Meter Operation - Prepayment Mode Released
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Cashpower Gemini PLC
– User Guide
© Gyr (Pty) Ltd
7
Meter Operation - Prepayment Mode
7.1
General
In this section the features and functionality of the prepayment meter is described in detail while all
display and control functionality relates to the customer interface unit, as the meter is not configured
with a keypad or display. However, all processing of prepayment vouchers, load control etc. is carried
out at the meter.
Refer to section 10 for additional, customer interface unit-specific functionality.
7.2
LCD Functions During Normal Operation
During normal operation, with the customer interface unit plugged into an electrical socket outlet and
switched on, the LCD provides the following functions:
Displays the
current credit register
value to a resolution of 0.1 kWh.
Permanently displays the
credit wedge
outline.
Displays any combination of the
credit wedge
icons (0 to 4 segments depending on the actual
current credit level
in the meter.
Displays the
happy face
icon, irrespective of the
credit register
value.
Displays the
load switch status
icon in either the closed or open position, depending on whether
the meter is in or out of credit.
The decimal points of the two left-most display digits will flash alternately at regular intervals
(maximum of 5 minutes), to indicate the reception and transmission of valid data.
7.3
Entering Prepayment Vouchers via the Keypad
Prepayment vouchers are entered into the meter by keying in the numbers printed on the credit
voucher via the keypad. The numbers entered are displayed on the LCD as they are being entered
and scroll from right to left, with a decimal point displayed at every fourth digit for ease of viewing.
Visual feedback is provided by flashing the
happy face
icon with each key press.
Audible feedback is provided by a „beep‟ on each key press.
Incorrect entries can be corrected with the backspace key, which removes the rightmost digit on the
LCD with each press. Two backspace key presses in quick succession will clear the entire entry.
Acceptance of a valid prepayment voucher is automatic. Once a complete voucher has been entered,
the customer interface unit locks the keypad and proceeds to transmit the voucher number via the
PLC communication channel to the meter for processing. Whilst the transmission is in process, the
LCD displays a „busy‟ indication - a set of bars scrolling continuously from left to right.
For further details on the characteristics of PLC communication, refer to section 12.
