TR4-X Transceiver

Overview

TR4-X Transceiver, front view: a round white housing with the NEXT logo in the center, a meter icon to its left and an antenna icon to its right, a mounting tab with a screw hole on each side, TR4-X printed near the bottom, and the cable coming out of the bottom edge.

Waterproof Transceiver for outdoor and pit installations.

The NextCentury TR4-X Transceiver provides the next generation of superior wireless performance in a fully waterproof design. Featuring Meter+™ technology, this Transceiver offers broad meter compatibility in a single model. The TR4-X pairs with most pulse meters and virtually all encoded meters utilizing Neptune, Sensus, AMCO, Elster, and GWF 3-wire protocols.

Built-in Smart Pulse detection allows the Transceiver to detect, correct, and report faulty or ghosting reed switches. Wireless network operation is seamlessly compatible with all earlier generation Repeaters and Gateways.

Engineered for long maintenance-free operation, the TR4-X provides hourly-read precision with a 10-year, field-replaceable battery.

Specifications

Connectivity

Wireless Communication Two-way NextCentury RF Connect™
902-928 MHz Unlicensed Band
In-Field Configuration Simple meter configuration—no external programmer required

Physical and power

Dimensions 3.3in x 1.8in x 1.3in (84mm x 46mm x 33mm)
Battery Preinstalled, field-replaceable CR18505 battery
Up to 10-year battery life
Operation Environment -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F )
Can be installed outdoors

Certifications

Certifications FCC: 2AB8I-TR4-X | IC: 20949-TR4-X

More details

Meter Compatibility Pulse or encoded meter types
Single model supports all configurations

Installation

What's in the TR4-X box, labeled A to D: A, the TR4-X Transceiver with its cable; B, screws; C, sheetrock anchors; D, the activation magnet.

A - TR4-X (Qty:50)

B - Screws #6-20 (Qty:50)

C - Sheetrock Anchors (Qty: 100)

D - Activation Magnet (Qty: 1)

Install the Transceiver

Program the Transceiver

Program the TR4-X in the NextCentury Web Portal or the NCSS mobile app, before installation or on site. Scan the barcode on the TR4-X 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 Meter

Splice the meter's output wires to the TR4-X Transceiver's input wires.

Wiring guide for splicing the meter's wires to the TR4-X's three wires. The TR4-X's green, red and black wires are on the right; each column on the left is a meter type. Green TR4-X wire: not used for Pulse In, green for Elster/Amco, red for Sensus / GWF, black for Neptune. Red TR4-X wire: + for Pulse In, red for Elster/Amco, green for Sensus / GWF, red for Neptune. Black TR4-X wire: - for Pulse In, black for Elster/Amco, black for Sensus / GWF, green for Neptune.

Note

When splicing TR4-X wire connections, be sure to use a waterproof splice kit such as the NextCentury Field Splice Kit.

Check Configuration

Hold the magnet to TR4-X for 5 seconds to enter Configuration Mode.

Hold the magnet against the right side of the TR4-X, at the spot marked with a green circle next to the right mounting tab, for 5 seconds (Hold, 5 sec). The Meter LED, under the meter icon on the left, lights up (blue in this example). A side view on the right shows the same spot, marked with a magnet symbol.

The meter LED will display a solid color to show the current meter type configuration.

Meter LED colors: Red Meter LED = Encoded; Blue Meter LED = Pulse. Circular arrows between a red and a blue light show that the setting switches between the two.

Swipe the magnet to toggle between Pulse Meter (blue) and Encoded Meter (red) configurations.

Swipe the magnet past the spot on the right side of the TR4-X marked with a green circle; a curved arrow shows the swiping motion. Each swipe switches the Meter LED, under the meter icon on the left, between red and blue (red in this example).

Mount

Align and mark mounting holes for the TR4-X outdoor Transceiver

Front of the TR4-X with red arrows pointing up at the screw holes in its two mounting tabs, one on each side. Line the Transceiver up where it will go and mark both holes.

Pre-drill holes if necessary

Mounting hole template: two crosshair marks for the holes, 3 7/16" (87mm) apart.

Using the included hardware, attach the TR4-X outdoor Transceiver.

Side view of the TR4-X mounted on a wall: a screw goes through the back of the Transceiver into the wall.

Verify Transceiver Communication

Swipe the TR4-X outdoor Transceiver with the magnet. The Transceiver's RF LED will blink green when it is able to communicate with its Gateway.

Swipe the magnet past the spot on the right side of the TR4-X marked with a green circle. The RF LED, under the antenna icon on the right, blinks green when the Transceiver can communicate with its Gateway.

Note

The TR4-X Transceiver must be programmed in the NextCentury Cloud and its Gateway must be online, in order for it to begin communicating with its Gateway

FAQ

About the TR4-X

What is the TR4-X Transceiver?

The TR4-X Transceiver is an outdoor wireless meter Transceiver that operates on the NextCentury RF Connect™ platform. It is designed with superior wireless performance in outdoor settings and is fully waterproof.

The TR4-X supports both pulse and encoded meter types, making it versatile for various utility meters such as water, electric, gas, run-time, and thermal meter models. The TR4-X utilizes Meter+™ technology, enabling easy configuration for pulse or encoded meters without the need for an external programmer. Visual LED indicators assist in verifying meter connections.

What is included in the TR4-X package?

The TR4-X package includes the Transceiver, a 5’ lead cable, mounting hardware, and an activation magnet.

TR4-X package contents, labeled A to D: A, the TR4-X Transceiver with its cable; B, screws; C, sheetrock anchors; D, the activation magnet.

Battery and environment

How long is the battery life of the TR4-X?

The TR4-X offers an estimated 10-year battery life, ensuring long maintenance-free operation. Battery life can be affected by environmental conditions that the device is subjected to during operation. Going above or below the recommended temperature rating, -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F), can cause a decrease in battery life or function

If you are experiencing issues with the battery before the estimate 10 year lifespan please contact our support team and we can help you determine what might be causing the issue.

How do I replace the battery in the TR4-X Transceiver?

To install a new battery in a TR4-X follow these instructions:

  1. Ensure the TR4-X is disconnected from the meter and any power source.
  2. Locate the battery compartment on the TR4-X. It is designed for field-replaceable CR18505 batteries.
  3. Open the battery compartment cover using a suitable tool.
  4. Carefully remove the old battery from the compartment. Be cautious to not pull hard on the wired connection from the device to the battery.
  5. Insert the new CR18505 battery into the compartment and connect it to the device through the wire inside.
  6. Grease the lid to the battery compartment with a silicone grease to ensure the device stays waterproof.
  7. Close the battery compartment securely.
  8. Reconnect the TR4-X to the meter and power source.

Note

It is recommended to replace the battery in a controlled environment, and always follow safety guidelines provided in the product documentation.

What is the operating temperature range of the TR4-X?

The TR4-X operates in an environment ranging from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) and is IP68 rated for outdoor installation.

Installation and mounting

How can the TR4-X be mounted on a wall?

The TR4-X can be wall-mounted using the included screws and anchors.

Front of the TR4-X with red arrows pointing up at the screw holes in its two mounting tabs, one on each side. Line the Transceiver up where it will go and mark both holes.
Mounting hole template: two crosshair marks for the holes, 3 7/16" (87mm) apart.
Is there an option for pit lid mounting?

Yes, an optional Pit Lid Mount accessory can be installed for meter pit applications. You can find more information about the Pit Lid Mount here.

A TR4-X installed in a meter pit on the optional Pit Lid Mount: the Transceiver hangs under the pit lid, and its cable runs down to the meter. Red arrows above the lid point down.

How do I connect the TR4-X to my meter?

Following the Installation Guide on this website will give you the full instructions on how to connect the device to a meter. Follow the wiring guides to make sure that your meter is wired up correctly according to its type, pulse or encoded, and brand. Most encoded meters that are not listed in the diagram are able to connect via the Sensus configuration.

Wiring guide for splicing the meter's wires to the TR4-X's three wires. The TR4-X's green, red and black wires are on the right; each column on the left is a meter type. Green TR4-X wire: not used for Pulse In, green for Elster/Amco, red for Sensus / GWF, black for Neptune. Red TR4-X wire: + for Pulse In, red for Elster/Amco, green for Sensus / GWF, red for Neptune. Black TR4-X wire: - for Pulse In, black for Elster/Amco, black for Sensus / GWF, green for Neptune.

The TR4-X also works with the NextHydrus and NextHydrus Bulk ultrasonic water meters.

Due to updated regulations and product improvements, Next Meters reserves the right to change the product specifications without notice.