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Mobile Data Collector Getting Started Guide...
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Mobile Data Collector Getting Started Guide...
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Neptune Technology Group Inc. All rights to designs or inventions disclosed herein, including the right to manufacture, are reserved to Neptune Technology Group Inc.
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Industry Canada (IC) Notice: IC: 4171B-MRXV4E This radio transmitter (4171B-MRXV4E) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated.
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Laird BL653U whose regulatory identifier is: (Industry Canada) 3147A-BL653U. Le présent émetteur radio (4171B-MRXV4E) a été approuvé par Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un gain admissible maximal et l'impédance requise pour chaque type d'antenne.
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(1) es posible que este equipo o dispositivo no cause interferencia perjudicial y (2) este equipo o dispositivo debe aceptar cualquier interferencia, incluyendo la que pueda causar su operación no deseada. Modelo del producto: MRXV4E Marca:Neptune Technology Group Mobile Data Collector Getting Started Guide Neptune Technology Group Inc.
Contents Chapter 1: Introduction System Operations Chapter 2: Specifications Physical Conditions Dimensions and Weight of the Mobile Data Collector Neptune 360™ Mobile Specifications ® Supported Devices and Operating Systems Required Devices and Equipment Required Credentials Chapter 3: Getting Started Mobile Data Collector Overview Mobile Data Collector Components Mobile Data Collector LED Status Light Indicators Bluetooth...
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Contents Email Glossary Index viii Mobile Data Collector Getting Started Guide...
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Figures Figure 1 – Mobile Data Collector Figure 2 – Mobile Data Collector Meter Reading Operations Figure 3 – Mobile Data Collector Dimensions - Length Figure 4 – Mobile Data Collector - Height and Width Figure 5 – Mobile Data Collector Components Figure 6 –...
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Tables Table 1 – Physical Specifications Table 2 – Dimensions and Weight of the Mobile Data Collector Table 3 – LED Status Light Indicators Mobile Data Collector Getting Started Guide...
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Tables This page intentionally left blank Mobile Data Collector Getting Started Guide...
Chapter 1: Introduction ® ® The Neptune R900 System mobile data collector is a compact, portable, mobile data collection device used for meter reading of Neptune radio frequency (RF) equipped water ® meters. Readers use it in conjunction with the Neptune 360™...
Chapter 1: Introduction System Operations ® Operators use Neptune 360™ to make route assignments for meter readers. The routes read are obtained from the utility billing system and imported into Neptune 360. Routes are loaded into the Neptune 360 Mobile app. Each meter reader drives through the assigned routes to collect the endpoints data.
Chapter 2: Specifications This chapter provides product specifications, including dimensions, weight, and environmental conditions for the mobile data collector. Physical Conditions The following table lists the specifications and weight for the mobile data collector. Table 1 – Physical Specifications Operating Temperature –4°F to +122°F (–20°C to +50°C) Storage Temperature –40°F to +185°F (–40°C to +85°C)
Chapter 2: Specifications Figure 4 – Mobile Data Collector - Height and Width ® Neptune 360™ Mobile Specifications ® This section provides information on the Neptune 360™ Mobile app. Supported Devices and Operating Systems ® Neptune 360 Mobile supports Android™ and Apple operating systems for both smartphones and tablets.
Chapter 2: Specifications Neptune recommends using Neptune 360 Mobile on devices from the following Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): Samsung Google Motorola Apple iOS Operating Systems Neptune 360 Mobile supports the following iOS devices: iPhone iPad Required Devices and Equipment The Android or iOS phone or tablet that runs one of the supported operating systems listed above is required to use Neptune 360 Mobile app.
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Chapter 3: Getting Started This chapter provides an overview of Neptune's mobile data collector along with the ® Neptune 360™ Mobile app. Instructions for hardware setup including power and antenna connections are included. Mobile Data Collector Overview Neptune's mobile data collector is a portable collection device for automatic meter reading that is used in conjunction with a utility-supplied smartphone or tablet and the Neptune 360 Mobile app.
Chapter 3: Getting Started The SD card is only used for firmware update purposes. Neptune recommends keeping it installed to keep the SD card slot free from debris. WARNING: Attempting to repair or modify the mobile data collector on your own can result in personal injury or damage to the unit and voids the warranty.
Chapter 3: Getting Started ® Setting Up Neptune 360™ Mobile App ® This section includes the procedures to download and log on to the Neptune 360™ Mobile app, which is used in conjunction with the mobile data collector to collect meter reading data while in the field.
Chapter 3: Getting Started 5. In the Password field, type the password you use for Neptune 360. 6. Tap Login. If you have access to multiple utilities, the system displays the Select Site ID screen as shown in Figure 7. Otherwise, the system displays the landing screen as shown in Figure 8. Figure 7 –...
Chapter 3: Getting Started Setting Up the Mobile Data Collector To set up the mobile data collector, refer to the following sections of this guide: Installing the Mobile Data Collector in the Vehicle Plugging in the Power Cable Installing the Antenna Installing the Mobile Data Collector in the Vehicle With the mobile data collector, you have flexibility with where to place the unit.
Chapter 3: Getting Started 2. Grip the vehicle power supply cable by the black sleeve, not the metal casing. 3. Line up the red arrows and insert the power connector until the metal locking mechanism twists and locks into place. You might need to wiggle the power supply cable a little to get the connector to click.
Chapter 3: Getting Started Installing the Antenna The installation of the antenna and cable is critical for the optimal performance of the mobile data collector. If the cable is crimped, the performance of the unit degrades significantly. There are several options for running the cable. The best method depends on the type of vehicle used.
Chapter 3: Getting Started 1. Connect the RF antenna to the mobile data collector and turn it clockwise to hand- tighten until secure. Figure 13 – Mobile Data Collector RF Antenna Connector 2. Place the magnetic base of the antenna in the center of the roof approximately one foot (30 cm) behind the leading edge of the roof.
Chapter 3: Getting Started 3. Run the antenna cable through the passenger window. Figure 15 – Antenna Cable Through Window Exercise caution to ensure that there is sufficient room for the cable and that it does not get crimped. 4. Attach the cable protector included with the mobile data collector to the window. The protector keeps the window from pinching the cable.
Chapter 3: Getting Started 5. Gently close the window, positioning the antenna cable so there is no pressure on it. WARNING: Pressure on the antenna cable can cause damage. Setting Up the Connection Before you can use your mobile data collector and Neptune 360 Mobile to read meters and manage routes, you must establish a connection between the two.
Chapter 3: Getting Started Becoming Familiar with the Mobile Data Collector When the set up is complete and a successful connection between the mobile data collector and Neptune 360 Mobile is established, you are ready to begin using the mobile data collector for meter reading.
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Chapter 4: Troubleshooting The chapter provides diagnostics procedures for troubleshooting mobile data collector problems. Mobile Data Collector is Not Connecting to the Smartphone or Tablet Complete the following steps: ® 1. Check and confirm Bluetooth capability on the device (smartphone and tablet) is turned on and operational.
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Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Nearby Devices. Permissions should read "No permissions denied". ® For iOS / Apple Select Settings. Find and select the Neptune 360 Mobile app. Confirm the following permissions are enabled: Location Bluetooth. Siri™ & Search. Cellular Data (if applicable). If Location is not present, assign a route to this user in Neptune 360.
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting ® Neptune 360™ Mobile App Crashes When Trying to Connect to the Mobile Data Collector Complete the following steps. 1. Double check all permissions are allowed on the smartphone or tablet (see the above section on how to check this for an iOS / Android device). 2.
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting 4. If a firmware update is attempted and is: Successful — The mobile data collector's Bluetooth and RF LED lights flash green simultaneously three times. Unsuccessful— The mobile data collector's Bluetooth and RF LED lights will flash red simultaneously three times.
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Chapter 4: Troubleshooting 1 if you know your site ID. 2 to input your personal identification number (PIN) or if you do not have a PIN. 3. For RMAs, press one of the following. 1 for reading device support. 2 for meter, endpoint, and register support. Neptune Customer Support Specialists are dedicated to you until the issue is resolved to your satisfaction.
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Glossary Bluetooth ® A technology allowing computers, smart phones, or other devices to connect to the Internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area. Central Processing Unit Often abbreviated as CPU, it is the brain of the computer. Sometimes referred to as the processor or central processor, the CPU is where most calculations take place.
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Glossary Endpoint A piece of equipment that collects water usage readings and transmits them via radio frequency. Endpoint ID An endpoint's unique identifier, which is a discrete number used to identify one specific endpoint. Global Positioning System. A satellite navigation system that allows users to determine their location.
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Glossary Original Equipment Manufacturer. Receiver A device that receives RF communications. Radio frequency. Transceiver Device that transmits and receives RF communications, in particular a combined radio transmitter and receiver. Upload The process of sending readings and route data to and from the Neptune 360™...
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Index Index durable 7 endpoints 7-8 Android™ 4, 9, 16 antenna 11 installing 13 hardware Apple ® setup 7 iOS 16 application manager 16 LED status lights 8, 21 liability 1 billing system 1-2, 7 BLE 8, 19 magnetic base, antenna 14 Bluetooth 7-8, 16, 19, 21 ®...
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Index power cable 11 protector, cable 15 USB 8 radio frequency 1, 7 vehicle 11-12 reading accuracy 1 red cap 13 RF 14 testing 17 routes assigned 2 imported 2 safety 1 set up 11 site id 10 smartphone 7-8, 19 specifications 3 dimensions and weight 3 height and width 4...
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