4.9
Functional check of the module
After putting the module into operation (or after each repair and replacing of the module) it is recommended to
check basic functions of the module as follows:
•
check setting of basic module parameters, especially broadcasting parameters (encryption, broadcasting pe-
riod, routing information) as described in paragraph
•
perform survey of radio signal reception form watermeters in ”RADAR” mode by using of ”recvwin” and
”radar” commands through configuration cable, or equivalent functions of optical converter;
•
examine coverage of installation site with NB-IoT radio-signal by sending of several messages with using
of ”send” command as described in paragraph
”
System commands group for control of module basic
functions” and their receiving in the remote reading system.
Some indication about the NB-IoT signal
availability can be obtained by checking of RSSI value in the list of configuration parameters, or ”Last RSSI”
value in the optical configuration table;
•
perform complex (end-to-end) check of implementation of the module into the remote reading system by
inspection of data rendered by module in reading system database. If the module broadcasting period is quite
long, use test broadcasting function described in previous item.
4.10
Operation of the NB-K868 module
The NB-K868 module performs readings of watermeters and broadcasting of radio messages fully automatically.
The greatest risks of permanent breakdown of module broadcasting are commonly caused by human activities
within the installation site, especially mechanical damage of the module, excessive humidity or water inundation,
or shading the RF signal by metallic object due to building operations.
To eliminate these risks, it is recommended to pay close attention to selection of the installation site and choice of
antenna and antenna location so that to find appropriate compromise between qualities of signal and the level of
risk of module mechanical damage. It is necessary to carry out the installation carefully with using of high-quality
mounting components.
To prevent an unexpected breakdown, it is recommended to perform regular monitoring of all broadcasting data,
i.e. readings, processor temperature and battery voltage. If some of the parameters goes beyond the common steady
value, it is recommended to contact the installation site caretaker and ask for the potential cause of the anomaly
or perform the physical check on the installation site.
The risk of
premature battery discharge
could be eliminated by respecting the instructions described in para-
graph
5
Troubleshooting
5.1
Possible causes of module failures
If during operation of NB-K868 module some anomaly, malfunctions or other troubles are recognized, the possible
causes of the failures can be classified by following categories:
5.1.1
Power supplying failures
The module is supplied by electrical power from the long-life internal battery. Approximate battery life is specified
in paragraph
”
Hardware features”. Battery life can be negatively influenced by circumstances that are described
in detail in paragraph
”
Risk of premature battery discharge”.
Low battery power becomes evident as irregular drop-outs of signal reception from the module, finally the radio
connection with the module completely fails.
Battery is soldered into the printed circuit board of the module and the module has to be disassembled for its
replacement. Battery replacement can be performed only by qualified and experienced person. Soldering of battery
by unskilled person can cause irretrievable damage of the module. There are only top-quality batteries used in
the wacoSystem modules, that have been carefully selected and properly tested. In case of battery replacement by
user the new battery parameters should meet same technical requirements (type, capacity, voltage, current load,
auto-discharging current...) as the original battery. It is strongly recommended to use for replacement same type
of battery as used in production.
NB-K868
35