Whether connecting an encoder-type water meter to an EtherMeter, a Signalizer, TheMeterDisplay, or an AMI/AMR Endpoint — if the cable length is expected to exceed 10 feet — then SCADAmetrics highly recommends the use of shielded instrumentation cable. Also, if the water meter, instrumentation, and/or cabling is installed in the vicinity of electrically noisy equipment, … Read More →
Beginning 10 Feb 2021, and thereafter, all Signalizers™ will ship with integrated “simulation mode” capability. While in simulation mode – regardless of whether a flow meter is attached – the Signalizer will emit a constant 12 milliamps (50%) from its 4-20 milliamp terminal; and it will also emit a continuous 1 Hz pulse from its … Read More →
METER AUTO-DETECTION INTRODUCED… North-American encoder-type water meters communicate using one of three protocol families: Neptune, Elster, and Sensus (..which is generally comprised of all makes, except Neptune and Elster). Furthermore, various meter makes/models have their own additional idiosyncrasies. In the past, there were two EtherMeter tuning parameters which often required adjustment to help the EtherMeter … Read More →
Our very first TheMeterDisplay™ customer, Tim Albert at Ottumwa Water and Hydro (Iowa) recorded and uploaded a video review and demonstration to his YouTube Channel, which we are pleased to share. Enjoy!…
The Universal Duplexer is powered by a single, user-replaceable, made-in-the-USA, CR123A lithium cell. We presently power with either an Energizer(NYSE:ENR, St. Louis MO)-brand cell (EL123AP) or a Panasonic-brand cell. The design of the Universal Duplexer is optimized for battery efficiency. First, CMOS switching technology was leveraged to ensure that the idle-mode current draw is less … Read More →
In instances where the pulse input signal is derived from a mechanical contact (eg reed-relay pulse signals from many gas meters), it may be necessary to install a “de-bounce” filter on the pulse-input wires to remove false pulses caused by bouncing and/or arcing contacts. The capacitor value is selected based upon the expected pulse duration. … Read More →
In order to set up an EtherMeter, you will need a computer equipped with a serial port, terminal emulation software (eg HyperTerminal), and a SCADAmetrics Serial/Setup Cable. A convenient way to add a serial port to a notebook or desktop computer is with a USB-Serial Adapter. In my experience, the make/model that provides the best combination of performance … Read More →
The EtherMeter contains an RS485 port for Modbus/RTU and DF1 communications in multi-drop applications. When using the RS485 port, the following EtherMeter terminals are used: 19 – RS485A (-) 20 – RS485B (+) 21 – Signal GND Reference (contains current-limiting resistor) In order to use RS485, attention should be given to the EtherMeter’s dip switch positions: Switch 1 … Read More →
The “E-Coder” is an excellent water meter register, manufactured by Neptune Technology Group, that features an all-digital LCD display activated and powered by an integral solar cell. The register as a whole does not contain a battery, and it is entirely powered by a combination of hydroelectric energy (water passing through the meter) and the solar cell. … Read More →
Over at control.com, a PLC engineer was working to troubleshoot the connection between two PLC’s. Having done this way back when, I decided to post what I think was a pretty nifty solution. (Besides, this could be useful for troubleshooting communications between any two pieces of computer equipment, including an EtherMeter.) In my case, I had both a master … Read More →