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In this article, we introduce a novel method of quantifying pump station energy efficiency. For an automobile, everyone is familiar with Miles-Per-Gallon or MPG. Today, we are going to introduce an equivalent measure of pump station efficiency that every water utility Telemetry/SCADA system should include: GPK. Automobile Efficiency… Have you ever calculated the average gas mileage for your automobile? … Read More →
SCADAmetrics is pleased to report that the EtherMeter has been verified compatible with the new high-resolution, absolute-encoder water meter registers offered by Badger Meter (Milwaukee, WI). Badger’s new register family — the HR-E (High Resolution Encoder) — offers vastly improved resolution over its legacy absolute encoder, the 6-Digit ADE. The High Resolution Encoder is offered in two variations: … Read More →
A new firmware version of the EtherMeter has been created that is tailored to transmit flow metering data over the Iridium Satellite Data Network. Iridium is a constellation of Low-Earth-Orbit satellites capable of receiving data from virtually anywhere in the world. Validation was successfully performed at a Water District in rural North Dakota. Value-added SCADA … Read More →
When totalizing the total accumulated flow through a non-absolute-encoder flow meter, it is generally preferable to interface with a pulse-per-volume signal (eg. 1 pulse per gallon). However, certain flow meters only offer a 4-20mA signal that is proportional to rate-of-flow. Examples include certain Parshall Flume-Type Wastewater Flow Meters, Differential-Pressure Flow Meters, WH Power Meters, and many … Read More →
This article describes how to use an EtherMeter to connect a Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge to a SCADA System, yielding a realtime rainfall measurement system that communicates using Modbus, DF1, and EtherNet/IP. This rain measuring instrumentation was a component of the new SCADA System at the DesMoines & Mississippi Levee District (Alexandria, MO). The electronics were … 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 →
[2022 Edit: The technology in this article has been deprecated, due to our introduction of the Model EMP Signalizer™ and Model APK (and APK.PLUS) Analog Pulse Kit, which supplant the need for the equipment and techniques described in this article.] In most cases, EtherMeter users will collect flow rate data via the device’s digital Ethernet … Read More →
In addition to its ability to read most encoder-type flow meters, the EtherMeter also features pulse-input support. The following Application Note details the procedures for connecting a Sensus High-Speed Pickup (Pulse) Register to an EtherMeter; and it also describes an example of modified Setup Menu parameters for the High-Speed Pickup: https://scadametrics.com/PDF/App_Note_014.pdf Note that the Sensus … Read More →
A new application note has been posted to scadametrics.com that describes how to set up one of the EtherMeter’s analog input channels to collect temperature data from a thermistor: https://scadametrics.com/PDF/App_Note_011.pdf This type of application could be particularly useful in building automation and industrial control applications where full use of the EtherMeter’s auxiliary I/O channels could … Read More →
Recently, an interesting project was completed at the water custody-transfer point between Williamsville (IL) and Springfield (IL), where Williamsville purchases bulk water from Springfield and transmits it through a system of water towers, pumping stations, and distribution mains. In the scope of this project, Williamsville installed EtherMeters into their existing distribution SCADA system for the purpose of automated report … 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: Latest EtherMeter: … 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 →
The Preciseline Pressure Transducer (manufactured by Keller-America ), like our EtherMeter, offers a digital Modbus-based solution to a water telemetry problem that was previously solved by analog (4-20mA) instrumentation. In the case of the Preciseline, the water pressure signal is converted into Modbus; whereas in the case of our EtherMeter, error-free totalization and flow-rate data is collected … Read More →
The EtherMeter is the only known device that can calculate, transmit, and display rate-of-flow and totalization from all the major encoder-based water meters. And this fact can come in handy for a multitude of applications. For example, there are often occasions where bulk water users wish to visually monitor flow rate through a variable speed pump or … Read More →
A new application note has been posted to the support page of scadametrics.com. The note documents the procedures for programming a Sensus “ICE” register (index) for maximum metering resolution and EtherMeter compatibility. Maximized resolution improves the connected SCADA system’s ability to monitor realtime flow-rate and totalization from both water and gas meters. While it is preferable (and simpler) for the customer to … Read More →
In response to customer requests, pulse-based batching capability has been added to the EtherMeter. This new ability will be included on all future EtherMeter shipments dated 01 Feb 2010 and beyond. In most municipal water applications in which a pulse-based water meter is used, the pulse count is generally preferred to totalize without reset. However, … Read More →
A new application note has been published to scadametrics.com that details the steps required to connect an EtherMeter and a popular Koyo PLC using MODBUS/TCP. … Read More →
The EtherMeter can be used to enable a SCADA system to collect both water and gas meter totalization and instantaneous flow-rate — even simultaneously. An interesting application is the use of a single EtherMeter connected to an encoder-based water meter plus an encoder-based gas meter. In the example illustrated below, a Sensus SR-II water meter and a Sensus R-275 temperature-compensated … Read More →
At times, it’s necessary to splice a meter’s integral signal cable with an extension cable to increase the overall cable length. This article contains recommendations for both splice hardware and extension cable. … Read More →
The evoQ4 MagMeter by Elster-AMCO Water offers three (3) SCADA signal types: Elster Protocol, Sensus Protocol, and Pulse Output. The EtherMeter is capable of interfacing with each of these methods. … Read More →
The EtherMeter is compatible with the ScanCoder water meter register by Elster-AMCO Water (ABB-Kent). This article details the steps required to connect the two. … Read More →
A new white paper has been posted to scadametrics.com. In this paper, methods are described for connecting a combination of water and gas meters to an automation network. Because Itron/Actaris offers encoder-type signaling, in the form of the “Cyble-Coder” technology — in both their water and gas meters — the Itron/Actaris models are emphasized in this article. Click … Read More →
When connecting a Sensus Omni Meter (T2, C2, R2, or F2) to an EtherMeter, it is important to connect to the proper Omni cable. A potential point of confusion is that the Omni meter features two identical, integrated cables. In order to clarify the wiring, an application note (Application Note #6) has been published on scadametrics.com with wiring … 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 →
Welcome to the SCADAmetrics Blog… the home of informal news and discussion pertaining to SCADAmetrics’ products and their use. This section of the website is new, so keep checking back in, as I hope to keep it updated with fresh and useful information.