Mobile Collection (MC3 and MC3Lite) Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide INSTALLATION GUIDE 07 May 2020 knowledge to shape your future 815-0207-00 REV 000 Itron, Inc.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 07 May 2020 815-0207-00 REV 000 Copyright © 2020 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved. Confidentiality Notice Confidential Information of Itron®, Inc., provided under nondisclosure obligations.
Contents Ve h ci e l Pre p a ra o ti n a n d Ha d r wa re In s ta la o ti n Gu d i e 1 Co n te n ts 3 1 Before You Begin 5 Important Safety and Compliance Information 5 New in this Revision 8 New Information 8 Documentation Conventions 2 Vehicle Preparation 10 Tools and Materials Needed 10 Vehicle Preparation Tasks 10 Installing the Power Supply Cable 11 Installing the Power Supply Cable Installing the Integrated Antenna 3 12 12 Installing the Antenna Mounting Base 12 Connecting
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide Table of Contents Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip 43 Cleaning the Antenna 43 Replacing the Antenna Gasket 43 Replacing the Antenna Gasket 07 May 2020 42 815-0207-00 REV 000 43 Itron, Inc.
1 Before You Begin Mobile meter readers should use this document to install and operate the MC3 and MC3Lite Mobile Collection hardware systems. For detailed information on the system, its components, and system administration and maintenance, see the Mobile Collection Administration Guide. This document also includes vehicle preparation, which includes installing the integrated antenna, power cables, and, if appropriate, attaching the necessary GPS cables.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 1 Before You Begin connected. ■ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help. Modifications and Repairs To ensure system performance, this device and antenna shall not be changed or modified without the express approval of Itron. Per FCC rules, unapproved modifications or operation beyond or in conflict with these instructions for use could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 1 Before You Begin Electromagnetic Compatibility Caution: Use only approved accessories with this equipment. All cables must be high quality, shielded, correctly terminated, and normally restricted to 2 meters in length. Unapproved modifications or operation beyond or in conflict with these use instructions may void the authority's authorization to operate the equipment.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 1 Before You Begin 915 MHz Mobile Antenna Mobile Antenna Mount with GPS Antenna 915 MHz Side Looker Antenna (MC3 only) Itron part number MSE-0122-002 CBA-0334-001 or CBA0335-001 SUB-0275-001 Frequency range 908-958 MHz 1574-1576 MHz 902-928 MHz Maximum gain 5 dBi 3 dBi 9.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 1 Before You Begin Convention Example Computer The computer is one of the hardware components. (indicates laptop or tablet) Keypresses are in bold. Press Enter when complete. Hypertext links are in blue. support.itron.com Caution: This type of note warns the user that failure to heed the information in the note could result in loss of data. Be sure to carefully read a Caution note and heed the advice/instructions.
2 Vehicle Preparation When you use a vehicle with Mobile Collection, there are specific changes to the vehicle that are required to accommodate the antenna and power. This section provides information on how to perform those changes. Warning! The following procedures must be performed by a qualified professional installer with the appropriate tools, knowledge, and experience to ensure safe installation in accordance with these instructions and all applicable safety standards.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 2 Vehicle Preparation Installing the Power Supply Cable The unterminated end of the DC power supply cable connects to the vehicle's electrical system and remains in the vehicle. This is done so that you can easily connect and disconnect the Mobile Collector to the other end. The following shows the unterminated end of the power supply cable. ID Component 1 White wire 2 Black wire 3 Green wire Installing the Power Supply Cable 1.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 2 Vehicle Preparation Installing the Integrated Antenna Installation of the integrated antenna includes the following tasks. Perform the tasks in the order presented. Task Action See... 1 Select a location of the antenna on the vehicle. 2 Install the antenna mounting base. Installing the Antenna Mounting Base on page 12 3 Connect the antenna to the mounting base.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ID Component 1 Mounting stud 2 Locating tab 3 Washer 4 Hex nut 2 Vehicle Preparation Installing the RF Antenna Cable and Mounting Base 1. At your selected location, cut a 0.75 (3/4) inch hole in the mounting surface for the mounting stud to pass through. 2. Cut a 0.218 (7/32) inch hole that is 0.85 inches from the center of the first hole for the locating tab. 3. Clean the mounting surface and bottom of the antenna. 4.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 2 Vehicle Preparation 9. Complete cable routing in the vehicle and secure the cables. 10. See Connecting the Antenna to the Antenna Mounting Base on page 14. Connecting the Antenna to the Antenna Mounting Base Now you must connect the antenna to the antenna mounting base. Connecting the Antenna to the Antenna Mounting Base 1. Place the antenna gasket on the antenna mounting base. The gasket is shipped in a plastic bag with the antenna. 2.
3 Installing Mobile Collection Components The MC3 and MC3Lite Mobile Collectors are two versions of the Mobile Collection system for electric, gas, water, and other providers. They offer advanced radio technology for unsurpassed performance, along with a sophisticated mapping application utilizing GPS technology that provides a visual indication of endpoint location. This section provides directions on installing the components of the Mobile Collection system.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Mobile Collection Hardware Kit Your Mobile Collection hardware kit arrives in a cardboard shipping box. The Mobile Collector radio unit is packaged in a smaller reusable shipping box with foam inserts. You can save this Itron-tested shipping box and use it to safely return the radio unit to Itron in case of future maintenance or repair needs. The following items are included in the shipping box.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Installing the Mobile Collection Components Mobile Collection component installation includes the following tasks. Perform the tasks in the order presented. Task Action See... 1 Install the junction box on the vehicle dock Junction Box on page 18 2 Ensure that the sled is installed correctly. Mobile Collector Sled on page 17 3 Mount the Mobile Collector radio on the seat back.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components ID Item Description 1 Mobile Collector sled Attaches to the vehicle passenger seat with the seat belt. 2 Mobile Collection vehicle dock Attaches to the Mobile Collection computer and provides a secure base for the computer while in the vehicle. 3 Junction box Provides power to the various Mobile Collection components. Attach the junction box prior to first use.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components place. 4. Slide one end of the junction box into position over the bracket that is still attached. Be sure to orient the junction box according to the label on the sled or pedestal. The bracket fits into the recessed edge on the junction box. 5. Insert the other bracket (the one you removed) into the junction box, making sure that both screw holes are visible through the bracket. 6.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Computer Dock Description FZ-G1 Tablet Dock The FZ-G1 (10”) tablet dock comes with a tilt-swivel base that allows you to position the tablet for viewing when not driving. It comes pre-attached to the sled. For more information, see Tilting and Swiveling the Dock on page 25. The FZ-G1 tablet may be used with either the MC3 or the MC3Lite Mobile Collection system.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components ID Description 1 Barrel lock 2 Latch handle 3 Latch hook 4 Docking connector and ground pins Attaching a Tablet to the Vehicle Dock 1. Ensure the dock is unlatched by pulling the latch handle down. 2. Holding the tablet in landscape position, angle the bottom of the tablet towards the dock's connectors. 07 May 2020 815-0207-00 REV 000 Itron, Inc.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components 3. Gently push the tablet into the dock's connector and ground pins. Slowly lower the tablet to the dock ensuring that the tablet's connectors and the dock's connectors are aligned. 4. Once seated, pull the latch handle up until it snaps in place over the front of the tablet. Note: The latch handle moves the latch hook into place over the front of the tablet. 5.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components 6. Best practice is to now lock the tablet in place. See Locking and Unlocking the Dock on page 24. Attach a Laptop to the Vehicle Dock 1. Ensure the dock is unlatched by observing that the latch button on the front of the dock is recessed. 2. Holding the laptop at the top, angle the front edge of the laptop into the dock toward the latch button. 3.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components look like this: 4. Gently push the back of the laptop down onto the dock until the latch hooks snap into place over the rear of the laptop. 5. When the latch hooks are engaged the latch button on the front of the dock will move into the latched position. 6. Best practice is to now lock the laptop in place. See Locking and Unlocking the Dock on page 24.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components 2. Unlock the dock by inserting the dock key into the dock lock and turning it counterclockwise until the lock is in the unlocked position. Tilting and Swiveling the Dock The tilt and swivel mechanisms operate the similarly on tablet and laptop docks. A tablet dock is shown below as an example. 07 May 2020 815-0207-00 REV 000 Itron, Inc.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Tilt ■ Rotate the tilt handle towards the bottom end of the sled to loosen the tablet dock. ■ Tilt the tablet dock to the desired position. Rotate the tilt handle towards the top end of the sled to tighten the tablet dock in the desired position. Swivel When the sled and tablet dock are in a vehicle, the tablet dock can only swivel towards the driver, up to 90 degrees.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ■ 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Grasp the tablet dock with both hands. Firmly rotate the dock towards the driver until you reach the desired position. To prevent the tablet dock from moving during its use, the swivel mechanism is tight, thus it may be hard to swivel.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components seat, as shown below. Mounting the Mobile Collector Radio on a Bucket Seat 1. Position the harnessed Mobile Collector radio so that the unit's connectors and handle face towards the passenger-side door when mounted to either the front or the back of the passenger seat. 2.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Vehicle Sled Parts The following example illustration shows an MC3Lite radio and sled components installed in a vehicle. An MC3 installation would be similar. ID Item Description 1 Mobile Collector radio Contains components necessary for collecting mobile reads, such as the processors, receivers, and GPS equipment.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components ID Connector Description 1 GPS LED indicator An LED that indicates the status of the GPS antenna. ■ A lit LED indicates that the GPS antenna is operating properly. ■ An unlit LED indicates that the GPS antenna is not operating properly and should be serviced. For more information, see Connecting the GPS and Data Cables on page 38. 2 Power indicator An LED that turns on when the MC3Lite is receiving power.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components ID Connector Description 1 GPS LED indicator An LED that indicates the status of the GPS antenna. ■ A lit LED indicates that the GPS antenna is operating properly. ■ An unlit LED indicates that the GPS antenna is not operating properly and should be serviced. For more information, see Connecting the GPS and Data Cables on page 38. 2 GPS antenna connector Connects the MC3 to the roof-mounted GPS antenna.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components ■ Vehicle power to the junction box ■ Junction box to the Mobile Collection vehicle dock ■ Junction box to the Mobile Collector radio Mobile Collection does not use the auxiliary (AUX) outlet. The following example shows an MC3 radio and sled for a laptop with all the power cables connected.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components ID Connection (Label) Description 3 Power out to Mobile Collector radio Connection from junction box to Mobile Collector radio. (RF UNIT) 4 Power in from vehicle Power source input from the vehicle's battery. This connection is hard-wired to the vehicle battery. (POWER IN) 5 Power out to the dock (LAPTOP DOCK) Connection from junction box to the vehicle dock.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ■ 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components If needed, plug the red and blue end of the cable into the LAPTOP DOCK receptacle on the junction box. Tip: To remove the cable, pull the silver tab on the power cable back. Twist the connector so the silver tab lines up with the labeling on the junction box and release the tab to unlock it. Then gently pull back on the connector to remove it. Connecting Power to the Mobile Collector Radio 1.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Tip: To remove the cable, pull the silver tab on the power cable back. Twist the connector so the silver tab lines up with the labeling on the junction box, and release the tab to unlock it. Then gently pull back on the connector to remove it. 2. Plug the other end into the power in receptacle on the radio.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Connecting Side-Looker Antennas to the MC3 The MC3 radio supports an additional set of antennas placed on top of the vehicle. These sidelooker antennas help to gather additional reads from endpoints that can be read from either side of the vehicle at longer distances. The side-looker antennas are an optional component of the MC3 system that can help improve read coverage in certain situations.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components 2. Route the antenna cables into the vehicle, taking care not to pinch or damage them. Warning! When installing the antenna, take care to arrange all cables so they will not be accidentally snagged, disconnected, or damaged by users during day-today operations. 3. On the MC3 radio, inside the vehicle, remove the caps to expose the side-looker antenna ports, identified by R and L. 4.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components inputs on the MC3 radio. Connecting the GPS and Data Cables GPS and meter data is received and transferred between the Mobile Collector radio and the Mobile Collection computer through a USB cable connecting the vehicle dock to the radio.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ID Connection 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Description (Label) 1 RF radio antenna RF radio antenna connection on Mobile Collector radio. Receives endpoint signals. (MAIN ANTENNA) 2 3 GPS antenna (GPS) GPS antenna connection to Mobile Collector radio. Receives GPS signal for vehicle location and tracking. USB data cable USB data output from Mobile Collector radio.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Note: The USB cable is connected to the vehicle dock at the factory and is secured with a cable tie. Do not remove this cable tie or unplug the USB cable from the vehicle dock. The cable tie helps ensure a secure connection and should never be disconnected. 2. Plug the round end of the USB cable connector into the USB-labeled receptacle on the MC3 or MC3Lite radio.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Installing Mobile Collection Components Task Action See... 1 Shut down and remove the Mobile Collection computer from the vehicle dock. Removing the Mobile Collection Computer from the Vehicle Dock on page 41 2 Disconnect the cables within the vehicle. Leave the cables in the vehicle for the next installation of the system Disconnecting the Cables on page 41 Removing the Mobile Collection Computer from the Vehicle Dock 1.
4 Mobile Collector System Maintenance Regularly perform these basic maintenance procedures to ensure optimal performance of your Mobile Collection hardware system. ■ Inspecting the Antenna Connectors and Cables on page 42 ■ Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip on page 42 ■ Cleaning the Antenna on page 43 ■ Replacing the Antenna Gasket on page 43 Inspecting the Antenna Connectors and Cables The connections and cables to the radio typically experience the most wear.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 4 Mobile Collector System Maintenance appearance. The appearance of darker areas or spots indicates a more severe condition which may lead to corrosion. Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip 1. Create a maintenance schedule and look for the following. – Oxidation, corrosion, and dirt on the antenna base. – Oxidation, corrosion, and dirt in or on the whip. – Missing or damaged contact element in the whip.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 4 Mobile Collector System Maintenance 3. Place a new gasket on the base and push it firmly into place. 4. Ensure that the gasket is level with the antenna base to prevent pinching when the antenna is reconnected. 5. Reconnect the antenna to the base by turning it clockwise until it is firmly seated on the base. 07 May 2020 815-0207-00 REV 000 Itron, Inc.
