The meter is provided with two types of communication channel:
Infrared optical interface
Used for the local reading of meter data and meter configuration.
RS232 or RS485 serial communication ports
Used for the direct or remote reading of meter data.
Meters can be connected together using RS485 daisy-chaining techniques or short distance RS232 serial
splitter cabling (up to 12m).
Remote connections to the meter communication ports can be established using a variety of media types:
PSTN - Public Switched Telephone Network (landline)
LAN - Local Area Network using TCP/IP (or an Internet connection)
GSM - Global System for Mobile communication
GPRS - General Packet Radio Service
For all media types Itron recommends the installation of the Sparklet™ modem. However, many third-party
manufactured modems are supported.
A support tool for the Sparklet modem is available to configure all aspects of operation across all media types.
8.1. Optical interface
The meter has an infrared (IR) optical interface that complies with the requirements of IEC62056-21 and
IEC62056-42/46/53/61/62.
This interface is used for transmission of metering values from the meter to a Hand Held Terminal (HHT) or
personal computer running suitable software (AIMS Pro) to enable communication. It is also possible to program
and re-configure the meter using this communications channel.
An internal serial channel is allocated to both this optical interface and to one of the additional electrical
communication ports (either RS232 or RS485). By default the electrical port is active, however, when an optical
communication demand is detected, the serial channel switches automatically to the IR optical interface.
The baud rate for this interface can be selected between 1200Bd and 9600Bd.
8.2. Serial data port
The meter can be factory-configured with either an RS232 or RS485 serial data port to allow communication
between the meter and the utility. This electrical serial-communication data port is primarily designed to operate
with an external modem, but can be directly connected to other external equipment, if required.
The data port uses the DLMS-COSEM protocol in compliance with the requirements of IEC62056-42/46/53/61/62
and the baud rate can be selected between 1200Bd and 19200Bd.