Itron Mobile Radio User Guide USER GUIDE knowledge to shape your future
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Itron Mobile Radio User Guide 19 October 2021 815-0410-00 REV 001 Copyright © 2021 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved.salted Confidentiality Notice Confidential Information of Itron®, Inc., provided under nondisclosure obligations.
Contents Table of Contents ContentsTable of Contents 3 Itron Mobile Radio Compliance 5 1 Introduction 9 Feature List 9 Related Documents List 9 2 About Your Itron Mobile Radio 11 Itron Mobile Radio Parts List 12 Daily Operation 14 Charging the Portable IMR Battery 14 Providing Power to the Mobile IMR-FT 14 Turning the Radio On or Off 15 LED Status Indicators 16 Power Indicator LED Table 16 Comm Indicator LED Table 17 5 Communication Ports 18 6 Carrying the Portable Itron Mo
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Contents Installing the Mounting Jacket in the Vehicle 8 28 Installing on a Lap Seat Belt 31 Installing on a Partition or Other Vehicle Structure 31 Installing on a Pedestal 32 Installing the IMR-FT in the Mounting Jacket 32 Removing the IMR-FT from the Mounting Jacket 32 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio 34 Cleaning the Radio Case 34 Installing a Replacement Battery 35 Servicing the IMR-FT Charge Base 36 Removing the IMR-FT Charge Base 36 Replacing t
Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Equipment description Itron Mobile Radio IMR Model: FCC ID: ISED, IC: ISED, HVIN: IMR EO9IMRA 864A-IMRA IMRA IMR 2 EO9IMRB 864A-IMRB IMRB-INT IMR-FT EO9IMRB 864A-IMRB IMRB-EXT IMR 2.1 EO9IMRC N/A N/A IMR-FT 2.1 EO9IMRC N/A N/A IMR 2.2 EO9IMRD 864A-IMRD IMRD-INT IMR-FT 2.2 EO9IMRD 864A-IMRD IMRD-EXT FCC USA intentional radiator compliance statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Itron Mobile Radio Compliance connected. ■ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help. ISED Canada compliance statements Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité Under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Important! Changes or modifications to the device or its antenna not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the device. Transportation classification The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits operating transmitters and receivers on all commercial aircraft.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Development Canada. The highest SAR value for the Itron Mobile Radio, as tested for use when worn on the body as described in the user’s guide, is no higher than 1.56 W/kg for body and 2.67 W/kg for extremities. While there may be differences between the SAR levels of various Itron Mobile Radio models and at various positions, they all meet the government requirements for safe exposure.
1 Introduction This document details the features and functions of the Itron Mobile Radio and provides information relating to its use and maintenance. The Itron Mobile Radio is available in two models: the original handheld, portable Itron Mobile Radio (IMR) with a built-in antenna and the new IMR-FT Field Tools version that is mounted in a vehicle for curbside endpoint reading and field tool operations, respectively. All IMR models share many of the same features and operations.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 1 Introduction ■ Itron Mobile Radio Quick Reference Guide ■ Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement 19 October 2021 815-0410-00 REV 001 10
2 About Your Itron Mobile Radio When you unpack your radio, make sure you have all of the components listed in the following tables. If any are missing, contact Itron Support Services immediately. For the portable IMR, an optional Radio Carrying Kit is available for order separately. The Radio Carrying Kit contains a belt clip and a shoulder harness.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 2 About Your Itron Mobile Radio Itron Mobile Radio Parts List Table 2 The portable Itron Mobile Radio comes with the following items. Itron Mobile Radio with built-in antenna AC power adapter AC wall plug with USB type A port. Communication and charging cable USB cable. Documentation Itron Mobile Radio Quick Reference Guide Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement (Optional) Belt clip and shoulder harness Included if the optional Radio Carrying Kit is ordered.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 2 About Your Itron Mobile Radio Table 3 (continued) Documentation Itron Mobile Radio Quick Reference Guide Itron Mobile Radio Compliance Statement 19 October 2021 815-0410-00 REV 001 13
3 Daily Operation ■ Inspect the radio for broken, loose, or missing parts and fasteners, taking corrective action as required. ■ Ensure that the IMR-FT external whip is securely connected to its mounting base, and the mounting base is securely attached to the vehicle.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 3 Daily Operation The radio remains on and the battery charges as long as power is being supplied by the vehicle. Note: If the radio is connected to the PC over USB and the vehicle power is removed, the PC will power the radio and charge the battery. If the PC is not externally powered this will drain the PC battery over time.
4 LED Status Indicators Two multi-color LED status indicators are located on the top of the radio. These indicators are labeled with a power icon and a communication icon . The color and illumination of the LED lights provide feedback about the Itron Mobile Radio's status. The LED lights have two patterns for displaying different states. ■ Solid. LED is on continuously. ■ Flash. LED turns off and on at a constant interval.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 4 LED Status Indicators Note: When an IMR with a fully discharged battery is connected to power via its USB cable, it may display a white battery error indicator. This is normal behavior while a fully discharged battery is charging to a minimum voltage, at which time it should follow the states shown in the Power indicator LED table.
5 Communication Ports The Itron Mobile Radio has one micro-USB communication port under a protective rubber flap on the side of the radio near the top. Note: The USB cable supplied with the IMR-FT has a down-angle micro-USB connector to facilitate proper cable management with the mounting jacket. Using a cable with a straight or up-angle connector will put unnecessary stress on the radio USB port and may, over time, lead to a poor cable connection.
6 Carrying the Portable Itron Mobile Radio The portable Itron Mobile Radio’s optional shoulder harness and belt clip provide convenient, hands-free ways to carry the radio while installing, reading, and maintaining meters and endpoints. The shoulder harness and belt clip let you wear the radio comfortably while walking or driving. As a safety feature, the clips are designed to break away if the radio snags or becomes caught, releasing the wearer and reducing the likelihood of injury.
7 Installing the IMR-FT Refer to the following procedures for guidance on installing your IMR-FT. ■ Installing the Mobile Vehicle Antenna on page 22 ■ Using the Rubber Duck Antenna on page 25 ■ Power Cable Routing - All Installations on page 27 ■ Installing the Mounting Jacket in the Vehicle on page 28 External Vehicle Antenna Specifications This section provides the specifications for the external vehicle antenna.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Conformity This radio transmitter has been approved by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to operate with the antenna types listed previously with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Figure 3 Permanent Antenna Mount and Cable Figure 4 Magnetic Antenna Mount and Cable Your IMR-FT also comes with the rubber duck antenna specified in the table External Vehicle Antenna Specifications on page 20 and an antenna connector adapter. The rubber duck antenna temporarily replaces the vehicle antenna when it is necessary to carry the IMR-FT away from the vehicle to complete a task.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT 1. Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle on page 23 2. Installing the Permanent Antenna Mount on page 23 3. Installing the Magnetic Antenna Mount on page 25 Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle The antenna remains installed on the vehicle. The manufacturer's instructions, which ship with the antenna components, are summarized in the following procedures.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT 2. Carefully feed the connector and coaxial cable through the hole from the top side and thread it out of the headliner near the IMR-FT mounting location. 3. Insert the rest of the cable and the lower tabs of the mount body through the hole from the top. 4. Center the mount body in the hole. 5. Ensure that the rubber O-ring is pressed into the groove in the brass nut and thread the nut onto the mount body. 6.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Installing the Magnetic Antenna Mount The magnetic antenna mount can be installed temporarily on the metal roof of the vehicle and then removed as desired. 1. Ensure that the gasket is properly set in the antenna base. 2. Pre-assemble the antenna to the magnetic mount by threading the antenna base onto the mount body, making sure not to cross-thread the mount. 3. Continue tightening the antenna base until it seats to the mount. 4.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Note: When the IMR-FT micro-USB cable is disconnected, communication with the host computer running the application software may be interrupted, and application settings may need to be changed to establish a wireless Bluetooth® connection between the host and the IMR-FT. Those settings may need to be changed again when reconnecting in the vehicle via the micro-USB cable.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT antenna. Reinstall and reconnect the IMR-FT in the vehicle. Follow the instructions found in Installing the IMR-FT in the Mounting Jacket on page 32. Note: Antenna connectors should only be finger-tightened. Do not tighten the connectors with a tool. Installing the DC Power Cable The DC power supply cable connects to the vehicle's electrical system so you can easily connect and disconnect power for the IMR-FT.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT so it is not stressed during use. Caution: Do not route the cable where it can become abraded or damaged, such as under the carpet in high traffic areas, over sharp edges, near hot engine components, near brake or clutch linkages, or where it can be exposed to oil or other corrosive liquids.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Figure 1 Mounting Jacket Figure 1 shows the plastic side release buckles and straps, used to secure the IMR-FT within the Mounting Jacket. Inside the Mounting Jacket is the Velcro seatbelt retaining flap, used to secure the Mounting Jacket onto a lap seatbelt. This allows for easy temporary installation of the IMR-FT in the vehicle and easy removal.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Figure 1 shows the back of the Mounting Jacket with the included mounting plate. The back of the Mounting Jacket has four threaded screw holes arranged in the universal AMPS hole pattern. Four screws are also provided with the Mounting Jacket. This allows the Mounting Jacket to be mounted to a compatible vehicle device mount, such as a pedestal, partition, or other vehicle structure.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide ■ Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT Six slots on the sides of the mounting plate allow the plate to be attached to a structure in the vehicle with locking cable ties or other fasteners (not supplied by Itron). Warning! The primary consideration when installing the IMR Mounting Jacket is that the IMR be securely attached to the vehicle. Failure to do so could lead to injury or death from unsecured components during a sudden stop, rollover, or collision.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT 2. Using cable ties, two ¼-inch bolts, or some other secure fasteners, attach the mounting plate to the vehicle partition or other suitable vehicle structure. (Fasteners are not supplied by Itron.) Installing on a Pedestal Attach the Mounting Jacket to a pedestal device mount with the screws supplied by Itron. Torque the screws to 17-19 in. lbs. The pedestal device mount must match the universal AMPS hole pattern used by the Mounting Jacket.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 7 Installing the IMR-FT 3. Disengage the plastic side release buckles on the Mounting Jacket and remove the IMRFT.
8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Your Itron Mobile Radio is rugged and water-resistant. However, you should take the following precautions to ensure that it gives you many years of reliable service. ■ Do not subject the radio to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a vehicle in bright sunlight. For more information, see Battery Best Practices List on page 42. ■ Do not leave it in damp or dusty places. ■ Do not drop your radio or subject it to severe impacts.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio Installing a Replacement Battery 1. Make sure the IMR is powered off and disconnected from other power sources. 2. Remove the battery compartment door. For the IMR-FT you must first remove the charge base. 3. Grasp the battery removal tab and carefully slide the battery out of the IMR body. 4. Unplug the old battery from the connector inside the battery compartment. 5.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio 12V DC vehicle accessory adapter. 11. Allow the radio to charge for at least six hours. Servicing the IMR-FT Charge Base Itron recommends changing the antenna cable connection in the charge base every 500 disconnects. If you take the radio out of the vehicle at the end of each day, you will need to replace the antenna cable connector about every 2.5 years.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio 2. Carefully lift the body of the IMR-FT off the bottom half of the charge base. Replacing the Charge Base Antenna Cable 1. Remove the charge base from the IMR-FT and note the positioning of the antenna cable. 2. Unscrew the small antenna cable connector (1) from the body of the IMR-FT. 3. Unscrew the large antenna cable connector (2) from the bottom half of the charge base.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio ■ Inspecting the Antenna Connectors and Cables on page 38 ■ Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip on page 38 ■ Cleaning the Antenna on page 39 ■ Replacing the Antenna Gasket on page 39 ■ Replacing the Mobile Vehicle Antenna Cable on page 39 Inspecting the Antenna Connectors and Cables The connections and cables to the radio typically experience the most wear. Many customers remove the radio on a daily basis.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio – Missing contact element in the whip. – Loose or damaged coax cable at the antenna base. – Missing or damaged O-ring gasket. 2. Use a good contact cleaner to clean the area if oxidation or corrosion is found. Follow with a good conductive protectant. Contact Itron Support Services if you need assistance.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 8 Maintaining your Itron Mobile Radio 4. Attach the antenna cable to the IMR-FT.
9 Storing Your Radio Your radio can be safely stored for six months or less with simple preparation. Connect the Itron Mobile Radio to external power and allow the battery pack to fully charge. For information about charging status, see LED Status Indicators on page 16. If you are storing the Itron Mobile Radio for an extended period of time, you should let it remain charging or remove its battery. Note: Remove the Itron Mobile Radio’s battery before storing the device for periods longer than six months.
10 Battery Basics The Itron Mobile Radio uses a rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery pack as its main power source whenever it is not receiving power externally. Caution: Do not use any battery other than the Itron-recommended battery. Using another battery could damage the radio. Warning! Danger: Risk of Explosion! There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect battery type. Dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulatory guidelines.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide ■ Chapter 10 Battery Basics Charging is disabled below 32° F (0° C) and above 104° F (40° C) to protect the lithium-ion batteries. – In cold weather, keep the portable IMR inside your outer clothing. A cold battery will not last all day even with full charge. – In hot weather, keep the radio out of direct sunlight. A hot battery's capacity is degraded over time and eventually the battery will not last all day even with a full charge.
11 Safety Your Itron Mobile Radio is ergonomically designed for safe, comfortable use. However, as with all equipment, you should follow good working practices while using it. Minimize risk by following these guidelines. ■ Maintain good posture while using the radio. Keep your fingers and body relaxed whenever possible. ■ Avoid keeping your muscles tense for long periods. Change tasks often to avoid prolonged muscle strain. Support the radio while using it. ■ Take frequent short breaks.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 11 Safety ■ Do not try to use the AC adapter to power any other equipment. ■ Avoid use in dusty, damp, or contaminated environments.
12 Troubleshooting If you have a problem with your radio, review the appropriate troubleshooting steps listed in the following table. If the problem remains unresolved, contact an Itron customer service representative (e-mail: support@itron.com; phone: 1.877.487.6602).
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 12 Troubleshooting Table 7 (continued) Issue Possible Solutions ■ If using Windows 7 or 8, install the Itron Mobile Radio USB drivers for Windows 7 & 8 available for download from https://access.itron.com. ■ Inspect the radio and PC USB ports for damage, dirt, or other contaminants. ■ Inspect the USB cable and connectors for damage, dirt, or other contaminants. ■ Ensure the USB cable is USB 2.0 compliant. Itron recommends using only the supplied cables.
13 Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance Bluetooth communication works best when the communicating devices have an unobstructed view from one device to the other. When possible, remove or reduce obstacles between the radio and the mobile device during Bluetooth communication. Pairing Bluetooth for Itron Mobile for FCS Users Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) pairing is performed by Itron Mobile for FCS installed on your mobile device. Select your radio from the list of radios in Itron Mobile for FCS.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 13 Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance 4. If necessary, click RESCAN until the IMR you are trying to pair with appears in the list of devices. The device name is IMRnnnnnn where n equals the last six digits of the serial number of the device you are trying to pair with. 5. Select your device and click PAIR. A tabbed dialog box for the radio appears. 6. Select the Services tab. 7. Verify that the Serial port is selected. This must be selected for the radio to connect.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 13 Optimizing Bluetooth® Performance If your radio is not listed, click the Refresh button.
14 Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations Equipment Description Table 8 Itron Mobile Radio IMR Model: FCC ID: ISED, IC: ISED, HVIN: IMR EO9IMRA 864A-IMRA IMRA IMR 2 EO9IMRB 864A-IMRB IMRB-INT IMR-FT EO9IMRB 864A-IMRB IMRB-EXT IMR 2.1 EO9IMRC N/A N/A IMR-FT 2.1 EO9IMRC N/A N/A IMR 2.2 EO9IMRD 864A-IMRD IMRD-INT IMR-FT 2.2 EO9IMRD 864A-IMRD IMRD-EXT Itron Mobile Radio Transmitter Information, USA and Canada Transmit frequency MAS, FCC: 952 MHz–959.
Itron Mobile Radio User Guide Chapter 14 Itron Mobile Radio Capabilities and Limitations Bluetooth Manufacturer: Panasonic Model: PAN1326B FCC ID: T7V1316 IC: 216Q-1316 Transmitter class: Class 1 Transmit/receive frequency: 2402 MHz–2480 MHz Maximum transmitter power: 10.5 dBm IMR built-in antenna type: integral, chip Note: The following sections apply only to IMR models sold in the countries indicated.
