehicle dock USB cable into the USB port on the Mobile Collector by pulling the SMA connector sleeve back, plugging the connector in to the Mobile Collector, and releasing the sleeve. This port uses an SMA connector. Connect the GoBook III Power Supply and USB Cable The GoBook III receives power from the Mobile Collector radio itself, through a simple power cable connection.
Installing the Mobile Collection 2.x System 2. Attach the other end of the power cable to the connector on the back of the GoBook III. 3. Plug the USB cable into the Mobile Collector radio by pulling the SMA connector sleeve back, plugging the connector in to the Mobile Collector as shown, and releasing the sleeve. 4. Connect the USB cable to the back of the GoBook III as shown below. 5. Route the USB cable through the channel on the back of the Mobile Collector radio mounting guide.
Chapter 2 Using the Mobile Collection 2.x System This ensures data communication between the GoBook III and the Mobile Collector radio while you are driving a route. Using the Flash Card in Mobile Collector 2.x Systems You can import route files to the Mobile Interface database and export the collected data using a removable flash card in the Mobile Collector flash card reader. The default drive letter for the flash card reader will vary, depending on the type of GoBook used in your system configuration.
Installing the Mobile Collection 2.x System To insert the flash card 1. Hold the flash card as shown to insert it into the Mobile Collector Flash Card Reader. 2. Insert the card in the flash card reader slot and press it in until it is firmly in place and the eject button pops out. Remove the Flash Card Follow these steps to remove the flash card. Before removing the flash card, shut down the GoBook. Failure to do so could result in data loss on your flash card. To remove the flash card 1.
Chapter 2 Using the Mobile Collection 2.x System Removing the Mobile Collection 2.x System At some point, you may need to remove the Mobile Collection system from the vehicle. Perform the following tasks to remove the Mobile Collection system. Before removing any Mobile Collection system components be sure to stop the Mobile Interface and shut down the GoBook. Unlock and Remove the GoBook Follow these steps to remove the GoBook from the Mobile Collector or vehicle cradle.
Removing the Mobile Collection 2.x System • GoBook III Disconnect any cables from the back of the GoBook III. Pull the locking mechanism out, away from the GoBook III. -> If unlocking the GoBook III from the vehicle dock, push up and in on the underside of the locking mechanism, and then pull the mechanism out to release it. 4. Gently lift the GoBook up and away from the Mobile Collector radio or vehicle dock.
Chapter 2 Using the Mobile Collection 2.x System To remove the Mobile Collector from the sled 1. From the passenger side of the vehicle, reach underneath the top of the base and locate the locking pin knob. 2. Use one hand to pull the knob down, and use the other hand to push a corner of the Mobile Collector in a clockwise direction. 3. Continue pulling the knob down and pushing until the pin can no longer snap into the underside of the Mobile Collector. 4.
CHAPTER 3 Using the EkaNet System The EkaNetTM system is an optional component that can be used with the Mobile Collection system. An additional antenna and radio are used to communicate with Eka-equipped endpoints in the field to enable mobile demand reset functionality. This chapter shows you how to install the EkaNet hardware components in a vehicle and then connect them to the Mobile Collection system.
Chapter 3 Using the EkaNet System Laptop GoBook MAX Radio Version MC3 EkaNet Compatible? No GoBook III 2.5 Yes GoBook III MC3 Yes GoBook XR-1 2.5 Yes GoBook XR-1 MC3 Yes About the EkaNet Components The following components are a part of the optional EkaNet system. These components need to be installed in the vehicle. ID 1 Item EkaNet radio Description Routes data received by the antenna to the laptop running the Mobile Interface software, with EkaNet software enabled.
Installing the EkaNet System Installing the EkaNet System Follow the steps below to connect the EkaNet system. To connect the EkaNet system 1. Attach the external EkaNet antenna to the top of the vehicle. It should be placed at least four (4) feet away from the main Mobile Collector RF antenna to prevent interference. This antenna uses a powerful magnet to attach to the vehicle. 2. Using a magnetic-mount antenna on a fiberglass-roofed vehicle is not recommended.
Chapter 3 Using the EkaNet System 3. Insert the EkaNet radio (1) into the pouch (2). The antenna connector (3) must face the top of the pouch. 4. Close the pouch flap over the radio and snap it shut to secure the EkaNet radio. 5. Clip the EkaNet pouch to a harness strap on the back of the seat where the Mobile Collection system is installed. 50 • If you are using an MC3 system, clip the pouch to one of the straps that secure the MC3 radio to the seat. This setup is shown in the picture below.
Installing the EkaNet System 6. Connect the EkaNet antenna cable to the top of the radio. Note that in the following example, the pouch and vehicle have been removed for emphasis. 7. Connect the EkaNet power cable to the AUX port on the junction box in your vehicle. If you do not have a junction box in your installation, power will need to be hard-wired from the vehicle's battery to the radio; see your system administrator for assistance.
Chapter 3 Using the EkaNet System 8. Connect the other end of the power cable to the port on the bottom of the radio. Note that in the following example, the pouch, vehicle, and other cables have been removed for emphasis. 9. Connect the serial cable to comm 1 serial port on the laptop (or dock); this is the end without pins. Be sure to securely connect the cable. 52 • For the GoBook XR-1, the serial port is located on the right-hand side of the laptop (9-pin male connector).
Installing the EkaNet System 10. Connect the other end of the serial cable to the bottom of the EkaNet radio; this is the end with pins. Be sure to securely connect the cable. Note that in the following example, the pouch, vehicle, and other cables have been removed for emphasis. When you have finished, the system should look similar to the example below.
Chapter 3 Using the EkaNet System Removing the EkaNet System When you have finished collecting data with the EkaNet system, you can remove it from your vehicle. To remove the EkaNet system 1. Ensure that the vehicle is turned off. 2. Ensure that the GoBook has completed processing reads and is properly shut down. 3. Disconnect the following from the EkaNet radio inside the vehicle: • Antenna (connected to the top of the radio and pouch).
Removing the EkaNet System • Leave the clip attached to the strap, but remove the pouch from the clip assembly. To do so, rotate the pouch clockwise 90-degrees (1) and then pull it straight up (2). The clip and strap can remain in the vehicle.
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CHAPTER 4 System Maintenance This chapter introduces you to some of the basic maintenance procedures that should be performed regularly to ensure optimal performance of your Mobile Collection system. For more information, see: • MC3 Systems • Mobile Collection 2.x Systems • GoBook Maintenance • Antenna Maintenance RF Antenna Maintenance The following procedures should be followed to ensure that the RF omni-mount antenna for your Mobile Collection system is operating properly.
Chapter 4 System Maintenance 2. Remove the gasket (1) from the base (2). 3. Place a new gasket on the base. Push it firmly into place. Ensure that it is level on the antenna base; if it is not level, it could be pinched into the base and damaged when the antenna is reconnected. 4. Reconnect the antenna to the base by turning it clockwise until it is firmly seated on the base. 2.
Service Bulletins Service Bulletins The following information is for customers with legacy Mobile Collection systems in their deployments. The Service Bulletins listed below should have already been shipped to you, along with any required hardware updates, but are included here as a reminder and to help you identify any system components that may need updating. Mobile Collection 2.
Chapter 4 System Maintenance The new power cable was designed to be easily distinguishable from the existing power cable by placing a red and blue overmold on the connectors. A notice label was placed on the chassis of the RF unit to remind you of this requirement. The operation of the new power cable is slightly different from the previous power connector.
Service Bulletins Hardware Installation Guide 61