Mobile Collection Hardware System Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide xx xx ITRON INSTALLATION GUIDE 16 February 2021 815-0207-00 REV 001 Itron, Inc.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 16 February 2021 815-0207-00 REV 001 Copyright © 2021 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved. Confidentiality Notice Confidential Information of Itron®, Inc., provided under nondisclosure obligations. The information contained herein is proprietary and confidential and is being provided subject to the condition that (i) it be held in confidence except to the extent required otherwise by law and (ii) it will be used only for the purposes described herein.
Contents Ve h ci e l Pre p a ra o ti n a n d Ha d r wa re In s ta la o ti n Gu d i e 1 Co n te n ts 3 1 2 Before You Begin 5 Important Safety and Compliance Information 5 New in this Revision 8 New Information 8 Documentation Conventions 8 Vehicle Preparation 10 Tools and Materials Needed 10 Vehicle Preparation Tasks 10 Power Supply Cable Installation 11 Installing the Power Supply Cable Installing the Integrated Antenna 3 12 Antenna Mounting Base Installation 13 Antenna and Ant
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide Table of Contents Antenna Base and Whip Inspection Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip 43 Cleaning the Antenna 43 Antenna Gasket Replacement 44 Replacing the Antenna Gasket 16 February 2021 42 815-0207-00 REV 001 44 Itron, Inc.
1 Before You Begin Mobile meter readers should use this document to install and operate the MC3 and MC4 family of Mobile Collection hardware systems. This family includes the Mobile Collector radio models MC4Max, MC4Pro, MC4Core, MC3 and MC3Lite. For detailed information on the system, its components, and system administration and maintenance, see the Mobile Collection Administration Guide.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 1 Before You Begin ■ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. ■ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help. Modifications and Repairs To ensure system performance, this device and antenna shall not be changed or modified without the express approval of Itron.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 1 Before You Begin Electromagnetic Compatibility Caution: Use only approved accessories with this equipment. All cables must be high quality, shielded, correctly terminated, and normally restricted to 2 meters in length. Unapproved modifications or operation beyond or in conflict with these use instructions may void the authority's authorization to operate the equipment.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 915 MHz Mobile Antenna 1 Before You Begin Mobile Antenna Mount with GPS Antenna 915 MHz Side-Looker Antenna (MC4Max, MC4Pro, and MC3 only) Specification Itron part number MSE-0122-002 CBA-0334-001 or CBA0335-001 SUB-0275-001 Frequency range 908-958 MHz 1574-1576 MHz 902-928 MHz Maximum gain 5 dBi 3 dBi 9.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 1 Before You Begin Caution: This type of note warns the user that failure to heed the information in the note could result in loss of data. Be sure to carefully read a Caution note and heed the advice/instructions. Warning! This type of note is used to warn of potential physical harm to the user or hardware. It is critical that you pay strict attention to Warning notes, read the information carefully, and heed the advice, instructions.
2 Vehicle Preparation When you use a vehicle with Mobile Collection, there are specific changes to the vehicle that are required to accommodate the antenna and power. This section provides information on how to perform those changes. Warning! The following procedures must be performed by a qualified professional installer with the appropriate tools, knowledge, and experience to ensure safe installation in accordance with these instructions and all applicable safety standards.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 2 Vehicle Preparation Collector to the other end. The following shows the unterminated end of the power supply cable. ID Component 1 White wire 2 Black wire 3 Green wire Installing the Power Supply Cable 1. Select a location in the vehicle for the connector end of the cable so that it reaches the cable that connects to the Mobile Collector. An extension cable is available from Itron, if needed. 2.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide Task 1 2 Vehicle Preparation Action See... Select a location of the antenna on the vehicle. Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle on page 12 2 Install the antenna mounting base. Antenna Mounting Base Installation on page 13 3 Connect the antenna to the mounting base.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 2 Vehicle Preparation Antenna Mounting Base Installation The following diagram shows the parts of the integrated antenna base. ID Component 1 Mounting stud 2 Locating tab 3 Washer 4 Hex nut Installing the RF Antenna Cable and Mounting Base 1. At your selected location, cut a 0.75 (3/4) inch hole in the mounting surface for the mounting stud to pass through. 2. Cut a 0.218 (7/32) inch hole that is 0.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 2 Vehicle Preparation 8. Tighten the hex nut until the gasket on the base of the antenna compresses to 50% of its original thickness. 9. Complete cable routing in the vehicle and secure the cables. 10. See Antenna and Antenna Mounting Base Connection on page 14. Antenna and Antenna Mounting Base Connection Now you must connect the antenna to the antenna mounting base. Connecting the Antenna to the Antenna Mounting Base 1.
3 Mobile Collection Component Installation The MC3 and MC4 families of Mobile Collectors are two versions of the Mobile Collection system for electric, gas, water, and other providers. They offer advanced radio technology for unsurpassed performance, along with a sophisticated mapping application utilizing GPS technology that provides a visual indication of endpoint location. This section provides directions on installing the components of the Mobile Collection system.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Itron-tested shipping box and use it to safely return the radio unit to Itron in case of future maintenance or repair needs. The following items are included in the shipping box. ■ Mobile Collector radio: Includes a mounting harness and straps for installing the system in your vehicle.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide Task 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Action See... 1 Install the junction box on the vehicle dock Junction Box on page 18 2 Ensure that the sled is installed correctly. Mobile Collector Sled on page 17 3 Mount the Mobile Collector radio on the seat back.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ID Item 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Description 1 Mobile Collector sled Attaches to the vehicle passenger seat with the seat belt. 2 Mobile Collection vehicle dock Attaches to the Mobile Collection computer and provides a secure base for the computer while in the vehicle. 3 Junction box Provides power to the various Mobile Collection components. Attach the junction box prior to first use.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation place. 4. Slide one end of the junction box into position over the bracket that is still attached. Be sure to orient the junction box according to the label on the sled or pedestal. The bracket fits into the recessed edge on the junction box. 5. Insert the other bracket (the one you removed) into the junction box, making sure that both screw holes are visible through the bracket. 6.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Computer Dock Description FZ-G1 Tablet Dock The FZ-G1 (10”) tablet dock comes with a tilt-swivel base that allows you to position the tablet for viewing when not driving. It comes pre-attached to the sled. For more information, see Tilting and Swiveling the Dock on page 25. The FZ-G1 tablet may be used with any Mobile Collection system.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation and Swiveling the Dock on page 25. The CF-33 laptop may be used with any Mobile Collection system. ID Description 1 Barrel lock 2 Latch handle 3 Latch hook 4 Docking connector and ground pins Attaching a Tablet to the Vehicle Dock 1. Ensure the dock is unlatched by pulling the latch handle down. 2. Holding the tablet in landscape position, angle the bottom of the tablet towards the dock's connectors.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation 3. Gently push the tablet into the dock's connector and ground pins. Slowly lower the tablet to the dock ensuring that the tablet's connectors and the dock's connectors are aligned. 4. Once seated, pull the latch handle up until it snaps in place over the front of the tablet. Note: The latch handle moves the latch hook into place over the front of the tablet. 5.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation 6. Best practice is to now lock the tablet in place. See Locking and Unlocking the Dock on page 24. Attaching a Laptop to the Vehicle Dock 1. Ensure the dock is unlatched by observing that the latch button on the front of the dock is recessed. 2. Holding the laptop at the top, angle the front edge of the laptop into the dock toward the latch button. 3.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation 4. Gently push the back of the laptop down onto the dock until the latch hooks snap into place over the rear of the laptop. 5. When the latch hooks are engaged the latch button on the front of the dock will move into the latched position. 6. Best practice is to now lock the laptop in place. See Locking and Unlocking the Dock on page 24.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation 2. Unlock the dock by inserting the dock key into the dock lock and turning it counterclockwise until the lock is in the unlocked position. Tilting and Swiveling the Dock The tilt and swivel mechanisms operate the similarly on tablet and laptop docks. A tablet dock is shown below as an example. 16 February 2021 815-0207-00 REV 001 Itron, Inc.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Tilt ■ Rotate the tilt handle towards the bottom end of the sled to loosen the tablet dock. ■ Tilt the tablet dock to the desired position. Rotate the tilt handle towards the top end of the sled to tighten the tablet dock in the desired position. Swivel When the sled and tablet dock are in a vehicle, the tablet dock can only swivel towards the driver, up to 90 degrees.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ■ 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Grasp the tablet dock with both hands. Firmly rotate the dock towards the driver until you reach the desired position. To prevent the tablet dock from moving during its use, the swivel mechanism is tight, thus it may be hard to swivel.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation seat, as shown below. Mounting the Mobile Collector Radio on a Bucket Seat 1. Position the harnessed Mobile Collector radio so that the unit's connectors and handle face towards the passenger-side door when mounted to either the front or the back of the passenger seat. 2.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Vehicle Sled Parts The following example illustration shows an MC4Core radio and sled components installed in a vehicle. Other Mobile Collection system installations would be similar. ID Item Description 1 Mobile Collector radio Contains components necessary for collecting mobile reads, such as the processors, receivers, and GPS equipment.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ID 1 Connector GPS LED indicator 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Description An LED that indicates the status of the GPS antenna. ■ A lit LED indicates that the GPS antenna is operating properly. ■ An unlit LED indicates that the GPS antenna is not operating properly and should be serviced. For more information, see Connecting the GPS and Data Cables on page 38.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ID 1 Connector GPS LED indicator 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Description An LED that indicates the status of the GPS antenna. ■ A lit LED indicates that the GPS antenna is operating properly. ■ An unlit LED indicates that the GPS antenna is not operating properly and should be serviced. For more information, see Connecting the GPS and Data Cables on page 38.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ID 1 Connection (Label) Power in to Mobile Collector radio 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Description Power receptacle on Mobile Collector radio. (POWER IN) 2 Auxiliary outlet Mobile Collection no longer uses the auxiliary outlet. (AUX) 3 Power out to Mobile Collector radio Connection from junction box to Mobile Collector radio. (RF UNIT) 16 February 2021 815-0207-00 REV 001 Itron, Inc.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ID 4 Connection (Label) Power in from vehicle 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Description Power source input from the vehicle's battery. This connection is hard-wired to the vehicle battery. (POWER IN) 5 Power out to the dock (LAPTOP DOCK) Connection from junction box to the vehicle dock.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ■ 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation If needed, plug the red and blue end of the cable into the LAPTOP DOCK receptacle on the junction box. Tip: To remove the cable, pull the silver tab on the power cable back. Twist the connector so the silver tab lines up with the labeling on the junction box and release the tab to unlock it. Then gently pull back on the connector to remove it. Connecting Power to the Mobile Collector Radio 1.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Tip: To remove the cable, pull the silver tab on the power cable back. Twist the connector so the silver tab lines up with the labeling on the junction box, and release the tab to unlock it. Then gently pull back on the connector to remove it. 2. Plug the other end into the power in receptacle on the radio.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Connecting Side-Looker Antennas to the MC4Max, MC4Pro, or MC3 The MC4Max, MC4Pro, and MC3 radios support an additional set of antennas placed on top of the vehicle. These side-looker antennas help to gather additional reads from endpoints that can be read from either side of the vehicle at longer distances.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation 2. Route the antenna cables into the vehicle, taking care not to pinch or damage them. Warning! When installing the antenna, take care to arrange all cables so they will not be accidentally snagged, disconnected, or damaged by users during day-today operations. 3. On the MC4Max, MC4Pro, or MC3 radio, inside the vehicle, remove the caps to expose the side-looker antenna ports, identified by R and L. 4.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation inputs on the radio. Connecting the GPS and Data Cables GPS and meter data is received and transferred between the Mobile Collector radio and the Mobile Collection computer through a USB cable connecting the vehicle dock to the radio.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide ID Connection 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Description (Label) 1 RF radio antenna RF radio antenna connection on Mobile Collector radio. Receives endpoint signals. (MAIN ANTENNA) 2 GPS antenna (GPS) 3 USB data cable (USB) 4 USB data cable ( ) GPS antenna connection to Mobile Collector radio. Receives GPS signal for vehicle location and tracking. USB data output from Mobile Collector radio.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation 2. Plug the round end of the USB cable connector into the USB-labeled receptacle on the Mobile Collector radio. Connecting the GPS Antenna Cable Attach the GPS antenna cable from the roof antenna to the connector on the Mobile Collector radio labeled GPS. Note: When powered on, the LED indicator is lit to indicate that the GPS antenna is functioning properly.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide Task 3 Mobile Collection Component Installation Action See... cables in the vehicle for the next installation of the system Removing the Mobile Collection Computer from the Vehicle Dock 1. In the Mobile Interface application, stop processing reads, complete and export all routes, and shut down all open applications. Consult your application software documentation. 2. Shut down the Mobile Collection computer by selecting Start > Shut Down. 3.
4 Mobile Collector System Maintenance Regularly perform these basic maintenance procedures to ensure optimal performance of your Mobile Collection hardware system. ■ Inspecting Antenna Connectors and Cables on page 42 ■ Antenna Base and Whip Inspection on page 42 ■ Cleaning the Antenna on page 43 ■ Antenna Gasket Replacement on page 44 Inspecting Antenna Connectors and Cables The connections and cables to the radio typically experience the most wear.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 4 Mobile Collector System Maintenance appearance. The appearance of darker areas or spots indicates a more severe condition which may lead to corrosion. Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip 1. Create a maintenance schedule and look for the following. – Oxidation, corrosion, and dirt on the antenna base. – Oxidation, corrosion, and dirt in or on the whip. – Missing or damaged contact element in the whip.
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide 4 Mobile Collector System Maintenance Antenna Gasket Replacement Inspect the gasket regularly to verify that it is intact, free from debris, and properly seals the antenna and base. To maintain the integrity and performance of the antenna, Itron recommends that you replace the gasket located in the antenna base minimally once a year.
