Jim ‘Slim’ Mimlitz, SCADAmetrics
SCADAmetrics® is pleased to introduce the newest member of our DINstrumentation™ series – The Signalizer™!
This new electronic telemetry signal generator for water meters provides a 4-20 milliamp (flow) output and a dry contact pulse (per volume) output! – while still maintaining the meter’s ability to be co-connected to an AMI/AMR endpoint!
In the past, meter owners have traditionally been required to make a weighted buying decision: encoder-type meter?… or milliamp/pulse-type meter? The Signalizer allows you to easily have both with the same meter!
The Signalizer utilizes the popular encoder signal from the water meter to generate both a 4-20mA rate-of-flow signal and a dry-contact pulse-per-volume signal. …And because The Signalizer is outfitted with an integral pass-thru port, it can co-exist with an AMI/AMR system. The pass-thru port is always functional – even if power is removed – ensuring continuous connectivity to the AMR/AMI system!
The Signalizer is compatible with every late-model, encoder-type water meter in North America – including those from Neptune, Sensus, Metron-Farnier, Mueller, Kamstrup1, Badger, Master Meter, RG3, Zenner, Elster-AMCO, McCrometer, and many others!
Feature Highlights –
• 4-20mA Flow-Proportional Output (3KV Isolation).
• Dry-Contact, Volume-Proportional Output (3.75KV Isolation).
• Dry-Contact Alarm Output (3.75KV Isolation).
• Built-In Pass-Thru Port for Co-Connection to AMI/AMR – Works Even If Power Off!
• Compatible with All Late-Model, North American Encoder-Type Water Meters.
(Neptune 6,8,9-digit, Sensus 4,5,6,7,8,9-digit, Elster K-Frame Protocols).
• Works with All Popular Registration Units (Gallons, Cubic Feet, Cubic Meters, Acre Feet).
• No Computer Required! – Setup via DIP Switches Only!
• Removable Terminal Blocks, Simplified Wiring Procedures.
• Mounts on standard 35mm industrial DIN-rail.
• 24VDC-Powered (1.5KV Isolation). Low 1.2W Power Consumption.
• Enclosure and Circuit Board: UL 94-VO recognized materials.
Download Neptune-Centric PDF Datasheet / User Manual Here: TheSignalizer™
Download Multi-Brand PDF Datasheet / User Manual Here: TheSignalizer™
Are you interested in learning how TheSignalizer can help you more closely monitor the flow through your water meters? Give us a call! We’ll be glad to discuss the details!
1The Kamstrup FlowIQ water meter’s encoder update period is 32 seconds, and therefore requires special Signalizer firmware. For use with Kamstrup meters, please specify as such when ordering.
if not enough wires where run to my remote panel to utilize the pass through option can i parallel my input wires onto the connections at the water meter?
thanks for your help.
frank,
JIm
I’m hoping to use your Signalizer on several Sensus Omni+ R2 water meters. These water meters have an encoded output. I need a dry contact or pulse output with a known pulse weight (eg 1 pulse = 10L)
Will the signalizer work on a Sensus Omni+ R2 water meter?
Hi Frank Smerczynski,
No — Parallel connection will not work. You must run the extra wires/cable.
Hello Steve Howard,
Yes! – The Signalizer will work well with the Sensus Omni-R2 water meter.
Please note that the pulse weight from the Signalizer will equal the resolution of the Omni-R2’s encoded output signal, which is programmable in the water meter. For example, a 1.5″ Omni-R2 programmed to maximum resolution (8-digits), when paired with the Signalizer, is capable of producing:
1 pulse per Gallon (USA)
or
1 pulse per 1/10 Cubic Foot (USA)
or
1 pulse per Liter (Canada).
Also, the Signalizer has a user-setting that will enable a lower-speed pulse output mode, where it will decrease the pulse output by a factor of 10:
1 pulse per 10 Gallon (USA)
or
1 pulse per 1 Cubic Foot (USA)
or
1 pulse per 10 Liter (Canada).
Thanks Jim
Unfortunately I’m not too familiar with the Sensus Omni+ R2 water meters.
How can I determine if its programmed for maximum resolution (8-digits) or a lower speed pulse setting?
I have a picture of the spec card attached to the meter but cannot paste it into this correspondence.
thanks
Steve
Jim
Are there any cable length restrictions? I just bought one and will be trying it out on Wednesday this week. The #18 awg 3 conductor TS cabling was already installed. The cable lengths will vary between 50th to 500ft from the water meter to the Signalizer. Then only 10 ft to the pulse input device.
Jim
Are there any cable length restrictions? I just bought one and will be trying it out on Wednesday this week. The #18 awg 3 conductor TS cabling was already installed. The cable lengths will vary between 50th to 500ft from the water meter to the Signalizer. Then only 10 ft to the pulse input device.
Hi Steve,
“Officially”, many water meter manufacturers will say “100 feet max”, and so I usually repeat that figure.
*However* — I have seen some integrators push well beyond this distance — One comes to mind that went 300 feet from meter to instrumentation — but in that and every other instance, they always take care to use a shielded cable with a shield (drain) wire.
The current on the wires is minimal, so 18 AWG is a bit overkill on the thickness. 22 AWG is sufficient — even for long runs.
Here’s an article that I wrote with cable recommendations:
https://scadametrics.com/blog/?p=2228
PS: If there are EMI noise sources nearby — especially VFD’s which are notorious for EMI emissions — shielded cable and grounding is vitally important, even for short cable runs.
Steve,
On the Omni-Plus, you can tell which digits are transmitted to the Signalizer — and hence the resolution — by inspecting the LCD display.
On the PLUS version of the OMNI, the transmitted digits are denoted by overlines.
On the LEGACY version of the OMNI, the transmitted digits are displayed on the screen labeled “AMR”.
On both the PLUS and LEGACY OMNI registers, you can toggle between the various LCD screens by opening and closing the meter lid.
If the LEGACY OMNI is programmed to transmit 8 digits (its maximum possible), then its resolution will be according to the following document:
https://www.scadametrics.com/PDF/How_To_Read_Sensus_ICE_Registers_All.pdf
If the OMNI PLUS is programmed to transmit 8 digits (its maximum possible), then its resolution may be different than the aforementioned document, as this register is somewhat more flexible. Best to probably rely upon the meter’s LCD display.
Also, another way to check is to field check the meter using our model TMD TheMeterDisplay. This device was designed to serve as a remote, wall-mounted permanent display for water meters, but many technicians around the country use the TMD as a sort of test tool for water meters.