Customer Interface Unit Operation Released
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Cashpower Gemini PLC
– User Guide
© Gyr (Pty) Ltd
10
Customer Interface Unit Operation
10.1 General
The customer interface unit effectively acts as a remote display and keypad for the meter. It does not
implement any voucher decryption. The customer interface unit is a self-contained device that
implements its own battery-backed power supply and PLC communications and it does have specific
functionality that is of importance to the customer e.g. the indication of alarms for low credit or low
battery conditions, communication to the meter etc.
10.2 Connection to the Mains Supply
For the customer interface unit to function correctly, it must be permanently connected to the
customer‟s AC mains supply. Each customer interface unit is supplied with a standard mains power
cord that may be plugged into any convenient socket outlet in the customer‟s premises. It is equally
important that the supply remains switched on at all times for the following reasons:
It allows the remaining credit level and energy consumption rate to be seen.
In the event of credit expiring, the meter will disconnect the customer‟s electricity supply and
also the mains supply to the customer interface unit.
To cater for the disconnection of mains power due to expiry of credit, the customer interface unit is
fitted with batteries
– 10.3 to enable supply reconnection after entering a valid credit voucher.
To avoid confusion under this
supply disconnected
condition, it is critical that the
customer interface unit remains connected to the mains socket outlet, with the
outlet switch in the
on
position to allow PLC communications back to the meter via
the electrical wiring of the house.
10.3 Battery
Although the customer interface unit is normally connected to the customer‟s mains power supply –
10.2, it needs to have an alternate power source in the event of credit expiring and the meter
disconnecting the load.
Each customer interface unit is provided with a 9V, leak proof, alkaline battery. Whenever the
customer interface unit is disconnected from the mains supply, it continues to operate for another 30
seconds, at which point it stores the last known meter status before entering into
power-save
mode to
conserve battery energy. It may be
woken up
at any stage by pressing and holding the information
key on the keypad for a period of 3 seconds. Refer to section 10.9 for a detailed description of
customer interface unit functionality whilst operating under battery power.
Ensuring the availability of a reliable battery supply is extremely important. A clear
and timeous warning is displayed if the battery capacity is getting low. Battery
must be replaced as soon as possible to avoid inconvenience.
10.4 Commissioning
Unlike the meter, the customer interface unit does not have a dedicated reference number and it is
possible to use any customer interface unit with any meter. However, before it can be used with a
particular meter,
it is necessary to „link‟ the customer interface unit with its associated meter to ensure
Low battery warning
