Xylem sensus AutoRead User Manual
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Xylem sensus AutoRead User Manual

Xylem sensus AutoRead User Manual

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AutoRead
User Guide
AUG-10030-03

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Summary of Contents for Xylem sensus AutoRead

  • Page 1 AutoRead User Guide AUG-10030-03...

  • Page 2: Copyright

    Revision History Rev No. Date Description Rev 01 07-JAN-2013 Initial Release. Rev 02 21-NOV-2013 Revisions for version 7.x of software. Rev 03 28-FEB-2017 Revisions for version 8.x of software. Copyright This document, in whole or in part, (“Document”) includes confidential and proprietary information belonging to Sensus USA Inc.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Revision History...............ii Copyright....................ii 1 AutoRead Introduction............7 2 Before Using AutoRead............8 Utility Actions Required Before AMR Systems Start-Up Training..... 8 New AutoRead Customer Requirements......... 10 AutoRead PC and User Prerequisites..........11 Suggestions to Optimize AutoRead Performance and Benefits..12 Suggested System Precautions............
  • Page 4 Retrieve Reads from a HHD..............50 5 Vehicle Process Routes............53 Load Routes for the Vehicle Read System...........53 Get Readings from a Vehicle Drive............57 6 Route Processing Functions..........61 Access the Process Routes Functions..........61 Clear....................62 Import..................... 63 Load Data..................63 Read Data..................63 Backup....................64 Reset....................64...
  • Page 5 8 Elements of the Process Routes Screen......88 The Title Bar..................88 The Menu Bar..................88 The Toolbar..................89 The Help Button.................. 89 The Close Button................90 The Tree View..................90 The Hide Tree View Button..............90 The Current View Area................ 91 Global vs. Individual View..............91 Display an Individual Route..............92 The Meters Tab...................
  • Page 6 How do I load multiple routes on my HHD?........129 How do I change the Notecodes that the meter readers use on their HHD or Vehicle Devices?..............130 What does "Master Stand Not Responding" mean when I try to Load or Read my HHD?................131 When I try to go into AutoRead, I see the message "There is a Mismatch Between the Database and the Log File, Please Reinstall the Software and Restore from a Backup."...

  • Page 7: Autoread Introduction

    1 AutoRead Introduction AutoRead for Windows is an application designed to simplify route organization, meter ® ™ reading tasks (data gathering, sorting and reporting), and meter reading entry into billing software applications. AutoRead is a third-generation software package which follows in the line of Rockwell Meter Management System (RMMS) and Sensus Technologies AutoRead System (STARS).

  • Page 8: Before Using Autoread

    2 Before Using AutoRead AutoRead needs to be installed and configured before it can be used. While installing AutoRead on a computer is very easy, configuring it can be more complex. Once configured, however, AutoRead is quite simple to use on a day-to-day basis. The configuration of AutoRead involves setting up the polling devices (reading devices) and setting up the import and export formats to match your billing system's route and reading file layout, as well as adding routes and reports.
  • Page 9 • Adequate power outlets. At a minimum, you will need one outlet for the communications/charging stands, one for the computer, one for the printer, and one for the monitor. Also consider the needs of any other office equipment (e.g. desk lamp, etc.) in the area.

  • Page 10: New Autoread Customer Requirements

    New AutoRead Customer Requirements Customers must complete two pre-startup requirements before they can be placed on the AutoRead training list: 1. A sample route file created at the customer's site.The billing programmer creates a sample route file by writing a program called a File Interface that uses data from their customer billing accounts to create a route.

  • Page 11: Autoread Pc And User Prerequisites

    The Meter ID must be a unique number for Manual Reads or the eight digit (ECR) Encoder Register number located on the white tag on the side of the register. The ECR number would be for TouchRead andRadioRead Protocols. **Meter Serial Number is the actual number stamped on the bronze casing of the meter. Any of these Import fields can be made to display on the screen of the HHD by making use of the Display Order parameter within AutoRead.

  • Page 12: Suggestions To Optimize Autoread Performance And Benefits

    System Requirements Component Requirement Operating System: Windows XP Professional, Vista Business, Vista Enterprise, or Vista Ultimate (32-bit versions only), and Windows 7, 8 & 10 Professional (32 and 64-bit versions.) Processor: 2.4 GHz Processor Memory Requirements: 2 GB RAM Communications Port: Legacy Charging stand: 1 Serial Port or 1 USB Port (A USB to Serial adapter is needed if an on-board serial port is unavailable.

  • Page 13: Autoread Installation/Upgrade Instructions

    AutoRead Installation/Upgrade Instructions Requirements • PC running Professional version of Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, or XP Service Pack 3 • Administrator or local administrative rights to the PC • AutoRead version 5.05 or higher (upgrades only) For customers upgrading •...

  • Page 14: Set Up Wifi And Ethernet Connections

    3. Upon completion of the installation/upgrade, you must restart your computer prior to using AutoRead. When the computer is restarted, there should be an AutoRead icon on the Windows desktop. You can use this shortcut icon to open the AutoRead program. Set up Wifi and Ethernet Connections In order to take advantage of Wifi and Ethernet connectivity, you must first configure all of the components.
  • Page 15 2. Tap-hold the Wi-Fi icon on the Home screen to go to the Wi-Fi control panel. When the handheld completes the scan, a list of available networks and their strengths appears on the Wi-Fi Wireless screen. Click on the Search for Networks button if none are automatically listed.

  • Page 16: Add Firewall Program Exception

    Note: Whenever Wi-Fi is turned on, a dialog box might appear at the bottom of the screen indicating the Wi-Fi networks the FL6502 has located. You can select a new network from this dialog box without opening the Wi-Fi control panel. 7.
  • Page 17 3. Beneath Windows Firewall, click Allow a program through Windows Firewall. The Windows Firewall dialog displays. 4. Determine the status of the Windows Firewall. If the Windows Firewall is off, it is not blocking connections from your host system. Regardless of the status, we recommend adding the program exception as the Windows Firewall may be turned on at any time.
  • Page 18 6. In the Add a Program dialog, click Browse to locate the application you wish to allow and click Add. In this case, the application is C:\AutoRead\AutoRead.exe. 7. Verify that AutoRead is listed in the Allowed programs and features list. 2 Before Using AutoRead | 18...

  • Page 19: Set Up The Ethernet Cradle

    Set up the Ethernet Cradle 1. The Ethernet dock is a freestanding desktop base. It can also be mounted to a horizontal surface like a desk or shelf. To mount the dock, drill three holes in a horizontal line 10 7/8” (27.65 cm) apart up through the mounting surface. Screw #6-32 screws up into the threaded holes in the dock’s bottom base plate.

  • Page 20: Set Up The Ethernet Driver On The Fl650X

    6. When you insert a handheld into the dock, a red LED on the handheld is illuminated, indicating that it is properly docked and ready to communicate over the network. 7. For networking, use an Ethernet cable to connect the dock to an Ethernet switch or to an internal network.
  • Page 21 3. Tap Connections. 4. Tap Wifi. 5. Tap Network Adapters and select SMSC9500 Ethernet Driver from the list of adapters. 2 Before Using AutoRead | 21...

  • Page 22: Turn On Ethernet Support And Find Your Devices

    6. Tap to save your settings. 7. Tap the back arrows to navigate back to the Start screen. 8. Click the Home icon to navigate to the Home screen. Turn on Ethernet Support and Find your Devices 1. 1. Navigate to the menu bar and choose View >...
  • Page 23 2. Navigate to the Ethernet/Wifi branch of the tree view. Here you see connected devices. When devices are added or removed from the cradle or WiFi, you must click the Refresh Device List button to update the Device List. You can change the Device ID of a handheld device by choosing it from the Device List, choosing the from the Commands list and clicking Execute.

  • Page 24: Polling Devices

    3 Polling Devices The Polling Devices screen lists all the Handheld, Vehicle or PhonRead reading devices that are configured in the AutoRead application. For example, if a utility has three HHDs, there should be three devices listed on the Polling Devices - Handheld screen.

  • Page 25: The Hhd Tab

    options for identifying the personnel who complete the Work Order. Any workers added here will then be available for selection in the Work Performed By prompt on the HHD work order screen. Unlike the Parts field, this field does not allow user input on the HHD. The HHD Tab Individual device parameters can be set or changed on the Device Control...
  • Page 26 • AR550X Tab: This tab allows the user to configure properties found only on the AR5500 model HHDs. If the specific device is not an AR5501 or AR5502 model HHD, the device will ignore the settings on this tab. • User Name: This box can be used to enter a user name for a device.

  • Page 27: The Ar400X Tab

    • AUTO-NEXT at Startup: If this setting is set to On, the HHD will advance to the next meter automatically when a reading is stored. If this control is set to Off, the meter reader will need to advance the HHD to the next meter manually after entering a reading. Entering a note will not advance the HHD to the next meter automatically, regardless of this setting.
  • Page 28 • Power-Down Time in seconds: This setting controls the amount of time that the HHD will remain on when not in use. A shorter time will conserve battery power. • Display Multiplier: This setting, if checked, will display the Multiplier on the HHD screen after a reading is taken.

  • Page 29: The Ar500X Tab

    The AR500X Tab AR500X tab is provided to make changes to the default configuration of the AR5001 and AR5002 HHD. There are settings that are specific to these models that do not apply to the model 4000 HHDs. • Prompt when not matching displayed location: When enabled, the HHD will display a dialog box when a reading is received with a Meter ID that does not match the Meter ID at the currently displayed location.
  • Page 30 12345678 is automatically entered on that account (where 12345678 is the actual ID of the meter read). This information will then print out on the AutoRead Route Note report providing for easy correction of these accounts in billing.Please refer to Table 3-1 more scenarios.

  • Page 31: Explanation Of Multipliers

    Be aware that options may only be assigned to one Function Key at a time, and that in order to take effect, the HHD must be reloaded. Explanation of MULTIPLIERS It is not always practical to read all the wheels on a register, especially if a utility does not bill in very small increments.

  • Page 32: The Ar550X Tab

    THE AR550X TAB AR550X General Subtab This tab's General subtab controls the properties of the AR5500 model HHD units when loading FlexRead route(s) from AutoRead to the HHD (see Figures 3.5 and 3.6). If the HHD model being used is not an AR5500 model, then the HHD will ignore these settings. Parameters within the General subtab are exclusive to the FlexPro application and used...

  • Page 33: Ar550X Programmer Subtab

    • Available Programmers: Check Water, Gas, Electric, and/or RGS under the Available Programmers group for the ability to program water, gas, electric, and/or RGS SmartPoints within FlexPro. • Show Previous Reading (if available): Displays the previous reading when entering a manual reading.
  • Page 34 selections have been made. If not checked, programming begins immediately after the selections have been made. • Load FlexRead Firmware Update: Loads the FlexNet SmartPoint M2 firmware to the HHD when a FlexRead route is loaded. The M2 SmartPoints are field-upgradeable and can be updated (if necessary) using the FlexPro application.
  • Page 35 • Meter Units: Indicates the meter's units of measure. Valid values are Gallons, Liters, Cubic Feet, and Cubic Meters. • Index Reading Resolution: Will be one of the following valid values: 1x, 10x, 100x, and 1000x. • Index Drive: Will be one of the following valid values: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000.
  • Page 36 • Meter Type: Indicates the type of register connected to the SmartPoint. Valid register types are Sensus TouchCoupler, Sensus 3 Wire, Neptune Proread E-Coder, AMCO Scancoder, Elster InVISION, and Badger ADE. There is also an option to AutoDetect the type of register. Alternatively, this value can be set to Not Used if no register is to be connected to the specific port on the SmartPoint.
  • Page 37 • Backflow Consecutive Intervals: Will be one of the following valid values: 1, 2, 12, or • Broken Pipe Threshold: Will be one of the following valid values: Disabled, 500 Counts, 800 Counts, 1350 Counts, or 4500 Counts. Electric-Specific Parameters Note: The following parameters are the default settings that, if unchanged, are programmed into the SmartPoint.
  • Page 38 • Valve Test Period: The frequency of time interval that the valve is tested. Options are Never, Yearly, and Monthly. • Pressure Scale Factor: The number the pressure scale is factored with. Options include 0.1x, 0.25x, 0.5x, 1.0x, 2.5x, 5.0x, 10.0x, and 25.0x. •...

  • Page 39: Hhd Notes Tab

    • High Pressure Shutoff Threshold: Value to be used as the maximum acceptable pressure threshold value if using the High and/or Low Pressure Shutoff options. Valid values range from 0.0-28.0 for each option; however, the values most follow a logical value range for each succeeding option.

  • Page 40: Hhd Work Order Tabs

    • Print: The Print button allows you to print the list of pre-defined Notecodes for reference. HHD Work Order Tabs There are three tabs pertaining to Work Orders: Instructions, Parts, and Workers. Please note that any changes made here will not be reflected in the HHD until the HHD is reloaded, just as it is with notes.

  • Page 41: Polling Devices - Vehicle

    Workers tab provides the preset entries for the HHD work order field Who Performed Work. The HHD operator must select from one of these presets; they do not have the option of entering free-form text into this field on the HHD. Note: Workers tab is blank by default.

  • Page 42: Vehicle Device Parameters

    Updating HHD Note Codes does not affect Vehicle Protocol Note Codes. If changes are made to HHD Notes, they will not affect Vehicle Protocol Note Codes. Vehicle Device Parameters Individual device parameters for Vehicle Transceiver Units (VXUs) can be set or changed on the Device Control screen in the Vehicle protocol.

  • Page 43: Vehicle Reading Display Tab

    • Retry on Bad Read: May be enabled if directed by Sensus Technical Services to improve MXU response in situations where RadioRead success is intermittent. Allows the VXU to attempt interrogation multiple times prior to signaling the Bad Read message. Altering this without consent from Technical Services may actually hinder system performance.
  • Page 44 Please see the Explanation of MULITPLIERS paragraph in Section for further information. • Formatted (w/o Multiplier and Units): Multiplier and Unit information (if any) is not applied to the reading shown on the display of the VXU laptop. The reading that is shown on the laptop will reflect only the wheels on the register that are read electronically or manually.

  • Page 45: Hhd Process Routes

    4 HHD Process Routes Once AutoRead has been installed and configured to link to your particular billing package, the day-to-day procedures of loading your reading devices and unloading the meter reads can be performed. Load Routes into a HHD The first step in loading a HHD will always be done in the specific billing program that you use.
  • Page 46 b) When all the HHD routes are displayed on the right portion of the screen, select the desired routes. Routes in AutoRead can have any name that you wish, and a single route in AutoRead can consist of several individual books or groups of meters. The main thing to remember is that a "route"...
  • Page 47 Note: It is possible to load more than one route into a single HHD. Please refer to Section Loading Multiple Routes, for more information if needed. 3. Clear. Once the route to be processed is selected, ensure that the route is Cleared so that it can accept the new route data of the current set of meters to be processed.
  • Page 48 Click Execute, located to the right of the Function menu, to perform the function. Depending on how your AutoRead program is configured, you may be asked to confirm your decision to clear the route. Double-check that the selected route is the correct one, and click Yes.
  • Page 49 b) Click Execute to perform the operation. After performing the Import function, the status of the selected route will change to Ready To Load (Data: Not Loaded) and the column Meters Read/On Route will update with the number of meters imported. This number should match the number of meters sent over from the billing system and signifies that the route file did successfully Import into the AutoRead database.

  • Page 50: Retrieve Reads From A Hhd

    The meter reader should check to see that the screen of the HHD displays the Device ID and the message Charging Stand Active. The top green light on the Charging Stand, which is labeled Handheld Seated, should be illuminated. The Charging Handheld light may also be illuminated.
  • Page 51 Reading Data from the HHD Step Description 1. Open AutoRead Open AutoRead program 2. Read Data Copies readings from HHD to PC, creates export file, and generates AutoRead Reports 3. Backup Backs up reading information 4. Check Reports Check meter reading reports for accuracy 5.
  • Page 52 If the status of the selected route did not change to Backup Required (Data: Available) or Complete (Data: Available), an error may have occurred during the Read Data process. Check the column labeled Error for the selected route, and refer to Appendix A or contact Sensus Technical Services at 1-800-638-3748. If the selected route is in Complete (Data: Available) status, AutoRead was not configured to prompt the user for a backup.

  • Page 53: Vehicle Process Routes

    5 Vehicle Process Routes Once AutoRead has been installed and configured to link to your particular billing package, the day-to-day procedures of loading the route onto a disk for the Vehicle-RadioRead software and unloading the meter reads can be performed. The following section details how to perform these day-to-day procedures.
  • Page 54 To process a Vehicle route, it is necessary to select the Vehicle protocol from the Tree View on the left of the screen. Click Vehicle under Route Processing. You are now ready to process routes in the Vehicle protocol. The Vehicle routes display on the right half of the screen.
  • Page 55 3. Clear. Once the route to be processed is selected, ensure that the route is Cleared so that it can accept the new route data of the current set of meters to be processed. By now, any existing data in the route should have been Read and Backed Up. Before Clearing a route, be sure that the correct route is selected.
  • Page 56 After performing the Import function, the status of the selected route changes to Ready To Load (Data: Not Loaded) and the column Meters Read/On Route updates with the number of meters imported. This number should match the number of meters sent over from the billing system and signifies that the route file did successfully Import into the AutoRead database.

  • Page 57: Get Readings From A Vehicle Drive

    After performing the Load Data function, the status of the route is: Device Loaded (Data: Loaded). This means that the disk is ready for the meter reader to take to the VXU laptop computer. It is very important to check that the status did in fact change to Device Loaded (Data: Loaded).
  • Page 58 Step Description 2. Read Data Copies readings from USB drive to PC, creates export file, and generates AutoRead Reports 3. Backup Backs up route information 4. Check Reports Check meter reading reports for problems 5. Transfer Readings to Transfer and upload the Billing AutoRead readings into billing program...
  • Page 59 To perform a Read Data function, select Read Data in the Function menu. b) Click Execute to perform the function. You are prompted to insert the Vehicle drive into the AutoRead PC at this point. If the drive is not already in the AutoRead computer, insert it and click OK. After the Read Data process has completed, the status for the selected route is either Backup Required (Data: Available) or Complete (Data: Available), depending on the configurations in AutoRead.
  • Page 60 If the status of the selected route is Complete (Data: Available), this means that all steps necessary to process the readings in AutoRead have been completed. You can now safely quit or minimize the AutoRead application. In most cases, the reading file will already be created in the folder specified in the AutoRead Route Maintenance screen.

  • Page 61: Route Processing Functions

    6 Route Processing Functions Access the Process Routes Functions To access Process Routes in AutoRead, click on the type of device to be processed in the Tree View, or select from the top level menu. The blue bar across View > Routes > Process the top of the program window should read AutoRead - [Process Routes].

  • Page 62: Clear

    The function will not begin until you click the Execute button. Be sure to watch the status of the route to know that the function executed properly. The starting and ending statuses and use for each function are described in the following sections.

  • Page 63: Import

    data of the selected route before clearing. In most cases, the selected route should be in a status of Complete (Data: Available) prior to performing a Clear step, however, the function will return the selected route to No Meters (Data: Not Loaded) from any status. Import In order to perform this step, the selected route in AutoRead must be in a status of No Meters (Data: Not Loaded).

  • Page 64: Backup

    Backup This function performs a Backup of the route information and readings that have been read from the HHD or VXU disk. For normal operations, the selected route will show a status of Backup Required (Data: Available) or Complete (Data: Available) in order for actual reading data to be stored.

  • Page 65: Re-Process

    be either Backup Required (Data: Available) or Complete (Data: Available). After executing this function, the route status should be back at Device Loaded (Data: Loaded), meaning that AutoRead will accept another Read Data function. The device does not have to be reloaded with information for this function to take place.

  • Page 66: Read/Load Data

    The routename.rbk file should be found in the path specified by the Backup Path box in Route Maintenance - Detail tab for that route. The backup must be restored to the same route name and the route must be in a status of No Meters (Data: Not Loaded) in order to execute the Restore function.

  • Page 67: Move Unvisited Meters

    An Unread meter refers to a meter without a reading transaction. Notes, answered questions, completed work orders, and marks do not count as readings. Move Unvisited Meters This function is used to move unvisited meters from one route to another in one step. If the selected route has been read and the readings processed into AutoRead, the status is either Backup Required (Data: Available) or Complete (Data: Available).
  • Page 68 6 Route Processing Functions | 68...

  • Page 69: Additional Route Processing Options

    7 Additional Route Processing Options This section details some of the additional operations that can be performed in your route processing beyond just loading and retrieving reads from a single route as discussed in Chapter 4 for HHDs and Chapter 5 for Vehicle Units. Load Multiple Routes There may be times that a user wishes to select more than one route in AutoRead.

  • Page 70: Add Questions To Meters In The Route

    a user to process a single route if the HHD had originally been loaded with multiple routes. In other words, once several routes have been loaded together to a single device, they effectively become "one" route and thus must be selected together when performing a Read Data function.
  • Page 71 3. Next, locate the meter where you want the question to appear in the HHD. You can do this by scrolling down the list with the scroll bar to the right of the list. Or you can right- click on the list of meters to get the drop down menu. 4.
  • Page 72 Note: When searching, it is not necessary to type in complete information. 6. Either double-click on the desired match, or click it once to highlight it, and click OK. AutoRead will then take you to the meter and the meter is highlighted. If the Search window was blank, then no matches were found.
  • Page 73 9. When finished, click the box. Note: Another question can be added to this same meter by clicking and repeating the Add Question steps. The question that was previously added can be modified. Click on the question to select it and then click on the Modify button.

  • Page 74: Move Unread Or Unvisited Meters To A Different Route

    Another meter can now be selected to add questions to or if finished adding questions, the route can be loaded. To get back to the list of the all the HHD routes to process, simply click Handheld under Route Processing in the Tree View.

  • Page 75: Move Unread Meters From A Route

    Move Unread Meters from a Route 1. Open to the Process Routes screen by selecting the View menu, then selecting Routes and View. 2. Click Handheld, PhonRead, or Vehicle in the Tree View, depending on the desired protocol. 3. Click the Function menu and select either Move Unread Meters...
  • Page 76 3. Click the Meters tab, which will display the list of meters in this route. 4. Filter out just the Un-Read or Unvisited meters by clicking the check box in front of Un- Read or Unvisited meters then clicking the Apply button.
  • Page 77 If the you wish to move only some of the unread meters, then it is possible to select one or more meters individually from the list by clicking the first desired meter, and then either pressing the Ctrl key on the keyboard and continuing to click each additional meter, or by holding the Shift key on the keyboard and then using either the up or down arrow on the keyboard to select adjacent meters.

  • Page 78: Add Meters To An Existing Group

    Once the meters have finished pasting, the route status is Ready To Load (Data: Not Loaded). The number of meters in Meters Read / On Route should have increased by the number of meters moved. A Load Data function still needs to take place in order to load the unread meters into the meter reader device.

  • Page 79: Partial Download Of A Route From The Reading Device

    Partial Download of a Route from the Reading Device When very large routes that take days to read are loaded into a reading device, it is possible to perform partial downloads of reading data. 1. Click on the Device Loaded (Data: Loaded) route to be downloaded to select the route. Note: If more than one route was loaded into the device, they all need to be selected to perform the Read Data, even if you aren't finished with all of them.

  • Page 80: Route Exceptions

    Route Exceptions What is a Route Exception? A Route Exception is a meter record the AutoRead application has set aside, due to missing or duplicated meter information. Because the purpose of the AutoRead system is to collect meter readings, the importance of accurately identifying and tracking meters is paramount. AutoRead requires certain basic information for every meter to ensure that the meter readings are applied properly.

  • Page 81: Route Exceptions Occurring After A Read Data Has Been Performed

    HHDs use the Meter ID and Meter Type fields to accurately store meter reading information to the correct account, if a duplicate or missing Meter ID exists in the route data, AutoRead must discard the missing or duplicate records before loading the HHD. AutoRead will always keep the first occurrence of a certain ID number, and set aside any duplicates that follow.

  • Page 82: The Five Required Fields

    file. If the Route Exceptions were successfully corrected, there should no longer be a bold (e) next to the route name, and there should not be a Route Exceptions tab on the Route Detail screen. Again, it is not imperative to correct the Route Exceptions before loading the route to a HHD, but the meters that are Route Exceptions will not be included with the rest of the route that is loaded to the HHD.
  • Page 83 the EXACT Meter ID number to be recorded consistently in the billing software for every meter. This number can be found on Sensus AMR registers on a paper label on the side of the register. Also, Touch Reading or RadioReading the register will display the Meter ID in the following format: "B31120293."...
  • Page 84 read electronically, they report their Meter ID along with the Meter Type in the following format: "B31128393" where the "B" is the Meter Type and the eight digit number that follows is the Meter ID. The Sensus system is designed to interpret the first letter of the string as the Meter Type, and the second part as the Meter ID.

  • Page 85: Add Readings And Notes To Meters In Autoread

    Add Readings and Notes to Meters in AutoRead In AutoRead version 5.xx and later, it is possible to add a reading or note to an account after the meters have been processed from the HHD, or Vehicle device. In other words, if the meter reader has finished reading, and the readings have been read from the HHD or Vehicle into AutoRead, but have not yet been transferred to billing, it is possible to add a reading or note to an account from within AutoRead.
  • Page 86 4. When the desired meter has been selected in the list, click on the Meter Detail tab or double-click on the desired meter. Notice that there are five tabs about halfway down the screen labeled: Readings, Notes, Questions, Imported Data, and Work Order. 5.
  • Page 87 billing software support or Sensus Metering Systems support to determine if notecodes can be sent back to billing along with readings. Whether or not notecodes can be sent back to billing, any Notecodes added from within the AutoRead program can print on reports generated by AutoRead when performing the Re-Process function after adding the notes.

  • Page 88: Elements Of The Process Routes Screen

    8 Elements of the Process Routes Screen Process Routes screen of AutoRead is the main working screen of the application. You will perform most of your day-to-day procedures on this screen. It is helpful to get to know all the elements of this screen, as well as the fundamentals of navigating within this screen. AutoRead can be set to automatically open directly to the Process Routes screen.

  • Page 89: The Toolbar

    The Toolbar The AutoRead Toolbar consists of six buttons that can be used to navigate between different screens. By clicking on one of these buttons, you can quickly navigate to other screens within the AutoRead program. The Help Button Help button can be found on every screen of the AutoRead application.

  • Page 90: The Close Button

    The Close Button Click the Close button to exit from the current screen. The Tree View Use the Tree View to navigate between screens within AutoRead. You can also refer to it to determine which screen is currently selected. In AutoRead, the Tree View is located on the left portion of the screen.

  • Page 91: The Current View Area

    The Current View Area The Current View area is the right portion of the screen, which displays the available items for the screen selected (highlighted) in the Tree View. The Current View area is used for changing properties on a given screen. Global vs.

  • Page 92: Display An Individual Route

    When in Global view, the Handheld Protocol is highlighted in the Tree View. The protocol is either TouchRead or RadioRead. Notice what is highlighted in the Tree View. Note: It is important to note that whatever is highlighted on the Tree View display on the right portion of the screen.

  • Page 93: The Sort By Menu Box

    tab displays information about every meter that is currently imported into Meters the route. The fields include Source, Account ID, Service Address, Meter ID, Meter Type, MXU ID, Port Number, Port Type, Port ID, and Port Channel. The list is displayed in the order the meters were received from the import file.

  • Page 94: The Meter Detail Tab

    Meters can be filtered by two options at a time: Select one of these three: • - Shows all meters available, route and non-route. • Route - Shows all of the accounts imported from the utility billing software. • Non-Route - A list of all transactions where the meter IDs don't match any of the imported meter ID numbers.In combination with one of the following: •...

  • Page 95: The Route Exceptions Tab

    The four required fields, Meter ID, Meter Type, Account ID, and Service Address are displayed at the top of the screen. The MXU ID, if used, is also displayed along with Port Number, Port Type and Port Channel. Several tabs display in the middle of the screen: Readings, Notes, Questions, Imported Data, and Work Order.

  • Page 96: The Status Bar

    To view the route exceptions, double-click anywhere on the bold (e) line to display the Route Detail screen. From the Route Detail screen click the Route Exceptions tab. If there are no Route Exceptions, the Route Exceptions tab is not visible. The Status Bar is a small message window located just below the button.

  • Page 97: Reports

    9 Reports Reports are listed here alphabetically with notes on whether the report may be printed automatically, or must be printed from a particular location in AutoRead. Some reports are common to all protocols while others are specific to only one. The availability of fields will depend on the selections made at the import level (i.e.
  • Page 98 Alarm Summary report lists a summary of power failures for electric meters on a particular route. In addition, the status/error byte value may provide explanations as to why the failures occurred. For EWRs (manufacturer value = E1), this value is a two-byte hexadecimal.
  • Page 99 The AMR Master Route report lists all transactions performed during the reading of a route. Transactions may include malfunctions, notes, programmed MIUs, questions, readings, work performed, and/or tampers. Note: For the AutoRead Manuals to appear on this report, you must have subsequently performed a Re-Process from the Function drop-down menu.
  • Page 100 The Consumption Report lists the total consumption for meters. Total Consumption is the difference between the Previous and Current Readings; therefore, if a Previous Reading was not imported, the meter will not show up on this report. Cumulative Summary Report Available in all protocols but must be selected in the Route Maintenance global level on...
  • Page 101 The Cumulative Summary report provides a summary of the entire meter reading session, which usually includes information for more than one route. The statistics include Total Readings Taken, Total Unread Meters, Total Non-Route Meters, Average Time Between Readings, Average Readings Per Hour, and the Longest Time Between Readings. In addition, this report displays statistics obtainable on the Meters tab.
  • Page 102 High/Low Exception Available in all protocols when the AutoRead defined fields High Limit and Low Limit are selected on the import layout. High/Low Exception report lists readings taken on the route that exceed the expected high/low limit range. This range can be imported from the billing system and loaded with the route.
  • Page 103 The Install Call report lists MIUs that have called in for installation purposes. MIUs can be programmed to call for installation purposes by setting the Call on Programming parameter to Install. Location Change Available only in the VehicleRead protocol and printed either automatically or individually from the Reports tab.
  • Page 104 The Marked Location report lists all meters electronically marked for whatever reason (repairs, investigation of leaks by the utility, or a survey of pre-defined conditions encountered by the meter reader.) Master Route Available in all protocols and printed either automatically or individually from the Reports tab.
  • Page 105 The MIU Call Summary report lists all activities of MIUs. MIU Master Route Available only in the PhonRead protocol and printed either automatically or individually from Reports tab. report lists all transactions by MIUs. MIU Master Route MIU NCT Log Available only in the PhonRead protocol and printed either automatically or individually from Reports tab.
  • Page 106 MIU Programming Available only in the PhonRead protocol and printed either automatically or individually from Reports tab. The MIU Programming report lists all MIUs that have had parameters (modes, phone numbers, and ring timer) applied to them. Please note that AutoRead must be run with the '-A' switch in order to apply these MIU parameters.
  • Page 107 The Multiple Read Exception report lists meters on a route that were read more than once. Multiplier Mismatch Available in all protocols and printed either automatically or individually from the Reports tab. The Multiplier Mismatch report lists all accounts in which the multiplier found during the reading differs from the multiplier imported from the billing system.
  • Page 108 MXU Status report lists meters for which diagnostic problems (low battery, detected leak, watchdog timer, and/or phase-lock) or errors (port expander skip and/or parity) with the MXU were detected. MXU Worksheet Available in RadioRead and VehicleRead protocols and printed either automatically or individually from the Reports tab.
  • Page 109 • Didn't respond to the interrogation signal from the VXU. These are denoted NR for No Response from MXU. • Contained meters that did not respond even though the MXU did respond. These are denoted NI for Needs Investigated. • Contained meters with bad reads. These are denoted BR for Bad Reads. •...
  • Page 110 The Non-Route Exception report lists readings taken for meters not assigned to the route. This may also occur when a meter has been installed, but a new customer account has not yet been established, or if a Meter ID was entered improperly into the billing system. Note Master Available in all protocols except PhonRead and printed individually from the Reports...
  • Page 111 The Port Invalidation report lists any meters that have invalidated connections to MIDs. These connections could be caused by a MID ID mismatch, a port number mismatch, a port ID mismatch, a dry shot port, a port type mismatch, or a port invalidation from another meter.
  • Page 112 The Programmed MXUs report lists mass programming activity for MXUs. It is grouped into three statuses: • MXUs that were successfully PROGRAMMED. • MXUs that were NOT PROGRAMMED, but were READ. • MXUs that were NEITHER PROGRAMMED NOR READ. Note: Only those MXUs that were imported can be programmed. By default, this report is grouped by status and displays the MXU ID, Meter ID, and the address of the account.
  • Page 113 The Question report lists meters for which questions were asked and answers were received. Meters with unanswered questions will not appear in this report. Register Malfunction Available in all protocols and printed automatically or individually from the Reports tab. The Register Malfunction report lists meters for which AutoRead detected a malfunction. Register Mismatch Available in the TouchRead, RadioRead and VehicleRead protocols and printed either automatically or individually from the...
  • Page 114 The Register Mismatch report lists meters for which the reading was taken in a manner inconsistent with the register type as indicated in the route file. For example, a meter that contained a RadioRead System Type Code in the route file, but was read manually would be included in this report.
  • Page 115 The Route Comparison report provides a means to compare two routes in the event that more than one route was loaded to the device. Check Route Comparison Reports to allow this report to print. (Please note that this is a summary report. It will only print when multiple routes are selected.) Route Exceptions Available in all protocols and printed either automatically or from the...
  • Page 116 The Route Note report lists each note that has been recorded for a route. Route Statistical Summary Available in all protocols and printed automatically or individually from the Reports tab. The Route Statistical Summary report lists statistical data for the meter readings on a route. In addition, this report displays some of the statistics available on the Meters tab.
  • Page 117 The SmartPoint Status report is available for the RadioRead and Vehicle protocols and lists meters for which alarms were detected on the SmartPoint sometime in the past thirty-five days. Route Title Page Available in all protocols and printed automatically when selected to do so from the Route Maintenance General tab.
  • Page 118 The Route Title Page acts as a cover for the generated reports. Tamper Detect Available only with the PhonRead protocol and printed either automatically or individually from the Reports tab. 9 Reports | 118...
  • Page 119 The Tamper Detect report lists information for all TDLs (Tamper Detect Loops) or TDMs (Tamper Detect Modules) that indicate that the meter has been tampered with. TDLs and TDMs are connected to meters and report a condition of 1 to signify a tamper. Tamper Summary Available only with the PhonRead Protocol and printed either automatically or individually from the...
  • Page 120 The Work Performed report lists all work that has been performed on a route. Zero Consumption The Zero Consumption report lists all meters for which there was no consumption from the previous reading period. Total Consumption is the difference between the previous and current readings;...

  • Page 121: Troubleshooting Non-Route Meter Ids

    10 Troubleshooting Non-Route Meter IDs All Protocols The Meter ID field in AutoRead is the ECR ID (Electronically Coded Register). The Meter ID and Meter Type fields in conjunction create the control field or key to the AutoRead System. The registers are programmed with a unique ID that is entered into billing for each account and meter to be read.
  • Page 122 followed in the field, the Non Route Meter will appear on the Non Route Exception Report. The date and time is noted. Once found on the Non Route Report you can move to the Master Route Report printed sequentially and will find the Non Route Meter at the correct date and time and see that the very next entry on the report is a manual entry of the same reading.

  • Page 123: Corrections With Ar500X Equipment

    return to the proper location, a Search can be performed for Unread Meters or for the address of the next location, or if a Touch Pad is at the next location it can be read and when the Not at Displayed Location message is encountered you can press Shift, Last, and IT's4you2 then...

  • Page 124: Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions

    Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions The section that follows covers many Frequently Asked Questions from users that call Sensus Technical Services. Sensus encourages users to call Technical Services at 1-800-638-3748 if a question or problem arises, however, some answers and solutions to the most Frequently Asked Questions are included here should a user wish to troubleshoot problems.

  • Page 125: How Do I Reprint The Reports From A Route

    It is also possible to print the AutoRead reports to a file. If reports are printed to a file, they can be saved in any directory on the network, or can even be emailed to another location for review. To print to file, choose File in the Printer...

  • Page 126: Why Am I Getting A "Device Is Already Loaded" Error

    A list of all your AutoRead routes in that protocol will appear. Highlight the route you wish to view from the list by clicking on it, then click the button at the bottom. If there was data available for that report, the data begins to be visible on the right side of the screen. This may take a few minutes, depending on the route size and the speed of your computer.

  • Page 127: What Does "Device Not Found" Mean When I Try To Do A Read Data Or Load Data In Autoread

    If you determine that you can safely clear the other route or routes (you do not need any readings from the device in its current state), then clear the route or routes by highlighting them and choosing the function Clear and then press Execute.

  • Page 128: When I Import, I Get The Error "Incorrect Record Length." What Is This Error Telling Me

    already performed a Read Data function, the status will change to Backup Required (Data: Available) or Complete (Data: Available). In order to get the route back to Device Loaded (Data: Loaded), you must first perform the Re-Execute function, and then press Execute. When I Import, I get the error "Incorrect Record Length."...

  • Page 129: What Does "Invalid Operation-Multi" Mean

    Most Commonly Used Functions FUNCTION MUST BE DESCRIPTION PERFORMED FROM THIS STATUS Clear Clears the selected route of any route or reading data. Import No Meters (Data: Not Imports the route data Loaded) from the route file created by the billing software. Load Data Ready to Load (Data: Not Loads the route data...

  • Page 130: How Do I Change The Notecodes That The Meter Readers Use On Their Hhd Or Vehicle Devices

    If your routes are named after the device (HHD001 or SSI001), then it is likely that there is only one route per device in AutoRead. In this situation, it is usually easier to load multiple routes by importing them together as one group into the route named after the device. Consult your billing software to find out how to combine multiple books or routes in one file for AutoRead.

  • Page 131: What Does "Master Stand Not Responding" Mean When I Try To Load Or Read My Hhd

    You should see a list of Note numbers with a Text description. The note codes can have any ID number between 1 and 9999 and may not be duplicated. To change the text description of an existing note, either double click the note you wish to change, or single click to highlight it and click the Modify button on the toolbar at the top of the list.

  • Page 132: When I Try To Go Into Autoread, I See The Message "There Is A Mismatch Between The Database And The Log File, Please Reinstall The Software And Restore From A Backup." What Should I Do

    • Check to see that the stands have electrical power. It can help to unplug the stands from the power source (wall or power strip) and leave them unplugged for 15 seconds and then plug them in again. Make sure that there is at least one light lit on the stand or stands that you are trying to use.

  • Page 133: What Does "Serial Comms Timeout" Mean When I Am Trying To Read Data Or Load Data On My Hhd

    What does "Serial Comms Timeout" mean when I am trying to Read Data or Load Data on my HHD? The Serial Comms Timeout message means that your PC is having difficulty completing the communication with the HHD. Generally this error indicates that your PC began communicating with the HHD, and then this communication was halted.

  • Page 134: What Does The Error "Problem With The Target Drive Or File" Mean

    Enter Number of Stands After this is done, either click the green Save check mark at the top of the screen, or go to View menu item in the upper left corner of the screen and then to Routes and then click Process.

  • Page 135: What Does "Error Matching Model" Mean When I Try To Load My Hhd

    The most common cause of this error is when the backup is to be saved on a diskette and the diskette is NOT in the drive. Please insert the diskette and retry the backup. Another possibility could be that the file is being saved to a server or network PC, and the connection to the PC has been lost.

  • Page 136: How Can I Set Up Autoread To Load My Vehicle Routes To A Usb Flash Or Thumb Drive Instead Of Floppy Disk

    How can I set up AutoRead to load my Vehicle routes to a USB flash or thumb drive instead of floppy disk? The first step is to plug the USB drive into the USB port of the PC. The PC should indicate that it has found new hardware.

  • Page 137: How Do I Import A Route To Autoread Using The Imsoftech Inhance Billing Program

    How do I Import a Route to AutoRead using the IMSofTech InHance Billing Program? When using InHance Utility Solution, a billing route file does not have to be created prior to entering AutoRead. The route information automatically imports into AutoRead from the InHance database.
  • Page 138 If there are reading groups configured in InHance, select the Reading Group to be imported, or <none> if there are no reading groups configured. Please contact IMSoftech technical support for any questions on the use of Reading Groups within InHance. Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions | 138...
  • Page 139 Then enter the book number to be imported into the box entitled Books. If selecting multiple books in a row, you can specify a range with a dash. For example, to import books 1, 2, 3, and 4 in that order, specify 1-4. If selecting multiple books not in sequence, separate the book numbers with commas.
  • Page 140 If you would like to include inactive accounts to be loaded in the HHD to be read, click the box in front of Include Inactive Accounts to select this option. Next you must select the Service Type(s) to be imported by clicking the listed type in the Service Type box.

  • Page 141: How Do I Add In An Mxu Programmer To My List Of Routes So I Can Load It To The Hhd

    Click the box to begin importing the specified book(s). Note: When retrieving readings, after performing the standard Read Data and Backup steps in AutoRead as described in Sections 4 and 5 of the included manual, the readings file should be present in the InHance Utility | Readings | Reading File Maintenance menu.
  • Page 142 Click on and a New Route options box displays. Select the HHD number you wish to designate the programmer for, under Type select Programmer, then give it a descriptive name and click OK. If you wish to designate default parameters, click on the Programmer tab and adjust the settings as desired.

  • Page 143: How Do I Configure The Device Id On A Hhd

    How do I configure the Device ID on a HHD? Setting the Device ID on a HHD allows you to configure the HHD to the desired device number. For example, if the HHD is a loaner or if it was recently received from the repair department, then the Device ID number will probably need to be configured.
  • Page 144 11. After choosing Yes, the next window prompts you for the desired Device ID number for the HHD. Enter the desired number and click to start the configuration. When the configuration process has completed, AutoRead will return to the Commands window.

  • Page 145: Appendix B: Import And Export Field Names

    Appendix B: Import and Export Field Names The following table shows all the fields available for Import Export in the AutoRead application. This table lists each available Field Name as it appears in the View-Routes- Maintenance screen on the Import and Export tabs. It lists which protocols are applicable for the field as follows: Handheld TouchRead (HH/TR),...
  • Page 146 Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width MXU ID HH/RRVE/ Imp/Exp RadioRead MXU or FlexNet SmartPoint Serial Number found on the sticker on the side of the radio box. MXU Type HH/RRVE/ Imp/Exp RadioRead MXU or FlexNet SmartPoint Type Code. This is a B if there is an MXU ID and blank if there is no MXU ID for this meter.
  • Page 147 Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width Extra Imp/Exp Extra fields are User Defined uniquely named strings whose existence allows a user to Import data into them for the purpose of Exporting it later back to billing. AutoRead does nothing other than maintain this data in order to pass it back in the export.
  • Page 148 Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width Meter Imp/Exp Special Code to Define Multiple Definition Head Meters. Used to create multiple records for this multiple head meter when the import file does not create a separate record with unique meter ID for each. Meter Imp/Exp Body number of the meter.
  • Page 149 Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width Port Type HH/RRVE/ Imp/Exp MXU or MIU Port Type RRCI/PR Previous Imp/Exp Prior month's reading for the meter. Reading Should be expressed as a Reading value, not as consumption. Question HH/TRHH/ Import Question to be answered at Service RRVE/RR Address obtained from the route file from billing.
  • Page 150 Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width Read Export Hour portion only of Time of reading Time(Hours) transaction expressed as two digit hour. Read Export Minute portion only of Time of Time(Minutes) reading transaction expressed as two digit value of number of minutes.
  • Page 151 PhonRead Protocol Only Fields Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width Actual Call CI/PR Export Actual Call Time from a PhonRead Time Call-In Session. The time the MIU actually called into the office computer. Call CI/PR Export Decimal value of Call Reason from a Reason PhonRead Call-In Session.
  • Page 152 Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width View CI/PR Export View Command issued to obtain the Alternate Alternate Number that is currently Number set in the MIU. View CI/PR Export View Command issued to obtain the Emergency Emergency Number that is currently Number set in the MIU.
  • Page 153 Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width Flexnet HH/TRHH/ Export The longitude collected via the Longitude programming tool at the location programming was performed. Flexnet HH/TRHH/ Export Used to determine the scale and Meter 1 units of the current reading and History history samples.
  • Page 154 Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width Flexnet HH/TRHH/ Export The consecutive number of intervals Meter with an increase in consumption 2 Leak before a leak is flagged on Port 2 Detection of the transmitter. The interval is Consecutive defined by the sample rate. Works in Reads conjunction with the Leak Detection Threshold.
  • Page 155 Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width Flexnet HH/TRHH/ Export How often the transmitter sends Transmit reading data to the TGB, expressed Rate in minutes or hours. Flexnet HH/TRHH/ Export A numeric value assigned to a Utility Code utility to eliminate cross-talk with neighboring systems.

  • Page 156: Note Explanations

    Field Protocols Imp/Exp Function Notes Name Width Register HH/TRHH/ Export Initial reading of the register as Initial recorded in the work order. Reading Register HH/TRHH/ Export Manufacture date of register as Manufactured recorded in the work order. Date Register HH/TRHH/ Export Register units of measurement Units of...

  • Page 157: Note 1

    Note 10 - Call Reason and MIU Status both have their source the Status register of the MIU Model 200 or 205. The MIU Status field is a 16-bit bit-map with the following definitions: Note 11 - The PhonRead MIU Model 200 is designated as Type Code "A" by AutoRead. The PhonRead MIU Model 205 is designated as Type Code "B"...

  • Page 158: Note 4

    Follow SSIs Default Reading Direction Manual Read Length controls the width from 1 to 9. A value of 0 tells the SSI to follow its Default Maximum Characters of Reading setting in the Polling Device settings in AutoRead. Note 4 Note 4 -Meter Definition Codes - If billing is unable to provide separate records with a unique meter ID for each record on meters that require multiple reads such as a compound meter, they can instead pass a...

  • Page 159: Note 6

    Low Battery & Watch Dog Timer Low Battery, Phase Lock & Watch Dog Timer Phase Lock & Watch Dog Timer Note 6 Note 6 - Port Types supported by AutoRead are as follows: Sensus ECR Sensus Tamper Detect Module (TDM) Neptune ARB-VI (Data Format 1) Sensus MultiRead Module Tamper Detect Loop (TDL)

  • Page 160: Note 9

    Cubic Meters Cubic Feet Cubic Inches Cubic Yards US Gallons Imperial Gallons Acre Feet Kiloliters Liters Watt Hours Kilowatt Hours Note 9 Note 9 - These Time fields all have the format MMDDYYhhmm where: is Month-of-Year (01-12) is Day-of-Month (01-31) is Year-of-Century (00-99) is Hour-of-Day...

  • Page 161: Note 10

    Note 10 Note 10 - Call Reason and MIU Status both have their source the Status register of the MIU Model 200 or 205. The MIU Status field is a 16-bit bit-map with the following definitions: Time Tone Ring Install Error CRC/RAM Error Low Voltage Error CRC/EEProm...

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