Natural Gas Solutions 100G Installation Guide

Introduction

The 100G is Itron's latest gas encoder-receiver-transmitter (ERT®) module. ERT modules are radio-frequency (RF) devices that transmit meter data, which can be received by a reading device within transmission distance. The 100G ERT module offers increased output power over legacy gas ERT modules for enhanced RF transmission distance.

This guide details the installation of the 100G ERT Module on meters from various manufacturers. For compatibility, refer to the Meter Compatibility List.

Transmission Modes

The 100G ERT module supports three transmission modes:

• Fixed Network Mode: Transmits a high-powered RF message every 60 seconds (250 milliwatts or +24dBm). Expected battery life is 20 years.
• Mobile and Handheld Mode: Transmits a medium-powered RF message every 15 seconds (10 milliwatts or +10dBm). Expected battery life is 20 years.
• (Optional) Hard to Read Mobile and Handheld Mode: Transmits a high-powered RF message every 30 seconds (250 milliwatts or +24dBm). Expected battery life is 15 years. This mode is recommended for modules difficult to read in normal conditions (e.g., on rooftops or in sub-basements).

An FCC license is not required to read 100G ERT modules.

Specifications

Functional Specifications

Operational Specifications

Meter Compatibility List

The 100G is compatible with a wide range of meters from manufacturers including American/Canadian, Sensus/Invensys/Equimeter/Rockwell, National/Lancaster, Schlumberger/Sprague, and Actaris/Schlumberger. Compatibility is specified by meter model, class (e.g., Residential, Commercial), ERT Type (e.g., 40GB, 40GB PR*, 100G), and ERT Part Number.

Itron reserves the right to update this list. For the most current compatibility information, contact your Itron representative.

(Note: The full compatibility list is extensive and has been summarized here. Refer to the original document for complete details.)

American Meter Installation

This section details the installation of the 100G ERT Module on an American meter.

Installation Prerequisites

Materials Supplied by Itron:

• 100G ERT Modules
• New tamper seals

Materials Supplied By You:

• Small and medium flat-blade or Phillips screwdrivers: Used to remove and tighten index and index-cover screws.
• Side-cutting plier/wire snips: Used for cutting wire seals, if necessary.
• Small putty knife: Used to remove all traces of old gaskets from the meter.
• Meter seals, wire seals, and seal press: Used to secure the meter from tampering, if necessary.
• 11/32-inch nut driver or other blunt tool: Used to securely seat new tamper plugs over screw holes.
• Replacement screws: Used to mount 100G ERT Module assembly to meter and index to module assembly backplates.
• FC200SR with EndPoint-Link or EndPoint-Link Pro software: Used to program and check ERT assembly.

Preinstallation Preparations

Verify that all Itron gas modules are 100G ERT Modules for your meter brand and that the meter model numbers are included in the Meter Compatibility List.

Installing the 100G ERT Module

The installation involves four main steps:

1. Remove the index.
2. Assemble the 100G ERT Module.
3. Program the 100G ERT Module.
4. Attach the 100G ERT Module to the meter.

NOTE: Properly dispose of all unused screws, old index covers, gaskets, tamper seals, and other left-over materials. Do not leave any materials on customer premises.

1. Remove the Index

WARNINGS:

• Only authorized Itron personnel should attempt repairs on Itron equipment. Attempts to do so by others might void any maintenance contract with your company. Unauthorized service personnel might also be subject to shock hazard on some Itron equipment if removal of protective covers is attempted.
• Substitution of components may impair intrinsic safety.
• To prevent ignition of flammable or combustible atmospheres, disconnect power before servicing.

Compliance Statement: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: it may not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any interference that may cause undesirable operation. This device must be permanently mounted such that it retains a distance of 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) from all persons to comply with FCC RF exposure levels.

Modification and Repairs: To ensure FCC compliance and system performance, this device and antenna shall not be changed or modified without the expressed approval of Itron. Any unauthorized modification will void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Meter Installation/Removal: In the event of malfunction, all repairs should be performed by Itron. It is the responsibility of users requiring service to report the need for service to Itron.

WARNING: Follow these procedures to avoid injury to yourself or others.

• The lithium battery may cause a fire or chemical burn if it is not disposed of properly.
• Do not recharge, disassemble, heat, or incinerate the lithium battery.
• Keep the lithium battery away from children.

To remove the index:

1. Remove any tamper seals from the meter.
2. Detach the index cover from the meter by removing the four screws holding it in place.
3. Examine the index cover screws: verify they are 5/8-inch long and not corroded. If suitable, keep them. If not, dispose of them properly and use 1/4 - 20 x 5/8-inch replacement screws.
4. TIP: You can use the index cover you just removed as a temporary storage location for screws.
5. NOTE: Dispose of the index cover properly when finished with the installation procedure. Do not leave it on customer premises.
6. Unscrew one index mounting screw completely. Hold one hand beneath the index to catch the screw when it falls out of the index assembly. If it does not fall out by itself, be sure to remove it.
7. Unscrew the other index mounting screw. While removing this screw, pull the index away from the meter to keep its backplate against the back of the screwhead. This prevents the screw from falling out prematurely.
8. Remove the screw from the index once it is completely free of its hole.
9. Set the index aside for the moment. Place it where it will not be damaged; get filled with dirt, rain, or snow; or fall to the ground or floor. The index will be used later in this procedure.
10. Examine the index screws you just removed. Verify that they are 3/16-inch long and are not corroded. If suitable, keep them. If not, dispose of them properly and use 8 - 32 x 3/16-inch replacement screws.
11. Use a putty knife or similar object to completely remove the old index gasket from the meter (if applicable). All traces of the gasket must be removed before the ERT can be installed.

2. Assemble the ERT Module

When installing a 100G ERT Module, the next major step is to create the endpoint module assembly by combining the endpoint backplate and cover with the meter index.

To assemble the ERT module:

1. Obtain a new 100G ERT Module.
2. Separate the ERT module backplate (1) from the cover (2).
3. Set the new ERT index cover aside for the moment. Place it where it will not be damaged; get filled with dirt, rain, or snow; or fall to the ground or floor. The ERT index cover will be used later in this procedure.
4. IMPORTANT: Before continuing with the installation, note the following information about American Meter indexes:
   • Index wrigglers on one-foot meters have drive slots.
   • Index wrigglers on two-foot meters have drive posts.
   • An index may have mounting screw holes.
   • An index may have mounting screw slots.
5. If the index has mounting screw slots, skip steps 4 and 5 below. Continue with step 6.
6. If the index has mounting screw holes, perform steps 4 and 5 below, and then skip steps 6 and 7.
7. If the index has mounting screw holes, place an index mounting screw (1) in the right-hand mounting screw hole (2). Use one 8 - 32 3/16-inch screw for this step (you can use an original mounting screw if it was the correct size and not corroded; otherwise, use the correct size replacement screw).
8. Attach the screw to the ERT backplate's right-hand index mounting post just far enough to hold the screw and end of the index in place.
9. If the index has mounting screw slots, screw an index mounting screw (1) one to two turns into the ERT backplate's right-hand index mounting post (2). Use one 8 - 32 x 3/16-inch screw for this step (you can use an original mounting screw if it was the correct size and not corroded; otherwise, use the correct size replacement screw).
10. Place the index mounting screw slot under the screw head. Do not tighten the screw yet.
11. Attach the wriggler to the index and backplate.
    • If the index wriggler has a drive slot (1), place the backplate wriggler's drive post (2) in the index wriggler's drive slot.
    • If the index wriggler has a drive post (1), place the index wriggler's drive post in the backplate wriggler's drive slot (2).
12. Install and tighten the left-hand index mounting screw (for indexes with either mounting screw slots or holes). Use one 8 - 32 x 3/16-inch screw for this step (you can use an original mounting screw if it was the correct size and not corroded; otherwise, use the correct size replacement screw).
13. Tighten the right-hand index mounting screw.
14. Slide the ERT cover (1) over the index and backplate (2).

3. Program the ERT Module

The ERT must be programmed using the FC200SR with EndPoint-Link software. See the Endpoint-Link ERT Programming Guide (TDC-0411) for more information.

IMPORTANT: You must perform the following programming procedure for the ERT module to function properly.

When programming the ERT module, you must take note of the drive rate shown on the index of the meter. Program the meter based on the drive rate shown on the index. American meters. Examples of 1-foot (1) and 2-foot (2) drive rates are shown below.

To program the ERT module:

1. Using the FC200SR, program the reading of the index that was on the meter into the ERT module assembly.
2. Programming Distance: For initial programming, hold the FC200SR approximately 1 foot away from the 100G. For reprogramming (30 days or more past initial programming), hold the FC200SR approximately 4 to 5 feet away from the 100G.
3. Mode Selection: Be sure to program the 100G to the correct mode for the reading technology that will be used (for example, Fixed Network Mode, Mobile/Handheld Mode, or Hard to Read Mobile/Handheld Mode). In Endpoint-Link Pro v5.0, you will have access to the one mode that was defined by your system administrator.
4. Programming Output: During programming, the 100G ERT module is programmed to the nearest 100 cubic feet; the last two digits (the tens and units) are programmed as zeros (0). Once programming is complete, however, the ERT module assembly can be read to the nearest cubic foot.
5. Slowly turn the ERT module drive wriggler two turns in the direction indicated on the index drive rate. This lets you verify the ERT module is counting properly after assembly.
6. IMPORTANT: Do not turn the drive wriggler faster than one turn per second.
7. Read the ERT module assembly using the FC200SR. Consult the EndPoint-Link ERT Programming Guide (TDC-0411) or other applicable instructions for details on how to read an ERT.
   • If this reading is higher than the one you programmed in step 1 above, the ERT module assembly is counting correctly.
   • If the ERT module assembly reading is not higher than what was programmed in step 1, replace the ERT module with a new one.

4. Attach the ERT Module to the Meter

After the endpoint has been programmed and is reading correctly, it must be attached to the meter. Follow the steps below to do this.

To Attach the ERT to the Meter:

1. 5B 225 Meters Only: If you are installing the ERT on a 5B 225 aluminum meter, cut 1/16-inch off each post of the ERT wriggler to prevent it from rubbing on the face of the nut that holds the wriggler in place. If you are not installing on a 5B 225 meter, continue to step 2 below.
2. Set the wriggler to the desired position for mounting the ERT module assembly to the meter.
   • For One-Foot Meters: Align the ERT module assembly wriggler with the meter drive post (as shown below). Make sure the ERT wriggler is perpendicular to the meter drive post.
   • For Two-Foot Meters: Align the ERT module assembly wriggler with the meter drive slot (as shown below). It is acceptable for the pin on the 100G wriggler to be installed inside or outside of the meter drive slot. For ease of assembly, Itron recommends that the pin on the 100G wriggler be installed outside of the meter drive slot.
3. Gently place the ERT module assembly on the meter. Align the four screw holes on the ERT module assembly with the holes on the meter.
4. Turn each screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn after it contacts the cover. Use the 1/4 - 20 x 5/8-inch screws for this step. You can use the original mounting screws if they were the correct size and not corroded, otherwise, use the correct size Replacement Screws on page 14.
5. IMPORTANT: Meter manufacturers should torque the mounting screws 15 to 20 inch-pounds.
6. Place a new tamper seal over two of the mounting screws as shown below.
7. Press the new tamper seals into place using the 11/32-inch nut driver (or another similar blunt tool).
8. Complete any necessary paperwork. Make sure no excess material is left on the customer premises; dispose of it properly.

The ERT is now installed on the meter.

Related Documents

• Endpoint-Link ERT Programming Guide (TDC-0744)

Trademark Notice

Enscan, ERT, Itron, ReadOne, and Endpoint-Link are registered trademarks of Itron, Inc. All other product names and logos in this documentation are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Contact Information & Suggestions

If you have comments or suggestions on how we may improve this documentation, send them to TechnicalCommunicationsManager@itron.com.

If you have questions or comments about this application, contact Itron Technical Support:

Itron, Inc.
Mail: Attention: Customer Care, 2111 N Molter Road, Liberty Lake, WA 99019
E-mail: support@itron.com
Phone: 1 800 635 8725