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Neptune MTX950 User Manual

Mobile drive-by data collector
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FCC Part 101 Certification
Test Report
FCC ID: P2SMTX950
FCC Rule Part: 101
ACS Report Number: 05-0025-101
Manufacturer: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.
Equipment Type: Mobile Drive-by Data Collector
Model: MTX950
Manual
5015 B.U. Bowman Drive Buford, GA 30518 USA Voice: 770-831-8048 Fax: 770-831-8598

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Summary of Contents for Neptune MTX950

  • Page 1 FCC Part 101 Certification Test Report FCC ID: P2SMTX950 FCC Rule Part: 101 ACS Report Number: 05-0025-101 Manufacturer: Neptune Technology Group, Inc. Equipment Type: Mobile Drive-by Data Collector Model: MTX950 Manual 5015 B.U. Bowman Drive Buford, GA 30518 USA Voice: 770-831-8048 Fax: 770-831-8598...
  • Page 2 MRX920 /MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 3 This manual is an unpublished work and contains the trade secrets and confidential infor- mation of Neptune Technology Group Inc., which are not to be divulged to third parties and may not be reproduced or transmitted in whole or part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical for any purpose, without the express written permission of Nep- tune Technology Group Inc.
  • Page 4 67 cm is maintained from the general population." MRX920 User’s Manual Neptune Technology Group Inc. Literature No. UM MRX920/MTX 02.05 1600 Alabama Highway 229 Part No. 12508-002...
  • Page 5 Notes:...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Viewing MIU Details ..........2-12 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 7 Volume ............. . . 3-13 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 8 Removing the USB Flash Drive ..........4-23 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 9 Correcting the Import Error ..........C-6 Specifications Keyboard viii MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 10 Contents Troubleshooting Glossary Index MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 11 Contents MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 12 ........4-15 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 13 ..........C-5 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 14 Troubleshooting Table ......... . C-1 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 15 Tables Notes: MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 16 ΤΜ The MRX920 unit is a rugged, com- pact, portable, easy-to-use, meter-read- ing unit for Neptune Radio Frequency (RF) equipped water meters. It can be securely placed in the passenger seat of any vehicle using a standard seat belt and can be powered by the vehicle power supply receptacle.

  • Page 17: Introduction

    R900 Meter Interface Units (MIUs). When complete, the meter readers return the USB flash drives so the meter readings can be uploaded to the MTX950 host software. The host software transfers the customer information to the billing computer to generate customer bills.

  • Page 18: About This Manual

    The MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual describes the system and its features. The manual also provides procedures on how to use the MRX920 unit from setting up the unit and using its MTX950 soft- ware, to exiting and closing the unit. This manual contains the following chapters:...

  • Page 19: Conventions Used In This Manual

    Refers to pressing the keys at the same time. Example: Product Support within North America Neptune offers various methods to obtain high-quality, responsive technical support. However, before contacting Neptune, it is important that you know the version number of the software that your MRX920 unit uses.

  • Page 20: Contacting Technical Support

    Introduction Contacting Technical Support Within North America, Neptune technical support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time by telephone, email, or fax. To contact technical support by phone, call 1 (800) 647-4832. You will be directed to the appropriate team of specialists. These spe- cialists are dedicated to you until the issue is resolved to your sat- isfaction.
  • Page 21 1 (334) 283-7497. Please include on the fax cover sheet the best time of day for a support specialist to contact you. To contact technical support by e-mail, send your letter to the fol- lowing address: hhsupp@neptunetg.com MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 22: Mrx920 Overview

    MRX920 Overview The MRX920 unit is a portable, mobile data collection device. It is used in conjunction with internal MTX950 software and host software to conduct automatic meter reading. The data collected is then communicated to the utility’s billing system.

  • Page 23: The Laptop

    The laptop computer on the MRX920 unit, as shown in Figure 2.2, is part of the overall MRX920 data collector. It communicates with the receiver through a serial link using the software, which decodes and records the collected readings by the receiver. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 24 It checks meter reading completeness against route files that are downloaded from the host software. About one second after a reading is received, the message area and progress bar update the reading status of the route. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 25: Usb Port

    You can use either slot for meter reading, but do not use both USB ports at the same time. Neptune recommends that you use only the USB port located on the top plate of the MRX920 laptop for meter reading.

  • Page 26: Navigation

    Always use the stylus provided with the laptop to touch the display. Substituting a hard or sharp item can damage the display. Figure 2.4 Navigating Within the Software For example, Figure 2.4 shows the Route Import screen with a route highlighted. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 27: Software

    The file transfer between the host software and the MRX920 is through the USB flash drive that store routes and accounts. The file transfer between the host software and the utility company billing system is in a file format specific to Neptune’s software application. MRX920 Display Information about the screen display for MRX920 unit is contained in “Laptop Specifications,”...
  • Page 28 Captured Reads Screen opens a dialog that provides the user with various details about the selected account, including the meter number, the type of MIU, the collection method, the account name, coded notes, or skip codes MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 29: Reading Indicator

    Once you begin reading meters, the Read Route button changes to the Pause Route button. Selecting this button temporarily stops the reading process, and the Reading indicator no longer displays the pulsing arrow. When reactivated, the MRX920 resumes reading. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 30: Message Area And Progress Bar

    • A meter reading and loading indicator area with a graphic progress bar and pulsing reading indicator. • A message and information display area. • An active function icon or reading indicator. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 31: Route Selection Screen

    The screen includes the Reading indicator, an information area with a list of routes, and a selection box that allows you to turn the beeper on or off. Reading Indicator Progress Bars Message Area Information Area Figure 2.5 Route Selection Screen 2-10 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 32: Route Display Screens

    The Missed Reads screen also has a graphical progress bar that shows the percentage of the route that has been successfully read. Message Areas Graphic Progress Bar Figure 2.6 Missed Reads and Captured Reads Screens MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 2-11...

  • Page 33: Viewing Miu Details

    Use the following procedure to access more detailed information on a specific MIU. Select the specific MIU by touching the screen with the stylus or by using the or the keys. Press the MIU Details button. 2-12 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 34: Mrx920 Unit

    Radio Frequency (RF) Front End The RF front end module receives the 910 - 920 MHz receiving band from the antenna through the duplexer. The duplexer functions as a translator, ensuring that the receiving band is MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 2-13...

  • Page 35: Digital Multi-Channel Receiver (Dmr)

    PC104 board. It receives the messages obtained from the band by the DMR module through the PC104 (ISA) bus. It then extracts the data and uses an RS-232 serial link to transfer it to the laptop computer. 2-14 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 36: Power Supply

    While the antenna is designed to stay in place at speeds of up to 70 m.p.h., Neptune recommends operating the MRX920 at speeds not to exceed the legal limits. For optimal performance, the MRX920 should not be operated at speeds greater than 30 m.p.h.
  • Page 37 MRX920 Overview Notes 2-16 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 38: Setting Up The Mrx920 Unit

    Neptune recommends that you insert the USB flash drive into the laptop after you place the unit in the vehicle. Placing the MRX920 Unit in the Vehicle Follow this procedure to set up the MRX920 unit in the vehicle passenger seat.
  • Page 39 Figure 3.1 Removing the Safety Latch Repeat Step 2 to remove the safety pin from the second seatbelt retention loop. Guide the seat belt through the seat belt retention loops, as shown in Figure 3.2. Figure 3.2 Placing Seatbelt in Retention Loop MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 40 Figure 3.3. Safety Pin Figure 3.3 Replacing the Safety Pin Adjust the seat belt so that the unit is secure in the passenger’s seat. To further secure the unit, slide it against the back of the seat. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 41: Opening Carrying Case Cover

    The latch releases from the catch on the carrying case top. Latches Figure 3.4 Latches on MRX920 Carrying Case Repeat step 1 for the other latch. Open the cover until it locks in place. (See Figure 3.5.) MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 42: Plugging In The Power Cable

    Plugging in the Power Cable Follow this procedure to connect the vehicle power supply power cable to the MRX920 unit and plug it into the vehicle power supply receptacle. Start the vehicle. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 43: Vehicle Power Supply Power Cable

    Figure 3.6 Vehicle Power Supply Power Cable Plug the other end of the power cable into the vehicle power supply receptacle as illustrated in Figure 3.7. Vehicle Power Sup- ply Receptacle Figure 3.7 Vehicle Power Supply Power Cable Inserted In Car MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 44: Installing The Antenna

    Place the magnetic base of the antenna in the center of the roof approximately one foot behind the leading edge of the roof. Antenna Base Figure 3.8 Antenna Installation MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 45 Other vehicles do not always have enough clearance (especially vehicles with rain gutters). Running the cable through a rear door can be an option. You can also run the cable through a window. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 46: Inserting The Usb Flash Drive

    Remove the cover from the USB flash drive. Remove the dust cover from the USB port. Neptune recommends that you use only the USB port located on the top plate of the MRX920 laptop for meter reading. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 47: Turning The Unit On

    Follow this procedure to turn on the MRX920 laptop and start the MTX950 software. With the laptop computer facing you, open the display. Raise the display to a comfortable viewing position with the keyboard accessible to you. 3-10 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 48 Ctrl + Alt + Delete (Figure 3.11) for at least 10 seconds. Release the buttons to restart the computer. For additional information on MRX920 self-diagnostics or keyboard, see • “Performing Diagnostics.” on page C-3. • “Using the Keyboard.” on page B-1 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 3-11...

  • Page 49: Starting The Software

    The XGA display is easy to read in vehicles. However, to increase or decrease the brightness of the display, perform one of the following actions. • Press to decrease LCD brightness. • Press to increase LCD brightness. 3-12 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 50: Volume

    Adjusting the volume using the function keys produces only a slight change with each press. It may take several presses to increase or decrease the volume to the level that you want. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 3-13...
  • Page 51 Setting Up the MRX920 Unit Notes: 3-14 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 52: Reading Meters

    The MRX920 unit reads and stores readings regardless of the order of the routes displayed. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 53 You DO NOT need to look at the screen on the MRX920 unit while you are driving. The MRX920 unit automatically receives and stores any readings within range for any MIU IDs that are loaded on the laptop. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 54: Beeper Settings

    Beeper Settings A beeper is available in the MRX920 unit to emit a beep tone for every account that is read and stored in the MTX950 software. This helps to monitor the meter reading without having to look at the laptop display. This also offers a safe way to monitor reading progress while driving a route.
  • Page 55 Using the MRX920 Unit Beeper check box Figure 4.2 Use Beeper Field Select the box using the stylus. A check in the box indicates the beeper is on. An empty box indicates the beeper is off. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 56: Selecting Routes

    Highlight the route to be viewed. Select the Missed Reads tab to display the Missed Reads screen. All accounts that are unread or missed during the reading process are displayed on the Missed Reads screen as shown in Figure 4.4. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 57: Missed Reads Screen

    If necessary, select another address for your starting point. To get detailed information on an account, select that account and press the MIU Details button. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 58: Detail Settings

    Account details consist of the following: • Parent Route • Account Number • Meter Number • Account Address • Account Name • Collection Method • MIU-ID • MIU Type • Channel • Wakeup Tone MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 59: Viewing Account Detail

    Follow this procedure to view account details for selected accounts. From the Route Selection screen, highlight the route containing the account you want to view, as shown in Figure 4.6. Figure 4.6 Route Selection Screen with Route Highlighted MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 60 Figure 4.7 Captured Read Screen with Account Highlighted Highlight the specific account. Press the MIU Details button. The MIU Details dialog appears with the details of the selected account. See Figure 4.5. To close the MIU Details dialog, select OK. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 61: Collecting Readings

    USB flash drive automatically load into the software. Highlight the route where you begin reading. The Route Selection screen automatically appears. Click the route you want to see on the Missed Reads and Captured Reads screens. 4-10 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 62: Reading A Route

    While the antenna is designed to stay in place at speeds of up to 70 m.p.h., Neptune recommends operating the MRX920 at speeds not to exceed the legal limits. For optimal performance, the MRX920 should not be operated at speeds greater than 30 m.p.h.
  • Page 63 The Reading indicator on the software screen pulses as you continue driving each route until all of the routes have been read. When reading is completed, check the Missed Reads screen to see if there are any missed accounts. 4-12 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 64: Navigation On The Route Display Screen

    Follow this procedure to select routes to display route reading progress and route detail. You can perform this procedure whether or not routes are actively being read. Press the Route Selection tab to access the Route Selection MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 4-13...

  • Page 65: Route Selection Screen

    The top graphical progress bar displays the percentage of the route that is complete. Select the Missed Reads or Captured Reads screen. (See Figure 4.11) Both screens display the individual accounts within the selected route. The message area at the top of the screen 4-14 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 66: Identifying Missed Accounts

    100%. To view the missed accounts: From the Route Selection screen, highlight the route containing the missed reads. Press the Missed Reads tab to display the Missed Reads screen. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 4-15...

  • Page 67: Viewing Account Details

    There is always the reading code, and either a trouble code or a skip code. Entering a Trouble Code To enter a trouble code, complete the following steps. On the MIU Details screen, tab to the Coded Notes field. Choose one of the following options: 4-16 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 68: Moving From One Account To The Next

    Before completing readings for the addresses in a route, you can move between accounts to select the account to display. Touch the screen with the stylus to select the desired account. Press to move backward through the route or move forward through the route. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 4-17...

  • Page 69: Displaying Account Detail

    The collection method on the Account Detail screen is unlicensed radio frequency (R900 MIUs). Usually route numbers are derived from the route numbers assigned at the time of previous meter reading routes, such as handheld meter reader routes. 4-18 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 70: Reading Missed Accounts

    While the Reading indicator is pulsing, press the Pause Route button. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 4-19...
  • Page 71 Select an account and press the MIU Details button. To resume automatic reading, press the Read Route button. Reading continues and the Reading indicator switches back to a status of “Reading”. 4-20 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 72: Creating An Export File

    From the Route Import and Route Export Screens Press the Exit Route Reading button. The Welcome screen displays. Press the Exit Program button. the software closes. It is now safe to turn off your computer. Proceed to "Turning off the Laptop". MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 4-21...

  • Page 73: From The Route Selection Screen

    USB flash drive while the PC is on. Remove the power cable from the vehicle power supply receptacle. Drive back to your utility to return the USB flash drive containing the read data so it can be uploaded to the host software. 4-22 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 74: Removing The Usb Flash Drive

    (Refer to “USB Port,” on page 2-4.) Click OK. A dialog displays telling you that you can now remove the USB flash drive. Remove the USB flash drive from the port on the back of the laptop. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual 4-23...
  • Page 75 Using the MRX920 Unit Notes 4-24 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 76: Preparing To Remove The Mrx920 Unit

    With the laptop computer turned off, close the laptop display. Remove the power cable from the vehicle power supply receptacle. Remove the antenna from the vehicle roof. Remove the antenna cable from the MRX920 unit. Figure 5.1 Laptop Prepared for Closing MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 77 Remove the vehicle seat belt from the seat belt retention loops on the MRX920 carrying case. Close the cover on the MRX920 unit and secure it by closing the latches on the unit. Figure 5.2 Cover Closed on the MRX920 Unit MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 78: Electrical Specifications

    12.1” TFT XGA Outdoor transmissive ColorVue display with Touchscreen. VGA Graphics Controller with 2MB VRAM. Display User adjustable contrast and intensity Light sensor which adjusts screen intensity per ambient light Shock/scratch resistant anti-glare plate Operating System Windows 2000 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 79: Environmental Conditions

    -40° to 185°F (-40° to 85°C) Operating Humidity 5% to 95% non-condensing relative humidity Dimensions and Weight Table A.4 Dimensions and Weight Dimensions Refer to Figure A.1, measurement in inches. Weight 48.0 lbs 18.00" 15.00" 12.00" Figure A.1 MRX920 Unit Dimensions MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 80: Power Supply

    Appendix A Specifications Power Supply Table A.5 Operating Voltage and Current Nominal Nominal Maximum Component Operating Voltage Operating Current Operating Current MRX920- Laptop Computer turned 3 to 6A MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 81 Appendix A Specifications Notes: MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 82: Using The Keyboard

    It is arranged like a calculator for applications that require you to key many numbers or for use with the Calculator in the standard Windows Accessories. Figure 1.6 Numeric Keyboard MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 83: Touchpad

    With the touchpad there is another method of making selections in a MTX950 software program. It is called double-tapping. This function corresponds to double-clicking with a mouse. Once the cursor has been moved to the object you want to select, lightly double-tap the pressure sensitive touchpad.

  • Page 84: Touchpad Precautions

    Touchpad Precautions If not properly cared for the touchpad can be easily damaged. Please take note of the following precautions. Do not rest heavy objects on the touchpad or the touchpad buttons. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 85: Led Activity Indicators

    The computer is accessing the CD- ROM, the DVD-ROM, or the Floppy drive. Number Lock The keyboard is in Num Lock mode. Caps Lock The keyboard is in Caps Lock mode Scroll Lock The keyboard is in Scroll Lock mode MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 86: Led Power / Wireless Modem Indicators

    Green accessed Battery LED Off No battery or battery fully charged (always OFF without external power connected to the unit) Green Wireless modem is ON Flashing Message waiting Green Wireless Modem LED Off Wireless modem is OFF MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 87 Appendix B: Keyboard Notes: MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 88: Troubleshooting Problems

    Make sure USB flash drive USB flash drive not inserted has been inserted. Power is applied, the MTX950 software exe- Incompatible data on USB Select Self-Diagnostics tab cutes, but no route data is flash drive. See “Perform- to verify that the data on available.
  • Page 89 Make sure I-O (On/Off) key Power to PC not on has been pressed. Antenna not connected The software appears to be properly or not installed working but does not col- Check antenna connection. lect data. Broken antenna cable MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 90: Performing Diagnostics

    Displaying the Software Self Diagnostics Follow this procedure to display the software System Check screen. Press the Start button from the software Welcome screen. The Route Import screen (Figure C.1) appears. Figure A.1 Route Import Screen MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 91 • Collection Method—identification of the meter reading data collection method being used • DBDC API Version—software version installed on the MRX920 unit • DBDC Firm Ware Version—Firm Ware version on the DMR board MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 92: Importing Route Data

    If the USB flash drive is not inserted in the USB port when the software is started, the following screen appears with a warning message indicating that an import file was not found (see Figure C.1). Figure A.1 Error Message on Start Up MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

  • Page 93: Correcting The Import Error

    If the roadmaps.imp file is not found, go back to the host computer and be sure the file is loaded on the USB flash drive. Once the file is loaded on the USB flash drive, restart the laptop. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 94 A computer term that is similar in meaning to factory setting. The default setting is one that the MTX950 software automatically applies to an item. For example, the default setting for Beeper On/Off mode is Beeper Off. The beeper is always off unless the meter reader changes the beeper setting.
  • Page 95 A general-purpose, single-user microcomputer designed to be operated by one person at a time. All are based on the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire central processing unit on one chip. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 96 A small, device that allows you to add memory, mass storage, and other capabilities to portable computers. USB flash drives are sometimes called thumb drives. Windows 2000 A major release of the Microsoft Window operating system released in 2000. Windows supports 32-bit applications. MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 97 Glossary Notes: MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 98 3-9--3-10 antenna 3-7--3-8 thumb removing power drive, flash vehicle power supply captured reads 2-11 captured reads, storage electrical specifications carrying case e-mail case, laptop cover technical support Caution icon environmental conditions MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 99 2-12 MRX920 installation, antenna antenna intensity settings beeper carrying case 2-1, 5-2 data exchange keyboard 2-1, B-1 Digital Multi-channel Receiver (DMR) 2-14 specifications display areas 2-9, G-3 keyboard, picture 3-11 electrical Specifications keypad, numeric MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 100 PC memory card the MRX920 antenna removing re-reading missed accounts 4-23 4-16 PCMCIA resuming automatic reading 4-20 memory card. route performing diagnostics display 2-11 placing the MRX920 unit in a vehicle selection screen 2-10 MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...
  • Page 101 3-12 version number starting viewing MRX920 laptop 3-10 account details 4-16 the software 3-10 route detail storage routes 4-13 data volume, beeper 3-13 storage, flash drive supply, power vehicle supply Warning icon support technical MRX920/MTX950 User’s Manual...

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