Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 1
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 14 May 2019 TDC-1719-002 Copyright © 2019 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved. Confidentiality Notice Confidential Information of Itron®, Inc., provided under nondisclosure obligations. 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.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Itron Mobile Radio compliance 5 1. Introduction 1 Feature List 1 Related Documents List 1 2. About Your Itron Mobile Radio 3 Itron Mobile Radio Parts List 3 3. Daily Operation 5 Charging the Portable IMR Battery 5 Charging the Mobile IMR-XA or IMR-FT Battery 5 Turning the Radio On or Off 6 4. LED Status Indicators 7 Power Indicator LED Table 7 Comm Indicator LED Table 8 5. Communication Ports 9 6.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Installing on a Partition 16 Installing on a Pedestal 17 Removing the IMR-XA from the Mounting Jacket 8.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Itron Mobile Radio compliance Equipment description Itron Mobile Radio PMN: IMR PMN: IMR2 PMN: IMR-XA/IMR-FT FCC ID: EO9IMRA FCC ID: EO9IMRB FCC ID: EO9IMRB IC: 864A-IMRA IC:864A-IMRB IC: 864A-IMRB HVIN: IMRA HVIN: IMRB-INT HVIN: IMRB-EXT FCC USA intentional radiator compliance statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité opment Canada (ISED) regulations, this radio trans- Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner mitter may only operate using an antenna of a type avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the trans- inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie mitter by Innovation, Science and Economic Devel- Canada.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits operating transmitters and receivers on all commercial aircraft. When powered, Itron Mobile Radios are considered operating transmitters and receivers and cannot be shipped by air with the battery installed. To ship by air, remove the battery and follow li-ion shipping regulations. Specific absorption rate data The IMRA and IMRB devices meet the government's requirements for exposure to radio waves.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Warning: Warning: Use this device only in a manner consistent with the Itron Mobile Radio User Guide The Australian version of this device has been tested and found to be compliant to Australian standards. It is identified with the RCM mark on the label.
1. 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 available in several models: the original handheld, portable Itron Mobile Radio (IMR) with a built-in antenna and the new External Antenna and Field Tools versions of the IMR (IMR-XA, IMR-FT) that are mounted in a vehicle for mobile drive-by endpoint reading and field tool operations, respectively.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 1.
2. About Your Itron Mobile Radio When you unpack your radio, make sure you have all of the components listed in the following tables. If any are missing, contact Itron Support Services immediately. For the portable IMR, an optional Radio Carrying Kit is available for order separately. The Radio Carrying Kit contains a belt clip and a shoulder harness. Itron Mobile Radio Parts List The following tables describe all the parts that are included with your Itron Mobile Radio.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 2. About Your Itron Mobile Radio External antenna 26.5 inch antenna whip Antenna vehicle mount with cable Antenna mount with attached cable. Available as a permanent mount with a 17-foot cable or a magnetic mount with a 12-foot cable. IMR-XA mounting jacket with Securely holds the IMR-XA and mounts to a seat belt, partition, or adapter plate pedestal. DC power cable Two-meter cable with 12V DC vehicle accessory plug.
3. Daily Operation Inspect the radio for broken, loose, or missing parts and fasteners, taking corrective action as required. Ensure that the IMR-XA external whip is securely connected to its mounting base, and the mounting base is securely attached to the vehicle. Make sure the radio is operated and stored within the recommended temperature range.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 3. Daily Operation Turning the Radio On or Off Turn on while using battery power: Press and hold the button for three seconds (until the Power LED turns green) to turn the radio on. Turn off while using battery power: Press and hold the button for three seconds (until the Power LED turns white) to to turn the radio off. Turn on while using external power: The radio is always on when using external power.
4. 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. LED is on continuously. Flash. LED turns off and on at a constant interval.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 4. LED Status Indicators several hours while the battery charges and you should eventually see the power LED turn solid red, indicating it is charging, and finally solid green, indicating that it is fully charged and ready for use. If the white LED never turns off while the IMR is connected to power, the battery is likely bad and must be replaced. This will need to be done approximately every 300 to 500 charge cycles. See Installing a Replacement Battery on page 20.
5. Communication Ports The Itron Mobile Radio has one micro USB communication port under a protective rubber flap on the side of the radio near the top. Note: The USB cable supplied with the IMR-XA and IMR-FT has a down-angle micro USB connector to facilitate proper cable management with the mounting jacket. Using a cable with a straight or up-angle connector will put unnecessary stress on the radio USB port and may, over time, lead to a poor cable connection.
6. Carrying the Portable Itron Mobile Radio The portable Itron Mobile Radio’s optional 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.
7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT Refer to the following procedures for guidance on installing your IMR-XA or IMR-FT. Installing the Antenna on the next page Power Cable Routing--All Installations on page 15 Installing the Mounting Jacket in the Vehicle on page 16 IMR-XA / IMR-FT Antenna Specifications This section provides the specifications for the IMR-XA / IMR-FT external vehicle antenna. Caution: The IMR-XA / IMR-FT system is designed to operate with the antenna listed here.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT Specification 915 MHz Mobile Antenna Impedence 50 ohms Termination 1-1/8-inch 18 thread mount Overall dimensions 26.5-inch length x 1.43-inch diameter Installing the Antenna Installation of the antenna includes the following tasks. Perform the tasks in the order shown in the following list. 1. Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle below 2. Installing the Permanent Antenna Mounting Base on the next page 3.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT The diameter of the ground plane at the antenna base should be at least three feet for best performance. Ideally, the ground plane should be a minimum of three times the wavelength being received. For example, a 900 MHz signal, having a 13 inch wavelength, should have a ground plane of 39 inches.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT 5. Place the antenna base on the vehicle where it is flat and ensure that the entire magnet is making secure contact with the vehicle. 6. Route the antenna cable through an open window or door and secure it in such a way that it will not be accidentally pinched and kinked or damaged. Complete the cable routing to the IMR-XA in the vehicle and secure the cable.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT Power Cable Routing--All Installations 1. Once the mounting location of the IMR is known, select a location in the vehicle for the IMR connector end of the cable so that it reaches the Itron Mobile Radio power jack without putting stress on the cable or radio. 2.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT Installing the Mounting Jacket in the Vehicle The IMR Mounting Jacket can be installed in a vehicle in several ways. The following procedures describe three of the possible configurations. Warning: The primary consideration when installing the IMR Mounting Jacket is that the IMR be securely attached to the vehicle. Failure to do so could lead to injury or death from unsecured components during a sudden stop, rollover, or collision.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT 4. Plug in the micro-USB and secure it with the Velcro strap as shown in the following illustration. 5. Attach the power cable and antenna cable to their connectors on the charge base. Installing on a Pedestal 1. Attach the mounting plate to the mounting jacket in the orientation most useful for your purpose. 2. Use cable ties or some other secure fastener to attach the mounting jacket to the pedestal. 3.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 7. Installing the IMR-XA and IMR-FT Removing the IMR-XA from the Mounting Jacket 1. Unplug the power cable and antenna cable. 2. Unplug the micro-USB and open the Velcro strap. 3. Disengage the plastic side release buckles on the mounting jacket and remove the IMR.
8. 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 List on page 26. Do not leave it in damp or dusty places. Do not drop your radio or subject it to severe impacts.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 8. Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Installing a Replacement Battery 1. Make sure the IMR is powered off and disconnected from other power sources. 2. Remove the battery compartment door. For the IMR-XA and IMR-FT you must first remove the charge base. 3. 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.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 8. Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Note: Servicing the charge base should only be done indoors, at a clean location, with the radio powered off. Safeguards against static electricity should be observed. Removing the IMR-XA Charge Base Unscrew four screws to remove the charge base from the IMR-XA. Replacing the Charge Base Antenna Cable 1. Remove the charge base from the IMR-XA. 2. Unscrew the small antenna cable connector (1) from the body of the IMR-XA.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 8. Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio 3. Unscrew the large antenna cable connector (2) from the bottom half of the charge base. 4. Install the new cable and screw the charge base back onto the radio. Servicing the IMR-XA External Antenna Regularly perform the following basic maintenance procedures to ensure optimal performance of your antenna.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 8. Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Ensure the cable is not loose from the connector. Inspect for hard kinks or bends in the cable, which can cause an electrical short. Inspect for cuts or nicks in the cable. Coax shield. Do not expose the inner cable shield at the connector or anywhere along the cable. Connector. The center pin of the connector should not be recessed or pushed in to the connector housing. 2.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 8. Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Replacing the Antenna Gasket Inspect the gasket regularly to verify that it is intact, free from debris, and properly seals the antenna and base. To maintain the integrity and performance of the antenna, Itron recommends that you replace the gasket located in the antenna base minimally once a year. For more information about ordering the gasket, log onto Itron Access or contact Itron Support Services at 1.877.487.6602. 1.
9. Storing Your Radio Your radio can be safely stored for six months or less with simple preparation. 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 7. If you are storing the Itron Mobile Radio for an extended period of time, you should let it remain charging or remove its battery. Note: Remove the Itron Mobile Radio’s battery before storing the device for periods longer than six months.
10. 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 externally. Caution: Do not use any battery other than the Itron-recommended battery. Using another battery could damage the radio. Warning: Danger: 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.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 10. Battery Basics In cold weather, keep the portable IMR inside your outer clothing. A cold battery will not last all day even with full charge. In hot weather, keep the radio out of direct sunlight. A hot battery's capacity is degraded over time and eventually the battery will not last all day even with a full charge. If an IMR has been left in a hot vehicle (above 104° F, 40° C), allow the vehicle and the IMR to cool down before powering the IMR on.
11. 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.
12. Troubleshooting If you have a problem with your radio, review the appropriate troubleshooting steps listed in the following table. If the problem remains unresolved, contact an Itron customer service representative (e-mail: support@itron.com; phone: 1.877.487.6602). Issue and Solution Table Issue Battery does not charge (portable IMR) Possible Solutions Ensure the USB charger adapter is USB 2.0 compliant. Itron recommends using only the supplied adaptor.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Issue 12. Troubleshooting Possible Solutions If the IMR has been in a hot vehicle or in full sun, change location and allow it to cool down. If the previous troubleshooting suggestions do not solve the issue, replace the battery. USB connection problems If using Windows 7 or 8, install the Itron Mobile Radio USB drivers for Windows 7 & 8 available for download from https://access.itron.com. Inspect the USB port for damage, dirt, or other contaminants.
13. 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 radio and the mobile device during Bluetooth communication. Pairing Bluetooth for Itron Mobile for FCS Users Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) pairing is performed by Itron Mobile for FCS installed on your mobile device. Select your radio from the list of radios in Itron Mobile for FCS.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 13. Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance The device name is IMRnnnnnn where n equals the last six digits of the serial number of the device you are trying to pair with. 5. Select your device and click PAIR. A tabbed dialog box for the radio appears. 6. Select the Services tab. 7. Verify that the Serial port is selected. This must be selected for the radio to connect. If the Serial port check box is not selected, select it and click OK. 8. Close the Itron Pairing Tool. 9.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 13. Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance If your radio is not listed, click the Refresh button.
14. Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations Equipment Description Itron Mobile Radio PMN: IMR PMN: IMR2 PMN: IMR-XA / IMR-FT FCC ID: EO9IMRA FCC ID: EO9IMRB FCC ID: EO9IMRB IC: 864A-IMRA IC: 864A-IMRB IC: 864A-IMRB HVIN: IMRA HVIN: IMRB-INT HVIN: IMRB-EXT Itron Mobile Radio Transmitter Information, USA and Canada Transmit frequency MAS, FCC: 952 MHz–959.850 MHz Transmit frequency MAS, ISED: 952 MHz–953 MHz Transmit frequency ISM: 908 MHz–923.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 14. Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations Maximum transmitter power: 10.5 dBm IMR built-in antenna type: integral, chip Itron Mobile Radio The following sections apply only to IMR models sold in those countries: Transmitter Information, Australia Transmit frequency LM: 928 MHz - 930 MHz Transmit frequency SRD: 916 MHz - 926.8 MHz Antenna type: Directional antenna with maximum gain perpendicular to the front face of the Itron Mobile Radio unit.
