•
visually check an external antenna and antenna cable (if used), possibly replace these elements for the spare
ones with proven functionality;
•
check correctness of module settings, especially setting of radio parameters as described in paragraph
and perform the check of module overall functionality as described in paragraph
•
replace the module according to the paragraph
and perform the setting and check of overall functionality
off the new module after that;
•
if the module is not properly working even after its replacement for proven device and equipment, the trouble
can be caused by local interference (jamming) from external source. Another possible reason could be an
unsuitable setting of some configuration parameter that has not been discovered. In this case ask for your
supplier, producer, or other experienced person for some form of assistance.
Appropriate level of transmitting power can be checked by comparing of its signal strength with the reference
signal from another module (modules) under comparable circumstances, for example with using of signal analyzer
or testing receiver placed to the suitable spot. If the signal strength is similar to the signal of reference transmitter,
then the module’s transmitting power is adequate, and the reason of troubles could be in insufficient signal strength
on the receiving side. Attenuation of the signal can be caused by making of some change in module installation
site (e.g. turning of antenna or placing of some object nearby, installation of iron bars, rack or shelfs...) or similar
changes in the installation site of receiver (GateWay). This kind of troubles can be solved by redesign of the radio
network in order to secure sufficient signal reception (that means changing of antenna for better type, moving of
antenna or whole device etc.).
5.1.4
Failures of communication with meters
Failures of pulse signal transfer from the consumption meters to the correspond module inputs typically appear as
”
zero consumption” of the meter even though the consumption of the meter is evident, or generally, meter status
from remote reading is different than meter status shown in meter’s mechanical counter. In this case try to proceed
with troubleshooting of the connection with meters in following steps:
1. Visually check the meter and connecting cable between meter and radio-module, especially whether the meter’s
pulse generator is correctly mounted on the meter (if it is removable) and whether the meter or cable are not
damaged;
2. in case of any doubt check the functionality of cable connection by ohm-meter. If there is a problem with
reliability of the connection, or the cable is evidently damaged, replace the cable immediately;
3. check whether the cable is correctly associated with the module input (correct port number, correctness of
polarity - if required by meter producer);
4. Visually check if there are not placed any objects or devices radiating a magnetic field (for example a device for
water treatment with magnet, electrical installation. . . ) around the consumption meter. The pulse generators
of some types of the consumption meters are very sensitive to the magnetic field presence. If such devise
is detected, it must be removed or there must be taken necessary measures to eliminate the magnetic field
influence on the pulse generator of the consumption meter. To find more about the influence of the magnetic
field on a particular consumption meter, you must follow its manufacturer instructions;
5. if there is some possibility of measuring metering pulses, make sure that the meter generates the pulses
properly and that these pulses lead up entirely to the radio module input;
6. correctness of generating and transfer of metering pulses can be alternatively checked by short-circuiting of
the cable on the meter side. If after each short-circuit the status value of the module’s counter goes up, the
module and cable are probably correct, and the trouble is probable caused by meter or by its pulse generator;
7. if the module doesn’t read the data even the metering pulses are provably brought to the correct radio module
input, check the pulse counter parameter settings (counter mode, trigger edge) according to the paragraph
”
Internal Counter Setting Commands”. In case the setting is correct, the problem is the most probably in the
malfunction of the radio module. Replace the module following the instructions in the paragraph
If the module register
”
false” pulses (consumption registered by remote reading is significantly higher than con-
sumption registered by mechanical counter) and setting of the counter to
”
slow” mode has not solved the problem,
the failure could be caused either by too long or poor-quality cable or strong local disturbance (or combining of these
two circumstances). In this case replace the cable for high-quality shielded one or make changes in the installation
to shorten the cable.
In case of unstable data transfer from connected sensors the signs of failure are very similar to the troubles with
pulse meters - the wrong indication of measured data from sensors. Troubleshooting of this failure is similar with
troubleshooting of pulse meters:
1. visually check the sensor and connecting cable between sensor and radio-module for any damage;
WB169-SI2
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