User and Installation Guide
Neutron4-B Remote Pulse Collector
Copyright 2017 - ionSign
www.ionsign.fi
13.2.2019
– v1.2
1
General
Neutron4-B is a battery operated, grid independent pulse concentrator
designed for collecting and reporting pulses from pulsed consumption
meters, e.g. gas or water meters. The device stores the pulse data and
sends them to a server in batches of 24 readings.
During normal operation the leds and the GSM module are switched
off. They are only switched on automatically for the regular data trans-
mission and manually in the installation mode.
2
Indicator lights
The device saves battery power by switching the leds on only;
•
when a battery has been installed, for 10 seconds (no pulse
indication)
•
when installation mode has been entered by pressing the button
•
when performing the daily data transmission
Yellow led is OFF
The device has no settings. Send a
SETTINGS command as an SMS
Yellow led is ON
The device has settings and is in operation
Yellow led blinks
The device has settings and is starting
communication to the server
Green led is OFF
The device is not in the GSM network
Green led is ON
The device is in the GSM network
Green led blinks
The device has poor GSM signal strength
Red GSM led blinks
twice at a time
The device is looking for a GSM network
Red GSM led blinks
The device is in the GSM network
Red Pulse led toggles
The device registered an incoming pulse
3
Commands
The device is controlled with SMS messages sent to the SIM card’s
number. Except for the STATUS command,
the device doesn’t send
replies. In the messages, commands and parameters are separated by
one space character (
˽
in examples).
The device only receives SMS messages in the installation mode, at
other times the GSM module only has power when it’s sending data.
Installation mode can only be activated locally with the button. There
are ways to secure message delivery also remotely, contact ionSign
when this becomes relevant.
SETTINGS
˽
<Device identifier>˽<Server address>˽<Server port>˽
<APN>˽<Input count>˽<Transmission delay>˽<Server path>[˽<Step>]
With the SETTINGS command all required settings are given and
collecting and sending of pulse data is started.
Device identifier
is a unique device ID. Range is 1-1000000.
Server address
is the IP address of the server. Also a domain
name server name can be used. Maximum length is 50 characters.
Server port
is the port number where the server application waits
for transmissions.
APN
is the Access Point Name of your operator for the GPRS/3G
connection. Maximum length is 30 characters.
Input count
is the number of connected meters. Range is 1-4.
Transmission delay
helps to avoid a large number of devices
sending pulse data to the server at the same time. Range is 0-
1000 minutes. With value zero (0) the data is sent immediately
when 24 readings have been collected.
Server path
is the path in the server where data is saved. Maxi-
mum length is 50 characters.
Step
defines the length of the measurement cycle. Can be omitted,
defaults to zero (0). See STEP command for more instructions.
STEP
˽
<Time>
If only the measurement cycle needs to be changed from the one
set using the SETTINGS command, the STEP command is used.
The
Time
parameter defines the cycle length in minutes. Values: 0,
15, 30 or 60 minutes.
0: Hourly data, for servers only supporting hourly data.
15: Quarterly data collection and sending.
30: Half-hourly data collection and sending.
60: Hourly data collection and sending.
STATUS
To the STATUS command, the device replies with an SMS of gen-
eral status information. STATUS command has no parameters.
Status information includes the following:
•
Device settings validity: [Yes | No].
(Also device ID, if the device has valid settings).
•
Data sending to server initialized: [Yes | No].
•
Most recent device IP connection initialized: [Yes | No].
•
Most recent TCP/IP connection to server: [Yes | No].
•
Most recent server reply to device data: [No | Success | Error].
•
GSM operator name.
•
GSM signal strength: [dBm value | Unknown].
Signal strength -113 dBm indicates a value of -113 dBm or less.
Signal strength -51 dBm indicates a value of -51 dBm or greater.
4
Failure recovery
For GSM network failures, the device has a built-in local buffer for
keeping collected data stored for later transmission. The buffer capacity
is 3 years for hourly data, 1,5 years for half-hourly data and 9 months
for quarterly data. When the GSM network resumes service, all buff-
ered data is sent to the server without any need for user intervention. If
the GSM signal strength is weak and the device often needs to buffer
data, battery life will be shorter than expected.
5
Neutron4-B technical specifications
•
Inputs: 4 inputs for pulses.
•
Replaceable battery. With the factory installed battery, expected
battery life is roughly 10 years. Battery: 3,6V 6Ah min 1500mA peak
current. Compatible types e.g. SAFT LSH14, ULTRALIFE ER26500M
and EVE ER26500M.
•
Real-time clock.
•
Size: WxHxD 145 x 90 x 55 mm (flanged PC plastic enclosure).
•
Protection class: IP65.
•
Operating temperature: -25 °C...+55 °C.
•
RH: 5 % - 95 % non-condensing.
•
Local data storage capacity, for each input channel:
o
3 years for hourly data
o
1,5 years for half-hourly data
o
9 months for quarterly data
•
Data communication: Integrated GSM/GPRS module. Conforming
the following directives and standards:
o
R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC (Radio Equipment & Telecommuni-
cations terminal Equipment)
o
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and product safety Directive
89/336/EEC for conformity for EMC
o
GSM (Radio Spectrum). Standard: EN 301 511 and 3GPP
51.010-1
o
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility). Standards: EN 301 489-1
and EN 301 489-7
o
LVD (Low Voltage Directive) Standards: EN 60 950
•
Antenna: external, SMA connector.
6
Warranty
ionSign grants a warranty of two (2) years for all delivered devices and
software services. The warranty starts on the date of the delivery and it
covers material and manufacturing defects. The warranty does not
cover defects caused by improper use or installation nor does it cover
defects caused by factors out of ionSign’s control. These would be for
instance grid malfunction or service changes of network operators
services. ionSign delivers a new device to replace the defected one,
without cost. Alternatively, ionSign may repair the defected device. The
defected device must be returned to ionSign, if required, at ionSign’s
cost. The warranty does not cover dismantling, installation, and intro-
duction costs and the like. ionSign warrants that the provided software
essentially manage with their designed tasks, at the time of delivery. All
significant software defects are covered by the warranty. The defects
will be resolved without unnecessary delay. The resolution may be an
instruction to circumvent the defect. If the delivery includes third party
products or services, these are only covered by the applicable warranty
provided by that third party. Title to the delivered goods transfers to the
client, when the invoiced price is paid in full. All immaterial rights related
to devices and services remain the property of ionSign. If the service
was a design assignment, the client assumes the right to use and
further develop the assignment results. ionSign is eligible to use the
client’s name as a reference in its marketing. ionSign is not eligible to
disclose the order details without prior consent. In case of a force
majeure, preventing to act according to the purchase agreement, the
affected party will start immediate negotiations to assess the effects of
the obstacle on the scope and schedule of the purchase agreement.
ionSign appropriately backs up client’s data residing on its servers. In
spite of this, ionSign assumes no responsibility of possible damage due
to loss of data. ionSign assumes no responsibility of direct or indirect
damage to property or people, nor work or travel expenses, caused by
using its services or devices, unless due to gross negligence. ionSign’s
financial liability is always limited to the value of the delivered goods
and services, unless otherwise inflicted by the Finnish law.
ionSign Oy
P.O. Box 246 | Paananvahe 4 | FI-26100
Rauma | Finland | t. +358 2 822 0097
[email protected] | ionsign.fi | VAT FI21174499
