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.
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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.
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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.
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