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R450™ Mini Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
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R450™ Mini Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
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This manual is an unpublished work and contains the trade secrets and confidential information of Neptune Technology Group Inc., which are not to be divulged to third parties and may not be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 Neptune Technology Group Inc.
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Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. R450 Mini Collector Installation and Neptune Technology Group Inc. Maintenance Guide 1600 Alabama Highway 229 Literature No. IM R450 Mini Collector 05.14 Tallassee, AL 36078 Part No.
Before you begin to install the R450 MC, it is important to become familiar with the unit and its components. This guide is intended for use by installers and is designed to help in the installation process.
Existing light poles • Towers • Wall mount • Rooftop mount The R450 MC can be mounted on a wall, a pole, or a stand as shown in the illustrations on the following pages. Power Supply Options • AC transformer • •...
Product Description Determining How to Install the R450 MC For best performance of your R450 MC, mount the RF antenna at a minimum of 30 feet high, but no more than 75 feet high. The following figure illustrates how the R450 MC can be installed.
Product Description Mounting Configurations Street Light Pole Installation The pole installation is used for an outdoor free-standing pole. Refer to Figure 3 for how you can install the R450 MC on a pole. RF antenna R450 Mini Collector Solar collector...
Transformer Figure 4 Tower Mount Installation Rooftop Installation The rooftop installation is used when the R450 MC is mounted in a high location, such as on a rooftop. Refer to Figure 5. Figure 5 Stand Installation Depending upon the availability of communications, a cellular modem or Ethernet can be used.
Depending upon the availability of communications, Ethernet or cellular modems can be used. Do not mount the R450 MC, antenna mast, or antenna to a pole or similar structure carrying open electric light, power wires, or trolley wires over 250 volts. See NEC, Article 810.
Additionally, be sure that there are no potentially interfering signals around the frequencies used by the R450 MC, both transmit or receive. The overall noise level could potentially reduce the sensitivity of the R450 MC or MIU receivers.
Being in close proximity to a high power commercial broadcast antenna produces a unique set of problems. Loose or badly corroded hardware on or near the site can cause signals from the R450 MC or other transmitters near the site to combine with the broadcast signal and produce interfering signals.
The following section describes the components for each of the R450 MC kits. Cellular Modem The R450 MC is mounted on either a pole, a wall, or a stand. The following list includes the parts needed for the R450 MC – cellular modem kit.
2 General Installation Guidelines This section describes the specifications for the R450 Mini Collector (R450 MC), storage, unpacking instructions, preliminary tests, tools, materials, site selection, and installation of the R450 MC. R450 MC Specifications Electrical Specifications AC Power 12V AC, 0.66A nominal (2A peak) DC Power 12V DC, 0.66A nominal (2A peak)
As with all precision electronic instruments, the R450 MC should be handled with care; however, no special handling is required. After unpacking the R450 MC, inspect it for damage. If any parts of the R450 MC appear to be damaged or prove to be defective upon installation, notify your Neptune sales representative.
General Installation Guidelines R450 MC Installation Kits The RF antenna and accessories are ordered separately from the R450 MC. The RF antenna, coax cables, and coax connectors must be ordered as accessories. See “RF Antenna Installation” on page 53 in Appendix A for a list of the antenna accessories and cables.
Be sure that the N_SIGHT R450 host software (version 1.6 or later) is running and that you have an R450 MIU and magnet with you when you install the R450 MC. You will use the R450 MIU to test the unit.
3 Installation of the R450 MC This chapter contains sections detailing the installation instructions for the R450 Mini Collector (R450 MC) installation options: • “Mounting the Battery Box” on page 16 • “Attaching the Solar Panel” on page 17 •...
Installation of the R450 MC Attach the coax cable to RF antenna. See Figure 10. Figure 10 Attaching Coax Cable Weatherize the RF antenna connection using the weatherizing kit, Polyphasor Part No: WK-1. See Figure 11. Figure 11 Weatherizing RF Antenna...
Mounting the Battery Box The following instructions are for the installation of the battery box needed for the solar panel of an R450 MC solar-powered system. If you are installing an AC-powered system, skip this step. Prior to installing a solar-powered unit, choose a non-shaded location that faces true south.
R450 MC solar-powered system. If you are installing an AC-powered system, skip this step. The solar panel is mounted to the R450 MC stand or to a pole. See Figure 16. This panel allows the R450 MC to operate using energy generated by the sun.
Figure 18 Solar Panel Tilt Angle Mounting the R450 MC To mount the R450 MC to a pole or stand, complete the following steps. The pole/wall mounting bracket is included with the R450 MC. The clamps are ordered as accessories.
Installation of the R450 MC Attach the R450 MC to the pole using two stainless steel Snaplock clamps. See Figure 20. Tighten the clamps with a nut-driver, as illustrated in Figure 20. Stainless steel Snaplock clamps Figure 20 Positioning the R450 MC...
R450 MC solar-powered system. If you are installing an AC-powered system, skip this step. Solar-Powered System Connect the R450 MC to the battery box by completing the following Connector steps. Attach the 1/2-inch connector hub to the back of the battery box.
See “R450 MC Stand” on page 69 in Appendix B. After the R450 MC is wired, the next stage is to secure the entire unit in its location by applying the ballast. To apply the ballast to the stand, complete the following steps.
This should activate both the battery box and the R450 MC. Figure 27 Activating the Solar System Open the R450 MC by removing the security Torx screws in the following pattern: 4, 3, 2, 1. See Figure 28. To close the R450 MC, replace the security Torx screws in the following pattern: 1, 2, 3, 4.
This section presents a table to be used to mount the R450 MC system to a large pole. The instructions to mount the R450 MC system to a large pole are very similar to the instructions for installing a stand system.
Weatherize the antenna connection using the weatherization kit. Mounting the R450 MC to a Large Pole Mount the R450 MC to a 4-inch to 16-inch (10.16 cm to 40.64 cm) diameter pole by completing the following steps. Mount the R450 MC to pole using two stainless steel Snaplock clamps (Neptune Part Number 13089-001).
Installation of the R450 MC Mounting the Battery Box to a Large Pole Mount the battery box to a 3-inch to 16-inch (7.62 cm to 40.64 cm) diameter pole by completing the following steps. Open the battery box and make sure the breakers are in the OFF position.
Figure 36 Solar Panel Tilt Angle Mounting the R450 MC to a Large Pole To mount the R450 MC to a large pole, complete the following steps. The pole/wall mounting bracket is included with the R450 MC. Snaplock clamps must be ordered as accessories.
Complete the following instructions to attach the RF antenna cable. Locate the RF antenna cable that extends from the RF antenna. Connect the RF antenna cable to the RF antenna connector located on the bottom of the R450 MC. See Figure 39. RF antenna connection Tighten the coaxial connector to 14 in-lb.
Attaching the Power Cable To attach the power cable, complete the following step. Attach the power plug to the R450 MC by pushing and rotating the circular power connector clockwise to engage it. The power connector is weatherproof and doesn't require weatherization wrap.
Complete the following steps to configure the R450 MC. Remove the power plug from the R450 MC by rotating the circular power connector counterclockwise to disengage it. Allow the R450 MC to power down; all lights on the radio module should be off. USB port Configure the USB flash drive for the appropriate R450 MC using the N_SIGHT R450 host software (version 1.6 or later).
The following section contains the instructions for connecting the AC power (12V AC) or DC power (12V DC) to the R450 MC. Connect AC power wire to the transformer or UPS per the manufacturer’s instructions. Install the...
Neptune Customer Support at (800) 647-4832 for assistance in further diagnosis. See “Contacting Customer Support” on page 52. After the R450 MC has been powered up for five minutes, remove the USB flash drive. R450 Mini Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
See the N_SIGHT™ R450 Online Help for instructions for setting up the R450 MC in the host software. To verify that the R450 MC can receive readings from MIUs and can synchronize with the N_SIGHT R450 host software, complete the Swipe following steps.
“Troubleshooting” on page 38 Mounting the R450 MC to a Wall To mount the R450 MC to a wall, as illustrated in Figure 49, complete the following step. Secure the R450 MC to the wall in one of the following ways: •...
Connecting the Cables to the R450 MC The RF 450 MHz antenna and the communications antenna connect on the outside of the building to the R450 MC inside the building. Attach the RF antenna cable to the bottom of the R450 MC.
Watch for overhead electric power lines when erecting antenna and mast. Do not mount antenna or R450 MC on utility poles, electric ser- vice mast, or other structures carrying electric light or power wires. Coaxial cables must maintain clearance of at least 2 feet (0.61 M) from power or light wires of less than 250V, or at least 10...
Installation of the R450 MC Place the antenna mast pole within the bracket. Using a level to make sure the pole is vertical, line up a second bracket a minimum of 2 feet from the bracket you just installed. Secure the second bracket similarly to the first one following steps 2 and 3.
Installation of the R450 MC Weatherize RF antenna connection using the weatherizing kit, Polyphasor Part No: WK-1. See Figure 58. Figure 58 Weatherizing RF Antenna Connection Mount the RF antenna to the antenna mast using antenna mounting brackets. See Figure 59.
R450 Mini Collector (R450 MC) and N_SIGHT R450 host software. Equipment Required The following items are required in order to troubleshoot the R450 MC. • T27 Torx Pin-Head tool to open the R450 MC • Digital volt - Ohm multimeter •...
Before leaving for the site, assess the health of the R450 MC using the host system. For instructions on how to assess the health of the R450 MC, refer to “Using System Health” in the “System Health” chapter of the N_SIGHT R450 Online Help.
Failure to use the wrist strap could cause damage to the computer due to static electricity. Checking the General Health of the R450 MC Visual Check of Radio Module The radio module has several indicator LEDs. See Figure 61. Watch for the following: •...
If there are no power indications on the R450 MC, this must be checked. The R450 MC uses two different versions of the power cable depending on the power source: • AC Power Cable (for transformer), Neptune P/N: 13064-000 •...
Troubleshooting Reconnect the power plug to the R450 MC and wait 30 seconds for the unit to power-up. Figure 63 Radio Module Power Use the Digital Volt-Ohm-Multimeter to measure the voltage on the 6-pin connector across the red and black wire; there should be 5VDC.
You can configure CalAmp’s Vanguard 3000 modem to operate in either a GSM or CDMA network. To manually configure the cellular modem for the R450 MC, you need a Vanguard 3000 modem from CalAmp, and then complete the steps to configure it. Refer to the quick start guide for the Vanguard 3000 on CalAmp's website: http://www.calamp.com/...
If you are configuring this cellular modem in the field, verify that the R450 MC is powered on. Run the online configuration application for the modem by following the steps outlined in the quick start guide for the Vanguard 3000.
R450 MC is Syncing but Not Supplying MIU Data If the R450 MC is online, this indicates that both the computer and the backhaul modem are working. If no readings are being collected by the R450 MC, this indicates that there is a potential problem with the radio and modem.
Troubleshooting • The R450 MC sends a time beacon every 10 seconds. The transmit light (TX Enable) on the radio module should flash every 10 seconds. See Figure 61 on page 40. • If the transmit indicator (TX Enable) does not flash, this indicates that there is a potential problem with the radio module or possibly the computer's serial port.
Troubleshooting The Radio Module Never Transmits The simplest test is to cycle power on the R450 MC and see if the radio module starts transmitting. It can take up to five minutes for the R450 MC to be fully functional.
Troubleshooting MSD Port The MSD diagnostic port is used for software debugging only and is not recommended to be used during field diagnostics. FST Port The FST diagnostic port is the primary port used for troubleshooting. The following figure shows a null modem serial cable connected to the FST diagnostic port.
Troubleshooting The following window appears. Figure 66 HyperTerminal Window Set up the laptop computer to use COM1 to connect. See Figure Set the COM1 port settings as illustrated in Figure 67. Figure 67 Port Settings Refer to the following: • Bits per second = 115200 •...
The LED flashes once every 10 seconds once the main application has initialized. At this time, it is safe to remove the USB flash drive from the USB port. See “Configuring the R450 MC” on page 29. The LED flashes 4 times per second when shutting down. However, this usually takes less than a second, so there are only a few of these quick flashes.
Troubleshooting Reset Switch There is a reset switch adjacent to the CPU boot-up status LED. Pressing the switch momentarily resets the CPU board. See Figure 69. Reset Switch Figure 69 Reset Switch and CPU Boot-Up Status LED R450 Mini Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
When you call, be prepared to give the following information: • The exact wording of any message that appears on the R450 MC • A description of what happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred •...
Extra care is required when selecting these sites. • Avoid mounting the R450 MC antenna so that it is at the same height as another antenna on the site, regardless of the frequencies. R450 Mini Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Usually a 450 MHz wavelength is ~26-inches. • The exception to the previous rule is for cellular antennas. As long as the R450 MC antenna is either above, below, or in the middle of the ring of cell antennas, the two systems can coexist without interference.
It may be necessary to use more than one type of coax in an installation. The FSJ4-50B cable is very flexible and may be used for the last section of a coax run to the R450 MC if the additional flexibility is required.
Appendix A Neptune Part Numbers The following tables contain the Neptune part numbers for cable and connectors. Table 10 Neptune Part Numbers for Cable and Connectors Neptune Andrews Loss per Minimum Part Part Coax 100’ Bend Weight per Maximum Number...
Appendix A Antenna General Specifications for the RF Antenna. Comtelco BS450XL3-C 450-470 MHz Frequency Range Maximum Input Power (Watts) 250W Impedance 50 ohms Gain 3dBd VSWR <2.0:1 Bandwidth 20 MHz Vertical Beam Width 40 degrees Lightning Protection Direct ground Termination N Female Overall Length 39 inches...
Care must be taken not to damage the connector. System Certification The RF antenna supplied with the R450 MC is specified as having a VSWR of 1.5:1 or better over the 450 - 470 MHz range. Conduct a test by hooking up the wattmeter to the coaxial connector at the R450 MC end to measure the VSWR for the antenna and feed line combined.
Appendix A Power Measurement Table 12 Power Measurement to Return Loss and VSWR Conversion Table Input Power Input Power Return VSWR Return VSWR Reflected Power Reading Loss Reflected Power Reading Loss 0.001 0.005 0.01 30.0 1.07 0.20 1.05 2.10 6.78 2.69 0.002 0.010...
Appendix A Coax Cable Loss Table 13 Coax Cable Loss Table Coax Type FSJ4-50B LDF4-50A AVA5-50 Coax Type FSJ4-50B LDF4-50A AVA5-50 Loss 100 ft. 2.31 dB 1.45 dB 0.744 dB Loss 100 ft. 2.31 dB 1.45 dB 0.744 dB Length (ft.) Loss in dB @ 450 MHz Length (ft.) Loss in dB @ 450 MHz...
Appendix A VSWR Calculation Neptune recommends the following method of computing VSWR. Taking the reading at the R450 MC end of the feed line without compensating for cabling losses may give a false impression of the antenna and feed line performance.
Figure 71 AEA Antenna Analyzer Taking the Reading and Calculating VSWR Connect the analyzer to the feed line in place of the R450 MC. Configure the analyzer using the preceding procedure. Be sure there is not a vertical line running through the display in the plot area.
After unpacking the RF antenna, inspect it for damage. If any parts of the RF 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.
Ties 20.32cm and 30.48cm Cable Clips Various sizes Securing coax cable Concrete Blocks 8-inch X 8-inch X 16-inch Ballast for the R450 MC 20.32cm X 20.32cm X 40.64 cm stand Weatherizing Kit PolyPhasor P/N: WK-1 Weatherproofing coax cable - or...
Choose a location that does not interfere with any other wiring and is easily accessible. Once chosen, complete the following procedures. RF antenna The first step in securing the R450 MC pole in the ground is to locate cable where the RF antenna will be seated. Complete these instructions to locate the site for the pole.
See Table 14 on page 64. Figure 74 RF Antenna to be Mounted Attaching the RF Antenna Cable To attach the RF antenna cable to the R450 MC, complete the following steps. Locate the RF antenna cable that extends from the RF antenna cable conduit.
Appendix A Special consideration should be given when the R450 MC is installed inside a building. The screen (shield) of the coaxial cable must be connected to earth (grounded) at the entrance to the building. This should be done in accordance with applicable national electrical installation codes (Section 820.93 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70).
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Appendix A Notes: R450 Mini Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Applying the Ballast to the Stand After the R450 MC is wired, the next stage is to secure the entire unit in its location by applying the ballast. To apply the ballast to the stand, complete the following steps.
Appendix B Rohn Industries Stand – Part # JRM23855 The stand must be secured to the building structure before operation. The following table shows the U.S. standard and metric requirements for the Rohn Industries Stand – Part # JRM23855. Table 15 Rohn Industries Stand Concrete Block Requirements U.S.
Appendix C: Solar Power Information Magnetic Declination Correction for Magnetic Declination and Array Tilt Facing True South For optimum performance, your PV array should face true south in the Northern Hemisphere (and true north in the Southern Hemisphere). However, when determining direction using a magnetic compass, indicated bearings will vary from true bearings because of the difference between the location of the true and magnetic north poles.
Appendix C Specific Tilt Angle For optimum performance, your PV array should set to a specific tilt angle. To determine the desired tilt angle of the array, use an atlas to determine the latitude of the installation location. To determine what your latitude is: •...
Selecting the Correct Solar Power System Complete the following steps to select the correct solar power system for the R450 Mini Collector (R450 MC). Determine the installation location. Using Figure 80 on page 74, determine in which zone the site location is situated.
Table 17 Solar Power System Selection Solar Panel Solar Power Solar Power System Selection Zone Wattage Dimensions Neptune Part No. A, B, C, and D 150 W 26 x 58 in. 13068-200 (small pole/stand) 13068-400 (large pole) E and Canada 220 W 52 x 48 in.
Appendix C Troubleshooting the Solar Power System The following table shows some probable causes of problems you could see with the solar power system. Table 18 Solar Power System Troubleshooting Problem Probable Cause Recommended Action No Charging Overload solar/load Verify that the load is not exceeding the Power system capability.
Appendix C Troubleshooting the Solar Panel’s Load/Controller You can measure load voltages at the designated terminal blocks. • If the battery voltage is present at the load blocks, you can assume that the load fuse and the LVD are fully functional. LVD occurs at 11.5V.
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Appendix C Table 19 Battery Load Voltage by DOD DOD (%) 120 hr. Rate (volts) 12.69 12.58 12.45 12.32 12.18 12.05 11.88 11.65 11.40 10.50 These voltages are averages and will vary slightly from battery to battery even of the same rating. However, they are a good indicator of state of charge for Concorde AGM batteries.
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Appendix C Table 20 Voltages for SoC at 25°C SoC (%) 12.8 14.2 12.6 12.91 12.3 12.60 12.0 12.25 11.8 11.81 <11.6 <11.81 • If an individual battery does not hold a voltage of at least 12.6VDC open circuit after a full charge and a three-hour wait period under no load, you may have a damaged cell and require a battery replacement.
Appendix C PV Array (Solar Panel) Troubleshooting If the array is unobstructed, non-shaded, at the correct tilt angle, and in full light between 10am and 3pm, you can verify the module performance per the nameplate ratings for Voc and short circuit current (ISC) as follows: Set the PV(+) breaker to OPEN (OFF) position.
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Appendix C Notes: R450 Mini Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
Federal Communications Commission Light Emitting Diode Mini Collector The R450 Mini Collector (R450 MC) is the physical equipment that houses Neptune’s N_SIGHT R450 host software. The R450 MC is a device that collects meter reading data from Neptune’s absolute encoder register interfacing with Neptune’s new R450 MIU and transmits the data for collection.
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Glossary serial number A unique identification number given to each product at the factory. R450 System A fixed network AMI system for targeted applications allowing a utility to conduct meter reading operations automatically, ensuring maximum collection of the data. VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio.
Automatic Meter Reading (def) options, backhaul problems, MIU components, R450 MC 13, 21, 64, 69 concrete blocks backhaul configuration communications mounting communications options configure R450 MC GPRS modem...
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Index diagram installation (continued) pole installation problems 23, 33 R450 MC stand process wall-mounted system rooftop 14, 65 dimensions site selection solar panel spectrum analyzer instructions electrical specifications 14, 65 installation e-mail, technical support pole mount environmental conditions wall mount...
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R450 MC N_SIGHT R450 (def) description National Electrical Code photo, wall unit NEC (def) product description notices R450 MC stand R450 Mini Collector Industry Canada components null, modem serial cable defined R450 MIU dimensions meter interface unit (MIU)
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Canadian environmental conditions 12, 64 required tools functional requirements R450 MC ballast, metric spectrum analyzer, for installation ballast, US measurements stand reset switch stand,R450 MC responsibilities, of owners standard coax return of damaged unit...
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38, 46 Voltage Standing Wave Ratio RF antenna VSWR RF antenna connection defined weatherizing measure weight, maximum troubleshooting R450 MC wire feeds wiring battery box connect wall mount solar system install wood screws 33–34 installing, illus. instructions...
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Notes: R450 Mini Collector Installation and Maintenance Guide...
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