User's Manual

DRAFT
TWACS
®
- ORION
®
for CENTRON
®
Meter User Guide 13
Installation and Operation
RF Hardware Installation
This section provides instructions for installing the RF hardware onsite. A
functioning network can be created and its functionality verified before
leaving the site.
Pre-Installation Field Survey
The field survey is used to review the environmental conditions present at any
particular location and lay out the system to maximize performance. DCSI
recommends that you conduct a field survey before performing the actual
hardware installation.
As with all RF devices, certain environmental conditions must be present to
optimize RF communications. Be aware of the factors that affect the radio
transmission between the ORION and the EMTR-2 when performing the
field survey, such as:
• Metal objects
• Thick walls or foliage
• Local radio interference
• Position of the ORION and/or EMTR-2
Factor in all environmental conditions when planning the location of the
meter/EMTR-2 assembly.
N OTE A clear line of sight between the ORION transmitter and receiver is
preferred, but is not always attainable.
The following section discusses the environmental conditions that may affect
RF transmissions between the ORION and EMTR-2.
Environmental Conditions
Optimal RF communication between the ORION and the EMTR-2 is affected
by many environmental conditions. Vehicular traffic, parked vehicles in the
signal path, weather conditions, construction, and even the growth of foliage
may affect or degrade RF communication.
Gradual loss of communication from the ORION (caused by an aging battery
for example) can be detected through system checks by the TWACS Net
Server (TNS) Master Station. Persistent loss of communication may indicate
environmental interference and require a site visit to determine the cause.
N OTE Sites that continue to experience persistent loss of communication may
require a wired solution to ensure reliable operation.