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October 2012
Communications Cables
The connection between the FT case terminal blocks and the RS-232 and RS-485 devices is accomplished with a user-supplied cable. The
cable terminal leads connect to the FT terminal blocks as shown in Figure 6, Figure 10, and Figure 11.
The connection between the FT case terminal blocks and the internal telephone modem is accomplished using an Elster-supplied
communications cable (Style 4074B31G02) (see Figure 6 and Figure 12). The opposite end of the 4-conductor cable is terminated in a
modular plug which is connected to a standard USOC RJ-11C modular jack or to another connector as required.
RS-232 option
A meter with an RS-232 option provides RS-232 signals to the FT case terminal block as described in Figure 10. The user must provide the
appropriate cable for connecting to the RS-232 device.
RS-485 option
A meter with an RS-485 option provides RS-485 signals to the FT case terminal block as described in Figure 11. The user must provide the
appropriate cable for connecting to the RS-485 device.
Ethernet
A meter with an Ethernet option provides signals to the FT case terminal block as described in Figure 13. The user must provide the
appropriate cable for connecting to the RJ-45 connector.
Internal Modem option
Referring to Figure 12, connect the red lead of a supplied communication cable to the FT case terminal block position terminal 42 (Ring),
and connect the green lead to the terminal block position terminal 43 (Tip). The remaining black and yellow leads of the communications
cable are not used and can be removed by cutting each lead near the outer insulating sheath. The conductive component of the unused
black and yellow leads should not be allowed to come into contact with each other or any electrically conductive surface. The opposite
end of the communication cable is terminated with a modular plug for connection to a telephone company provided USOC RJ-11C
modular jack.
Operation & Maintenance
For information about operating the ALPHA Plus or A3 ALPHA switchboard meter, see the ALPHA Plus Meter Technical Manual or A3
ALPHA Meter Technical Manual.
The switchboard meter is largely maintenance-free, with the exception of the battery used on some styles. A 3.6 volt lithium battery is
used in conjunction with a supercapacitor to maintain real time clock operations of the ALPHA Plus and A3 ALPHA meters during power
interruptions. The projected carryover of the battery is a minimum of five years at 25 °C. When the battery discharges below a set level, a
low battery warning (F000001) appears as part of the display sequence. (For more information, see the appropriate technical manual for
your meter.)
Do not attempt to replace the battery while the unit is powered. Doing so could expose you to dangerous voltages,
resulting in equipment damage, personal injury, or death. Remove the meter chassis from the case before disassembling
the meter.
Replacing the time-of-use clock battery
To replace the 3.6 volt lithium battery:
1.
Ensure that the meter chassis is removed from the case.
2.
With the front of the electronic assembly exposed, grasp the battery and pull it straight out of the battery well.
3.
Unplug the battery wire from the socket on the face of the electronic assembly.
IL42-4031C
5
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