Next Century TR4-X Outdoor Meter Reading and Wireless Transceiver Installation Guide

Next Century TR4-X Outdoor Meter Reading and Wireless Transceiver

Product Overview

The next century TR4-X Transceiver introduces the
next generation of superior wireless performance. Featuring Meter+™ technology, this Transceiver
offers broad meter compatibility in a single model.
Engineered for long maintenance-free operation,
the TR4-X provides hourly-read precision with 10-year battery life.

Meter+™ Advanced Compatibility
The TR4-X Transceiver utilizes Meter+™ technology, making this single model compatible with virtually all modern encoded and pulse-output utility meters, including water, electric, gas, run-time, and thermal meter models.

• The single model supports a pulse or encoded meter
• Easy configuration, the external programmer is not required
• Visual LED indicators to verify meter connections

Intelligent Wireless

The TR4-X Transceiver builds on the previous generation’s longest in-class wireless range and now boasts up to 3x more range.
Utilizing two-way NextCentury RF Connect™ wireless, the TR4-X has intelligent routing capabilities ensuring success in a variety of environments, from spread-out commercial properties to high-density apartment complexes in excess of 4,000-meter points.
The TR4-X is a drop-in replacement for any previous generation NextCentury Transceiver. Wireless network operation is seamlessly compatible with all earlier generation Repeaters and Gateways.

A Superior Platform
Property setup, configuration, and usage data are managed on the NextCentury Cloud Platform. This robust management solution connects you to a wide range of features facilitating property setup and ongoing operation.

Technical Specifications

Certifications

FCC: 2AB8I-TR4X IC: 20949-TR4X

Wireless Communication

• Two-way NextCentury RF Connect™
• 902-928 MHz Unlicensed Band

Meter Compatibility

• Pulse or encoded meter types (see section 3)
• The single model supports all configurations

In-Field Configuration

• Simple meter configuration—no external
• programmer required

Battery

• Preinstalled, field-replaceable CR18505
• Estimated 10-year battery life

*Note: 10-year battery estimated with operating temperatures between 60ºF-90ºF, and 6-hr device check-in. Achieved battery life can be greater or less than 10 years depending on the meter type, system configuration, and lifetime operating temperature.

Dimensions

• 3.3in x 1.8in x 1.3in (84mm x 46mm x 33mm)

Operation Environment:

• 20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F )
• IP 68 rated for outdoor installation

Meter Compatibility

Pulse Output Meters

• Passive pulse sensing (including reed switch, solid-state relay, contact relay, open-drain types)
• Active voltage sensing (max. 16 VDC)
• Supports tamper circuit to detect disconnect from the meter (optional)

Encoded Output Meters

• Neptune (Including ProRead, ECoder, and ProCoder register models)
• Sensus UI-1203 (Includes most meter models, from Sensus, Hersey, Mueller, Master Meter, Badger, Kamstrup, Elster, Metron-Farnier, and Zenner)
• GWF ECO (Includes all GWF encoder meters)
• Elster/AMCO K-Frame (Includes most meter models, from Elster, AMCO, ABB and Kent)

Magnet Activation

Magnet Detect Zone

• Swipe a magnet next to the right side of the TR4-X to activate, switch configurations, and trigger an immediate check-in.

Meter Wiring

• Strip meter wire ends to 3/16” (5 mm)
• Insert stripped wire ends into the blue terminal connector and tighten securely using a Phillips (PH-1) screwdriver

LED Indicators

The TR4-X features two separate LED indicators with simple color-coded feedback.

Configuring Meter Type

Entering Configuration Mode

Note: The TR4-X is configured for a pulse meter by default. No configuration change is necessary.

• Hold a magnet next to the TR4-X for 5 seconds to enter Configuration Mode
• The Meter LED will display a solid color to show the current meter configuration

Toggle Pulse or Encoded

• Swipe the magnet to toggle between Pulse Meter (red) and Encoded Meter (blue) configurations
• After 3 seconds, the meter type is accepted

Pulse Meter

Configure for Pulse

• Enter configuration mode
• If the Meter LED is solid blue, the TR4-X is configured for a pulse meter (see the previous section)

Verify Meter Connection
A pulse from the connected meter is indicated by a fast blue blink of the Meter LED

Encoded Meter

Encoded Meter

• To verify which meter type is currently configured, enter configuration mode
• If the Meter LED is solid red, the TR4-X is configured for an encoded meter (see section 6)

Verify Meter Connection

• Swipe a magnet next to the TR4-X
• The TR4-X will try to read the connected meter
• A green blink indicates the TR4-X can read the meter
• A red blink indicates the meter could not be read and wiring should be checked

Programming & Wireless Check-In

Property Setup
The next century website or NCSS mobile app can be used to set up and configure the property, units, and meters. Visit
support.nextcenturymeters.com for additional property setup details.

Programming
Property programming is the process of associating Transceiver serial numbers to the meters they are reading. Scan the barcode to ensure the serial number is entered accurately.

Gateway Device Management
After programming, the connected Gateway will automatically sync and communicate with the TR4-X.

Wireless Connection LED Indicators
The RF LED indicator provides feedback to easily check that the TR4-X is within range of the property’s Gateway (either directly, or through Repeaters)

Wireless Troubleshooting

If the RF LED does not blink green after swiping the magnet, then the TR4-X is not receiving a response from the Gateway. The following steps can help identify the issue:

• If the TR4-X does not blink green, even when close to the Gateway, make sure it has been programmed to the property and the Gateway is online
• Try multiple times—if eventually a response is received, then an additional Repeater may be needed to improve the wireless network
• Move the TR4-X closer to the Gateway or nearest Repeater. If a response is received, then an additional Repeater may be needed

 Advanced Features & Troubleshooting

Visit support.nextcenturymeters.com for additional guides and troubleshooting information.

Television and Radio Interference

NOTE: 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.

The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Company Name may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

As per 47 CFR §15.21
The user’s manual or instruction manual for an intentional or unintentional radiator shall caution the user that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. In cases where the manual is provided only in a form other than paper, such as on a computer disk or over the Internet, the information required by this section may be included in the manual in that alternative form, provided the user can reasonably be expected to have the capability to access information in that form.

ISED Statement
This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain 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. Immediately following the above notice, the manufacturer shall provide a list of all antenna types approved for use with the
transmitter, indicating the maximum permissible antenna gain (in dBi).

User Manual Notice for Licence-Exempt Radio Apparatus User manuals for license-exempt radio apparatus shall contain the following text, or an equivalent notice that shall be displayed in a conspicuous location, either in the user manual or on the device, or both:
This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference; and
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Warranty

NextCentury warrants that all communication equipment manufactured by NextCentury will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and in accordance with NextCentury’s documented installation and operating procedures for a period of three (3) years from the date of manufacture.
Products not manufactured by NextCentury, including without limitation, accessories, attachments, meters, or batteries used in conjunction with NextCentury equipment are warranted, if at all, only by the original manufacturer. NextCentury’s warranties do not include the replacement of batteries used to power NextCentury products.

Limits of Liability
This warranty only applies to Read Management System components produced by NextCentury and does not cover any products which have been damaged by misconduct, negligence, vandalism, acts of God, excessive operating conditions, or unauthorized attachments or modifications. This warranty will be null and void if products are placed in non-recommended installation application/fashion, or are converted, altered, or treated by other than NextCentury recommended procedures and instructions, or are read by equipment not approved by next century.

NextCentury’s liability and customer’s exclusive remedy under this warranty is expressly limited to repair or replacement of the product at
NextCentury’s option, and is conditioned upon the customer returning the product(s) to the location designated by NextCentury within the warranty periods or limits stated herein, and pre-paying the freight costs both to and from the specified location. In no event shall NextCentury be liable for costs or expenses associated with the removal or installation of products under this warranty.

NextCentury shall have no liability or responsibility to the purchaser or any third party for any loss, cost, expense, damage, or liability, whether direct or indirect, or for special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages of any kind, regardless of whether such liability is based on breach of contract, tort, strict liability, breach of warranties, or otherwise, and even if advised of the likelihood of such damages. Incidental and consequential damages include, but are not limited to, lost revenue, loss of profits, data, business, or goodwill. In addition, damages resulting from negligence on the part of the customer, including, but not limited to, the care and maintenance of NextCentury products or damages resulting from negligence regarding periodic testing of the product’s performance, are not covered under this guarantee.

CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY NEXTCENTURY MAY VOID THIS WARRANTY AND THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AVAILABLE TO THE PURCHASER AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES, OR REMEDIES, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION,
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ALL OF WHICH NEXTCENTURY
HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS.

Contact Information

For any questions or concerns, please contact NextCentury Submetering Solutions Product Support:

• Phone: (844) 538.8203
• Email: support@nextcenturymeters.com

References

• NextCentury

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