Welcome to the exciting world of MARS Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solutions. In the following pages we will learn how to connect and program a MARS SmartTransmitter MK-I/II, a MARS SmartTransmitter VHP (Very High Power), a FlowBridge FlowCast, and to perform occasional troubleshooting.
Connecting to a Meter Materials Needed • MARS SmartTransmitter/FlowBridge FlowCast • Meter with AMR output • Gel Caps with Gel Cap Tool (optional) • Wire Strippers (optional) • Screwdriver (optional) • Mounting Equipment (optional) Depending on the installation environment, whether it is inside of a meter pit or on a wall, the materials needed may differ slightly as a pit mounted SmartTransmitter/FlowBridge FlowCast installation may require a pit mount bracket or AMR-ready pit lid.
Wiring Configurations The diagrams below show the connections that must be made for each different type of meter. These must be made correctly for the system to function normally. Unless directed otherwise by MARS or MARS authorized personnel, follow these wiring instructions. MARS Encoder Master Meter / 2-Wire Pulse/Generator Meter Radio Green...
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FlowBridge FlowCast / MK-IV Wall Mount MK - II / VHP SmartTransmitter Pit Mount MK – II / VHP SmartTransmitter Inductive Coil Locations Center SmartReader nozzle on these points. MK - I SmartTransmitter Page 6 of 21...
Contact Us section of this manual and call MARS to confirm. The FlowBridge FlowCast can be programmed to be compatible with either the MK-I/II instructions or VHP instructions outlined in this manual. As this is set by MARS during manufacture, please refer to MARS to determine which configuration steps must be followed.
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Programming Configurations - Step-by-Step Guide MK – I/II ONLY 1. Power on the SmartReader by either pushing the red power button or pulling the trigger. 2. On the “Main Menu”, press the down-arrow key twice to highlight “MARS RADIO SET-UP”. Press the Enter key or pull the trigger.
Programming Configurations - Parameters Explained MK – I/II ONLY Radio on? Options are “ON” or “OFF”. “ON” setting will cause the device to transmit. Enc Type Select the meter manufacturer from this list. This enables the SmartTransmitter to “understand” what the meter is “saying” and correctly interpret the data. Refer to the manufacturer-specific information in this section for more info.
Programming Configurations - Meter Type Settings MK-I/II ONLY Encoder Type The encoder type is dependent upon the configuration of the encoded register at the factory. The options for the encoder type are listed below, along with the meters that fall into each specific category.
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For the purpose of demonstration, let’s assume that the register is in gallons, and that we want to transmit the reading in 10’s of gallons, or one revolution of the sweep hand. The example register completes one pulse for every revolution of the sweep hand (1 pulse / 10 gallons). This is what one sweep would make the internal odometer look like: 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 As of this moment, we can safely input a pulse factor of 100, or as it would be in the setup software,...
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Programming Configurations - Step-by-Step Guide VHP ONLY 1. Power on the SmartReader either by pushing the red power button or pulling the trigger. 2. Confirm the time and date at the top of the screen are correct. This must be accurate, as the SmartReader updates the time in the SmartTransmitter according to the time and date in the SmartReader.
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8. Use the number pad to key 2764 at the password warning and press the Enter key. 9. Use the up and down-arrow keys highlight each parameter to be changed. Press the Enter key or pull the trigger. Refer to the section MARS SmartTransmitter/FlowBridge FlowCast Programming Configurations –...
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Programming Configurations - Parameters Explained VHP ONLY Radio Options are “ON” or “OFF”. “ON” setting will cause the device to transmit. Register Select the meter manufacturer from this list. This enables the SmartTransmitter to “understand” what the meter is “saying” and correctly interpret the data. Refer to the VHP manufacturer-specific information in this section for more info.
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Programming Configurations – Meter Type Settings VHP ONLY Encoder Type The encoder type is dependent upon the configuration of the encoded register at the factory. The options for the encoder type are listed below, along with the meters that fall into each specific category. For the meter that is used, the parameter that it coincides with is the parameter that is input into the “Register”...
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…and mark off (from the LEFT) the pulse digits (wheels). For the purpose of an explanation, we will assume 6 pulse digits. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 For the purpose of demonstration, let’s assume that the register is in gallons, and that we want to transmit the reading in 10’s of gallons, or one revolution of the sweep hand.
Troubleshooting Problem Solution Register is not interrogating. • Check the meter for functionality with a touchpad. Attach a testing touchpad to the meter. There is a “READ” function in the Main Menu of the SmartReader that will allow the device to read any encoder. Make sure you are holding the devices together as •...
Contact Us If you would like to contact MARS Company regarding any material contained in this book, or if you have additional questions, please find our information below. MARS Company Ocala, FL USA Toll Free: 800.782.5268 Telephone: 352.694.7195 Fax: 352.694.7397 Web: http://www.marswater.com/amr-support-request/...
Warning: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by MARS Company could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. FCC Class B: “NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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