Overview
Indoor Transceiver that works with most pulse and encoded meters.
The NextCentury TR4 Transceiver introduces the next generation of superior wireless performance. Featuring Meter+™ technology, this Transceiver offers broad meter compatibility in a single model. The TR4 pairs with most pulse meters and virtually all encoded meters utilizing Neptune, Sensus, or AMCO/Elster protocols.
The TR4 is a drop-in replacement for any previous generation NextCentury Transceiver. Wireless network operation is seamlessly compatible with all earlier generation Repeaters and Gateways.
Engineered for long maintenance-free operation, the TR4 provides hourly-read precision with a 10-year battery life.
Specifications
Connectivity
| Wireless Communication | Two-way NextCentury RF Connect™ 902-928 MHz Unlicensed Band 45,000 ft direct line of sight |
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| In-Field Configuration | Simple meter configuration—no external programmer required |
Physical and power
| Battery | Preinstalled, field-replaceable CR18505 battery Up to 10-year battery life |
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| Dimensions | 3.3in x 1.8in x 1.3in (84mm x 46mm x 33mm) |
| Operation Environment | -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F ) Should be installed in an indoor, dry environment |
Certifications
| Certifications | FCC: 2AB8I-TR4 | IC: 20949-TR4 |
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More details
| Meter Compatibility | 18 - 22 gauge (twisted / solid core) wire Pulse or encoded meter types Single model supports all configurations |
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Installation
Install the Transceiver
Program the Transceiver
Program the TR4 in the NextCentury Web Portal or the NCSS mobile app, before installation or on site. Scan the barcode on the TR4 to link it to the unit and meter it reads. See Program a device on a unit.
For Test Connect to work right away, make sure the property's Gateway is programmed and connected to the internet.
Wire to the Meter
Strip the ends of the meter wires to 3/16" (5 mm).
Insert each wire into the blue terminal connector, which is labeled OUT, IN and GND, as the wiring guide shows for your meter. For a pulse meter (the most common), the red (+) wire goes to IN and the black (-) wire to GND.
Tighten the screws with a 3 mm slotted or Phillips screwdriver, then attach the connector to the TR4. If the meter is prewired with a 2-pole connector, remove the TR4's 3-pole connector and plug the meter's connector onto the bottom two pins.
The NCSS mobile app also has an interactive wiring guide.
Check the configuration
Press and hold the red Test Connect button for 5 seconds to enter Configuration Mode. The Meter LED, next to the terminal connector, lights up to show the current setting: red for an encoded meter, blue for a pulse meter.
To change it, tap the Test Connect button to switch between encoded (red) and pulse (blue). After 5 seconds, the setting is accepted.
Set for encoded, the Meter LED blinks green when the wiring is correct.
The Cloud Configuration option in the NCSS web portal allows you to remotely configure your TR4s. This can be done before or after installation.
One unit, on the Equipment page
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Select the unit, then Edit Unit.
- In the meter's section, select Show More.
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Turn on Cloud Configured, choose Pulse or Encoded, then select Save Unit.
Many devices at once, on the Program page
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Select Start Programming. Open the column menu and select Cloud Configured to show that column.
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In the Cloud Configured column, choose Yes for each device you want to configure, and set the configuration in the Signal Type column. Then select Save Programming.
Cloud Configuration also helps to prevent accidental configuration switches. If the Cloud Configuration option is on and device configuration is changed via the device’s button, the device will quickly return to the correct configuration.
Note: Cloud Configuration is not available for use with GW201s.
Mount the Device
Stick or Screw the included mounting pad onto a surface
Caution
When picking a surface, avoid attaching the device near metal objects that could cause issues with signal quality. Avoid putting them behind water heaters or near heat sources
Test the connection
Tap the red Test Connect button. The RF LED blinks red while the TR4 transmits, then blinks green twice when its Gateway answers.
No green blinks? Make sure the TR4 is programmed to the property and the Gateway is online. If it is, the TR4 may be too far from the Gateway, and a Repeater may be needed. See Troubleshoot a Connection alert.
FAQ
About the TR4
The TR4 is a wireless meter Transceiver for indoor installations. It reads a connected meter and sends hourly reads over the two-way NextCentury RF Connect™ network. Featuring Meter+™ technology, a single model works with most pulse meters and virtually all encoded meters.
The TR4 pairs with most pulse meters and virtually all encoded meters that use Neptune, Sensus, or AMCO/Elster protocols. One model supports all of these configurations. It connects with 18–22 gauge wire (twisted or solid core).
This includes the NextHydrus and NextHydrus Bulk ultrasonic water meters.
Yes. The TR4 is a drop-in replacement for any previous generation of NextCentury Transceiver, and it works with all earlier generations of Repeaters and Gateways.
No. The TR4 is configured in the field without an external programmer. See the Installation section on this page for the steps.
Battery and environment
The TR4 comes with a preinstalled CR18505 battery that lasts up to 10 years. The battery can be replaced in the field.
No. The TR4 should be installed in an indoor, dry environment, within an operating temperature of -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F). For outdoor installations, see the TR4-X Transceiver.
Range
The TR4 communicates on the 902–928 MHz unlicensed band with a range of up to 45,000 ft in direct line of sight. Walls, floors, and other obstructions reduce the range in real installations.