Universal Radio Frequency Interface (URFI)

Universal Radio Frequency Interface (URFI)
PDB-14510.5
General Overview
As AMCO Automated Systems continues to strive to produce costeffective
meter reading solutions to the industry, we realize that
hand-held meter reading has been a part of the industry for
several years. With this in mind, we have developed an interface
that will allow utilities to take advantage of existing systems in
place. This cuts start-up costs by minimizing up-front equipment
investments and training expenses. The TRACE Universal
Radio Frequency Interface (URFI) is a plug-in adapter that will
allow most DOS compatible hand-held data terminals to transmit
and receive data from TRACE transponders. With the URFI, your
existing investment in hand-helds can accommodate your manual
reads as well as the TRACE transponder equipped meters.
Our library includes software drivers for the industry’s most
popular hand-held reading devices.
Description
The URFI’s belt mounted design interfaces via serial link to a
hand-held computer or where required, a laptop computer. Read-
It is the software stored in the chosen hand-held for both
automated and manual meter reading functions. This allows a
utility to automate a route in stages. Routes are loaded into the
hand-held’s memory using your own route management system or
via TRACE Route Manager. Data is sotred in the hand-held for
each customer including address, name, account number, meter
number, unique transponder number hi/lo warning limits, time and
date of read, utility definable
Trouble codes, alphanumeric messages, and the
meter reading. At the end of the shift, meter reading
information is transferred from the hand-held to the
host package, ultimately for transfer to billing systems
for processing. On/Off control of the URFI is done by
the hand-held computer to maximize battery
performance. A detachable, field changeable battery
pack allows the user to keep a spare battery pack in
the vehicle. Meter reads may be captured in any
order by simply pressing one key on the keypad of the
hand-held.
Performance
Operating speeds for total interrogation and data
capture time is less than two seconds per
transponder. Operating range/distance required for
successful reading vary with meter location and
surrounding environment. Typical line-of-sight
operation ranges are: outdoor meters to 300 ft and
indoor meters to 100 ft.
Transmission Accuracy
Data accuracy is assured by a four part process.
TRACE patented technology requires that only
transponders whose unique serial number is called,
respond. The transponder calculates an error
detection code which must be verified by the handheld
before data storage. The Read-It software
compares the current meter reading information to the
hi/lo audit values sent down with the route information
from the billing department. Entries falling outside of
the audit values are brought to the meter reader’s
attention with audible and visual warnings. These
warnings can be used for radio reads as well as
manually entered reads to warn the reader of any
problems. Frequency of transmitted data is checked
for valid range.
Data Capacity
The data capacity is limited only to your existing handheld.
No data is stored at the URFI level.
AMCO Automated Systems, a subsidiary of American Meter Company, 107 Erskine Lane, Scott Depot, WV 25560
Phone:304.757.3300 • Fax:304.757.3388 • www.americanmeter.com

RF Overview/Features
Software tunable transmitter/receiver along with field
changeable software allows for future upgrades and
enhancements. The URFI can operate in half or full duplex
modes for increased performance. Half duplex mode offers
lower power consumption with slower read capacity, while
full duplex mode offers higher power consumption and
much faster read capacities for mobile use with external
magnetic mount antennas.
Specifications
Power:
Field changeable high-capacity sealed lead-acid battery.
Optional car adapter for mobile use.
RF Transmitter:
450-470 MHz, 2 W peak power
RF Receiver:
415 MHz, 4 MHz narrow-band, single channel, -107 dBM
FCC Compliance:
FCC Part 90.63, FCC ID: G8JMMl01
Transmitter Licensing:
Qualified users may request a sublicense to operate under
AMCO Automated Systems’ nationwide license or apply to
the FCC for a local license.
Operating Temperature:
-22º F to +158º F (-30º C to + 70º C)
Storage Temperature:
-40º F to +185º F (-40º C to + 85º C)
Shock Resistance:
Withstands 2 ft drop to concrete.
Water Resistance:
Resistant to driving rain.
URFI with Hand-Held Terminal