User's Manual

VXU Operator’s Manual
Metering Systems
- 3 -
1. Components of the VXU System:
The components that make up your vehicle read system are the following:
1. VXU (Vehicle Transceiver Unit). This is the big gray box with the cooling
fins and two handles on the front.
2. Laptop computer. The model of your laptop may vary, but Invensys
currently supplies the Dell™ Latitude laptop computer with the VXU system.
3. Laptop Power Supply and cables. The laptop will have two power supply
options. One set of charging cables plugs into a standard wall outlet, and the
other set is a special converter box and cable that connects directly to the
VXU chassis. For general charging when the VXU is not in use, use the
standard wall outlet charger. To keep the laptop charged while using the
VXU, use the converter and cable that connects directly to the VXU chassis.
4. Magnetic mount antenna. This antenna connects directly to the VXU and
can be mounted on the top of your vehicle.
5. Serial Cable. The serial cable connects the VXU and laptop computer, and
is used to transfer data between the VXU and laptop.
6. Attenuator cap. This cap is supplied to fit on the Antenna connector on the
VXU chassis when the VXU is not in use.
7. VXU Carrying Case. This case is designed to protect your VXU from
damage during transit, and has room for the other components in the system.
The VXU should be stored in its case, in a dry, well-ventilated place when not
in use.
Note: It is important to always begin your vehicle reading process with a fully charged laptop
battery. For this reason, it is advisable to keep your laptop plugged in to a wall outlet, using the
supplied charging pack, whenever it is not being used for meter reading. By doing so, you can
ensure that the laptop always has a full charge when you begin the reading process. The laptop
does get power from the VXU when it is properly connected to the VXU, but often the vehicle
itself cannot supply enough power to run the VXU, the laptop, and charge the battery at the same
time. By starting with a fully charged laptop battery, you can significantly lower the risk of your
laptop shutting off due to a low battery.