ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for the Trimble® Ranger™ 3 IMPORTANT: This manual contains important information. READ AND KEEP FOR REFERENCE.
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Installation & Operation Manual CONTENTS Introduction....................................................................................................................................5 Audience and Purpose........................................................................................................................................ 5 System Overview.................................................................................................................................................
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Read Screen........................................................................................................................................................ 24 Read Results....................................................................................................................................................... 26 Manual Reads..........................................................................................................
Installation & Operation Manual Introduction The ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for the Trimble® Ranger™ 3 Installation and Operation Manual has two main parts: • Part I: Overall Operations Part I includes basic information to help you understand the overall operation of the Trimble Ranger 3 handheld and the ORION Field Application meter reading software. Part I includes equipment set up and program start up instructions.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Product Unpacking and Inspection Upon opening the shipping container, visually inspect the product and applicable accessories for any physical damage such as scratches, loose or broken parts, or any other sign of damage that may have occurred during shipment. Note: If damage is found, request an inspection by the carrier’s agent within 48 hours of delivery and file a claim with the carrier.
Installation & Operation Manual Glossary TERM DESCRIPTION ADE® The Absolute Digital Encoder (ADE) is a position-based encoder that senses the position of each number wheel to determine the reading for touch and AMR/AMI systems. AMI Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). AMR Automated meter reading (AMR) system that uses radio frequency technology to transmit meter readings between an endpoint and a data collection device.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ TERM DESCRIPTION ORION ME and ORION SE The ORION ME (mobile endpoint) and ORION SE (smart endpoint) are two-way utility management solutions. ORION ME and ORION SE (in mobile mode) endpoints communicate with a mobile transceiver designed to receive signals from and send signals to ORION ME and SE water and gas endpoints. The transceiver has Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology to minimize interference and eliminate FCC licensing.
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ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Trimble Ranger Handheld Overview System Components Handheld in Charging Cradle ORION Antenna Battery Pack Optical Programming Cable Stylus Hand Strap Figure 1: Handheld with Antenna, Charger and Components The Trimble Ranger handheld system components include: • Trimble Ranger 3 handheld with touch screen and custom keypad • ORION Field Application meter reading software, pre-installed • ORION ME/SE Utility, pre-installed • ORION CE Utili
Installation & Operation Manual Handheld Description The Trimble Ranger is a handheld computer designed for fully automated data collection along a route for meters equipped with ORION endpoints. The handheld can also accept manual reads to support utilities as they transition from manual read to AMR technology. The handheld also functions as a programming device for initial setup of endpoints in retrofit installations where matching existing readings is required.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Handheld Setup for Reading Both ORION ME and ORION CE Endpoints To read both ORION ME and CE endpoints, the handheld must be equipped with either an internal ORION ME transceiver or an internal ORION CE receiver. To set up the handheld for reading both ORION ME and ORION CE endpoints, follow these steps. 1. Connect the ORION antenna to the antenna base on the handheld and hand-tighten until snug. 2. Press the green key to power on the handheld.
Installation & Operation Manual Charging the Handheld Battery The handheld should arrive fully charged. However, charging the battery before use is a good practice. The battery pack assembly includes the batteries to power the unit, the power port used to charge the unit and the I/O ports that are used to communicate with other devices using a USB or serial cable. The AC charger that ships with the unit has adapters to fit almost every electrical outlet.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Tips for extending the battery life • Use the backlight only when necessary. Press the Fn + power keys to toggle the backlight on and off. • Tap Start> Settings> System> Backlight to select the amount of time the backlight stays on when the unit is idle. Also, a brighter backlight uses more power than a dim setting. • When working in cold temperatures, keep the unit as warm as possible.
Installation & Operation Manual Handheld Basic Operations The Trimble Ranger handheld is made up of a number of functions that all work together to perform meter reading quickly and easily. Turning the Handheld On (and Off) • To turn on the handheld, press and hold the green power key until you see the Booting message. Release the power key and the handheld boots up in a few seconds.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Using the Touch Screen Note: The manual provides instructions for touch screen navigation and operation of the handheld. Refer to "Quick Keys" on page 59 for keypad shortcuts. Use the stylus to navigate and select objects on the touch screen. Tap the screen with the stylus to select or open an item. Tapping is equivalent to clicking the left mouse button with a computer.
Installation & Operation Manual General Care of the Handheld Use a mild detergent and a clean soft cloth to clean the body of the handheld. Do not use solvents, such as paint thinners. Use only a lint free cloth to clean the infrared port. Do not use detergents or solvents to clean the infrared port or display window. The Trimble Ranger handheld has a wide operating range of –5o F to 140o F; however, it is important to protect the handheld from extreme temperatures.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Program Startup 1. Press the green power key on the keypad to turn on the handheld. 2. At the top left of the Windows main screen, tap Start. Result: If the handheld is in Administrator mode, the Start menu drop-down list displays. If the handheld is in Kiosk mode, skip to step 4. Figure 4: Start Menu 3. Tap Programs. 4. Tap the folder labeled Badger Field Applications.
Installation & Operation Manual 6. Tap ORION Field Application or press the Right key on the keypad to start the application. Result: The Loading Route screen displays briefly and closes automatically (Figure 8). When the Loading Route screen closes, the Copyright screen opens as shown in Figure 9. Note: The first time the software is accessed, the License Agreement screen opens automatically on top of the Copyright screen. Read the software license agreement and tap I Accept.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Copyright Screen The Copyright screen displays the following information. • Program name, software version and copyright information • Device Name (handheld Friendly Name) • Number of routes currently loaded • Number of read and unread meters • Last read date • Trademarks • License information Figure 10: Copyright Screen Changing the Device Name Every Trimble Ranger handheld is assigned a globally unique name (ID).
Installation & Operation Manual Main Menu The Main Menu is the starting point for all meter reading operations. There are four options on the Main Menu to choose from. Figure 11: Main Menu Tap and select an option. Read Route Displays the login screen to begin reading meters. Route Info Displays information about the meters and routes currently loaded into the handheld. Program and Quick Read Displays the program for reading meters when a route is not loaded (e.g.
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Installation & Operation Manual Reading a Route Read Route Login 1. Tap Read Route on the Main Menu. Result: The Pin/User ID Entry login screen displays. 2. Enter a 3 to 5 character personal identification number (PIN) using the keypad. The PIN is user defined and can be your name, your initials, an ID number, etc. Figure 12: Read Route on Main Menu 3. Tap OK or press ENTER on the keypad. Result: If your PIN is not valid, an error message displays: “You MUST enter 3 to 5 characters for your PIN/ID.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Read Screen Navigate to previous account Navigate to next account Predefined display fields 1. Customer name 2. Customer address 3. Type of meter 4. Meter number 5.
Installation & Operation Manual Navigation Prev / Next Moves to the previous or next account. Navigation buttons display at the top of the screen in Manual mode. These buttons do not display in Auto mode. Account Displays a popup menu with options for the selected account (Figure 15). Some of the same options can be accessed using the Hot Keys on the keyboard. Refer to "Hot Keys and Quick Keys" on page 62 for additional information. Menu Displays the Read Menu.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Read Results The ORION Field Application software captures meter readings in one of three ways: • ORION RF read • VersaProbe touch pad read • Manually keyed read When an ORION endpoint sends a reading, several results can occur. • The ORION transceiver/receiver receives the transmission. The handheld stores the reading. If the meter was displayed on the screen, the display will advance to the next customer record.
Installation & Operation Manual Read Menu To access the Read Menu, tap Menu on the Read screen. The Read Menu has several functions. The functions are associated with the account that was last displayed. Scroll to see the entire list of functions. Search Displays the Search Menu to find accounts using various criteria. Manual Read Enters a manual read for the current account. View Hi/Low Shows the current account’s previous read and Low/High threshold read values (if appropriate permissions are set).
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Search There are multiple ways to search for a meter. To find a meter using the account information, use the Search Fields function. Using Search Fields, the account name, address, meter location, meter serial number, meter model, account number and AMR module number can be searched. Search Fields 1. From the Read Menu, tap Search or press SS on the keypad. Result: The Search Menu displays as shown in Figure 18. 2. Tap Search Fields.
Installation & Operation Manual More Search Options Bookmarked Accounts Bookmarking accounts make them easier to find later. To bookmark an account press Fn + B on the keypad while on the account read screen. A bookmark label displays at the top left of the screen (Figure 21). To search bookmarked accounts, follow these steps. 1. Tap Menu on the Reading screen to open the Read Menu. 2. Then tap Search> Bookmarked Accounts to open a search screen. All bookmarked accounts are displayed.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Manual Read Manual Read allows you to edit a meter reading that is already stored on the account which you were viewing prior to choosing the Read Menu option. 1. From the customer account Read screen, tap Menu to open the Read Menu screen. 2. Tap Manual Read. Result: The Manual Entry screen opens for the account. 3. Use the keypad to type the manual read value in the Reading field and tap OK to store the reading.
Installation & Operation Manual Comments The ORION Field Application software has three different ways to send information back to the utility office: Reader Codes, Trouble Codes and Text Messages. 1. From the Read Menu, tap Comments. Result: The Comments Menu displays with three options. See Figure 26. 2. Tap to select Reader Codes, Trouble Codes or Text Messages.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Trouble Codes Use Trouble Codes when urgent attention is required. The process to enter Trouble Codes is similar to Reader Codes, however only one Trouble Code may be attached to an account. 1. Tap Trouble Codes on the Comments Menu. 2. Tap 1. Result: A list of available trouble codes displays. 3. Use the arrow keys to move up and down to highlight the code you want. Then tap Select. 4.
Installation & Operation Manual Edit a Message 1. From an account screen with a text message, tap Menu > Comments > Text Messages. You may also press Fn+N keys on the keypad from an account screen to open the Text Message screen. Note: An account with a text message displays a green check mark next to Text Messages on the Comments Menu as shown in Figure 32. 2. Tap in the Message field to activate it. Drag across the previous message to highlight it. Then use the keypad to edit the message. 3.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Utilities Utilities is part of the Read Menu and it can also be accessed from the Main Menu. The Utilities menu provides access to the settings for the software screens and programs. It also provides information about route progress and battery life. For complete details about the Utilities menu, refer to "Utilities" on page 50. Erase Read 1. Tap Erase Read on the Read Menu.
Installation & Operation Manual Route Info Figure 35: Route Transfer Information Select Route Info from the Main Menu to quickly see the Route Transfer Info screen which includes a summary of route information. The screen includes the following information. Description The description assigned to the route by the reading data management software operator. File Stamp The date and time the route was loaded from the reading data management software.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Program & Quick Read Program & Quick Read is used to perform a number of functions on ORION endpoints and touch modules. Quick Read allows you to read one meter at a time without having meters loaded into the handheld. The handheld gathers the meter reading and displays the results on the screen.
Installation & Operation Manual ORION CE To access the Quick Read and Programming functions for ORION CE endpoints, tap ORION CE on the Program & Quick Read main menu. The ORION CE Utility is divided into five tabs: IR Programming, RF, RF S/N, Settings and About. IR Programming Using the functions on the IR Programming tab, you can start, stop, pause and program ORION CE endpoints.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Programming an ORION CE Endpoint 1. From the Program & Quick Read main menu, tap ORION CE. Refer to "Program & Quick Read" on page 36 if you need help. 2. Use the keypad to log in. 3. Tap the IR Programming tab to access the Program screen. 4. Connect the IR sensor to the nine-pin serial port at the bottom of the handheld. Note: You must perform a Read function before you can perform any other function. 5.
Installation & Operation Manual Setting the Odometer On the Program screen, you can set the odometer. Setting the odometer is performed in two steps: 1. Perform a Read function. 2. Enter the new odometer value. You can perform a Read function to verify that the new reading is now being reported by the endpoint. Note: If the endpoint’s radio is stopped, the odometer value will be stored but the endpoint will remain stopped.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ RF The RF tab on the CE Utility includes the functions to perform quick reads using radio frequency. The RF screen displays up to 50 CE endpoints in range, one endpoint at a time. To display the next CE endpoint, tap Next. S/N Displays an ORION CE endpoint serial number in range. Reading Displays the odometer value (water or gas) or the index value (gas only) for the endpoint.
Installation & Operation Manual Settings The COM (communication) ports for the reading technology are displayed on the Settings tab of the ORION CE Utility. Figure 43: ORION CE COM Settings • IR COM port - connected using the serial port (COM 1) at the bottom of the handheld • RF COM port - built in to the handheld (COM 7) Standard settings are shown above. Adjust the COM ports using the up and down arrows. When the COM ports are adjusted correctly, tap Save.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ ORION ME/SE Utility To access the quick read and programming functions for ORION ME/SE endpoints, tap ORION ME on the Program & Quick Read main menu. The ORION ME is divided into five tabs: IR, RF, Profile, Install and Settings. IR Using the functions on the IR tab, you can start and program ORION ME endpoints. Programming Functions The Program screen includes these functions: S/N Displays the serial number of the ORION ME endpoint.
Installation & Operation Manual Programming an ORION ME Endpoint 1. Tap Program & Quick Read on the Main Menu. Refer to "Program & Quick Read" on page 36 if you need help. 2. Tap to choose ORION ME, then tap Open on the bottom right of the screen. Result: The ORION ME/SE Utility login screen opens. 3. Use the keypad to log in. 4. Tap the IR tab to access the ORION ME programming software. Figure 45: IR Programming Tab 5. Connect the IR cable to the 9-pin serial port on the bottom of the handheld.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Radio Modes for ORION ME/SE Endpoints All ORION endpoints are programmed at the factory to begin sending meter readings when the register senses flow through the meter. As a result, you can install ORION endpoints on meters without having to manually start the endpoint. When water usage has been registered on the meter, the endpoint will send a signal every four (4) seconds.
Installation & Operation Manual RF Wildcard Read The Wildcard Read screen displays a reading for all ORION ME endpoints in range up to 50 readings. S/N Displays the serial number of the ORION ME endpoint. Reading Displays a reading for the corresponding endpoint serial number. Status Displays any potential exception issues such as a tamper (T) or no usage (NU). If no exception is noted, the Status field is blank. RSSI Display the numeric value of the RF signal strength.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ 1. To obtain a reading for a specific endpoint, tap the Single S/N tab as shown in Figure 52. 2. Key the ORION serial number in the S/N field, then tap Start Reading on the lower right of the screen. Result: The screen displays the reading for the serial number entered. 3. Tap Stop Reading on the lower right of the screen to stop the Quick Read.
Installation & Operation Manual Figure 53: Profile Screen - No Data 2. Figure 54: Profile Screen with Data Tap the Save button. Results: The historical data is saved and can be viewed in ReadCenter Analytics. A screen displays to confirm the save. See Figure 55.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Install The purpose of the Install tab is to let the installer know that the endpoint is being heard from at least one gateway and that it will switch over to fixed network mode. It also may be used to troubleshoot. If the endpoint fails to switch to a fixed network, it can be manually assigned to a certain gateway, however, it is always best to let the system decide which gateway the endpoint gets assigned to.
Installation & Operation Manual Settings The COM (communications) Ports for any hardware attached to the handheld are displayed on the Settings screen. The ORION ME transceiver version number is also displayed. Before reading meters for the first time, check the Settings to ensure the correct COM Ports are set for the the hardware connected to the handheld to establish communication with the software. 1. Tap the Settings tab to access the IR and RF COM Ports on the handheld. 2.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Utilities The Utilities Menu can be accessed either from the Main Menu or from the Read Menu by tapping Utilities. The Utilities Menu has three options: Progress, Battery Info and Settings. Progress 1. Tap Progress on the Utilities Menu to see a summary of the number of meters loaded, number of meters read and other information about the routes loaded to the handheld. Figure 61: Utilities Menu 2.
Installation & Operation Manual Settings The third option on the Utilities Menu is Settings. Tap Settings to display the Settings Menu for the handheld. Note: Although the meter reader can change these settings, the next time the unit is loaded with a new route from the reading data management software, it will return to the default settings. If the settings need to be changed permanently, consult the reading data management operator.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Program Options 1. Tap Program Options on the Settings Menu to display the first of three Program Options screens. 2. On the Options 1 of 3 screen, tap in the box next to the option to choose one or more of the settings that tell the handheld how to handle certain operations and conditions. 3. Tap Save to save the settings. 4. To advance to the next screen of Program Options tap 2 of 3.
Installation & Operation Manual High/Low Options Tap High/Low Options on the Settings Menu to display the settings for high or low readings. Advance on High/Low: The next account displays after a high or low reading. Beep on High/Low: An audible alert sounds for a high or low reading. Show High/Low Values: Displays the high and low values on the screen. If the values are set NOT to display by the reading data management software operator, changing the option on this screen will not affect the setting.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Customizations Tap Customizations on the Settings Menu to access the three customization screens. The meter reader has complete control of these three screens. The Customization 1 of 3 screen is used to determine what information is displayed when a bookmark is set or a hot key is used. This aids the meter reader in finding a bookmark in the Search mode. Tap Bookmark Display Using Field or Search Hot Key to display the selection screen.
Installation & Operation Manual PROGRAMMING AN ORION GAS MODULE Gas meters are programmed using ORION ME/SE Utility software. 1. From the Main Menu tap Program & Quick Read. 2. Tap to choose ORION ME, then tap Open. Result: The ORION ME/SE Utility screen opens. Figure 77: Main Menu 3. Tap the IR tab to access the ORION programming software. 4. Connect the IR cable to the 9-pin serial port on the bottom of the handheld. 5. Align the IR cable with the gas endpoint.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Result: The Gas Endpoint Status screen opens. All detected statuses will have a check mark. 7. Tap Drive Circle Info. Figure 81: Endpoint Status 8. Select All, Integral or Remote to narrow down the options. Narrow down the selection further by choosing Units, Resolution and Dials.
Installation & Operation Manual 10. Align the IR cable with the endpoint and tap Program. Result: The Drive Circle screen changes color and the Program button becomes inactive. The gas endpoint is programmed.
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Changing the Drive Circle (Reprogramming) 1. Tap Drive Circle Info on the Gas Endpoint Status screen. Figure 88: Endpoint Status Screen 2. Tap to highlight a different Drive Circle than the one previously programmed. Then tap Select. Result: The Drive Circle information changes and the Program key becomes active. Figure 89: Selection Screen 3. Tap Program. Result: The endpoint has been reprogrammed.
Installation & Operation Manual Clearing Exceptions 1. On the ORION ME/SE Utility screen, tap Clear. Result: A window opens asking if you want to clear exceptions from the endpoint status. 2. Tap Yes to clear any exceptions.
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Installation & Operation Manual Using the Handheld Keypad Figure 93: Trimble Ranger 3 Keypad 1-12 Page 61
ORION® Automated Meter Reading System for Trimble® Ranger™ Hot Keys and Quick Keys The handheld software includes a number of Hot Keys and Quick Keys that provide meter reading shortcuts. Hot Key Press the Fn key then quickly press the alpha key for the function you want to perform. Example: Press Fn + B to bookmark an account. Quick Key Double or single press the alpha key (depending on Settings) for the function you want to perform.
Installation & Operation Manual Technical Support Errors do not normally occur, so it is important to report all occurrences of error windows to Badger Meter Technical Support. Note: Trouble Codes and/or information from any Notes you created in Comments Codes/Messages can be useful when contacting Technical Support.
ADE, ORION, ReadCenter and RTR are registered trademarks of Badger Meter, Inc. Other trademarks appearing in this document are the property of their respective entities. © 2012 Badger Meter, Inc. All rights reserved. Due to continuous research, product improvements and enhancements, Badger Meter reserves the right to change product or system specifications without notice, except to the extent an outstanding contractual obligation exists. Badger Meter | P.O.
