The model evoQ4 is a popular magnetic flow meter manufactured by Honeywell (formerly Elster-AMCO); and it is available in pipe diameters 1.5-12 inch. Like many AWWA-style flow meters, the evoQ4 is available with several remote signaling options, including: Encoded and pulse signaling modules for the evoQ4 are detailed in the following Honeywell documents: HERE (pulse Read More →

The Boone IA Firmware is a customized EtherMeter firmware that was created to provide a simple solution to a customer who desired zoned leak detection.  This EtherMeter version, which is now offered as an option at our eStore, signals an alarm annunciator when higher-than-normal flows are detected from a connected flow meter.  In this project, the Read More →

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 →

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 →

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 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 →

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 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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →