NextCentury TR4 Indoor Meter Reading and Wireless Transceiver Installation Guide

NextCentury TR4 Indoor Meter Reading and Wireless Transceiver

TR4 Transceiver
Indoor Meter Reading and Wireless Transceiver

Operation and Installation Guide

Product Overview
The next century TR4 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 provides hourly-read precision with a 10- year battery life.
Meter+™ Advanced Compatibility
The TR4 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.

• 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 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 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 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-TR4            IC: 20949-TR4

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 )
•  Should be installed in an indoor, dry environment

 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)

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)

In-Field Installation

Mounting Plate Installation

•  Peel off the backing on the included adhesive pad and mount onto the wall
•  (Optional) For additional holding strength, the included screws and plastic anchors can be used. Pre-drill using a 7/32” (5.5mm) drill bit
•  When used with the NextCentury M201 Water Meter, remove the TR4’s mounting plate and slide it onto the meter’s included mounting adapter
•  For third-party meters, the Zip Mount Adapter can be used

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 Slotted 3mm or Phillips (PH-0) screwdriver
•  For meters prewired with 2-pole terminal connector, remove the 3-pole connector and use meter’s connector, installing on the bottom two pins

Meter Wiring Diagram

LED Indicators

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

 Configuring Meter Type

Entering Configuration Mode
Note : The TR4 is configured for a pulse meter by default. No configuration change is necessary.

•  Press and hold the Test Connect button 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

• Tap the Test Connect button to toggle between Pulse Meter (blue) and Encoded Meter (red) configurations
•  After 5 seconds, the meter type is accepted

Pulse Meter

Configure for Pulse

• Enter configuration mode
•  If the Meter LED is solid blue, the TR4 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

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

V erify Meter Connection

•  Press the Test Button
•  The TR4 will try to read the connected meter
•  A green blink indicates the TR4 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.

Wireless Connection LED Indicators

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

• Tap the Test Connect button
•  The TR4 RF LED will rapidly blink red, indicating it is transmitting
•  The RF LED will then blink 2x green if a response is received from the Gateway

Wireless Troubleshooting

If the RF LED does not blink green after tapping the Test Connect  button, then the TR4 is not receiving a response from the  Gateway. The following steps can help identify the issue:

• If the TR4 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 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

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 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.

 FCC Part 15 & Industry Canada Compliance

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). 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. This portable equipment with its antenna complies with FCC’s and IC’s RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. Users are advised to maintain a separation distance of 20cm to comply with FCC and IC RF exposure limits.

Warranty/Disclaimer Scope of 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, are converted, altered, or treated by other than NextCentury recommended procedures and instructions, or are read by equipment not approved by next century.

Contact Information

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

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

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