VATA VERKS On Water Meters Instructions

On Water Meters
Instructions Non‐Invasive, Whole‐Building
Water Data Acquisition
VV – 100 – XX – W
Instructions for
WATER METERS

On Water Meters

Exterior Connections?
Stay Dry with Longer Probes
Downloads & Drivers pg 3
Try Simulation pg 10
Optional Install Kit:  AC‐104
All the handy install parts
Models :  (F)eatures, (O)ptions

VV – 100 – 00 – W

| VV – 100 – 02/07/15 – W
F| | 1 A **| Ribbon Probe Water: 18″ Indoor ONLY
| F| 1 B| Remote Probe Water: 2M, 7M, 15M length
F| F| 2| Meter Strap
| F| 3 A| Probe Coupler Indoor (1) (VVA‐113)
| O| 3 B| Probe Coupler Outdoor  (VVA‐114)
| O| 4| Probe Extension (user supplied CAT6)
| F **| 5, 6| Probe Pigtail + Strain relief
F| F| 7| VV‐100 Main Unit
F| F| 9 A| Power1 + 36″ USB Cable
O| O| 9 A| 10ft USB Cable Option (VVA‐108‐120)
F| F| 9 B| Power2
F| F| 10| USB Wall Plug: (not shown)
F| F| 11 A| Ethernet output
F| F| 11 B| Pulse output
F| F| 11 C| Modbus RTU output
O| O| VVA‐020  Optional Ultra‐Hi‐Res. Output

OUTDOOR/WET METER LOCATIONS APPROVED WHEN INSTALLED WITH REMOTE SENSOR PROBE
Confirm Meter Compatibility Before Invasive Site Work. See Instructions or Contact Vata Verks
NOT FOR USE IN HAZARDOUS OR EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENTS
VataVerks reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice and is not responsible for errors that may appear in this document.

HARDWARE LAYOUT / SPECIFICATIONS

BOARD COMPONENTS COMPONENTS

A. Ribbon Probe Connection
B. Ethernet connection
C. Mini‐USB connection (configuration /power)
D. Reset Button:  Paperclip accessible LEDs blink off when actuated.
E. SD Card
F. Jumper switch (U15)
G. 3.7V Lithium Backup battery
H. 15 Position terminal block
I. Sensor chip location (Ribbon Probe Shown)
J. Remote Sensor switches (U14)

UNIT COMPONENTS

LED Key
Slow =  1.0 second blink
Fast  =  0.3 second blink 

VV‐100 SPECIFICATIONS
Water Version: VV‐100‐XX‐W
Water Meter Compatibility
All positive displacement, piston compound, multi‐jet, single jet
Incompatible: Solid state/Ultra‐sonic/
Sensus Omni: see VV‐200 series
Gas Version: VV‐100‐XX‐G
Gas Meter Compatibility
All diaphragm, rotary, turbine.
Incompatible: Ultra‐sonic
Data Protocols

• Modbus‐TCP………………….. via Ethernet
• Modbus‐RTU……………………via Term. Block
• Telnet …………………………..via Ethernet
• MQTT ………………………….via Ethernet
• Pulse ………………………………via Term. Block
• HTTP Publish……………………….. via Ethernet
• Data Log……………………………….via Onboard

Resolution (in meter revolutions)

• 1 rev …………… Standard
• 1/100th rev  ………………. Optional

Accuracy (12 month)

• Water Meter: >99%
• Gas Meter:      >97%

Control and Management

• Local: via USB cable
• Remote: via Telnet / Web

Installation Limits

• 20C to 40C
• 10% ‐ 95% RH non‐condensing
• Not for hazardous locations

Main Unit and Ribbon Probe

• Indoor / Dry
• Length:  1.5 ft ribbon cable

Remote Probe

• Outdoor, immersion, burial
• Max extended: 200 ft CAT6

Power Consumption

• 300mA Max

Power Options

• 5V via USB to wall adaptor
• +5VDC 1Amp via Term. Block
• Available 12 ‐ 24V via converter

Backup Battery:  Recharg 3.7V Li‐ion

• Backup life vs probe length 12hr@2 ft, 6hr@100 ft, 1hr@200 ft

Certifications
Complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules

SOFTWARE PREP AND HARDWARE ASSEMBLY

0. Partially Charge Battery (Optional)
Open top.  Confirm battery is secure in place.
Use USB cable & wall plug adapter to wall charge unit for at least 10 min.
1. Download Terminal Emulator & FTDI Driver 
For Windows OS: Tera Term (PuTTY and other emulators may be used )

1. Go to: https://download.cnet.com/ 

2. Enter: “Tera Term” in the Download search bar.

3. Download and Install with default settings

4. Go to:  https://ftdichip.com/     

5. Navigate to Drivers then VCP and Download Driver
   If Windows:  Download “Setup Executable” under Comments.

6. Reboot Laptop

2. Assemble Unit and Connect Laptop

1. Connect Ribbon OR Remote Probe to Unit.  Not both.  (See right)
2. Connect to laptop with the mini‐USB cable.  LEDs blink.
3. DO NOT connect Ethernet port to laptop or Remote Probe.

3. Configure “Tera Term”
PROBE MUST BE CONNECTED FIRST

1. Open Tera Term.

2. Click Setup for dropdown

3. Choose Serial Port…

4. Configure as shown right

5. At Port* Choose the Com#.

6. Click New Open
   

7. Click Black Screen.  ENTER
   I. Username: admin   ENTER
   II. Password: admin   ENTER
   NOTE: If Password appears first, hit ENTER

8. M>   ENTER for Command Directory

9. T    ENTER for Tracking Directory (try Desk‐Top Simulation pg 10 to become familiar)

*If Port prompt is “grey”, and unit is connected to laptop via serial port as directed above, your laptop’s FTDI Driver may be missing /incorrect.  Recheck above.
**Your Tera Term configuration can be saved.  At Setup dropdown: click “Save Setup”

To Connect Ribbon Probe
VV‐100‐00‐G
Plug Ribbon Cable
Probe into Main
To Connect Remote Probe
VV‐100‐0X‐G
Wire Remote Probe Cat6 cable to terminal strip
Remove screws + cover
Find Switch U14
Switch 1 to “ON”(confirm battery is secure)
Wire Pigtail to Terminal Strip  Affix Strain Relief to side. Zip tie Pigtail to Strain Relief
Connect Probe to Pigtail using supplied Coupler
If extending the Probe’s Cat6 cable:
Probe End‐to‐Main Unit Max Length = 200 ft
Requires additional Coupler.

INSTALLING WITH A LAPTOP

II. Tracking (Counting Meter Revolutions)
PRO TIP 
When Meter is distant from Main Unit’s final location,  consider a temporary set‐up at Meter with laptop to locate Probe, and discover Meter K‐factor.
Tracking Meter Revolutions

1. **Water should flow this step***

2. Strap the sensor to the meter.   See pg 11 for location.
   Compound Meters:  Take special note  pg 11

3. To Calibrate or Re‐Calibrate
   At Tracking Menu type :
   x ENTER
   Wait for “Function complete”
   Keeps calibration & rev. count
   r ENTER
   Deletes calibration & rev. count
   t ENTER
   Calibrates and starts tracking
   *If Flow=0, unit will Auto‐Calibrate andTrack whenever flow starts.
   It takes 5 ‐ 10 seconds to track on Water Meters displaying revolution count every 5 seconds.

4. Strap or Zip Tie sensor in place. (permanently)
   Zip tie Probe cable to adjacent pipe as strain relief.
   If sensor moves, Re‐Calibrate.   (see above)

If discovering K‐factor on‐site.  Start Now pg 5.  Otherwise:
 Stop Water Flow 
See pg 7 to Configure Communications
Having Trouble Tracking?  Refer to:
Signal Strength or Troubleshooting: pg 10
Data Displayed with Successful Tracking
To Start or Stop the Display feed
3 ENTER   to stop reporting to the screen
2 ENTER   to re‐start reporting to the screen
III. K‐Factor (Meter Volume)
PRO TIP
Increasing Tracking display rate from 5 seconds to 1 second can increase accuracy of your K‐factor data.
In Tracking Menu:
+ ENTER  expands Menu
b(space)1.0  ENTER  sets display rate to 1/sec. return to 5 second rate when finished
If K‐Factor < 1.0 
The VV‐100 requires a K‐factor of 1.0 or greater.
If K‐factor is <1.0:  Multiply both sides by 10.
Example:  If a meter K‐factor is: 0.33 Revs / ft3
Convert K‐factor to:     3.3 Revs / 10 ft3.
OPTION 1:   K‐Factor Calculated using the Meter
K‐Factor = (Revolutions from the Vata Verks Display) / (Flow Volume from the Meter Register).
Water must be flowing for this step.
START K-Factor Measurement
Simultaneously record Rev. count from Vata Verks Display AND take a photo of Meter Display. For improved accuracy START when flow momentarily stops.
*Note: More revolutions = higher accuracy of K-Factor (preferably >400 revolutions).
STOP K-Factor Measurement
Simultaneously record Rev. count from Vata Verks Display AND take a photo of Meter Display. For improved accuracy STOP when flow momentarily stops.
**Water Flow Can Be Turned OFF**
III. K‐Factor (Meter Volume)
OPTION 1:   K‐Factor Calculated on the Meter: 
OPTION 2: K‐Factor Calculated using Measured Volume (for small controlled buildings)
All building flow must be zero, except for this test. Some human measurement error is to be expected.
OPTION 3:  K‐Factor Calculated Using the Utility Bill.(No meter read or laptop required)
2 consecutive “Actual” Meter Reads required.  No Estimated reads.
2nd Utility Bill must START after the date of installation.
Time of Billing Period START / STOP is unknown.  Use 12:00 Noon when choosing Vata Verks Sensor data.
Adding subsequent months will improve accuracy.
Requires 32 – 60 days
III. K‐Factor (Meter Volume)
How to Use the K‐Factor
FOR MODBUS, MQTT, HTPP
To Transmit Volume

1. Enter K‐factor in Tracking Menu
2. NOTE:   If K‐factor <1.0, See top pg 5.
   Or Transmit Revolutions
3. Apply K‐factor to your Revolution data in the Cloud
   FOR PULSE
   To Pulse per Standard Volume (ex: 1 pulse / 10 ft
4. Use K‐factor to calculate Pulse K‐factor.  Enter in Pulse Menu
   Or Pre‐program Pulse K‐Factor (ex: 10 revs / pulse)
5. Use K‐factor to calculate resulting Volume per Pulse.
   SAVE Often:   ‘S’   ENTER
   IV. Configure Communications
   With K‐Factor Known and Sensor Probe Strapped in Place
   TO COMPLETE THIS INSTALLATION
   

• To Configure Communication for:
  MQTT, Modbus‐TCP, Modbus‐RTU, Pulse, HTTP Publish, Data Logging, Telnet:
  See “Data Transmission Instructions” found at https://vataverks.com/support/

• If Communication is configured and data received, transfer to permanent power

  • Transfer USB Cord with Wall Adaptor to wall outlet
  • OR Optional 5VDC to terminal Strip (pg 2)

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

**

Supplementary Information  ‐ INSTALLING WITHOUT A LAPTOP
PRO TIP: Installing Units without a laptop On‐Site
Use Simulation pg 10 to familiarize before sending to field.
PRO TIP: Installing Units with Remote Probe
Temporarily set up at Meter to confirm tracking.
A laptop is suggested for larger meters.
Setting up the Main Unit

1. Unit MUST be Assembled and Configured Off‐Site (see pg 3) See Instructions:  Configuring Data Transmission at: https://vataverks.com/support/ 

2. Strap Probe to meter.   Refer to Sensor Placement Maps (pg 11).

3. Connect Power:  USB wall adaptor  OR  5VDC to terminal strip.
   LEDs will be ON.

4. Water MUST flow through Meter THIS STEP.
   Gently depress Reset with paperclip.  LEDs will blink off. (pg 2)
   With Reset, Unit will auto‐Calibrate then track with flow
   (If Flow=0, unit will Auto‐Calibrate and Track when flow starts)

5. COM2 LED solid if Remote Probe is Communicating.
   Status LED blinks if Calibrating.  Solid if Tracking Flow
   ** Water Flow Can be Turned OFF **

6. Zip Tie Probe Cable to pipe as strain relief.  Permanently

7. Finish: Affix Main Unit in a dry location.

8. If MQTT, Modbus, HTTP:  Connect Ethernet cable to Gateway

9. If Pulse: Wire twisted pair from terminal strip to Pulse counter

10. If unit Sensor Probe was unplugged, or unit lost power:
    Reset the device.  Repeat steps 4, 5, 6.

11. Confirm data is being received.

12. Discover K‐Factor (see below)

Options to Discover K‐Factor without a Laptop
A. Using Monthly Bills(pg 6)
B. Real‐time tracking data received in office (pg 5) with Simultaneous meter reads in the field.
C. Archived tracking data synchronized (pg 5) with time stamped photos of meter register
Failure to Calibrate?
Option 1 Reposition Probe:  try again.
Repeat Steps 4 through 12
Option 2 A Telnet connected colleague can help identify  the strongest magnetic field location (pg 10)

COMMAND MENU REFERENCE

MAIN MENU
M ‐ Main Menu
T ‐ Tracking menu
C ‐ Communication menu
N ‐ Network menu
P ‐ Pulse Output menu
Z ‐ Device maintenance menu
g ‐ Logout
x ‐ Exit current function
S ‐ Save configuration
Some configuration parameters require a reset to take effect
M – Return to Main Menu
SEE BELOW
(to configure for Modbus, MQTT, HTTP Publish)
(to configure for Modbus, MQTT, Telnet)
(to configure for Pulse)
SEE BELOW SAVE OFTEN
See Instructions:
Configuring Data Transmission
T  ENTER
TRACKING MENU
a ‐ Signal Strength (requires flow)
t ‐ Start tracking (requires flow)
x ‐ Stop Tracking or Signal Strength
r ‐ Reset tracker to 0, deletes calibration
k ‐ Enter meter K factor rev/unit volume (k xxx.xxx)  v ‐ Set Units (gal, ft3, m3, rev) (v gal)
2 ‐ Start reporting data to screen
3 ‐ Stop reporting data to screen
+ ‐ Show Advanced Functions
S ‐ Save configuration
Some configuration parameters require a reset to take effect
M – Return to Main Menu
measure magnetic field strength
for entering k factor.  Will not accept k‐factor <1.0.  see pg 5.
K‐factor can be any unit of volume.  This takes note of the choice.
So many other features
SAVE OFTEN
Z    ENTER
MAINTENANCE MENU
a ‐ Start Tracking on powerup
c ‐ Display current configuration – all
v ‐ Display Version Information
b ‐ Display device info and battery status
R ‐ Reset Board
f ‐ Restore factory defaults
r ‐ Reload last saved configuration
p ‐ Save path file
m ‐ Record signal strength (SEE INSTR)
w ‐ Enable/Disable Web Server
u ‐ Set device username and password 
t ‐ Set Time of day 24Hr format (t yyyy:mm:ddThh:mm:ss)
k ‐ Unlock features
S ‐ Save configuration
Some configuration parameters require a reset to take effect
M – Return to Main Menu
default is enabled.
useful information
useful information:  Serial Number and firmware build
displays programmed time
soft Reset: saves tracking+count.  (hard button Reset does not)
(Note:  Push button Reset deletes Calibration and Tracking)
Default is enabled
programming time
admin Use
SAVE OFTEN

TROUBLESHOOTING / SIMULATION

Trouble / Causes / Corrections

1. Attempting to Track Displays: “Start Tracking”
   Does not display: P1, P2 etc showing calibration.
   a. No flow through meter?
   b. Sensor not strapped to meter?
   c. Magnetic Field too weak:  (see Right)
   d. Meter incompatible.

2. Attempting to Track Displays: “Start Tracking”
   Display repeats over and over P1, P2, P3, P4, P5
   a. Flow happening, but magnetic field too weak.
   b. Find Stronger Field (see Right)

3. Attempting to Track Does not display “Start Tracking”
   a. Repeat the steps x, r, t (see pg 4)
   b. Wait for “Function Complete” after “x”, before “r”

4. Will not track.  Though Magnetic Field is strong.
   a. Go to Z Menu, and Reset “R” the device.

5. “Sensor Stall” warning
   a. Check that Sensor is correctly wired.
   b. Reset the device
   6. “Remote Sensor Not Found” warning or COM2 LED blinking
   a. Check that Sensor is correctly wired
   b. Go to Z Menu, and Reset “R” the device.

6. LED’s are OFF, though Power is ON
   a. Unscrew top, Find Switch U15, Confirm all OFF.
   b. Reset the Unit with Push Button

7. K‐Factor Entered on Tracking Menu Displays:  Invalid Data Entry****
   a. K‐factor <1.0 is not accepted by VV‐100
   b. Use 10X.  Ex: 0.3 rev/ft3 = 3.3 rev / 10 ft3
   c. Enter 3.3, and take note of 10 ft3.

8. Forgot Password or Username
   a. Contact Vata Verks for instructions

Desk Top Simulation
Sensor function simulated using Earth’s magnetic field.
From Tracking Menu:
Simulate Tracking
A) Holding probe in hand
B) x ENTER to stop function
C) r  ENTER to delete calibration
D) t  ENTER to calibrate/track
E) Roll sensor back and forth (as below)
Measure Magnetic Fields
A) a  ENTER  to measure field
B) Move sensor or pass objects by probe
Find Meter’s Strongest Signal Location
Water Flow Required
At Tracking Menu:
a ENTER ………….. measures field strength Seek highest last number in the series.
Hold Probe to meter for multiple readings then move to new location.
If Output is:
A) 9,11,9,25 …………….no signal or no flow
B) 27,5,34,175………………… too low
C) 111,47,267,382 …………………>275 is good
D) 0,630,0,2500  …………………….>2000 can be too strong*
*If too strong, either:
A) w ENTER……………….. disables Boost
B) Move Probe to weaker location
Found a suitable location?
Repeat Tracking pg 4

SENSOR PLACEMENT / METER READING

Probe Placement
Recommended location Compound Meters Requires (2) Units

METER READING

1. Take meter readings from a photo
2. Read digits and dial and estimate the last digit between “hash” marks
3. Check meter units (ex: Gal or Cubic Feet) Check dial volume (ex: 1 ft3 or 10 ft3)
4. When choosing between 2 digits take the lowest. (ex. if 7 OR 8 choose 7) (*exception: if between 9/0 choose 9).
5. Avoid register voids and rollovers.

Need help?
Send a photo to: info@vataverks.com

VVD202:2021.11.01
Vata Verks Inc.
Arlington, MA
info@vataverks.com 
vataverks.com 

References

• Vata Verks
• Free Software Downloads and Reviews for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS – CNET Download
• Home - FTDI
• Vata Verks Instructions

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