Digital Cellular Modem – 200 (DCM-200) User’s Guide Document: 900333 Revision: B June, 2006
WARNING This product contains a radio-frequency transmitter, Motorola Model g18, FCC ID # IHDT6AC1 or Motorola Model g20, FCC ID # IHDT56DB1 The combined cable loss and antenna gain must not exceed 6.1dBi gain, and the antenna installation must provide a minimum separation distance of 20cm (8”) from users and nearby persons and must not be collocated or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. See Chapter-11 for more safety information.
COMMON QUESTIONS What does this device do? Electric utility meters have historically required a person to visit each site and manually record the readings on a regular basis. Modern meters now contain processors, memory and phone line modems that eliminate the need for on-site visits. With this method much more information is available and can be gathered in a timelier manner. With this evolution came a need to develop a universal way to communicate with any of these meters, regardless of the manufacturer.
Is the DCM-200 ready to use immediately? No, there are five important steps before the DCM-200 can be put into service: 1) 2) 3) 4) The ANSI C12-complient meter must be wired to the DCM-200 (Chapter-2). You must provide AC power to the unit (Chapter-2). You must purchase cellular phone service (Chapter-4). You must configure the DCM-200 using a computer and a special program and cable from Metretek (Chapter-5).
The cellular service provider may offer access to the Internet using a service called GPRS (general packet radio service). Data is exchanged in small blocks, or packets, to a server running Metretek’s DC-2000 software. A GPRS call is generally billed by the amount of data exchanged rather than by the minute. Service is generally purchased in increments of 1 million bytes (1Mb) per month.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................1-1 1.1 Product Overview ...............................................................................................1-1 1.2 Communications Options ...................................................................................1-2 1.3 Communications Scenarios................................................................................1-4 1.
5.4.16 GPRS Access Point Name .....................................................................5-7 5.4.17 GPRS Connection Command.................................................................5-7 5.4.18 Destination Modem Baud Rate...............................................................5-7 5.4.19 Max BPS.................................................................................................5-8 5.4.20 Data Bits .............................................................................
.2 Enclosure Maintenance......................................................................................8-1 8.3 Troubleshooting the Power Supply ....................................................................8-2 8.4 Troubleshooting the GUTC Board......................................................................8-3 8.5 Troubleshooting the Cellular Radio ....................................................................8-3 9 CONVERSION OF g18-BASED UNITS TO g20 OPERATION ....................
LIST OF TABLES Line Voltage Selection (prior to 2006)..........................................................................2-12 External Antenna Kits ..................................................................................................2-16 List Of Error Codes ........................................................................................................7-3 Green LED Status Behavior...........................................................................................
MP32 Login Screen .......................................................................................................5-2 MP32 Start-Up Screen...................................................................................................5-3 MP32 Communication Port Configuration Screen .........................................................5-3 MP32 Configuration Screen...........................................................................................5-4 MP32 Serial Port Settings Screen .....
1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 1.1 Product Overview A traditional electric power meter incorporates an electric motor whose speed of rotation is directly related to the amount of power being used by the customer. The motor drives a collection of gears and dials that provide a visual indication of the power consumed since the meter was installed. A person from the utility company must visit each meter on a regular basis to record these readings so that the utility can provide an accurate bill to the customer.
enclosure is capable of withstanding extremes in temperature and humidity. Standard units come equipped with an internal antenna that conceals the wireless nature of the product, thereby serving as a passive deterrent against theft. The enclosure door can be locked to prevent vandalism, and there is a sensor to detect when the door has been opened. Communications with the electric meter is conducted over an RS-232 serial interface. The meter itself must be equipped with a similar interface.
- Analog cellular phone service has been used in areas where phone lines do not exist. While the initial purchase price of the service can be higher than that of a wired line system, it eliminates the expense of running telephone wires over long distances. In some hazardous sites, telephone lines are not permitted. However, the limited capacity of analog cellular technology led to the development of digital methods to increase capacity and provide new features.
1.3 Communications Scenarios Scenario #1: The DCM-200 initiates a call to the central computer • The DCM-200 determines that a call should be made due to an alarm condition, a regularly scheduled call event or a call request from the electric meter. • The cellular radio within the DCM-200 establishes a connection with the cellular phone network.
• 1.4 If the cellular account includes a feature called SMS (short message service), the computer can send a text message to the DCM-200. When the DCM-200 receives the message it will immediately call back as described in Scenario #1. CSD Versus Packet Mode The DCM-200 can communicate with the central computer’s modem using a circuitswitched data (CSD) connection, or can use the general packet radio standard (GPRS) to exchange information with the central computer over the Internet.
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2 INSTALLATION and TECHNICAL INFORMATION 2.1 Unpacking, Damage reports, Item List Upon receipt, inspect the equipment for any potential shipping damage. There should be no loose components within the enclosure or any impact marks on the walls or outside edges of the fiberglass housing. If any damage is detected that can be attributed to the way the package was handled, then a claim should be filed with the shipping agent as quickly as possible.
Figure 2-1 Metretek Programmer Cable 2.3 Site Selection for Best Performance WARNING No hazardous area safety approvals have been received for this product. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the product is only installed at locations that are classified as ‘safe area’ sites. See Chapter-11 for more safety information.
Field site placement for a cellular communications product requires additional consideration in order to obtain optimal signal strength: • Mount the unit away from buildings and structures when possible. Buildings tend to block the RF signal if they lie in the path between the cellular tower and the DCM-200. Outdoor installations are preferred. • Raise the elevation as high as practical from the ground.
Figure 2-3 Mounting Tab Pattern Figure 2-4 Conduit Entry Hole Pattern 2-4
2.5 Internal Components of the DCM-200 Figure 2-5 Internal View of the DCM-200 (prior to 2006) The main components of the DCM-200 are: • “GUTC” circuit board (General Utility for Telemetry and Control): Contains the microprocessor electronics and RS-232 port for communications with the electric meter • Cellular Radio Module: Operating on a similar concept as a hand-held voice phone, the cellular radio module provides the digital link for the wireless exchange of data.
• Shield Plate (Not shown in Figure 2-5): Provides a degree of protection for service personnel against electric shock hazard when the shield plate is properly installed. Removal of the shield plate must only be performed after it has been confirmed that the AC power has been disconnected at the source. • Lithium Battery Pack: Delivers the reserve energy required to maintain power to the GUTC board and radio in order to initiate an alarm call in the event of an AC power outage. Optional items: • 2.
Figure 2-7 illustrates the physical construction of the adapter, while Figure 2-8 shows the electrical schematic. Figure 2-7 RS-232 to RJ-11 Adapter Figure 2-8 Schematic of the RS-232 to RJ-11 Adapter Insert the adapter board into the terminal block TB2 of the GUTC board as shown in Figure 2-9. Tighten all screws on TB2 after installation.
Figure 2-9 Installing the RS-232 to RJ-11 Adapter Board Cable Preparation If the cable coming from the electric meter is not already terminated into an RJ-11 connector, then refer to Figure 2-10 and do the following: 1) Cut the end of the cable to the desired length, while ensuring that the end is trimmed in a ‘squared-off’ manner, and not at an angle. 2) Strip-off 1/4 inch of outer insulation from the cable and insert it into the housing as shown in Figure 2-10.
Figure 2-10 Assembly of Data Cable Connector for use with the Elster Alpha meter CAUTION Do not connect a standard telephone line to the adapter board. This will result in damage to the DCM-200.
2.7 AC Power Cable Wiring Connection Figure 2-5 shows the DCM-200 with the conduit entry positions at the bottom. This illustration was shown with the metal safety shield already removed. Removal of the safety shield (Figure 2-11 and 2-12) is only to be performed after it has been confirmed that the AC mains power has been disconnected at the source.
Figure 2-13 Routing and Connection of AC Mains Power (prior to 2006) Figure 2-14 Routing and Connection of AC Mains Power (2006 and later) 2-11
2.8 AC Line Voltage Selection CAUTION It is extremely important that the line voltage setting matches the actual line voltage. Damage or personal injury could result if the setting is incorrect! For units built prior to 2006 this selection is made by installing or removing the appropriate fuses. Two voltage ranges are available as detailed in Table 2-1. Figure 2-13 shows a view of the bottom portion of the power supply board and the location of the fuses.
Figure 2-15 Battery Pack Connector (prior to 2006) Figure 2-16 Battery Pack Connector (2006 and later) If a DCM-200 unit is removed from service, then the battery pack should be disconnected immediately to prevent unnecessary drain and consequent reduction in capacity.
2.10 Internal Antennas There are several types of internal antennas including the rigid radio-mounted one shown in Figure 2-17. This antenna is specifically designed for 1900 MHz operation, which was the primary operating frequency in North America when the GSM system first began operation. Figure 2-17 1008-0012B-001Single-band Antenna The earlier analog cellular services started on the 850 MHz band.
Figure 2-19 Installing the Quad-Band Antenna 2.11 External Antennas You may encounter marginal reception areas or locations where buildings and other obstructions block the cellular radio signal path when using an internal antenna. Provision has been made to permit the installation of an external antenna to address these situations. This is accomplished using an optional external antenna kit. Figure 220 provides an exploded diagram of the components included with the kit (excluding the radio and enclosure).
Every DCM-200 enclosure has been pre-drilled with a 1/4" diameter hole at the upper left-hand side of the enclosure wall. It is necessary to push out the small black hole plug and clean away any residual silicon sealant. The SMA female end of the cable is then pressed through the enclosure wall and fastened into place using the provided washer and nut.
3 INTERNAL CIRCUIT BOARDS 3.1 Power Supply Board The larger circuit board in the DCM-200 serves the dual purpose of acting as the mounting platform for the GUTC board, as well as providing the regulated DC power source for the GUTC and cellular radio module. Figure 3-1 illustrates the profile of the original power supply board (stock number 1001-0302) made prior to 2006 along with the major component elements. Following this is an electrical block diagram.
Figure 3-2 Block Diagram of the 1001-0302 Power Supply Board Here is a brief description of these components: • Fuses F1, F2, F3: Serves to protect both the user and the electronics in case of a surge or overload condition. The fuses are also used to select the input voltage range. See Table 2-1. • Terminal Block: Entry point for the AC mains power. Three conductors are necessary for the connection: AC line, AC line, and Earth Ground.
confirmed otherwise. • Connectors J1 & J3: J1 is the connector for the lithium reserve battery. J3 is the connector that routes power and the AC status signal to the GUTC board. Figure 3-3 illustrates the profile of the power supply board (stock number 1001-0310) used in 2006 and later. Following this is an electrical block diagram. The primary difference between the original power supply board and the newer version is the way the line voltage is selected. See Chapter-2, Section 2.8 about this.
Figure 3-4 Block Diagram of the 1001-0310 Power Supply Board 3-4
3.2 GUTC Board The original GUTC board with the Motorola g18 radio is shown in Figure 3-5.
The GUTC board with a Motorola g20 radio is shown in Figure 3-6. An earlier g18based board can be converted to g20 operation using the adapter board shown in this figure. The conversion process is discussed in an upcoming chapter. New firmware is required when making this change. Figure 3-6 GUTC Circuit Board with g20 Radio A simplified block diagram of the GUTC board is illustrated in Figure 3-7. At the core of the system is the MSP-430 microcontroller.
Figure 3-7 Block Diagram of the GUTC Board Figure 3-8 Block Diagram of the DCM-200 System 3-7
3.3 GUTC Capacitor Board Installation If the DCM-200 is allowed to originate calls, and the main ac power fails, power will be supplied by a backup battery pack and the unit will immediately place a call to report an “AC-OFF” alarm. Once the call is made the DCM-200 enters a power-saving sleep mode and will remain there until ac power is restored. When the main AC power fails a lithium battery pack provides backup power. The battery’s voltage is 3.
to disconnect ac power or any other connector. 2) Locate the J9 connector, near the corner of the radio. 3) See Figures 3-10 and 3-11. Align the mating connector on the capacitor board with J9’s pins and install the capacitor board. 4) Connect the power connector to J1. The DCM-200 should reset and attempt to place a call into the central computer. When the radio is activated the LED on the capacitor board should light if the board is properly aligned. If not, check the alignment and reinstall the board.
Figure 3-11 Top View of Capacitor Board Installation 3-10
4 CELLULAR SERVICE 4.1 4.1.1 GSM Service GSM Overview GSM is an abbreviation for Global System for Mobile communications. This communications standard is widely used throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and parts of North and South America. Messages are digitized into packets and sent in brief bursts during allocated time slots using a variation of TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) techniques.
4.1.3 Establishing Cellular Service for CSD A cellular account must be activated with the local service provider prior to placing a DCM-200 into service. Many GSM service providers offer some sort of data support, but their marketing focus may be on Internet connectivity or short-message services (SMS, used to send text messages to and from cellular phones). This does not necessarily mean that they support all forms of data transfers.
4.1.4 Requesting a Voice Phone Number or SMS Service As mentioned earlier some cellular service providers do not support the ability to place a data call to the DCM-200 in CSD mode. This is called “mobile-terminate” service. If purchasing GPRS (Internet) service it is important to know that the DCM-200 can only originate an Internet connection. It cannot be contacted via the Internet. See Chapter-7 for more information.
A SIM card allows the cellular account to be moved from one phone to another. Theft is an issue because a person could remove the SIM card from the DCM-200, install it into his or her own cellular phone and have unlimited calling access to anywhere in the world. The cellular service provider can assign a 1 to 8-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to the SIM card to prevent this from happening. The DCM-200 can be programmed with the same PIN number. See Chapter-5 about this.
Figure 4-3 Screw Positions for the GUTC Board WARNING Disconnect all power sources before installing or removing the SIM card !! For the Motorola g20 radio the SIM card connector is located below the radio. It is not necessary to remove the GUTC board from the unit. But because of the SIM card connectors close proximity to the metal safety shield it is necessary to remove the shield. Then insert the SIM card as shown in Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-4 SIM Card Installation for the g20 Radio 4-6
5 DEVICE CONFIGURATION USING MP32 5.1 Configuration Concept Configuration of a DCM-200 is accomplished using the Metretek Programmer software “MP32”. MP32 is designed to operate under the Windows 95 or later operating system on any 80x86 or Pentium-based personal computer. The DCM-200’s operating program (“firmware”) and its configuration information are stored within the FLASH memory of the processor on the GUTC board. Certain parameters are unique to each DCM-200, such as the unit’s I.D.
5.3 MP32 Software Startup MP32 can operate as a stand-alone program or can work in conjunction with Metretek’s DC-2000 data collection software. When MP32 is started it will require a user name and password. If DC-2000 is present then the password must match one of the passwords from DC-2000’s list of authorized users. If this is a standalone application then leave the password blank.
Figure 5-2 MP32 Start-Up Screen Figure 5-3 MP32 Communication Port Configuration Screen 5-3
The original MP32 screen will now reappear and the user should select the “DCM-200” button to start the configuration process. Figure 5-4 depicts the opening screen. Figure 5-4 MP32 Configuration Screen If using the programming cable, only the READ, PROGRAM and FIRMWARE UPDATE buttons are used. If over-the-air programming is used, then the FIRMWARE UPDATE and PROGRAM ACCOUNTS/LISTS buttons will be used, and the DC-2000 system must be present and running.
5.4 Configuration Settings 5.4.1 Remote Unit ID Each DCM-200 must have a unique ID number to allow the data collection software to identify it. Legal six-digit values are 000000-FFFFFF (hexadecimal notation). Sequential numbering is not required, nor is it necessary to use any of the hexadecimal digits ‘A, B, C, D, E, or F’. 5.4.2 Destination If the DCM-200 is allowed to originate a call to another modem (CSD mode), then it will need the phone number of the modem.
5.4.7 Answer Ring Count This field is always disabled. If the DCM-200 has been configured to respond to voice calls it always answers on the first or second ring. 5.4.8 Time Interval Size This setting is used in other applications and currently has no effect when interfacing to an electric meter. However, this value is reported to the DC-2000 data collection software, and DC-2000 will compare it to a value that it has in its database. If the two do not match, the call will be rejected.
required for g18-based units. g20-based units are capable of determining the appropriate frequency. 5.4.16 GPRS Access Point Name If the DCM-200 will be making an Internet connection (GPRS mode), the cellular service provider will need to provide an Internet APN (access point name). In order to connect to the Internet, the provider has its own computer equipment called a “gateway” server. The server will usually have an APN in the form of a domain name, such as “myserviceprovider.com”.
The next configuration items appear on the Serial Port Settings tab: Figure 5-5 MP32 Serial Port Settings Screen 5.4.19 Max BPS This setting is the speed at which data is exchanged between the electric meter and the DCM-200. This setting is usually programmable within the electric meter itself, and the two settings must match. 9600 and 19.2 k bps settings are common. Long cable lengths can cause errors at these baud rates, so a slower baud rate may be required. 5.4.
5.4.22 Stop Bits This setting defines the termination method of each byte. This setting is usually programmable within the electric meter itself, and the two settings must match. It is usually set to “1”. The next configuration items appear on the Input 1/2 Configuration and Input 3/4 Configuration tabs: Figure 5-6 MP32 Input Configuration Settings Screen 5.4.
Starting with firmware version V2.1 a new call retry feature was added that uses Counter/Status Input-2’s phone number or IP address. See Chapter-7 about this feature and how to program the phone number or IP Address. 5.5 Programming the Configuration Using the Programming Adapter Once the configuration parameters have been set, connect the programming cable to the computer and to the DCM-200’s programming port connector. On the MP32 screen select the PROGRAM button.
Select the individual devices or groups of devices you wish to reprogram and then select OK. In Figure 5-7 only one device has been selected. Reprogramming a device over the air does not change its ID number, no matter what ID number has been specified in MP32. For example, if you’ve specified an RUID of 123456 in MP32, and send that configuration to unit 000005, the unit’s ID number will remain at 000005. NOTE The configuration will be changed the next time the DCM-200 communicates with DC2000.
5.7 Firmware Downloads Using the Programming Adapter The entire operating program (“firmware”) of the DCM-200 can be updated without removing or installing memory components. A firmware file must be obtained from Metretek. After selecting the UPDATE FIRMWARE button the following screen will appear: Figure 5-8 Firmware Update Screen Make sure the path and filename for the new firmware file are correct on the screen.
Connect the programming cable to the computer and to the DCM-200’s programming port connector. You have the option to erase the entire program and all configuration information. This will leave the entire memory blank and will render the device inoperative until new firmware and a new configuration is loaded into the device. This is normally only used for troubleshooting. Once new firmware is loaded, be sure to program a new configuration as well.
Figure 5-9 Selection List for Over-the-Air Firmware Changes Select the individual devices or groups of devices you wish to reprogram and then select OK. Changing the firmware does not change the configuration memory. NOTE The firmware will be changed the next time the DCM-200 communicates with DC-2000. For instance, if the unit is not scheduled to call in for 24 hours, it will take that long to update the firmware. NOTE When the firmware is changed the DCM-200 will be reset.
6 CONFIGURATION OF DC-2000 DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM 6.1 DC-2000 Overview DC-2000 is a powerful data collection and processing application that can communicate with thousands of remote devices. Being highly configurable, adequate training and experience is required to effectively use this tool. This chapter discusses only those aspects that relate to the DCM-200 and the ANSI C12-complient electric meter. Call Metretek’s Technical Support Department to arrange for training or if there are further questions.
If installing a new DCM-200, select the “$$DCM200” template. If editing an existing DCM-200, select its remote unit I.D. number from the list. Figure 6-2 Selecting a New or Existing DCM-200 The screen that follows has a number of tabs to choose from. The DCM-200 is a member of Metretek’s SIP (Survey Instrument Point) family. Many of the SIP settings are used in applications that do not involve electric meters and can be ignored.
6.2.1 Site ID Number This is the most important item on this screen. It defines the Remote Unit ID number of the DCM-200. This number must match the number that was programmed into the unit using MP32 (Chapter-5). Figure 6-3 Site Information Screen 6.2.2 “IP Enabled” Checkbox Check this box if the DCM-200 is to use GPRS (Internet) communications. 6.2.3 “Go Transparent” Checkbox Check this box if the DCM-200 is to communicate with an ANSI C12-complient electric meter. 6.2.
Figure 6-4 General Information Screen 6-4
“Inputs” are generally not used in electric meter applications, but there is one parameter that must be set correctly, otherwise the call may be rejected. Select any one of the 4 input lines and double-click it. The screen shown in Figure 6-6 will appear. Figure 6-5 Input Description Screen 6.2.5 Interval Size When the DCM-200 is configured using MP32 (Chapter-5), a Time Interval Size had to be specified.
Figure 6-6 Input Configuration Screen The DCM-200 is capable of reporting several alarm conditions: “Tamper Detect” Alarm: This alarm occurs when a magnetic switch in the unit senses when the door has been opened. “Magnetic Switch” Alarm (often referred to as a “Call Switch” Alarm): There is a set of jumper pins on the GUTC board labeled “JP4” (See Figures 3-5 and 3-6). When these pins are shorted together the unit will immediately call in if it has been configured to originate calls.
For some alarm conditions you are able to select how the alarm is logged and reported. See Figure 6-7 for a view of the Hardware Alarms Screen. For each alarm, highlight the Alarm Description, then check the desired Alarm Specification check boxes to the right: 6.2.6 Immediate Alarm Notification When checked, this will cause the DCM-200 to place an immediate call when this alarm condition occurs. The DCM-200 must be configured to originate calls for this to work.
6.3 Configuring the ANSI C12-complient Electric Meter Start the process by selecting Remote Unit Configuration from the DC-2000 Applications Launcher (see Figure 6-1 and 6-2). If installing a new electric meter select the “$$ANSI” template. If editing an existing meter, select its remote unit I.D. number from the list. NOTE: Many of the ANSI screens are automatically filled in after the first communication between DC-2000 and the ANSI meter.
6.3.3 “Slave Device” Checkbox Checkmark this box if the ANSI device will using a DCM-200 to communicate with the central computer. Seems obvious, but this screen is also used to configure an ANSI device that has an internal modem for direct phone line communications. 6.3.4 “Master Device” List If the “Slave Device Checkbox” has been checked, the Master Device box will be highlighted. This is the device ID number of the DCM-200 that will be connected to this meter.
6.4 Configuring the Data Collection Server Once the DCM-200 and the ANSI device are configured, the data collection application will need some information concerning the Internet if using a GPRS connection. As shown in Figure 6-10, select System Configuration from the DC-2000 Launcher.
When the next screen appears, select the Data Collection process. Figure 6-11 DC-2000 Process Selection List In the next screen (Figure 6-12) select the Internet Ports tab. If there is not already an ANSI server installed, select the ADD button. In the next screen select the following: 6.4.1 Enabled Checkbox Check this box. 6.4.2 Internet Address This is the Internet address that the DCM-200 will use to make the connection.
ANSI application can only use up to 55 more. Figure 6-12 Internet Ports Configuration Screen Upon completion, the DC-2000 data collection system can be started and the DCM-200 and ANSI devices can begin calling in.
7 DCM-200’S MODES OF OPERATION 7.1 Overview of DCM-200 Operation The DCM-200 is a member of the Metretek “SIP” (Survey Instrument Point) family of data collection devices. By itself the unit can communicate with the data collection system to report alarm events and other status. It can do this using a CSD link to an analog modem or with a GPRS connection to an Internet server. The difference between CSD and GPRS was discussed in Chapter-1.
Figure 7-1 Location of Unit Reset Pins If the DCM-200 has been configured to originate a call to the data collection system, the unit will attempt a call to report a unit reset alarm. 7.3 LED Error Codes The two LED indicators are used to display error conditions and status. In the event of an error, the LEDs will be flashed in a pattern that represents a 2-digit number. The red LED represents the first digit while the green LED the second digit.
CODE DESCRIPTION 11 The serial EEPROM memory device failed to acknowledge that it received data from the processor. The serial EEPROM memory device did not retain a binary data pattern of 01010101. The serial EEPROM memory device did not retain a binary data pattern of 10101010. The serial EEPROM memory device did not contain a correct data pattern at a particular memory location.
43 45 46 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 In CSD mode a connection could not be established with the destination modem. In CSD mode after dialing a phone number, the destination modem did not answer the call. In CSD mode after dialing a phone number, the line was busy. A command was issued to the cellular radio, but the radio did not return a response within a certain amount of time. The cellular radio returned a response that was corrupt.
7.
3) Once the Primary Call Retry Count is exhausted, subsequent calls will be made at the Secondary Call Retry Interval, which is defined in hours. There is no limit to the number of retries that can occur at the secondary rate. Starting with firmware version V2.1 a new call retry feature was introduced.
When the call has finished and was successful, both LEDs will light for a minimum of three seconds. If the unit has been configured to originate calls only then both LEDs will be turned off. If the unit has been configured to answer incoming calls or respond to SMS messages, the LEDs will remain lit until the next call. If the call is unsuccessful due to an error or a network problem, an error code will be displayed twice to describe the nature of the failure.
In GPRS mode, unlike Internet servers that have fixed (static) Internet addresses, some mobile devices are assigned temporary (dynamic) addresses that go away after the connection is terminated. Therefore it is not possible to contact the DCM-200 over the Internet. Yet there may be times when it is desirable to communicate immediately with the DCM-200 or ANSI meter rather than wait for it to call in. To overcome these limitations the DCM-200 supports the ability to be “paged”.
When DC-2000 detects this alarm, it will not attempt to communicate with the ANSI meter in an effort to conserve battery power. Immediately after the call, the DCM-200 will enter an emergency low-power shutdown mode to conserve power. When the AC power has been restored, the unit will wake up and resume normal operations. After 5 full minutes of the AC power being restored, the unit will call in to report an “AC-ON” condition.
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8 MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING 8.1 Lithium Battery Replacement A special reserve battery pack is provided with each DCM-200 that maintains power to the internal electronics in the event of an AC power outage. Enough capacity exists for the battery to place over 100 emergency calls and report the power loss as an alarm condition (see Chapter-7). This battery pack contains a lithium cell in parallel with a ‘super-capacitor’.
8.3 Troubleshooting the Power Supply WARNING ! Potentially lethal voltages exist within the DCM-200 enclosure. Only qualified service personnel should be permitted access. WARNING To avoid damage to the electronics caused by static discharge, ensure that proper ESD control procedures are followed. See Chapter-11 for additional information. Whenever trouble-shooting is performed on any type of electronic device, the most logical place to start is with the power supply section.
voltage selector switch is in the correct position. Select either 115 (90-140) or 230 (180280) VAC, depending upon the actual line voltage to be used. CAUTION Install the metal safety shield after the trouble-shooting work is complete. This will prevent accidental contact with potentially lethal AC voltages. 5) At this point it is assumed that the input section to the power supply is operational and that the green LED is illuminated.
removing and installing modules ensure that the precision 28-pin electrical connector is not damaged and that the alignment is correct. If any of the small screws or nylon standoffs is lost during servicing, Metretek should be contacted for obtaining exact replacements. Incorrect standoffs may cause the radio to warp and be permanently damaged. After the cellular module has been replaced, it is a simple matter of removing the original SIM card from the old radio and installing it into the new radio.
9 CONVERSION OF g18-BASED UNITS TO g20 OPERATION 9.1 Description of Problem The original DCM-200 used a Motorola “g18” GSM cellular radio module. Production of this device was discontinued in 2005 and was replaced by the “g20”. However, the g20 is not a drop-in replacement for the g18. Metretek has created an adapter assembly that allows g18s to be replaced with g20 radios with minimal effort and cost.
9.3 Loading New Firmware Prior to replacing the radio, the DCM-200 will need new operating software (“firmware”) to accept the g20 radio. Chapter-5 discusses how to do this. The required firmware is 100219, Version V2.4 or later. The name of the program file for V2.4 is “100219_24.hex”. 9.4 Removal of the g18 Radio 1) Disconnect the power cable from the J1 connector. Figure 9-2 Location of Power Connector 2) Remove the three screws from the g18 radio.
Figure 9-4 Removal of Antenna and SIM Card 9.5 Installation of the g20 Adapter Assembly 1) Align the three mounting holes of the adapter assembly over the three nuts on the DCM-200 board. Inspect the alignment of the 20-pin connectors on the adapter board and the DCM-200 board. Gently insert the interface connectors together. Make certain that all pins are properly inserted into the connector on the adapter board.
Figure 9-5 Alignment of Adapter Assembly 2) Reinstall the original three screws, spacers and washers as shown in Figure 9-6. The DCM-200 board already has non-removable nuts built in to the board. Figure 9-6 Installing Mounting Hardware 3) If the original antenna is going to be replaced by the quad-band antenna then refer to the next figure.
Figure 9-7 Installing the Quad-Band Antenna Remove the paper backing from the adhesive strip on the back of the antenna. Position the antenna on the top inside wall of the enclosure just behind theTamper switch as shown in Figure 9-7. The antenna cable must exit to the right. Apply pressure for several seconds to ensure good adhesion. 4) Reinstall the original antenna (or the antenna cable from the quad-band antenna) by pushing straight into the antenna connector on the g20 radio until a “click” is heard.
Figure 9-8 Installation of Antenna and SIM Card 5) Reconnect the power cable to the J1 connector. Figure 9-9 Reconnection of Power 9.6 Power-Up Check The unit should behave exactly as it did with the g18 radio.
10 DIRECT RADIO COMMUNICATIONS GUIDE 10.1 Overview In units with firmware version V2.4 or later, a special diagnostic mode allows an RS-232 dumb terminal, or a personal computer with a terminal emulation program such as HyperTerminal, to communicate directly with the Motorola cellular radio. This feature is generally used for troubleshooting and should only be performed by persons with knowledge of the radio’s operation and command set. 10.
DCM-200 9-Pin ‘D’ Connector 25-Pin ‘D’ Connector TB2-1 (Tx) TB2-4 (Rx) TB2-6 (GND) 2 3 5 3 2 5 Table 10-1 Typical Connections to a Personal Computer 10.4 Starting Direct Radio Communications Mode 1) Using the MP32 configuration software and the Metretek programming cable, load the V2.4 or higher firmware into the DCM-200 following the instructions in Chapter-5. It is not necessary to change the Configuration of the unit if it has already been programmed.
Figure 10-2 Location of the Reset and Call Jumpers 10-3
10-4
11 SAFETY and ESD INFORMATION 11.1 Cellular Radio Safety To comply with the FCC RF exposure limits and satisfy the categorical exclusion requirements for mobile transmitters, the transmitter effective radiated power must be less than 3.0 Watts ERP (4.9 Watts or 36.9dBm EIRP). This requires that the combination of antenna gain and feed line loss does not exceed 16 dBi.
11.3 ESD Handling Precautions Any electronics device contains components sensitive to ESD (electrostatic discharge). For example people experience up to 35kV ESD, typically while walking on a carpet in low humidity environments. In the same manner many electronic components can be damaged by less than 1000 volts of ESD. For this reason you must observe the following handling precautions when servicing this equipment: • • • Always wear a conductive wrist strap.
12 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Enclosure Dimensions (See Figures 2-2, 2-3 & 2-4) Width: Height: Depth: 6.91 inches (17.6 cm) 8.50 inches (21.6 cm) 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) Enclosure Mounting Pattern (See Figures 2-2, 2-3 & 2-4) Width: Height: Max bolt size: 4.00 inches (10.2 cm) 8.94 inches (22.7 cm) 5/16 inch (7.5 mm) DCM-200 Weight (with backup battery) 3.6 pounds (1.6 kg) Backup Battery Pack Type: Lithium in parallel with high-energy capacitor. Voltage: 3.67V Capacity: 1.1Ahr.
J3 Connector Definitions: J3-1: J3-2: J3-3: J3-4: J3-5: J3-6: Circuit common. +5.86 volts dc. Circuit common. +5.86 volts dc. Circuit common. AC power alarm signal. J1 Connector Definitions: J1-1: J1-2: J1-3: J1-4: Circuit common. Keyed position to prevent insertion reversal. No circuit connection. B+ input for backup battery (3.6 volt input). TB1 Connector Definitions: TB1-1: AC power connection. TB1-2: AC power connection. TB1-3: Earth ground.
Receive Frequencies: g20: g20, g18: g20, g18: g20, g18: 824-849 MHz 880-915 MHz 1805-1880 MHz 1930-1990 MHz Transmit Frequencies: g20: g20, g18: g20, g18: g20, g18: 869-894 MHz 880-915 MHz 1710-1785 MHz 1850-1910 MHz Antenna Connector: MMCX Jack (female), 50 ohm impedance. Antenna Specifications Antenna Connector: MMCX Jack (male), 50 ohm impedance.
12-4
13 ASCII-HEX-DECIMAL CONVERSION CHART 13-1
14 WARRANTY INFORMATION The seller warrants its hardware to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal and proper use for a period of 12 months from the date the hardware is shipped from Metretek, Incorporated.
