Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Itron Mobile Radio User Guide
Identification Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 14 December 2016 TDC-1719-000 Itron Mobile Radio Copyright © 2016 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.
Contact • Email: support@itron.com • Internet: support.itron.com • Telephone Itron Technical Support North America: 1-877-487-6602 For technical support contact information by region, go to www.itron.com and select your country and language. Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help. Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité Under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Caution ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY Use only approved accessories with this equipment. In general all cables must be high quality, shielded, and correctly terminated. Unapproved modifications or operation beyond or in conflict with these instructions for use, may void authorization by the authorities to operate the equipment. Important Changes or modifications to the device or its antenna not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the device.
The exposure standard for wireless mobile and/or portable devices employs a unit of measurement known as the specific absorption rate, or SAR. The SAR limit set by the FCC and by the Canadian regulatory authorities is 1.6 W/kg1. Tests for SAR are conducted using standard operating positions accepted by the FCC and by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada with the radio transmitting at its highest certified power level in all test frequency bands.
Warning Use this device only in a manner consistent with the Itron Mobile Radio User Guide.
Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................ 1 Daily Operation ....................................................................................... 8 Battery Basics ...................................................................................... 18 Safety ..................................................................................................... 21 Troubleshooting ...............................................
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Introduction This document details the features and functions of the Itron Mobile Radio and provides information relating to its use and maintenance. The Itron Mobile Radio is equipped with the following features. • Radio button. For information about the radio button, see Button Functions on page 9. • LED status indicators. For information about the LED indicators, see LED Status Indicators on page 9. • USB communication port.
Documentation Conventions This guide uses the following documentation conventions: Convention Example Hypertext links appear in blue text. See Copyright for identification information. 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.
Unpacking Your Itron Mobile Radio The Itron Mobile Radio comes with the following items. Item • Itron Mobile Radio with built-in antenna Description • AC power adapter AC wall plug with USB type A port. • Communication cable USB cable.
An optional Radio Carrying Kit is available for order separately. The Radio Carrying Kit contains a belt clip and a shoulder harness. When you unpack your radio, make sure you have all of the components listed here. If any are missing, contact Itron Support Services immediately. After you install the battery, charge the radio to 100 percent capacity before using it. Complete charging takes about six hours. For more information about the battery, see Battery Basics.
To install and charge the battery 1. Plug the connector into the socket in the battery compartment. You will have to bend the wires at the connector at a 90 degree angle.
2. Insert the battery into the compartment. • Make sure the battery label is facing the ridges on the radio case. • Make sure the wires are along the same side as the connector. • Make sure the removal tab is facing out. Caution Do not pinch the battery wires when replacing the battery compartment cover.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Replace the battery compartment cover making sure the gasket is properly aligned for water tightness. Fasten the battery compartment cover in place with the provided screws. Tighten the screws to ensure water tightness. Plug the USB cable into the Itron Mobile Radio. Plug the USB cable into a PC, an AC wall adapter, or a 12V AC car adapter. Allow the Itron Mobile Radio to charge for at least six hours.
Daily Operation • • • • Inspect the radio for broken, loose, or missing parts and fasteners, taking corrective action as required. Make sure the radio is operated and stored within the recommended temperature range. Operating temperature: -4° F to 140° F (-20° C to 60° C) Storage temperature: -40° F to 158° F (-40° C to 70° C) • Cold temperature extremes may result in reduced available energy from the battery pack. This energy is recoverable as the battery pack warms to 68° F (20° C).
Turning the Radio On or Off To turn the radio on (battery power) • Press and hold the button for three seconds (until the Power LED turns green) to turn the radio on. To turn the radio off (battery power) • Press and hold the button for three seconds (until the Power LED turns white) to to turn the radio off. To turn the radio on (AC adapter) • The radio is always on when using the AC adapter.
LED Status Indicators Two multi-color LED status indicators are located on the top of the radio. These indicators are labeled with a power icon and a communication icon . The color and illumination of the LED lights provide feedback about the Itron Mobile Radio's status. The LED lights have two patterns for displaying different states. • Solid. Continuous without interruption or alteration • Flash. Alternating periods of colored illumination followed by periods of non-illumination of the indicator.
The following tables describes the LED colors and patterns for the most common radio conditions.
Comm indicator Solid Flash USB connected Error Bluetooth® connected Bluetooth low energy connected Note The application connected to the radio may assign a display pattern to the LEDs that is not described in these tables.
USB Communication Port The Itron Mobile Radio has one USB communication port under a protective rubber flap on the side of the radio near the top. In addition, the radio is equipped with an internal port for wireless Bluetooth® communications. If communication is in place through Bluetooth, attaching the USB cable only provides power. Communication may occur through Bluetooth while charging with the USB.
Carrying the Itron Mobile Radio The Itron Mobile Radio’s shoulder harness and belt clip provide convenient, hands-free ways to carry the radio while installing, reading, and maintaining meters and endpoints. The shoulder harness and belt clip let you wear the radio comfortably while walking or driving. As a safety feature, the clips are designed to break away if the radio snags or becomes caught, releasing the wearer and reducing the likelihood of injury.
Maintaining Your Itron Mobile Radio Your Itron Mobile 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. For more information, see Battery Best Practices. • Do not leave it in damp or dusty places. • Do not drop your radio or subject it to severe impacts.
To clean the Itron Mobile Radio case 1. 2. 3. Wipe the radio’s case with a damp cloth. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove stubborn deposits. Blow any water out of the connector and then leave the radio to drain and air-dry. Warning Never use solvents of any kind on the case. Do not expose it to temperatures above 140° F (60° C).
Storing Your Itron Mobile Radio Your Itron Mobile Radio can be safely stored for two weeks or less with simple preparation. Follow the steps below to prepare your radio for short-term storage. To store your Itron Mobile Radio • Connect the Itron Mobile Radio to external power and allow the battery pack to fully charge. For information about charging status, see LED Status Indicators on page 9.
Battery Basics The Itron Mobile Radio uses a rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery pack as its main power source whenever it is not receiving power through its USB cable. Caution Do not use any power source other than the Itron-recommended battery. Using another power source could damage the radio. Warning Risk of Explosion! There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect battery type. Dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulatory guidelines.
Battery Best Practices Itron recommends the following practices to ensure long battery life. • Charge the radio at the end of each work day. • Check the charge status at the beginning of each work day. • Charge the radio at room temperature (68° F/20° C). • Charging is disabled below 32° F (0° C) and above 104° F (40° C) to protect the lithium-ion batteries. • In cold weather, keep the radio inside your outer clothing. A cold battery will not last all day even with full charge.
• • Shallow or partial discharge and charge cycles are preferred, rather than allowing the battery pack to drain completely before recharging it. Charging after a shallow or partial discharge does not degrade battery pack life or performance.
Safety Your Itron Mobile Radio is ergonomically designed for safe, comfortable use. However, as with all equipment, you should follow good working practices while using it. Minimize risk by following these guidelines. • Maintain good posture while using the radio. Keep your fingers and body relaxed whenever possible. • Avoid keeping your muscles tense for long periods. Change tasks often to avoid prolonged muscle strain. Support the radio while using it. • Take frequent short breaks.
AC Power Adapter Follow these instructions to help ensure your safety and extend the life of the adapter. • Use the adapter indoors only. • Avoid spilling liquid on the adapter. Do not connect it if it is damp. • Make sure ventilation around the adapter is not restricted while it is in use. • Use only the AC adapter supplied with your Itron Mobile Radio. Do not substitute an alternative or unapproved adapter; this may damage the Itron Mobile Radio and void the warranty. • Inspect the AC adapter before use.
• • • • • Make sure the connector is firmly connected. Avoid mechanical strain to cables and connectors. 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. Avoid use in dusty, damp, or contaminated environments. Usage in Hazardous Locations This device is suitable for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D locations.
Warning—Explosion Hazard Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is known to be non-hazardous. Avertissement—Risque d’Explosion Avant de deconnecter l’equipement, couper le courant ou s’assurer qu l’emplacement is designe non dangereux. Warning—Explosion Hazard Substitution of components may impair suitability for Class 1, Division 2 locations.
Troubleshooting If you have a problem with your Itron Mobile Radio, review the appropriate troubleshooting steps listed below. If the problem remains unresolved, contact an Itron customer service representative (e-mail: support@itron.com; phone: 1.877.487.6602). Problem Possible Solutions • If charging from a PC through the USB cable, try a different Battery does not charge USB port on the PC. The port may be bad or incapable of providing sufficient current for charging. • Try a different AC outlet.
Problem Battery power drains quickly USB connection problems Bluetooth connection problems Radio will not turn off Radio will not turn on Possible Solutions • Make sure the battery indicates a full charge following an overnight charge (see LED Status Indicators on page 9). • If the previous troubleshooting suggestions do not solve the issue, replace the battery. • Install Texas Instruments drivers. • Inspect the USB port for damage, dirt, or other contaminants.
Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance Bluetooth communication works best when the communicating devices have an unobstructed view from one device to the other. When possible, remove or reduce obstacles between the Itron Mobile Radio and the mobile device during Bluetooth communication. Tips for Radio Readings The Itron Mobile Radio is used to receive the radio signals from ERT-equipped meters. To maximize the radio capabilities, consider the following factors when collecting data. • Absorption.
• • Shielding. When conductive materials are close together, as in metal partitions or narrowmesh fencing, they act as a shield and absorb the entire radio signal. Move a short distance away from conductive material so the ERT signal is not shielded. Keep moving to assist in receiving signals that may be shielded. Metalized fabrics should not be worn over the radio as they may severely reduce reading success. Reflection.
Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations Equipment Description Itron Mobile Radio Model: IMR FCC ID: EO9IMR IC: 864A-IMR Itron Mobile Radio Transmitter Information Transmit frequency MAS, FCC: 952 MHz–960 MHz Transmit frequency MAS, ISED: 952 MHz–953 MHz Transmit frequency ISM: 908 MHz–923.8 MHz Antenna type: Directional antenna with maximum gain perpendicular to the front face of the IMR unit. Receiver Information Frequency ISM: 908–923.
Bluetooth Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: PAN1326B FCC ID: T7V1316 IC: 216Q-1316 Transmitter class: Class 1 Transmit/receive frequency: 2402 MHz–2480 MHz Maximum transmitter power: 10.