User's Manual

VXU Operator’s Manual
Metering Systems
- 4 -
2. Setting up the VXU for Reading:
Note: It is important to always begin the reading process with a fully charged laptop battery. The
VXU system is designed to keep your laptop charged while in use, but often times the vehicle
electrical system is unable to supply enough current to adequately run the VXU, the laptop, and
charge the laptop battery at the same time. For this reason, it is recommended that you keep the
laptop plugged in to a wall outlet with the supplied charging cables, when it is not being used for
meter reading. At very least, plug in the laptop to a wall outlet for several hours prior to reading
meters, to allow time for the battery to become fully charged. This will greatly reduce the chances
of losing readings due to a laptop failure during the reading process.
Setting up the Vehicle Read system is a relatively simple process, and involves
just a few cable connections. There are a couple of important things to
remember when setting up the system, however:
A. NEVER run the VXU (interrogate or read meters) without first connecting the
antenna cable to the VXU chassis. This can seriously damage the VXU
transmitter, and may result in the VXU becoming inoperable. To avoid such
a possibility, always connect the antenna cable to the VXU chassis FIRST,
and the power to the VXU chassis LAST.
B. Place the VXU chassis in the vehicle so that the cooling fan hole (on the right
side) and the cooling fins (on the back) are not obstructed.
1. To begin setting up the Vehicle Read system, place the VXU chassis in a
convenient location inside the vehicle. Keep in mind that the power cables
will need to reach the power port on the vehicle. It is helpful for the operator
to be able to see the face of the VXU chassis when operating the system.
2. Connect the Antenna cable to the connector on the VXU chassis. This is
clearly marked with a red warning label reminding you to do this before
applying power to the VXU.
3. Connect the Serial cable to the VXU and laptop computer. The cable should
only fit one way to the VXU chassis (the male end to the VXU, the female end
to the laptop). Secure the cable with the twist screws on each side of the plug
to prevent the cable from becoming dislodged during use.
4. Connect the laptop power supply cable and transformer to the VXU and
laptop. Notice that the location of this connector on the VXU is clearly
marked “Computer Power Out”. The cable provided has a special connector
that will lock into place. This connector will only fit one way, and is a different
size than the main VXU chassis power connector. There should be a