Mobile Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solutions for Gas and Water Utilities
About Us
AMCO Automated Systems specializes in Automated Meter Reading (AMR) solutions featuring the TRACE VRT mobile AMR system. Dedicated to delivering products and service tailored to meet and exceed the needs of our customers, AMCO Automated Systems has a history of design innovations and delivering complete product solutions. AMCO Automated Systems, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializes in mobile Automated Meter Reading (AMR) solutions featuring the TRACE VRT family of products for gas and water utilities. AMCO Automated Systems is a subsidiary within Elster Group, world`s largest multi-utility metering company for gas, water, and electricity. Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solutions The Leader in Mobile AMR Technology with TRACE-Automated Meter Reading Systems All the benefits of Mobile AMR: Lower meter-reading costs More accurate meter readings Improved customer satisfaction Reduced customer service costs Tamper detect And much more with Virtual Real Time (VRT) readings: More ways to reduce meter-reading costs More ways to create customer satisfaction More data collection options with fly-by meter readings More control of your reading cycles More data to help manage your distribution system More ways to justify your AMR investment
AMCO Automated Systems specializes in Automated Meter Reading (AMR) solutions featuring the TRACE VRT mobile AMR system. Dedicated to delivering products and service tailored to meet and exceed the needs of our customers, AMCO Automated Systems has a history of design innovations and delivering complete product solutions.
AMCO Automated Systems, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializes in mobile Automated Meter Reading (AMR) solutions featuring the TRACE VRT family of products for gas and water utilities. AMCO Automated Systems is a subsidiary within Elster Group, world`s largest multi-utility metering company for gas, water, and electricity.
The Leader in Mobile AMR Technology with TRACE-Automated Meter Reading Systems
All the benefits of Mobile AMR:
And much more with Virtual Real Time (VRT) readings:
TRACE® VRT System
TRACE® VRTTM Mobile AMR System The TRACE® VRTTM (virtual real time), mobile AMR system, processes and stores real-time data at the gas or water meter transponder (Meter Interface Unit or MIU) for retrieval as required during a normal in-cycle read. Stored data includes 35 days of daily index readings (each in a separate electronic index [e-index]), up to four time-of-use (TOU) e-indexes and a leak-detection alarm (water). A real-time clock in the transponder allows time-based data collection. The daily index-read-time is factory and field programmable, as is the start and stop times of each TOU e-index and the duration of the leak-detection monitoring interval and threshold level. Data is read from mobile interrogators, using two-way RF communication technology. TRACE® VRTTM transponders are addressed individually by serial number, followed by a series of commands to retrieve specific historical and time-of-use data, as well as the usual accumulated volume and alarms. How it Works A. Transponders (meter interface units (MIUs)) collect, process and store virtual real time (VRT) readings at gas and water meters. B. Two-way radio frequency (RF) communications for the selective retrieval of transponder VRT reading by the Mobile Interrogator. C. Both handheld and vehicle-installed interrogators are available for the cost effective data collection of readings by large and small utilities with dense and/or scattered meter sites using radio frequency (RF) communications. D. Route Manager VRT, route management software, accepts and processes reading routes from the CIS, transferring the routes to interrogators as required and then retrieving read routes from interrogators for local storage and use and transfer back to the CIS. View image
TRACE® VRTTM Mobile AMR System
The TRACE® VRTTM (virtual real time), mobile AMR system, processes and stores real-time data at the gas or water meter transponder (Meter Interface Unit or MIU) for retrieval as required during a normal in-cycle read. Stored data includes 35 days of daily index readings (each in a separate electronic index [e-index]), up to four time-of-use (TOU) e-indexes and a leak-detection alarm (water). A real-time clock in the transponder allows time-based data collection.
The daily index-read-time is factory and field programmable, as is the start and stop times of each TOU e-index and the duration of the leak-detection monitoring interval and threshold level. Data is read from mobile interrogators, using two-way RF communication technology. TRACE® VRTTM transponders are addressed individually by serial number, followed by a series of commands to retrieve specific historical and time-of-use data, as well as the usual accumulated volume and alarms.
How it Works
View image
Water & Gas Transponders
TRACE® VRTTM Overview TRANSPONDERS Gas and water meter interface units that collect, process, transmit and store virtual real time (VRT) readings in the field. Compatible with meters produced by various manufactures and easily installed on in-service meters without changing the index reading. TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for use with gas and water meters. The transponder collects, processes, transmits and stores volume readings from the meter. Stored readings includes the accumulated volume displayed by the meter and virtual real time (VRT) readings in the form of 35 daily readings and four time-of-use readings. In addition, water meter transponders collect and process readings used to detect leaks downstream of the meter. All transponders maintain a tamper alarm. The TRACE® VRTTM transponder includes a radio frequency transceiver that transmits requested readings and alarms from that meter upon receiving requests from an interrogator. WATER TRANSPONDERS TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for residential and commercial meters installed in pits or above grade, indoors or outdoors. TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for residential and commercial meters installed in pits or above grade, indoors or outdoors. What makes the TRACE® VRTTM AMR system unique is the ability to provide a programmable leak detection capability along with selectable time-of-use registers. These, along with the 35 daily readings that can be selectively retrieved during mobile AMR data collection, provide more ability to manage the customer efficiently and effectively, positioning the utility to reduce operating costs while preparing for future application demands. PWT Water Meter Transponder (PWT) The PWT is designed for use with water meters installed above and below grade. The PWT is installed from the underside of the pit lid with the antenna extending through the lid and held in place by a low-profile cap from the topside of the lid. The PWT is connected to the water meter register by cable and includes a cut cable tamper alarm. The TRACE® VRTTM PWT is designed for use with water meters installed below grade, in pits. The PWT is installed on the underside of the pit lid with the antenna extending through the standard 1-3/4`` hole and held in place by a low-profile cap from the topside of the lid (as shown). The PWT is connected to the water meter register by cable and includes a cut cable tamper alarm. The extremely compact design of the PWT makes it ideal for use with small pit boxes. View Data Sheet Remote Water Meter Tansponder (RWT) The RWT is designed for above-grade water meter applications and can be installed indoors or outdoors. The RWT is connected to the water meter register by cable and includes a cut cable tamper alarm. View Data Sheet GAS TRANSPONDERS TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for small diaphragm meters, C&I diaphragm, rotary and turbine meters, as well as electronic volume correctors. Transponders are designed to easily install on most meters without having to change the index and index reading. TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for small diaphragm meters, C&I diaphragm, rotary and turbine meters, as well as electronic volume correctors. AMCO AS continues to add more meter compatibility over time: be sure to check with us to get the latest compatibility chart. The design of the TRACE® VRTTM transponders allows the re-use of existing meters through simple addition of the radio transponder unit. What`s more, not only does the field installation often re-use the existing register and cover, but it leaves the meter reading unchanged. By programming the electronic transponder with the same reading as the mechanical register, both installation and periodic validation are supported. Transponders can provide a current read along with 35 historical daily reads during mobile AMR data collection. They also support four time-of-use registers and deliver tamper indications. TRACE® VRTTM not only manages customers efficiently and effectively, but it also positions the utility for future application demands. Direct Gas Meter Transponders (DGT) DGTs are intended for small diaphragm meter applications. Compatible with most gas meters, the DGT is easy to install and attaches to the existing mechanical register. When implemented in this way, adding mobile AMR capability does not change the meter-register count and allows immediate validation of AMR and manual readings. The TRACE® VRTTM small DGT is designed for direct installation on most residential diaphragm gas meters from American Meter®, Sensus® (previously known as Invensys®, Equimeter® and Rockwell®) and Actaris® (previously known as Schlumberger® and Sprague®). DGT`s include a non-mercury motion tamper detection switch. View Data Sheet Standalone Gas Meter Transponder (SGT) SGTs are intended for commercial and industrial meter applications. Designed to be easily installed on many different manufacturer`s meters, adding AMR capability to high-volume accounts can be done in-service and without changing the index of index reading. The SGT is compatible with most American Meter, Sprague, and Rockwell large diaphragm meters, Dresser-Roots rotary meters and rotary or turbine meters with electronic correctors. The gas transponder is available in bracket mounted housing (SGT) suitable for use with large diaphragm, rotary and turbine meters and correctors. When necessary, transponders are supplied with low frequency pulse (LFP) generators for the meters that do not have a LFP output. The SGTs includes cut-cable tamper detection.
TRACE® VRTTM Overview
Gas and water meter interface units that collect, process, transmit and store virtual real time (VRT) readings in the field. Compatible with meters produced by various manufactures and easily installed on in-service meters without changing the index reading.
TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for use with gas and water meters. The transponder collects, processes, transmits and stores volume readings from the meter. Stored readings includes the accumulated volume displayed by the meter and virtual real time (VRT) readings in the form of 35 daily readings and four time-of-use readings. In addition, water meter transponders collect and process readings used to detect leaks downstream of the meter. All transponders maintain a tamper alarm.
The TRACE® VRTTM transponder includes a radio frequency transceiver that transmits requested readings and alarms from that meter upon receiving requests from an interrogator.
TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for residential and commercial meters installed in pits or above grade, indoors or outdoors.
TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for residential and commercial meters installed in pits or above grade, indoors or outdoors. What makes the TRACE® VRTTM AMR system unique is the ability to provide a programmable leak detection capability along with selectable time-of-use registers. These, along with the 35 daily readings that can be selectively retrieved during mobile AMR data collection, provide more ability to manage the customer efficiently and effectively, positioning the utility to reduce operating costs while preparing for future application demands.
The PWT is designed for use with water meters installed above and below grade. The PWT is installed from the underside of the pit lid with the antenna extending through the lid and held in place by a low-profile cap from the topside of the lid. The PWT is connected to the water meter register by cable and includes a cut cable tamper alarm.
The TRACE® VRTTM PWT is designed for use with water meters installed below grade, in pits. The PWT is installed on the underside of the pit lid with the antenna extending through the standard 1-3/4`` hole and held in place by a low-profile cap from the topside of the lid (as shown). The PWT is connected to the water meter register by cable and includes a cut cable tamper alarm. The extremely compact design of the PWT makes it ideal for use with small pit boxes. View Data Sheet
The RWT is designed for above-grade water meter applications and can be installed indoors or outdoors. The RWT is connected to the water meter register by cable and includes a cut cable tamper alarm.
View Data Sheet
TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for small diaphragm meters, C&I diaphragm, rotary and turbine meters, as well as electronic volume correctors. Transponders are designed to easily install on most meters without having to change the index and index reading.
TRACE® VRTTM transponders are available for small diaphragm meters, C&I diaphragm, rotary and turbine meters, as well as electronic volume correctors. AMCO AS continues to add more meter compatibility over time: be sure to check with us to get the latest compatibility chart. The design of the TRACE® VRTTM transponders allows the re-use of existing meters through simple addition of the radio transponder unit. What`s more, not only does the field installation often re-use the existing register and cover, but it leaves the meter reading unchanged. By programming the electronic transponder with the same reading as the mechanical register, both installation and periodic validation are supported. Transponders can provide a current read along with 35 historical daily reads during mobile AMR data collection. They also support four time-of-use registers and deliver tamper indications. TRACE® VRTTM not only manages customers efficiently and effectively, but it also positions the utility for future application demands.
DGTs are intended for small diaphragm meter applications. Compatible with most gas meters, the DGT is easy to install and attaches to the existing mechanical register. When implemented in this way, adding mobile AMR capability does not change the meter-register count and allows immediate validation of AMR and manual readings.
The TRACE® VRTTM small DGT is designed for direct installation on most residential diaphragm gas meters from American Meter®, Sensus® (previously known as Invensys®, Equimeter® and Rockwell®) and Actaris® (previously known as Schlumberger® and Sprague®). DGT`s include a non-mercury motion tamper detection switch.
SGTs are intended for commercial and industrial meter applications. Designed to be easily installed on many different manufacturer`s meters, adding AMR capability to high-volume accounts can be done in-service and without changing the index of index reading. The SGT is compatible with most American Meter, Sprague, and Rockwell large diaphragm meters, Dresser-Roots rotary meters and rotary or turbine meters with electronic correctors.
The gas transponder is available in bracket mounted housing (SGT) suitable for use with large diaphragm, rotary and turbine meters and correctors. When necessary, transponders are supplied with low frequency pulse (LFP) generators for the meters that do not have a LFP output. The SGTs includes cut-cable tamper detection.
Mobile Interrogators
The hand held and vehicle installed mobile interrogator selectively collects current and virtual real time (VRT) readings from gas and water transponders. TRACE® VRTTM mobile interrogators (data collectors) are used to collect readings from transponders. The interrogator establishes a two-way radio frequency (RF) communication link with a transponder using the unique serial number of the transponder. The interrogator transmits requests (for example, the current meter reading, the meter reading on a date 10 days earlier and TOU readings) and the transponder responds to each request. Two-Way Communication with the TRACE® VRTTM Handheld Interrogator (HHI) The TRACE® VRTTM handheld interrogator (HHI) is a cost-effective means of evaluating AMR benefits on a trial basis, leading to the deployment of AMR as a solution. It can also be used as the meter collection device where handheld, or walk-by AMR, makes the most economic sense. This latest generation of TRACE® handheld interrogators (HHI) uses standard, DAP handheld CE computers modified by AMCO Automated Systems to add: An RF transceiver PCM/CIA card, An antenna and TRACE® Interrogator VRTTM (TI VRT) meter reading software The TI VRT meter reading software supports both automated and manual meter readings into the HHI. Routes to be read are received from Route Manager VRT (route management software) and sent back to Route Manager VRT once the readings have been collected. The TRACE® HHI can be used to collect both the current reading and alarms and VRT readings: Thirty-five (35) days of daily readings, Four (4) time-of-use (TOU) readings and Water leak detection. DAP CE5240X-Mobile Handheld Computer The CE5240X is part of the DAP MICROFLEX CE5000 series mobile handheld computers that feature an easy to read color display, the Windows CE .NET operating system and rugged construction for use in harsh environments. The TRACE® VRTTM HHI / CE5240X supports both automated and manual meter readings and can be used to collect both the current reading and alarms and VRT readings: thirty-five (35) days of daily readings four (4) time-of-use (TOU) readings Water leak detection. View Data Sheet Vehicle Transported Interrogator (VTI) The VTI is a system comprised of the Compact Mini Mobile Interrogator (CMMI) and the Vehicle Interactive Display (VID), designed to be moved through the meter route, either on the ground or in the air, during the reading process. The VTI reads meters based on their known latitude and longitude relative to the real-time VTI location established through the integrated GPS system. The VTI is ideal for systems with large numbers of meters in very dense concentrations, systems with relatively few meters scattered over wide areas, and all variations in between. In other words, the VTI is a cost-effective and efficient means of gathering meter readings across a wide range of densities and geographies. Compact Mini Mobile Interrogator (CMMI) The CMMI is a software-controlled radio frequency transmitter and receiver that uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to keep track of its location during the collection of meter readings. Unique signals are sent from the CMMI to each meter requesting specific information from that meter; other meters hearing the request will ignore the commands. By selective retrieval of data and management of the communications process, mobile meter reading can typically be accomplished at posted driving speeds. Readings collected by the CMMI are stored for later communication to the utility Customer Information System for billing and service applications. Initially, the CMMI sends a stay-awake signal to a specific meter transponder. Then, the transponder is asked questions about the stored readings for transmission back to the CMMI. Other transponders will ignore these transactions and await the stay-awake signal with their serial number included. View Data Sheet Vehicle Interface Display (VID) The VID allows the user to increase the efficiency of reading TRACE® transponders with the CMMI. Using GPS on a rugged computer, the VID displays real-time street maps marking the location of the meters and the CMMI as the vehicle moves through the route. When any meter is read by the CMMI, the graphical representation of the meter on the VID display changes to indicate the reading status. Utilizing a rugged PC running Windows XP Professional, the VID allows the user to increase the efficiency of reading TRACE® transponders with the CMMI. Using GPS, the VID displays real-time street maps marking the location of the meters and the CMMI as the vehicle moves through the route. When read by the CMMI, the graphical representation of a meter on the VID display changes to indicate that the reading status. Using this information, the user may make adjustments to the driving route to improve reading efficiencies and to insure that all meters have been read before leaving the route. Information about each account (e.g., serial number, addresses, reading, status, and current distance from the CMMI) can be displayed either in real-time reports, retrieved individually by the transponder serial number, or simply by pointing to that account on the touch-sensitive screen. View Data Sheet
The hand held and vehicle installed mobile interrogator selectively collects current and virtual real time (VRT) readings from gas and water transponders.
TRACE® VRTTM mobile interrogators (data collectors) are used to collect readings from transponders. The interrogator establishes a two-way radio frequency (RF) communication link with a transponder using the unique serial number of the transponder. The interrogator transmits requests (for example, the current meter reading, the meter reading on a date 10 days earlier and TOU readings) and the transponder responds to each request.
Two-Way Communication with the TRACE® VRTTM
The TRACE® VRTTM handheld interrogator (HHI) is a cost-effective means of evaluating AMR benefits on a trial basis, leading to the deployment of AMR as a solution. It can also be used as the meter collection device where handheld, or walk-by AMR, makes the most economic sense.
This latest generation of TRACE® handheld interrogators (HHI) uses standard, DAP handheld CE computers modified by AMCO Automated Systems to add:
The TI VRT meter reading software supports both automated and manual meter readings into the HHI. Routes to be read are received from Route Manager VRT (route management software) and sent back to Route Manager VRT once the readings have been collected.
The TRACE® HHI can be used to collect both the current reading and alarms and VRT readings:
The CE5240X is part of the DAP MICROFLEX CE5000 series mobile handheld computers that feature an easy to read color display, the Windows CE .NET operating system and rugged construction for use in harsh environments.
The TRACE® VRTTM HHI / CE5240X supports both automated and manual meter readings and can be used to collect both the current reading and alarms and VRT readings:
The VTI is a system comprised of the Compact Mini Mobile Interrogator (CMMI) and the Vehicle Interactive Display (VID), designed to be moved through the meter route, either on the ground or in the air, during the reading process. The VTI reads meters based on their known latitude and longitude relative to the real-time VTI location established through the integrated GPS system.
The VTI is ideal for systems with large numbers of meters in very dense concentrations, systems with relatively few meters scattered over wide areas, and all variations in between. In other words, the VTI is a cost-effective and efficient means of gathering meter readings across a wide range of densities and geographies.
The CMMI is a software-controlled radio frequency transmitter and receiver that uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to keep track of its location during the collection of meter readings. Unique signals are sent from the CMMI to each meter requesting specific information from that meter; other meters hearing the request will ignore the commands. By selective retrieval of data and management of the communications process, mobile meter reading can typically be accomplished at posted driving speeds. Readings collected by the CMMI are stored for later communication to the utility Customer Information System for billing and service applications.
Initially, the CMMI sends a stay-awake signal to a specific meter transponder. Then, the transponder is asked questions about the stored readings for transmission back to the CMMI. Other transponders will ignore these transactions and await the stay-awake signal with their serial number included.
The VID allows the user to increase the efficiency of reading TRACE® transponders with the CMMI. Using GPS on a rugged computer, the VID displays real-time street maps marking the location of the meters and the CMMI as the vehicle moves through the route. When any meter is read by the CMMI, the graphical representation of the meter on the VID display changes to indicate the reading status.
Utilizing a rugged PC running Windows XP Professional, the VID allows the user to increase the efficiency of reading TRACE® transponders with the CMMI. Using GPS, the VID displays real-time street maps marking the location of the meters and the CMMI as the vehicle moves through the route. When read by the CMMI, the graphical representation of a meter on the VID display changes to indicate that the reading status. Using this information, the user may make adjustments to the driving route to improve reading efficiencies and to insure that all meters have been read before leaving the route. Information about each account (e.g., serial number, addresses, reading, status, and current distance from the CMMI) can be displayed either in real-time reports, retrieved individually by the transponder serial number, or simply by pointing to that account on the touch-sensitive screen.
Route Manager VRT
Route Manager VRTTM (RM VRTTM) serves as the bridge between a customer`s billing system and interrogation (data collection) devices. It accepts data from the billing system in a variety of formats and then loads that data into the collection devices. Once the meter reading process is completed, the cycle is reversed. Meter reading data is obtained from an interrogator, stored, and sent to the utility`s billing system. TRACE® Route Manager VRTTM - Automated Meter-Reading (AMR) System The TRACE® Route Manager VRTTM is part of the TRACE® VRTTM Automated Meter-Reading (AMR) system that uses mobile, two-way, radio-frequency (RF) communication technology to request and collect specific meter data. The system includes: transponders that encode, process, and store individual meter data and then, on command from an interrogator, transmit requested meter data. This processing and storing of meter data and two-way communication provides data acquisition flexibility usually associated with more expensive, fixed-base AMR systems. mobile interrogators that establish a two-way communication link with individual transponders and request, receive, and store specific meter data for transfer to TRACE VRT route management software. Mobile interrogators offer a lower infrastructure investment over a fixed-base system with the added advantage of operational flexibility. route management software that: – processes route files from a Utility`s customer-information system (CIS); - downloads and uploads meter routes to and from interrogators; – stores meter readings for local validation, editing and analysis; and, - creates files to transfer meter readings to the Utility`s CIS. RM VRTTM also includes an extensive array of standard reports to support daily management of the TRACE® system. These include read reports, no read reports, tamper reports, trouble code reports, hi/low read reports and many others. Crystal Reports (a third party report generation package) can be used to build customer-specific reports which can be run from within Route Manager VRT. View Data Sheet
Route Manager VRTTM (RM VRTTM) serves as the bridge between a customer`s billing system and interrogation (data collection) devices. It accepts data from the billing system in a variety of formats and then loads that data into the collection devices. Once the meter reading process is completed, the cycle is reversed. Meter reading data is obtained from an interrogator, stored, and sent to the utility`s billing system.
The TRACE® Route Manager VRTTM is part of the TRACE® VRTTM Automated Meter-Reading (AMR) system that uses mobile, two-way, radio-frequency (RF) communication technology to request and collect specific meter data. The system includes:
RM VRTTM also includes an extensive array of standard reports to support daily management of the TRACE® system. These include read reports, no read reports, tamper reports, trouble code reports, hi/low read reports and many others. Crystal Reports (a third party report generation package) can be used to build customer-specific reports which can be run from within Route Manager VRT.
Events
June 11-15 2006 AWWA Annual Conference & Exposition. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX. AMCO Automated Systems will be at the show to demonstrate advanced meter data collection technology: TRACE® VRTTM. Come see us in booth #2811. October 22-25 2006 Autovation 2006. Nashville Convention Center, Nashville, TN. AMCO Automated Systems will exhibit their advanced TRACE VRT mobile AMR system.
June 11-15 2006
AWWA Annual Conference & Exposition. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX. AMCO Automated Systems will be at the show to demonstrate advanced meter data collection technology: TRACE® VRTTM. Come see us in booth #2811.
October 22-25 2006
Autovation 2006. Nashville Convention Center, Nashville, TN. AMCO Automated Systems will exhibit their advanced TRACE VRT mobile AMR system.
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