User and Installation Guide
Neutron4-3G Remote Pulse Collector
Copyright 2017 - ionSign
www.ionsign.fi
16.5.2019
– v1.6
1
General
Neutron4-3G collects and reports pulses from utility consumption meters
with a pulse output, e.g. electricity, gas, heat or water meters. Pulses are
collected, locally stored and sent to the server as set up by the user.
2
Indicator lights
Stat led is OFF
The device has no settings. Send a
SETTINGS command as an SMS
Stat led is ON
The device has settings and is in operation
Stat led blinks
The device has settings and is starting
communication to the server
Signal led is OFF
The device is not in the GSM network
Signal led is ON
The device is in the GSM network
Signal led blinks or off
The device has poor GSM signal strength
GSM led double blinks
The device is looking for a GSM network
GSM led blinks
The device is in the GSM network
Pulse led toggles
The device registered an incoming pulse
3
Commands
The device is controlled with SMS messages sent to the SIM card’s sub-
scriber number (not serial or IMEI). Except for the STATUS command,
the device doesn’t send replies. In the messages, commands and pa-
rameters are separated by one space character (
˽
in examples).
SETTINGS
˽
<Device ID
>˽<Server>˽<Port>˽<APN>˽<Inputs>˽
<Transmission
delay>˽<Path>[˽<Step>]
With the SETTINGS command all required settings are given and
collecting and sending of pulse data is started.
Device ID
is a unique device identification. Range is 1-1000000.
Server
is the IP address to the server. Also a domain name server
(DNS) name can be used. Maximum length is 50 characters.
Port
is the port number of server that waits for transmissions.
APN
is the Access Point Name of your SIM card operator for the
GPRS/3G data connection. Maximum length is 30 characters.
Inputs
is the number of connected meters. Range is 1-4.
Transmission delay
sets the number of minutes after collecting 24
readings, to make the transmission. The delay can be used 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.
Path
is the server folder to save data. Max. length is 50 characters.
Step
defines the length of the measurement cycle. If the parameter
is omitted, the default value is zero (0). See also STEP command.
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.
INTERVAL
˽<Time>
With the INTERVAL command the device can be set to send mo-
mentary pulse data, in addition to the hourly, half-hourly or quarterly
pulse data. The
Time
parameter defines the interval between con-
secutive transmissions. Range is 60-65535 seconds. With a zero
value (0), momentary data sending is stopped.
SPAN
˽<Time>
With the SPAN command the device can be set to send pulse data
collected during a defined time period, in addition to the hourly, half-
hourly or quarterly pulse data. The
Time
parameter defines the span
length and sending interval. Range is 60-65535 seconds. With a
zero value (0), periodical data sending is stopped.
SENDNOW
With the SENDNOW command the device sends incomplete pulse
data to the server immediately. This command has no parameters.
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.
USER
˽<Username>˽<Password> /
USER
˽clear
The USER command can be used to set user credentials for the
APN, if the operator requires them. Command without parameters
replies with current settings.
‘Clear’ parameter erases user settings.
AUTH
˽<String>
With the AUTH command a Base64 encoded string for Basic HTTP
authentication can be set. Empty setting disables authentication.
The string may have up to 50 characters.
4
Failure recovery
The device has no built-in backup power, so pulses are not collected nor
sent during power failures. When power supply resumes however, the
device assumes all prior settings and starts collecting and sending data
without any need for user intervention. 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 buffered data is sent to the server without any need
for user intervention.
5
Neutron4-3G technical specifications
•
Inputs: 4 pulse inputs for open collector or relay outputs of meters.
Open collector or relay output sourcing voltage 12 VDC, maximum
sourcing current 5mA.
•
Operating voltage: 11…13 VDC. 2,5mm DC socket.
•
Real-time clock: 4 days backup.
•
Size: WxHxD 125 x 51 x 25 mm (flanged ABS plastic enclosure).
•
Protection class: IP20.
•
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. ion-
Sign delivers a new device to replace the defected one, without cost.
Alternatively, ionSign may repair the defected device. The defected de-
vice must be returned to ionSign, if required, at ionSign’s cost. The war-
ranty does not cover dismantling, installation, and introduction 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. ion-
Sign 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
