Installation Manual Repeater QC0149 Manual Ref: QC0149 Version: Jan17 1.0
System Concept RF Transmitters connect to sensors or meters and send data to the infrastructure internet connected Gateway on site The Gateway stores and transfers the data to the Realtime Online cloud server over a secure mobile cellular connection Realtime Online provides a web based portal of visualisation dashboards, reports, graphs and transmits out tailored automatic reports and notifications in the event of exceptions Version Tracking Date Author Changes v 1.0 05-01-17 Chris Boddy Invisible Systems Limited P a g e 2
INDEX Contents 1. Introduction... 4 2. Finding good Location... 4 3. Installation... 6 4. Sensor Numbering... 7 5. Checking operation... 7 6. Appendix 1 Part Numbers.... 9 Document Name Manual Description Version QC0140 Unboxed Ultra RF Gateway Installation Manual 1.0 QC0141 Boxed Ultra RF Gateway Installation Manual 1.0 QC0142 3 Phase Wireless Meter Installation Manual 1.0 QC0143 21-42 Channel Sub-meter Installation Manual 1.0 QC0144 Optical Pulse Transmitter Installation Manual 1.0 QC0145a Pulse Transmitter (Electric meter)instalation Guide 1.0 QC0145b Pulse Transmitter (Gas meter)instalation Guide 1.0 QC0145c Pulse Transmitter (Water meter)instalation Guide 1.0 QC0146 21-42 Channel Sub Meter 1.0 QC0147 Modbus Panel Meter Installation Guide 1.0 QC0148 Pulse GRP Single/ Double Panel Meter 1.0 QC0149 Rx/Tx-ULTRA RF-Repeater Instruction Manual 1.0 QC0150 Mains Powered Modbus Transmitter 1.0 Invisible Systems Limited P a g e 3
1. Introduction The Repeater is a mains powered wireless transmitter capable of capturing R/F messages transmitted by Invisible Systems Ltd range of transmitters and re-transmitting the messages recieved. This allows Invisible Systems Monitoring equipment to be fitted at greater distances apart on site from the Gateway reciever. The Repeater works like a Amplifier allowing all the messages received to be repeated and passed to the gateway. The data collected and forwdarded by the addition of a Repeater can help with data integrity and be viewed on the Realtime Online platform. Features A variety of available radio frequency options Small footprint Automatic data collection and transmission Wireless, range of up to 15km line of sight None invasive and rapid installation. Technical information Operating frequency 868MHz (Other frequencies available 915 MHz) Operating range up to 15km Suitable with any Invisible Sytems Ltd Hardware Storage Conditions: 0 C to +50 C Relative Humidity: 25% to 95% Operating Temperature: 0 C to 40 C Mains powered Applications Energy Monitoring Bill validation Sub-metering Installations where the location and enviromental conditions require a greater signal range. 2. Finding good Location Realtime-Online Sensors use radio frequency communication to a local gateway. The distance between sensors and the gateway can also be very long (up to 15Km line of sight). However, environmental factors such as walls and furniture can reduce this distance considerably so optimal placement of sensors is important. Note that this document does not specifically cover the installation of Gateways which are covered in a separate document, (see index) but the following general guidance is given. Invisible Systems Limited P a g e 4
When placing sensors, avoid the following: a. Placing the transmitter in metal enclosures (such as a distribution board, a fridge or a server rack). In these cases, try to locate the sensor head (CT, temp probe etc) inside the enclosure and lead the cable outside. b. The Battery Powered transmitters are splashproof and are suitable for installation in outdoor areas, but are not 100% waterproof. Do not install them in positions where they are liable to be submerged. c. Do not install the transmitters close to other RF sources such as alarm systems, door openers or other radio systems. Although the amount of RF energy transmitted by the sensors is very small indeed, there is a possibility that they could interfere with other electrical devices, so they must not be installed close to other devices which could be affected e.g. medical devices or wireless alarm systems. When siting the gateway, try to ensure that the location is approximately equidistant in radio signal terms from all the sensors. Typically, sensors can be expected to pass through 4 5 normal internal walls without difficulty. The following illustration shows how sensors which are hidden behind large metal objects like tanks or steel walls may have difficulty in transmitting to the gateway. And shows and example of a possible repeater location. Possible repeater location Notes Care must be taken when installing this sensor as live electrical circuits are usually within the vicinity. Seek to guidance of a qualified electrician if you are unsure. Invisible Systems Limited P a g e 5
3. Installation The Repeater is supplied with a mains adapter and can be plugged into any standard 240v single phase socket. Update Rate Every 7 ½ Mins (8 times per hour). Most Realtime-Online sensors have a unique mounting clip on the battery compartment which allows the sensor to be installed: Mounted with screws through the mounting clip. Its is advised that the socket allocated for use with the repeater be in a area where it will not be required to be used for any other purpose as if unplugged it will cease to operate and may affect the data retrival of the system. Also the plug top power supply should be labeled to show do not unplug. Invisible Systems Limited P a g e 6
4. Sensor Numbering Each sensor is supplied with a unique serial number marked on the side together with a barcode which is used to identify the sensor on the Realtime-Online dashboard. It is vital that these numbers are accurately recorded as otherwise it will be impossible to identify the sensor in ISL Setup or the server dashboard for the specific site. Note that a sensor number cannot appear twice on the same site, but can appear on more than one site dashboard. 5. Checking operation Following installation of the Repeater, it is suggested that the operation is checked to ensure the Repeater is operating correctly and allowing the transmitted messages being received by the associated trasmitters onsite to be improved. Open Ultra RF Gateway Setup This should be located on the desktop of your laptop. On first use, if requested, select the USB lead being used and highlight for use. Name lead connection and select it in drop down list Screen information being displayed. Invisible Systems Limited P a g e 7
The Screen will show the transmitters it can see in range of the receiver and when the repeater is fitted, repeated messages, these can be sorted by sensor type or ID as per preference. It is important to check all of this information to confirm that each sensor is being seen by the gateway and at regular intervals in relation to (5). Blue colour dots show direct messages being received and Orange colour dots show messages received and sent to the reciever via repeaters. As you can see the Repeated message from the newly installed repeater shows the message being sent from it is considerably better than the direct meassage being recieved. Correct setup and operation of Realtime-online, will require all the Sensor ID s and Transmitter types in conjunction with the Gateway ID. The RSSI is shown in dbm with a bar chart showing signal strength. This is an important parameter. The table below shows dbm ranges in relation to Signal strength. The range shown above reads -100dBm this is shown in the table as a Marginal signal therefore will need improving either by reviewing the transmitter location, moving the Gateway closer or adding a signal repeater in between transmitter and receiver. Value RSSI Signal RSSI Signal Value dbm Strength dbm Strength 2-109 Marginal 17-79 Good 3-107 Marginal 18-77 Good 4-105 Marginal 19-75 Good 5-103 Marginal 20-73 Excellent 6-101 Marginal 21-71 Excellent 7-99 Marginal 22-69 Excellent 8-97 Marginal 23-67 Excellent 9-95 Marginal 24-65 Excellent 10-93 OK 25-63 Excellent 11-91 OK 26-61 Excellent 12-89 OK 27-59 Excellent 13-87 OK 28-57 Excellent 14-85 OK 29-55 Excellent 15-83 Good 30-53 Excellent 16-81 Good Invisible Systems Limited P a g e 8
Further technical reference and product info can be obtained from associated data sheets 6. Appendix 1 Part Numbers. Part Number Item Description 3999-901-1212 Ultra RF Repeater RF Signal Repeater Mains Powered Invisible Systems Limited P a g e 9
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