User's Manual

Table Of Contents

16 TWACS

-ORION

for UMT Products User Guide

RF Hardware Installation

Environmental Conditions

Optimal RF communication between the ORION and the EMTR-3 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.

OTE

Sites that continue to experience persistent loss of communication may

require a Badger Meter, Inc. repeater or wired solution to ensure reliable

operation.

The following environmental factors or conditions may affect RF transmission

between the ORION

unit and the EMTR-3 located at the electric meter.

• Metal Objects

Metal objects significantly reduce the strength of the signals reaching the

receiver. Ensure that no metal cladding, cabling, mirrors, water tanks,

refrigerators, pipes, etc. are near the ORION

or EMTR-3. The straight-line

path between both units should be as unobstructed as possible.

OTE

A small, single item, such as a pipe situated half-way between the transmitter

and receiver, is less likely to have any affect on the signal strength than a

larger item(s).

• Thick walls or foliage

Thick walls or foliage between the transmitter and receiver can reduce the

signal strength. Brick, aluminum siding, thick stone walls, and concrete can

impede signal reception.

Avoid dense foliage between the RF units and, when possible, provide a

reserve “growth” clearance to accommodate the growth of foliage on bushes

and trees during spring and summer.

OTE

Radio signals can pass more easily through plasterboard walls, fiberglass, and

wood paneling than the previously listed materials.

• Local radio interference

The close proximity of a cell phone mast, a taxi operator's base station, or

large electrical equipment may provide strong radio interference. The AMR

radio devices should be relocated if these objects of interference are present.