User's Manual
MI.NODE – WATER3 Installation Manual
Rev 0.2 Mueller Systems – Confidential Page 1
1. Introduction
The Mueller Systems MI.NODE – WATER3 is intended for indoor & outdoor use as an
unattended automatic metering Infrastructure (AMI) & control device. The MI.NODE –
WATER3 is fully self-contained and battery powered device with no user accessible controls.
The MI.NODE – WATER3 for Residential Metering (“MI.NODE –
WATER3”) is a device that incorporates a microcontroller,
915MHz ISM band 2-way radio (simplex operation), and battery
(DC power supply) for the purpose of logging and forwarding
water meter readings to the Mueller Systems servers. The
readings are forwarded to server via. other MI.NODE – WATER3,
Mi Gates, or SmartMeter at assigned times. The MI.NODE –
WATER3 will also autonomously send messages to the server
when various events or alert conditions, such as potential leak or
theft of service, are detected.
Meter reading interval is remotely settable. Information retrieved from the meters registers
are temporarily stored within the MI.NODE – WATER3’s solid-state memory. On a specified
interval, the MI.NODE – WATER3 will automatically transmit this information to the Mueller
Systems AMI server via. other meters or Mi.Gate using the Radio Frequency (RF) network.
The Mueller Systems AMI server analyzes and archives the readings.
The contents of this installation manual are intended for technically qualified personnel of
water and energy distribution utilities who have been trained and are technically qualified in
local safety procedures for installation of the device.
2. Construction
The MI.NODE – WATER3 product consists of a compact printed circuit board which is
encapsulated to provide complete protection against shock and water intrusion. The
enclosure is made of UV stable, high density thermoplastic and is completely waterproof.
The UV stable, thermoplastic housing design provides a compact, waterproof enclosure that
is lightweight and easy to handle and install. The MI.NODE – WATER3 has integral
mounting brackets for both pit and wall installations. One D size lithium battery provides
plenty of power for reading the register and sending RF data.
In order to protect the AMI device electronics from moisture ingress the design
incorporates the use of thermoplastic injection molded housings, rubber seals, a
potting compound that completely incases the internal electronics and a coated
circuit board which combine to provide a formidable barrier of protection against
water intrusion.
Internal wire strain relief has been built into the housing to protect the wire
connections against damage. Please note that meters or registers should never be
carried while supported only by the Mi.Node – water3 transmitter or wiring.
A monopole antenna is located in the upper housing to provide powerful RF
communication.
A single D cell long life Lithium battery is located in the lower housing which provides
power for register interrogation and data transmission for a calculated battery life of
up to 20 years.
There are no customer serviceable parts inside the MI.NODE – WATER3 housing.
Batteries are not replaceable.