The ProCoder™ is an electronic absolute encoder register designed for use with the Neptune® Automatic Reading and Billing (ARB®) System. This register operates with the Neptune R900® and R450™ Meter Interface Units (MIUs), providing advanced features such as leak, tamper, and backflow detection.
Function Description:
The ProCoder™ register serves as a crucial component in water metering systems, specifically designed to integrate with Neptune's Automatic Reading and Billing (ARB®) System. Its primary function is to accurately measure and record water consumption, providing both a mechanical visual reading and an electronic output for billing and advanced monitoring. The device is capable of detecting various conditions beyond simple consumption, including leaks, tampering, and backflow, which are vital for efficient water management and conservation.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Compatibility: Designed for use with Neptune R900® and R450™ Meter Interface Units (MIUs).
- Reading Mechanism: Features a mechanical wheel bank for an absolute visual reading, ensuring reliability even in the absence of electronic functionality.
- Billing Digits: Provides eight digits for billing purposes, allowing for precise and high-resolution consumption tracking.
- Flow Detection: Incorporates a sensitive sweep hand for extreme low flow detection and directional water flow indication, which is critical for identifying small leaks and backflow events.
- Wiring (Inside Set Version): Requires a three-conductor cable to connect to the MIU. The color code for wiring is Black/B, Green/G, and Red/R.
- Wiring (Pit Set Version): Utilizes Scotchlok™ connectors for wiring. It's crucial not to strip the colored insulation from the wires or twist bare wires before inserting them into the connector. The insulated colored wires are inserted directly into the Scotchlok connector. Proper polarity must be observed, ensuring all terminals are interconnected with wires of the same color (red, black, or green).
- Crimping Tools: Specific crimping tools are required for applying Scotchlok™ connectors to ensure proper and secure connections. Recommended tools include 3M E-9R (10:1), E-9BM (10:1), E-9C/CW (7:1), E-9E (4:1), E-9Y (3:1), and Eclipse Tools 100-008. The use of normal pliers or channel locks is discouraged as they may not apply even pressure, leading to improper connections.
- MIU Wire Color/Encoder Terminal Configurations:
- Black/B Green/G Red/R: Compatible with R900 and R450 MIU Types.
- Black/G Green/R Red/B: Compatible with Sensus MIU Type.
- Black/B White/G Red/R: Compatible with Itron MIU Type.
- Black/G White/R Red/B: Compatible with Aclara MIU Type.
- Black/G Green/B Red/R: Compatible with Elster MIU Type.
- Black/G Green/R Red/B: Compatible with Badger MIU Type.
- Programming (Networked Receptacle / Dual Port MIUs):
- E-CODER and ProCoder registers cannot be programmed while connected in a network; they must be programmed separately prior to making the network connection.
- The designations HI and LO refer to Neptune designations for high (HI) flow (turbine side of compound) and low (LO) flow (disc side of compound), or primary (HI) and secondary (LO) meters in a dual set application.
- Programming is done using the Neptune Field Programmer, selecting the ProRead Program tab. Steps include selecting RF Compound HI/LO format, matching Connectivity 2W, matching Dial Code 65, and typing the appropriate register ID.
- Leak Status Flags (When connected to an R900® MIU):
- Backflow Flag (Resets After 35 Days): Based on reverse movement of the eighth digit.
- No backflow event: Eighth digit reversed less than one digit.
- Minor backflow event: Eighth digit reversed more than one digit up to 100 times the eighth digit.
- Major backflow event: Eighth digit reversed greater than 100 times the eighth digit.
- Leak Status Flag: Based on the total amount of 15-minute periods recorded in the previous 24-hour period.
- No leak: Eighth digit incremented less than 50 of the 96 15-minute intervals.
- Intermittent leak: Eighth digit incremented in 50 of the 96 15-minute intervals.
- Continuous leak: Eighth digit incremented in all of the 96 15-minute intervals.
- Consecutive Days with Zero Consumption Flag (Resets After 35 Days): Indicates the number of days the leak status was at a minimum value.
Usage Features:
- Homeowner Benefits: Provides a mechanical wheel bank for an absolute visual reading, allowing homeowners to directly monitor their water usage. The sweep hand helps in detecting extreme low flows and directional water flow, enabling early identification of potential leaks.
- Utility Benefits: Offers eight digits for accurate billing. Advanced features like leak, tamper, and backflow detection provide utilities with critical data for water conservation, system integrity, and revenue protection.
- Leak Detection: The sweep hand's movement (or lack thereof) indicates water usage. A slowly moving sweep hand in a clockwise direction suggests very slow water usage, while a quickly moving hand indicates active water usage. A stationary hand means no water is running. A counter-clockwise movement indicates backflow.
- Reading Information: The ProCoder™ dial face displays product size & type, mechanical wheel bank, sweep hand, and date of manufacture. The sweep hand, in conjunction with a specific multiplier (which varies by register size and type), provides additional digits of resolution useful for testing and precise flow measurement.
Maintenance Features:
- Wiring Procedures: Detailed instructions are provided for both "Inside Set" and "Pit Set" wiring versions, ensuring correct installation and connection to MIUs. This includes color-coding for wires and specific steps for removing/placing terminal covers.
- Compound Application: For the "Inside Set" version, Novagard G661 or Dow Corning Compound #4 is recommended to be applied to terminal screws and exposed bare wires, likely for protection against environmental factors and corrosion.
- Scotchlok™ Connector Usage: For the "Pit Set" version, specific guidance on using Scotchlok™ connectors is provided, including how to seat wires and crimp the connector firmly until gel oozes out, indicating a proper seal.
- Leak Troubleshooting: The manual provides a comprehensive checklist for identifying common causes of leaks (e.g., faucets, toilets, ice makers, outdoor systems, water heaters, pipe leaks).
- Leak Repair Verification:
- Continuous Leak: After a continuous leak is repaired, users are instructed to stop water usage for at least 15 minutes and then check if the sweep hand is no longer moving.
- Intermittent Leak: After an intermittent leak is repaired, users should check the sweep hand after at least 24 hours to confirm it does not move.
- MSDS Information: For safety, information regarding Novagard (which may cause eye/skin irritation if swallowed) includes contact details for MSDS sheets and advice to dilute with water/milk and seek medical attention if ingested.
- Customer Support: Neptune Customer Support is available by phone, fax, and email for technical assistance, maintenance contracts, RMA for Canadian accounts, and general inquiries. This support system is crucial for addressing installation, programming, and operational issues.
Need help?
General
To Next Page
