User's Guide

3. Configuration
The M717 RTU is automatically configured by the Metrilog M2M Gateway, therefore in most cases no user
intervention is necessary. However, the operation of the RTU and the sensors can be customised to a
certain extent. The preferred method is via the M2M Gateway, but for advanced users, and when the units
are accessible via USB or telnet, a Command Line Interface (CLI) is available, as described in the following
sections.
3.1. The Metrilog M2M Gateway
An important service offered by the M2M Gateway is the handling of the configuration of RTUs. The
complete behaviour of an RTU is defined on the Gateway. The RTU parameters can be defined and/or
modified at any time on the M2M Gateway after which they are retrieved by the RTU as soon as a
connection is made.
A connection can only be initiated by the RTU and not the other way round. That means “polling” of the
RTU is not possible. In order to overcome this issue, the M717 RTU implements a flexible scheduler that
specifies when and how often the RTU should initiate a connection to the M2M Gateway. As with many
other parameters on the RTU, the scheduler is remotely configurable through the M2M Gateway.
By changing a parameter on the Gateway, a “task” will be generated on the server and added to a queue
for that particular RTU. When the RTU connects, the task will be passed along and the RTU will execute
and acknowledge it.
The functionality of an RTU is defined by a collection of attributes. A list with a partial description of the
M717 RTU’s attributes is given in the “Attributes” section of this document. The Web based User Interface
of the M2M Gateway offers an easy and intuitive method to add/modify/delete attributes. However,
standard devices (e.g., the M717 RTU family, as well as a large collection of sensors), are already
predefined through templates, so you should not need to add/change attributes.
Note: Improper manipulation of the attributes can lead to malfunction of the RTUs. You must first understand
what function a certain attribute performs before attempting to change its value.
3.2. The USB Service Port
The use of the service port is recommended only in special cases during an installation operation where
there is no Internet access, or the RTU does not manage to contact the M2M Gateway.
Note: Improper commands issued through the service port may compromise the functionality of the RTU.
To communicate with the RTU through the service port, an USB-A to USB micro-AB cable and a PC with a
terminal program is required (e.g., Hyperterminal, minicom, etc.). Depending on the operating system
running on your PC, you might need to install an USB-CDC driver. On most modern operating systems this
driver is already installed.
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