User`s guide

iv
Is the DCM-200 ready to use immediately?
No, there are five important steps before the DCM-200 can be put into service:
1) The ANSI C12-complient meter must be wired to the DCM-200 (Chapter-2).
2) You must provide AC power to the unit (Chapter-2).
3) You must purchase cellular phone service (Chapter-4).
4) You must configure the DCM-200 using a computer and a special program and cable
from Metretek (Chapter-5).
5) The data collection software supplied by Metretek (DC-2000) must be supplied with
information about the meter and the DCM-200 (Chapter-6).
How do I purchase cellular service?
Like any cellular phone, you must purchase cellular service. There are several different digital
technologies used today, and the service providers may support one or several of them. When
you purchase a personal cell phone, you generally choose a provider that has the best calling
plan. You then receive a phone that works with their technology.
The DCM-200 is designed to support GSM technology. Though all service providers support
voice calls, not all of them may support the exchange of data. Therefore it is necessary to locate
a service provider that supports either circuit-switched data (CSD) connections or Internet
connections using the general packet radio standard (GPRS). Chapter-4 will help with this
process.
Why must the DCM-200 be configured?
When the DCM-200 places a cellular call, it must have a phone number to dial or an internet
address of a server to contact, instructions about what to do if the line is busy, what baud rate to
use, etc. Each DCM-200 must also be assigned a unique ID number.
The DCM-200 is configured using your computer and a special cable and software supplied by
Metretek. This can be done any time before, during or after installation. The unit can also be
reconfigured over-the-air once it is installed. Chapter-5 has much more information.
What does the DC-2000 data collection software do?
Metretek’s data collection software, DC-2000, has the ability to process calls from, or place calls
to thousands of devices. Each meter can be scheduled to call in at specific times throughout the
day, or once a week or once a month. The data collection software can process the meter’s
information in many different ways, depending upon the customer’s needs. It can also notify the
customer immediately when an alarm condition occurs. To do this properly, each meter and
DCM-200 must be registered with the software. Chapter-6 has much more information.
What is the difference between CSD and GPRS?
When the DCM-200 places or receives a CSD (circuit-switched data) call, it will be
communicating with an analog modem that is tied to a wired telephone line. The cellular service
provider has a bank of modems available in their switching centers. When it detects a CSD call,
it connects one of its own modems to the wired line. Data is transferred between the DCM-200
and the switching center over the radio link, and then between the switching center and the
destination modem via wire. Like a voice call, a CSD call is generally billed by the minute. Some
service providers may only support “mobile-originate” calls, meaning the DCM-200 can place a
call, but cannot be called.