NextCentury TR4-X Outdoor Wireless Meter Transceiver Installation Guide

TR4-X Outdoor Wireless Meter Transceiver
Installation Guide

Product Overview

The TR4-X Transceiver builds on the NextCentury RF Connect™ platform, delivering superior wireless performance in a fully waterproof design.
The TR4-X offers broad pulse and encoded meter compatibility in a single model. Engineered for long maintenance-free operation, the TR4-X provides hourly-read  precision with a 10-year battery life.
Meter+™ Advanced Compatibility he 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.

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

Intelligent Wireless
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 apartments.
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

2.1 – Certifications
FCC: 2AB8I-TR4X IC: 20949-TR4X
2.2 – Wireless Communication

• Two-way NextCentury RF Connect™
• 902-928 MHz unlicensed band

2.3 – Meter Compatibility

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

2.4 – Wire Connection

• 5’ (1.5m) wire lead
• Bare wire, field splice required

2.5 – 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.

2.6 – Dimensions

• 3.9in x 1.6in (100mm x 46mm)

2.7 – Operation Environment:

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

Meter Compatibility

3.1 – Pulse Output Meters

• Passive pulse sensing (including reed switch, solid-state relay, contact relay, open-drain types)
• Active voltage sensing (max. 16 VDC)

3.2 – 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)

Package Contents

Mounting

5.1 – Wall Mount Option

• Use the included mounting screws and anchors to attach to wall surface

5.2 – Pit Lid Mount (Optional Accessory)

• For meter pit applications, the Pit Lid Mount accessory product can be installed on a compatible non-metallic meter lid
• Couple to the Pit Lid Mount using the receiving threads on the underside of the TR4-X

Wiring Connection

6.1 – Meter Wire Splice Connection
The TR4-X includes a 5’ (1.5 m) wire lead to connect to your meter. The meter’s output wire should be spliced to the TR4-X wire using a waterproofed splice connection  such as the Field Splice Kit (FSK) or other waterproof connector product.
6.2 – Field Splice Kit (Optional Accessory)
The Field Splice Kit (FSK) accessory offers a convenient 3-pole connection to splice the meter and TR4-X wires together. A special waterproofing compound seals around  the wire connections as the Field Splice Kit is snapped shut.

• Strip the insulation 1/8” (3mm) from the wire ends
• Insert into the terminal block observing the wire color mapping applicable to your meter model
• Tighten each wire terminal using a small flat-head screw driver
• Seat the terminal connector in the center of the Field Splice Kit Cover
• Test and verify the wire connection (sec. 8) before closing the Field Splice Kit
  

6.3 –Wire Color Mapping

Configuring Meter Type

The TR4-X can read either pulse or encoded meters. It is initially pre- configured for a pulse meter. A configuration change using a magnet is required to switch between pulse and encoded modes.
7.1 – Entering Configuration Mode

• Hold your magnet next to the right side of the TR4-X for 5 seconds to enter Configuration Mode
• The Meter LED will light up blue or red to show the current meter configuration

7.2 – Toggle Pulse or Encoded Mode

• Swipe your magnet to toggle between Pulse Meter (red) and Encoded Meter (blue) configurations
  

• After reaching the desired mode, withdraw the magnet

• After 5 seconds the meter type is accepted, and the LED will turn off
  

Verify Meter Connection

8.1 – Verify a Pulse Meter

• A pulse from the connected meter is indicated by a fast blue blink of the Meter LED
• As the meter increments with usage, watch for this blue blink to verify your installation

8.2 – Verify an Encoded Meter

• Swipe your magnet in the detect zone
• The TR4-X will attempt to read the connected encoded meter
• A green blink confirms the meter was read successfully
• A red blink indicates the meter could not be read and wiring should be checked

Programming & Wireless Check-In

9.1 – Property Setup
The NextCentury 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.
9.2 – 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. ![NextCentury TR4-X Outdoor Wireless Meter Transceiver

• Figure 11](https://manuals.plus/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/NextCentury-TR4-X -Outdoor-Wireless-Meter-Transceiver-Figure-11.jpg)

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

9.4 – 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).

• Swipe your magnet next to the TR4-X
• The TR4-X RF LED will rapidly blink red, indicating it is transmitting
• The RF LED will then blink 2x green if communication with the Gateway was successful
  

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

• Try multiple times—if you eventually see green blinks, then an additional Repeater may be needed to improve the wireless network coverage.
• Take the TR4-X closer to the Gateway or nearest Repeater. If you now see green blinks after swiping, an additional Repeater may be needed to extend coverage
• 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

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 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 NextCentury. 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 NeXT Century Sub metering Solutions Product Support:

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

References

• NextCentury

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