Page 1 R450™ Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 3 R450™ Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 4 Trademarks Used in this Manual R450 Rack Mount Data Collector is a trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc. R450 is a trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc. N_ SIGHT is a registered trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc. R450 System is a trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc. Other brands or product names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Page 5 100 cm is maintained from the general population. CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Neptune Technology Group could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Industry Canada This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.
Page 6 Professional Installation In accordance with Section 15.203 of the FCC rules and regulations, the R450 Rack Mount Data Collector must be professionally installed. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Page 7 Installations that Require Digging If the installation requires digging, review the following warning. WARNING: If the installation site requires digging, survey the area for concealed hazards. Call 811, the Call Before You Dig phone center, before proceeding. Be sure to locate any electric, natural gas, and water lines as well as cable and phone lines.
Page 8 R450™ Rack Mount Data Collector Neptune Technology Group Inc. Installation and Maintenance Guide 1600 Alabama Highway 229 Literature No. IM R450 RMDC 08.18 Tallassee, AL 36078 Part No. 12835-002 Tel: (800) 633-8754 Fax: (334) 283-7293 Copyright © 2003 - 2018 Neptune Technology Group Inc.
Page 9: Table Of Contents
Mounting Components Wall Mount Pole or H-Frame Installation Optimizing System Performance Optimizing the Performance of a New System Proper Operation Maintaining the Performance of the R450 System RMDC Components Cellular Modem Ethernet Chapter 2: General Installation Guidelines RMDC Specifications Electrical Specifications...
Page 10 Configuring the Collector with the USB Flash Drive Completing the Installation Testing the Connections Field Service Tool Swiping the MIU If You Do Not Receive an Email Securing the RMDC ™ viii R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 11 Wiring the Input and Output Connectors Installing and Wiring the UPS Powering On the UPS Servicing the UPS Checking UPS Status LEDs Checkup Complete Chapter 5: Troubleshooting Equipment Required PC Notebook Configuration Potential RMDC Problems ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 12 Initial Observations Radio Transmits but ALM Indicator Flashes Measuring the VSWR The Radio Never Transmits Reduction in Amount of Data Collected Contacting Customer Support By Phone By Fax By Email ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 13 Mounting the RF 450 MHz Antenna Mounting the Antenna Mast to the Building Attaching the RF 450 MHz Antenna Cable Weatherizing the Cable Connections Troubleshooting the RF Antenna Equipment Required Testing the RF Antenna ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 14 RJ-45 Straight-Through Ethernet Cable RJ-45 Crossover Ethernet Cable Determining if You Need a Crossover Cable Appendix D: Cellular Antenna Coax Cable Cellular Antenna Coax Cable Recommendations Appendix E: Strut Clamp Recommendations Glossary Index ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 15 Figures Figure 1 – R450™ Rack Mount Data Collector Figure 2 – Wall-Mount Installation Figure 3 – Pole Installation Figure 4 – R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Figure 5 – RF 450 MHz Antenna Figure 6 – R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Figure 7 –...
Page 16 Figure 54 – Securing the Pole Bracket Figure 55 – Lining Up Second Bracket Figure 56 – RF 450 MHz Antenna Connection Figure 57 – Weatherizing the RF Antenna Connection ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 17 Figure 62 – Delete Confirmation Dialog Box Figure 63 – Save USB Build Figure 64 – Thumb Drive Created Figure 65 – Straight-Through Ethernet Cable Figure 66 – RJ-45 Crossover Ethernet Cable ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 18 Figures This page intentionally left blank. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 19 Tables Table 1 – R450™ RMDC Cellular Modem Components List (P/N 12799-800) Table 2 – R450™ RMDC Ethernet Components List Table 3 – Electrical Specifications Table 4 – Environmental Conditions Table 5 – Recommended Tools and Materials Table 6 – R450 RMDC Pole Mounting Hardware Recommendations Table 7 –...
Page 20 Table 34 – Collector Network Settings Table 35 – Cable Color Code Table Table 36 – Coax Cable Recommendations for Cellular Antenna Table 37 – Recommended Stainless Steel Strut Clamps ™ xviii R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 21: Chapter 1: Product Description
General Product Overview This section provides a general description of the R450™ Rack Mount Data Collector (RMDC). The RMDC receives, stores, and communicates meter reading data to the Neptune host software. The RMDC collects meter reading data from Neptune’s R450™ Meter Interface Unit (MIU) interfacing with Neptune’s absolute encoder register.
Page 22: Before You Begin
The other backhaul option available is an Ethernet connection. Backhaul Type Cellular modem (P/N 12799-800) Ethernet (P/N 12799-810) The RMDC can be mounted on a wall, a pole, or H-frame. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 23: Determining How To Install The Rmdc
A wall-mounted RMDC can be installed indoors; however, because the unit uses an external antenna, you need an antenna mast. Refer to Figure 2 for how to mount the RMDC to a wall. Figure 2 – Wall-Mount Installation ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 24: Pole Or H-Frame Installation
Ethernet backhaul. Pole or H-Frame Installation Use the pole or H-Frame installation to mount the R450 RMDC on an outdoor free-standing pole or H-frame. Refer to Figure 3 for how to install the RMDC on a pole.
Page 25: Optimizing System Performance
Chapter 1: Product Description Optimizing System Performance This section addresses situations where the system is functioning, but the R450 RMDC or MIU communication is not performing as expected. This discussion covers two situations: Newly-installed system does not perform per specification.
Page 26 Appendix can result in poor system performance. Local cable systems operating with RF leakage from cables and amplifiers can degrade the performance of the R450 System. Local businesses and factories can have equipment that raises the ambient noise level, reducing the ability of the RMDC to hear MIUs.
Page 27: Maintaining The Performance Of The R450 System
Chapter 1: Product Description Terrain and the types of buildings in the area can affect the performance of the R450 System. Hilly or rolling terrain as well as tall buildings can make it difficult to receive even local MIU data.
Page 28: Table 1 - R450™ Rmdc Cellular Modem Components List (P/N 12799-800)
Chapter 1: Product Description Table 1 – R450™ RMDC Cellular Modem Components List (P/N 12799-800) Part Number Description 12799-800 R450 Rack Mount, 4G Cellular Modem includes: Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) 4G/LTE cellular antenna 6-foot cellular coax cable Strut clamp RJ45 connector,...
Page 29: Ethernet
UPS Kit (includes UPS, pole/wall mounting bracket, DC power cord, DC cord grip, and stainless steel clamps). Wall mounting hardware to be supplied by others 13138-001 External RJ45 Plug Kit (included with R450 RMDC - Ethernet version) 12835-002 RMDC Installation and Maintenance Guide ™...
Page 30 Chapter 1: Product Description This page intentionally left blank. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 31: Chapter 2: General Installation Guidelines
Chapter 2: General Installation Guidelines This chapter describes the specifications for the R450™ Rack Mount Data Collector ( RMDC). It includes information on storage, unpacking, preliminary tests, tools, materials, site selection, and installation of the RMDC. RMDC Specifications This section provides the specifications of the RMDC.
Page 32: Storage
See "RF Antenna Installation" in Appendix A for a list of the antenna accessories and cables. Figure 4 – R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Figure 5 – RF 450 MHz Antenna ™...
Page 33: Tools And Materials
For tower and monopole Grips manufacturer (see Andrew Bulletin installations - hoist and secure 17800B-JC) coaxial Personal Protective Wear OSHA approved PPE as required. Equipment (PPE) Safety glasses must meet ANSI Z87.1 ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 34: R450 Miu And Magnet
Chapter 2: General Installation Guidelines R450 MIU and Magnet If you have R450 MIUs already installed, you can use these to test if the RMDC is receiving readings. However, it is recommended that you take an R450 MIU and Neptune magnet with you when you install the RMDC.
Page 35: Chapter 3: Installing The R450™ Rmdc
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC This chapter details the installation instructions for the R450™ Rack Mount Data Collector (RMDC). There are two installation options: "Mounting the RMDC to a Pole or H-Frame" below "Installing the R450™ RMDC " above Mounting the RMDC to a Pole or H-Frame This section provides information on mounting the RMDC to a pole or H-frame.
Page 36: Mounting Hardware Recommendations
Slotted or half slot steel strut channel (1-5/8" x 1- Small Pole 2-inch to 4-inch diameter galvanized 5/8" x 22" L), two mounted to the back of the R450 steel, Schedule 40 RMDC enclosure 3/8"-16 x 1" Grade 8 (A490) bolts, four minimum 3/8"-16 nuts...
Page 37: Attaching Cables For The Rmdc
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC For general recommendations on strut clamps and sizing information, see Appendix E: " Strut Clamp Recommendations" on page 99. Attaching Cables for the RMDC The corresponding sections detail how to attach the following components: RF 450 MHz antenna cable...
Page 38: Connecting The Ground Wire
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC WARNING: Give special consideration when the RMDC you installed is inside a building. Connect the outer conductor (shield) of the coaxial cable to the earth (grounded) at the entrance to the building using the appropriate coax grounding kit. Be sure this is done in accordance with applicable national electrical installation codes (Section 820.93 of the National Electrical Code (NEC),...
Page 39: Mounting The Cellular Antenna
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC Mounting the Cellular Antenna Neptune recommends mounting the cellular antenna to the tower or mast. Make sure the tower (or mast) does not obscure the line of sight path to the nearest cellular carrier's tower. If the cellular modem RSSI signal level is marginal or weak, relocate the cellular antenna to the opposite side of the tower (or mast).
Page 40: Figure 12 - Tighten Bolt For Cellular Antenna
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC WARNING: Secure the clamp around the silver band of the cellular antenna only. Damage can occur if the clamp is secured around any other part of the antenna. 3. Using a 3/8-inch socket wrench, tighten the bolt for the strut clamp around the cellular antenna, as illustrated in Figure 12.
Page 41: Attaching The Power Plug To The Rmdc
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC WARNING: Give special consideration when the RMDC is installed inside a building. The screen (shield) of the coaxial cable must be connected to earth (grounded) at the entrance to the building. Do this in accordance with applicable national electrical installation codes (Section 820.93 of the NEC, ANSI/NFPA 70).
Page 42: Figure 16 - Weatherizing The Base Connection
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC 5. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to weatherize the cellular connection at the base of the RMDC, as illustrated in Figure 16. Figure 16 – Weatherizing the Base Connection ® For detailed installation instructions on the 3M Scotch Wireless Weatherproofing Kit (P/N: WK-101) refer to: http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/659028O/scotc...
Page 43: Installing A Wall Mount System
Table 7 – Installing a Wall Mount System Complete Instructions Cellular Ethernet "Installing the R450™ RMDC " on page "Installing the R450™ RMDC " on page "Mounting the Cellular Antenna" on page 19 "Connecting the Ethernet Cable" on page 26 "Installing the R450™ RMDC " on page...
Page 44: Figure 18 - Rmdc Mounted On Wall
Figure 18 – RMDC Mounted on Wall The mounting hardware listed in Table 8 is supplied by other vendors and should be corrosion resistant. Coastal areas can use stainless steel. Table 8 – R450 RMDC Wall Mounting Hardware Recommendations Recommended Mounting Hardware Installation Type Comments...
Page 45: Connecting Antenna Cables To The Rmdc
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC Table 8 – R450 RMDC Wall Mounting Hardware Recommendations (continued) Recommended Mounting Hardware Installation Type Comments (supplied by installation vendors) Wall - direct Mounting RMDC directly to wall Use the following: 1/4" x 1-3/4" wood screws or 1/4"...
Page 46: Mounting Hardware
When mounting hardware, consider the following. Mount the antenna using a unistrut for the collector or on separate mounting hardware. The bracket (P/N: 13750-001) is needed with the cellular kit variant of the R450 RMDC (P/N: 12799-800). Connecting the Ethernet Cable This procedure is only for kits using the Ethernet backhaul connection.
Page 47: Figure 21 - Feed-Through Assembly
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC 2. Locate the Ethernet plug that is included with the RMDC. See Figure 21. Figure 21 – Feed-Through Assembly 3. Assemble the Ethernet plug according to the instructions included. See Figure 22. Figure 22 – RJ45 Ethernet Plug 4.
Page 48: Connecting The Cables To The Rmdc
Figure 25. Figure 25 – Connecting the RMDC 3. Thread the cables through to the RF 450 MHz Antenna. 4. Wire the DC-power as described in "Installing the R450™ RMDC " on page 15. 5. Weatherproof all coax cables using the weatherizing kit.
Page 49: Activating The Rmdc
To use the modem, activate it for your specific carrier. 2. Turn off the power to the RMDC. 3. Remove the modem from the RMDC. See Figure 27. Figure 27 – Modem in R450 RMDC ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 50: Selecting The Carrier
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC 4. Insert the SIM card with the gold side up into the SIM card slot on the back of the modem. Push the card completely into the slot until it clicks in place. See Figure 28.
Page 51: Cdma Settings (Provisioning) Verizon Subscribers
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC 3. Click Save. This action refreshes the page. The information shown depends on the carrier you selected. 4. Configure the applicable settings on the Settings tab, for each carrier selected (primary or secondary). Complete the following instructions that pertain to the carrier you selected.
Page 52: Configuring The Collector With The Usb Flash Drive
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC Configuring the Collector with the USB Flash Drive To configure the RMDC with the USB flash driveComplete the following steps. CAUTION: Operators need to wear a grounded wrist strap to mitigate the effects of Electro-Static Discharge (ESD).
Page 53: Completing The Installation
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC Completing the Installation After completing the wiring for the RMDC, you must verify that the unit has been activated. Test the connections - lights and audible sounds. See"Testing the Connections" below. Swipe a Meter Interface Unit (MIU) and receive the email the host software automatically sends to the installer.
Page 54: Field Service Tool
1. Wait about five minutes after you have powered on the RMDC. 2. Position the Neptune magnet against the left side of the R450 MIU directly in line with the Neptune logo, as shown in Figure 31. 3. Bring the magnet from the side and around the corner to the top of the MIU to swipe it.
Page 55: If You Do Not Receive An Email
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC 4. When swiped, the RMDC sends an email to the address set up in the host software, similar to the following example. Figure 32 – Email Sent from RMDC Make sure the email comes from the RMDC that you are installing.
Page 56: Securing The Rmdc
Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC Table 10 – Radio Tx Light - Identify Problem (continued) If... Then... Verify the host software is configured to send The problem is with the emails to the correct email address. N_SIGHT PLUS host software. Check the host software to ensure the RMDC is synchronizing.
Page 57: Chapter 4: Uninterruptible Power Supply
UPS, plus descriptions of tools and materials you use when working with the UPS. Figure 35 – Outdoor UPS (Closed) Figure 36 – Outdoor UPS (Cover Removed) ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 58: Ups Specifications
Efficiency: Line / Backup 84 / 95.5% Power On / Off Switch On / off rocker style power switch Transfer Time to Backup 0 ms DC Connections Holes for 1/2" conduit connectors; wiring terminals ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 59: Battery
ANSI / UL 50E, CAN / CSA C22.2: No. 94-2-07 Clause Environmental Table 17 – Environmental Specifications Specification Description Operating temperature -40° to + 122° F (-40° to +50° C) With BH5 optional battery heater ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 60: Checklists
Use proper lifting techniques when lifting or moving the UPS or its components. Note that this UPS has more than one live circuit. DC power can be present at the output even if the UPS is disconnected from the DC line. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 61: Battery Safety Checklist
Never open or damage the batteries. Released electrolyte is harmful to the skin and eyes and it can be toxic and hazardous to the environment. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 62: Site Preparation Warnings
WARNING: The UPS must be correctly grounded for proper operation. Older facilities can have inadequate electrical grounding. A qualified electrician must perform an inspection before installation to ensure that grounding meets the local electrical code. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 63: Branch Circuit Breaker Protection
WARNING: The AC input to the UPS must have a readily- accessible disconnect device installed. Mounting the UPS This section provides information on mounting the UPS. A pole / wall mounting bracket is included with the UPS. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 64: Wall Mounting
1. Attach the straps to the UPS mounting bracket. 2. Attach the UPS to the pole. 3. Tighten the straps using a flat-head (slotted) screwdriver. Figure 38 – Pole Mounting Straps ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 65: Connecting The Ups
UPS. Slotted-tip screwdrivers for tightening screws on terminal blocks AC/DC voltmeter #2 Phillips Head screwdriver for removing the cover Channel lock pliers for tightening cord grip and jam nut ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 66: Procedure
DC terminal block inside the UPS. 5. Tighten the DC cord grip using pliers or a wrench. 6. Attach the power cord to the bottom of the RMDC. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 67: Powering On The Ups
1. Remove the power plug from the bottom of the RMDC. 2. Measure between pin-1 (+) and pin-2 (-) on the plug. The voltage measures 13.5-14.4 VDC. See Figure 40. Figure 40 – RMDC Power Plug ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 68: Table 20 - Rmdc Does Not Power Up
DC+ (red) and DC- (black). The voltage measures 13.5-14.4 VDC. This step assumes the AC input voltage is present and the UPS internal switch is ON (battery is charging). ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 69: Checkup Complete
The batteries in the UPS have an expected life span of three to five years in float service applications. Length of service life is directly affected by the number of discharge cycles, depth of discharge, ambient temperature, and charging voltage. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 70 Chapter 4: Uninterruptible Power Supply This page intentionally left blank. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 71: Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting This section provides information for possible symptoms, areas of focus, and actions to resolve problems that can arise with your R450™ Rack Mount Data Collector (R450 RMDC). WARNING: Neptune does not recommend servicing an RMDC during inclement weather.
Page 72: Pc Notebook Configuration
For instructions on how to assess the health of the RMDC, refer to "Using System Health" in the "System Health" topic of the N_ ® SIGHT PLUS Online Help. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 73: Initial Site Activities
Checking the General Health of Each Module This section provides information on the general health of the R450 RMDC's internal modules. CPU Board Power and Activity Visual Check There are two Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) above the CPU board.
Page 74: Figure 41 - Leds Above Cpu
Sec ETH port can cause unreliable operation. When functioning properly, the link LED is steadily lit and the activity LED intermittently. Random flashes indicate live network activity. See Figure 42 on page 55. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 75: Radio Power Visual Check
LED should be lit blue. See Figure 43. If the amber ALM LED is on or flashing: The radio may be malfunctioning. The R450 RMDC may be operating on UPS backup power in the event of a main power failure. Figure 43 – Radio LEDs ™...
Page 76: Checking The Backhaul Modem Power And Connectivity
(initial power-up). The proper sequence is: All red LEDs All amber LEDs Off for a moment All green LEDs All green LEDs flash three times This indicates a successful Built-In-Self-Test (BIST) and a healthy modem. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 77: Additional Detail Checks
This voltage should measure 13.5 to 14.4V DC when the UPS is switched on and main power into the UPS is present. See Figure 45. Figure 45 – Radio Modem Power Front Panel Connector ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 78: Verifying Switched Dc Power
The RMDC is capable of functioning on voltages as low as 10VDC. If voltage is not present at the R450 RMDC main power connector, switch OFF the UPS, disconnect the power harness from the R450 RMDC power connector, and ohm-out the harness to the UPS +12VDC terminals.
Page 79: Verifying Cellular Modem Power
Solid = indicates signal strength is strong Blinking = indicates signal strength is medium Off = indicates signal strength is poor, or no signal at all Figure 49 – CalAmp Vanguard Modem with RSSI LED ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 80: Ethernet
To verify that the system is functioning properly, complete the following steps. For this test to be valid, the R450 RMDC must send regular time beacon transmissions. This is indicated by the TX indicator flashing every ten seconds. See Figure 43 on page 55. If the RMDC does not send time beacons, it automatically fails the test.
Page 81: Rmdc Is Syncing But Not Supplying Miu Data
1. Make sure the red Power button is off. The red button is extended outward. 2. Press the UHF button to be sure it is extended outward. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 82: The Radio Never Transmits
The simplest test is to cycle power on the RMDC to see if the radio starts transmitting. It can take up to ten minutes for the RMDC to be fully functional. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 83: Reduction In Amount Of Data Collected
If the VSWR measures much higher before the surge suppressor, the suppressor can be damaged. If there is still a reduction in data collected, most likely there is a problem with the duplexer or radio. Contact Customer Support. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 84: Contacting Customer Support
(334) 283-7497. Please include on the fax cover sheet the best time of day for a customer support specialist to contact you. By Email To contact Neptune Customer Support by email, send your message to support@neptunetg.com. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 85: Appendix A: Rf Antenna Installation
At least 2 feet (0.6 m) from power or light wires carrying 250V or less. At least 10 feet (3.0 m) from power wires carrying more than 250V, per NEC, Article 810, CEC Section 54. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 86: Mounting The Antenna Mast
When mounting the antenna and antenna mast, it is important to maximize the line-of-sight relationship between the RF 450™ MHz antenna and R450 MIUs for optimum RF communications. WARNING: The antenna mast and stand must be grounded to the same grounding electrode used for the building's electrical system.
Page 87: Feed Line And Antenna Recommendations
The installer must certify the antenna and feed line system installation (after it is completed) to ensure it performs according to specifications. The maximum loss for the feed line and connectors must be less than 3 dB. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 88: Cable Guidelines
Grounding Coax ground kits (top, bottom, building entrance) Above ground - ice bridge Horizontal Cable Runs Buried cable - conduit or sand below the frost line or one meter ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 89: Neptune Part Numbers
Coax Diameter Notes Number FSJ4-50B 10046-117 Pre-made Coax 6' Used as jumper from feed line to RMDC or antenna Jumper DIN Male on one end, N Male on the other ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 90: Antenna
Bandwidth < 1.5 VSWR 32 MHz Vertical Beamwidth (-3 db) 20 degrees Lightning Protection Direct ground Termination N female Overall Length 9.3 feet Element Housing Length 6.8 feet Support Pipe Diameter 2.5 inches ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 91: Requirements
This is best performed by putting a known amount of power into one end of the cable and verifying that, after correcting for the cable losses, the correct amount of power is output at the other end. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 92: Power Measurement
0.070 0.350 0.70 11.5 1.72 0.080 0.400 0.80 11.0 1.79 0.090 0.450 0.90 10.5 1.86 0.100 0.500 1.00 10.0 1.92 0.110 0.550 1.10 9.59 1.99 0.120 0.600 1.20 9.21 2.06 ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 93: Table 29 - Power Measurement To Return Loss And Vswr Conversion Table -Part I
0.23 1.15 2.30 6.38 2.84 0.24 1.20 2.40 6.20 2.92 0.25 1.25 2.50 6.02 3.00 0.26 1.30 2.60 5.85 3.08 0.27 1.35 2.70 5.69 3.16 0.28 1.40 2.80 5.53 3.25 ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 94: Table 30 - Power Measurement To Return Loss And Vswr Conversion Table -Part
0.44 2.20 4.40 3.57 4.94 0.45 2.25 4.50 3.47 5.08 0.46 2.30 4.60 3.37 5.22 0.47 2.35 4.70 3.28 5.36 0.48 2.40 4.80 3.19 5.51 0.49 2.45 4.90 3.10 5.67 ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 95: Coax Cable Loss
0.893 3.003 1.885 0.967 3.234 2.030 1.042 3.465 2.175 1.116 3.696 2.320 1.190 3.927 2.465 1.265 4.158 2.610 1.339 4.389 2.755 1.414 4.620 2.900 1.488 4.851 3.045 1.562 Acceptable range ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 96: Vswr Calculation
Neptune recommends the following method of computing VSWR. Taking the reading at the RMDC end of the feed line without compensating for cabling losses can give a false impression of the antenna and feed line performance. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 97: Using A Wattmeter And A Handheld 450Mhz Radio
VSWR. 8. Record the VSWR values for both the transmit and receive frequencies. For the antenna system to pass, both calculated VSWR values must be less than 1.5.1. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 98: Using The Aea 140-525 Antenna Analyzer
Table 31 on page 75. 8. Calculate the adjusted return loss using the following formula. Return Loss (from Table 5) - (2 x Cable Loss) = Corrected Return Loss. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 99: General Installation Guidelines
After unpacking the RF 450 MHz antenna, inspect it for damage. If any parts of the R450 MHz antenna appear to be damaged or prove to be defective upon installation, notify your Neptune sales representative. If the unit or item requires reshipment, use the original cardboard box and packing material.
Page 100: Tools And Materials
Description/Recommendation Took Kit Contains standard tools Various installation procedures including: performed by the installer Assorted screwdrivers (medium, flat-head) Cordless electric drill / assorted bits Adjustable wrench Standard socket wrench set ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 101: Installing The Rf Antenna
RMDC. WARNING: Mounting and wiring the RF 450 MHz antenna must be done by a trained professional. Be sure to subcontract this work, so it is completed properly. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 102: Mounting The Antenna Mast To The Building
20 pounds loading. Sheet metal or masonry, use appropriate sheet metal Figure 54 – Securing the Pole Bracket screws or masonry anchors rated at a minimum of 20 pounds loading. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 103: Attaching The Rf 450 Mhz Antenna Cable
(grounded) at the entrance to the building. Be sure to do this in accordance with applicable national electrical installation codes (Section 820.93 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI / NFPA 70). ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 104: Weatherizing The Cable Connections
The following items are required to troubleshoot the RMDC. Keys to access the site and open the R450 RMDC cabinet Adjustable wrench or set of open end wrenches to remove the antenna N-type coaxial connector from inside of the R450 RMDC antenna surge arrestor.
Page 105: Testing The Rf Antenna
4. Go to "VSWR Calculation" on page 76 If using the power measurement method for the VSWR calculation, you cannot use the R450 RMDC's transmitter to certify the antenna system. The transmitter only transmits short packets approximately 50 ms in length, so taking an accurate reading of forward or reflected power cannot be done with standard equipment.
Page 106 Appendix A: RF Antenna Installation This page intentionally left blank. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 107: Appendix B: Usb Flash Drive Configuration For Rmdc
PLUS host software. Creating a Collector The Collector tab in the N_SIGHT PLUS host software provides valuable information about the R450 RMDC in your R450™ System. On this tab you can search for or create an R450 RMDC. Searching for Collectors To locate an RMDC, complete the following steps.
Page 108: Figure 59 - Collector Search Results
5. Select one of the following options. Create, to create another RMDC. Edit, to edit information for the selected RMDC. Delete, to delete the selected RMDC. Build a USB, to build a drive for the RMDC. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 109: Creating A New Collector
The Create a New Collector window appears similar to Figure 60 on page 89. The Collector Details tab is the default tab displayed. All required fields display a Figure 60 – Create a New Collector Window ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 110: Table 33 - Collector Details
RMDC is not transmitting or receiving. End Time Indicates the ending time in hh:mm format for the quiet time period when the RMDC is not transmitting or receiving. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 111: Figure 61 - Collector Network Setting Tab
System) server queried when resolving a server name. You can supply the name rather than the IP address, for example, Chicago rather than 10.10.10.10. Secondary DNS Server Indicates the second DNS server. On this tab, remember the following: ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 112: Editing Collector Information
4. Complete all the fields (on this tab, all fields are acquired), and then click Save. The new RMDC appears in the list of R450 DCs on the Collector tab, and the detail appears in the lower half of the page.
Page 113: Building A Usb Drive For Collector Configuration
R450 Collector configuration application must be installed on a local PC to extract files to the USB drive. Make sure only the desired USB drive is inserted into the computer.
Page 114 Appendix B: USB Flash Drive Configuration for RMDC This page intentionally left blank. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 115: Appendix C: Ethernet Termination
Ethernet devices directly together without a hub or when you connect two hubs together, you need to use a crossover cable instead. Figure 66 – RJ-45 Crossover Ethernet Cable ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 116: Determining If You Need A Crossover Cable
Table 35 – Cable Color Code Table Symbol Wire Color White with orange stripe Solid orange White with green stripe Solid blue White with blue Solid green White with brown stripe Solid brown ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 117: Appendix D: Cellular Antenna Coax Cable
Coax Cable Type Length (ft.) (if applicable) Times Microwave LMR-195 10046-112 Times Microwave LMR-195 10046-113 Times Microwave LMR-400-UF 13090-001 Times Microwave LMR-400-UF 13090-002 Times Microwave LMR-400-UF 13090-003 Times Microwave LMR-400-UF 13090-004 ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 118 Appendix D: Cellular Antenna Coax Cable This page intentionally left blank. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 119: Appendix E: Strut Clamp Recommendations
6 5/8" 6" McMaster-Carr 3115T54 8 5/8" 8" McMaster-Carr 3115T66 WARNING: Do not mount the R450 RMDC or UPS to steel pipe that is smaller than 2 inches in diameter. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 120 Appendix E: Strut Clamp Recommendations This page intentionally left blank. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 121: Glossary
ANSI American National Standards Institute. Access Point Name. ballast Heavy material used to secure the stability of the equipment stand. For the R450 System, concrete blocks are used for the ballast. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 122 R450 Data Collector (R450 DC). The physical equipment that houses Neptune's N_SIGHT PLUS host software. The R450 DC is a device that collects meter reading data from Neptune's absolute encoder register interfacing with Neptune's R450 MIU and transmits the data for collection.
Page 123 IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. IMEI International Mobile Equipment Identifier. in-lb Inch-pound. A measurement of torque in the Imperial (American) system. Kiloampere. A measurement of electric current. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 124 Megahertz, a unit of frequency. One MHz is equal to one million hertz. Meter Interface Unit. Miles per Hour, as related to wind velocity. Milliseconds. Newton meter or newton moment, a measurement of torque in the metric system. Network Time Protocol. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 125 Perform a continuity test with a digital multimeter or an ohm-meter. Part Number. Personal Identification Number. R450 System R450 System is a fixed network AMI system for targeted applications allowing a utility to conduct meter reading operations automatically ensuring maximum collection of the data. Return Material Authorization. RSSI Received signal strength indicator.
Page 126 Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. The ratio of the amplitude of a partial standing wave at an antinode (maximum) to the amplitude at an adjacent node (minimum) in an electrical transmission line. Wide Area Network. ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 127: Index
22 AC-power box 29 battery AC connections 38 AGM 38 accessories, antenna 12 charger 38 activating R450 RMDC 29 safety checklist 41 alarms, configuration packet 34 type 39 ALM 61 build USB 93 ambient noise 6 amplifiers 6...
Page 128 Ethernet 26 UPS 45 general description 1 corrected return loss 77-78 ground CPU board 32-33, 53 lug 18 crossover cable, Ethernet 95 wire 18 customer support 64 grounding 21, 66 ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 129 11 improper installation 6 MEID 8 inclement weather 51 Midland Radio 35 input current 43 MIU, R450 1, 5, 14, 51, 60, 66 installation 2, 33 modem interference 6 cellular 2, 7, 29 internal on-off switch 29 Ethernet 18...
Page 130 4 mounting, UPS 37 propagation model 5 N-type connector 17 N_SIGHT PLUS 14, 34, 87 NEC 18, 22 R450 RMDC 1, 6, 53, 61, 65, 81 network 33 R450 system 5, 7 noise level 6 radio 62 radio power 55...
Page 131 2, 6-7 Verizon 31 synchronize 34, 61 voltage 47 system certification 71 input 38 output 38 VSWR 51, 63, 71, 78, 82 termination, Ethernet 95 terrain 7 testing connections 33 ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Page 132 3, 23 WAN 30 water towers 65 wattmeter 77 weatherizing 21 antenna connection 22 base connection 22 cable connections 84 connections 21 kit 21, 81 wrist strap 53 ™ R450 Rack Mount Data Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...

Neptune Technology R450 Installation And Maintenance Manual

Chapter 1: Product Description

Chapter 2: General Installation Guidelines

Chapter 3: Installing the R450™ RMDC

Chapter 4: Uninterruptible Power Supply

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

Appendix A: RF Antenna Installation

Appendix B: USB Flash Drive Configuration for RMDC

Appendix C: Ethernet Termination

Appendix D: Cellular Antenna Coax Cable

Appendix E: Strut Clamp Recommendations

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Troubleshooting

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Summary of Contents for Neptune Technology R450

Table of Contents