Itron ACT2 OpenWay Riva Centron Meter User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- Itron
Table of Contents
Itron ACT2 OpenWay Riva Centron Meter
Installation of OpenWay Riva CENTRON Meter Remote Antenna Flex Coupler
Itron is announcing the availability of a remote antenna solution for use with the OpenWay Riva CENTRON meter. This assembly is designed for installation configurations where it is necessary to extend the RF antenna inside the meter; for example, basement installations or metal enclosures. This antenna does not provide any amplification of the RF signal, but provides a method to relocate the transceiver. Some signal attenuation is expected with this configuration. The assembly consists of an Itron flex coupler that fits the outer cover of the meter. This allows for attaching customer provided remote fixed antennas and cabling. See Figure 1 below for a photo of the flex coupler assembly.
Approved customer supplied antenna specifications
Since each customer deployment will be unique with regards to the required
cabling and type of antenna, the cabling and antennas will be customer
provided.
Note: Under ISED Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only
operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for
the transmitter by ISED. To reduce potential radio interference to other
users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent
isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for
successful communication.
This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number, or model
number if Category II) has been approved by ISED to operate with the antenna
types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna
impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this
list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are
strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Customer-supplied remote antennas should meet the following specifications.
Elevated Feed Point Whip Antenna
- Frequency: 890 – 960 MHz
- VSWR: 2.0:1 or less
- Maximum Gain: 3.0 dBi
Low Profile Radome Antenna
- Frequency: 806 – 960 MHz
- VSWR: 2.0:1 or less
- Maximum Gain: 2.14 dBi
Dual Band Tri Mode Stub Antenna
- Frequency: 700 – 960 MHz
- VSWR: 2.0:1 or less
- Maximum Gain: 2.0 dBi
Customer supplied cabling recommendation
The Itron flex antenna is supplied with an SMA male connector. Customer supplied cabling that attaches to the Itron flex antenna should meet the following specifications.
- RG58C Coaxial Cable, SMA Male / Female
- 50 Ohm RF (Radio Frequency) transmission
- Male to female gender combination
- Crimp style SMA connector
Antenna Installation Guidelines
For optimal performance, several guidelines should be followed in the
installation of this remote antenna.
These include:
- Mounting the antenna in the proximity to the nearest structure.
- For inside installations, remote antennas may be mounted in the proximity of an available window, or routed to the outside if the signal strength is not great enough.
- Mounted so the cable between meter and antenna will not be compromised or damaged.
Flex Antenna Installation Procedure
- Clean the meter cover where the flex antenna will be installed. Wipe area with alcohol wipes and let dry one minute.
- When using the flex antenna with Velcro mount, a recommended 3M Adhesion Promoter (K-520) Stock Number JT-2800-1252-0 or similar type adhesion promoter should be used to clean the antenna surface prior to attaching the Velcro strip. This will help ensure proper adhesion of the Velcro to the antenna.
- Affix the flex antenna to the outer cover as shown in Figure 1.
- Install the remote antenna at the designated location, following the Installation Guidelines above.
- Once installed to the antenna, wrap the connectors in cold flow tape. Tape should be wrapped tightly and in a continuous manner and should cover the cable one inch past the end of the connector where it attaches to both the flex circuit patch and the antenna.
- Secure the cable to the side of the structure.
Please contact your Account Manager for ordering instructions. Should you have
any questions please call Itron Support at
1-877-487-6602.
Steve Wright
Sr. Product Manager, Electric Metering
Revision History
The following table describes the changes to this document for each revision
of the ACT2 meter module:
Labeling
The following requirements will be applied to any products that use this
module: The end product or host label will include the following text:
- Contains:
- FCC ID: SK9ACT2
- IC: 864G-ACT1, Model: ACT2
The user’s manual for any product that contains this module will contain the
following text. If the device is large enough, then this will also be placed
on the label.
“This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.”
Regulatory Compliance
The user’s manual for any product that contains this module will contain the
following text:
FCC Part 15, Class B
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Itron, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference Causing Equipment Regulations. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
RF Exposure (FCC/ISED)
“This equipment complies with radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with
minimum distance 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter
must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.”
Miscellaneous
The user’s manual for any product that contains this module will contain the
following text:
Professional Installation
This module is intended for professional installation by the integrator. The
OEM integrator is still responsible for the FCC compliance requirement of the
end product, which integrates this module.
Modification and Repairs
To ensure FCC compliance and system performance, this device, antenna and/or
coaxial assembly shall not be changed
or modified without the express written approval of Itron. Any unauthorized
modification will void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
WARNING! This device contains no user-serviceable parts. Attempts to
repair this device by unauthorized personnel may subject the person to shock
hazard if removal of protective covers is attempted. The unauthorized repair
will void the warranty and/or maintenance contract with your company.
General Description
The Itron ACT2 is an electricity metering module that includes a 902.4 MHz to
927.6 MHz transmitters as well as WiFi. The module operates on AC as well as
DC voltage which is supplied by a host device.
Recycling Information
The product you have purchased contains circuit boards. At the end of the
modules useful life, under various state and local laws, it may be illegal to
dispose of certain components into the municipal waste system. Check with your
local solid waste officials for details about recycling options or proper
disposal.
About this Manual
This technical reference guide describes the installation of the ACT2 for the
Itron OPEN WAY RIVA CENTRON meter.
ACT2 Meter Module
Installation
The ACT2 module will be installed in the Itron OPEN WAY RIVA CENTRAL electric meter. Shown are the meter base with the metrology board, the board-to-board connector, the ACT2 module, the display and the inner and outer cover.
Install the display on the ACT2 module by pushing metal pins of display into
module connector. 
Insert module into upper section of inner cover and connect two wired connectors to module.
Connect metrology and the ACT2 module using the board to board connector.
Install lower inner cover.
Install outer cover. 