Overview
Remote display with a built-in Transceiver for one or two meters.
The NextCentury RR4-TR Remote Reader is an advanced meter reading solution which provides a high-visibility remote display of one or two utility meters.
The Remote Reader has an attractive consumer design, making it an ideal solution for apartment or commercial metering. The utility and unit of measure are clearly displayed, ensuring an accurate interpretation of the read. It is NTEP certified and can be used to meet tenant meter read requirements.
The Remote Reader utilizes Dual Meter+™ technology, making this single model compatible with virtually all modern encoded and pulse-output utility meters, including water, electric, gas, and thermal meter models.
In addition to displaying the meter read, the RR4-TR Remote Reader operates as a wireless Transceiver end-point, transmitting meter read data to the NextCentury cloud platform.
Installation and configuration of the Remote Reader is simple and quick using the NextCentury mobile app.
Specifications
Connectivity
| Configuration Requirements | Cloud configure or Direct Connect (no DC301 Direct Connect device needed) Pre-programming available |
|---|
Physical and power
| Operation Environment | -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F ) Indoor or Outdoor installation (IP66, non-submersible) |
|---|---|
| Battery | Preinstalled, field-replaceable CR18505 Up to 10-year battery life |
| Dimensions | Display unit and mounting plate: 5.7” x 4.6” x 1.7” (145mm x 117mm x 44mm) Mounting holes center-to-center: 3.5” (88.4 mm) Compatible with a standard single gang wall-box |
Certifications
| Certifications | FCC: 2AB8I-RR4 | IC: 20949-RR4 NTEP: 20-012 IP-Rating: IP66 |
|---|
More details
| Dual Meter+™ | Any combination of two encoded or pulse-out meters Or, single meter pulse-in and pulse-out |
|---|
Installation
What's in the box
- A: RR4-TR Remote Reader
- B: Mounting plate
- C: Sheetrock anchors
- D: Wall mount screws (#6-20)
- E: Box mount screws (#6-32)
- F: Wire security assembly
- G: Activation magnet (one per case)
Install the Remote Reader
Remove the Remote Reader from the mounting plate
Pull down the security tab and lift the Remote Reader off the mounting plate.
Important
Don't open the Remote Reader unless you're replacing the battery (about a 10-year lifespan). Its sealed, water-tight design protects it, and it doesn't need to be opened for installation.
Install the mounting plate
Position the mounting plate at the height you want and use its built-in level to line it up. Secure it with the sheetrock anchors and #6-20 wall mount screws.
To mount on a standard single-gang wall box instead, route the meter wires through the access holes and attach the plate to the box with the #6-32 box mount screws. The mounting holes are 3.5" (88.4 mm) apart.
Connect the meter wires
The Remote Reader can read one or two meters. Use the Meter 1 terminals (the left three) and, for a second meter, the Meter 2 terminals (the right three).
Strip each wire to 3/16" (5 mm), insert it into the terminal block, and tighten it securely with a PH-1 screwdriver. Follow the wiring diagram in the Quick Start Guide for your meter type (Neptune, Sensus/GWF, Elster/AMCO, or pulse). An interactive wiring guide is also available in the NCSS Mobile App.
For a tamper-evident seal, use the wire security assembly according to your installation specifications.
Reattach the Remote Reader and lock the security tab
Place the Remote Reader back on the mounting plate and push the security tab up to lock it in place.
Program the Remote Reader
Out of the box, the Remote Reader is set to read one pulse-type water meter on Meter 1. For any other setup, program it with the NCSS Mobile App:
- Sign in to the NCSS Mobile App and open the Direct Connect tool.
- Swipe the activation magnet past the activation zone on the right side of the display. A gear icon appears when the Remote Reader is ready.
- Connect to the Remote Reader over Bluetooth and set the utility type, unit of measure, multiplier, and initial meter read. You can also clear a tamper alert here.
If a GW4 Gateway and an internet connection are available, you can also complete setup through the Web Portal or the Mobile App.
No internet connection is needed for Direct Connect, and the DC301 programmer isn't required for this model.
Test the meter connection
- Pulse meters: confirm the pulse count increases when a pulse is sent.
- Encoded meters: make sure the correct read appears. Tap the display or swipe the magnet if needed.
Test the network connection
Swipe the magnet to start a check-in. If the Remote Reader is programmed and communicating, the LED blinks green twice. A signal indicator with 1 to 3 bars then shows the strength of the most recent check-in.
Wiring options
With Dual Meter+™ technology, each Remote Reader supports these configurations:
- 1 pulse meter (default, Meter 1 port)
- 1 encoded meter (Meter 1 port)
- 2 pulse meters
- 2 encoded meters
- 1 encoded and 1 pulse meter
- 1 pulse and 1 encoded meter
- 1 pulse meter with pulse output
Serial numbers
The serial number on the front of the Remote Reader ends in 0. When connected to the Web Portal through a GW4 Gateway, Meter 1's serial number ends in 1 and Meter 2's ends in 2. The second character identifies the model: 1 for the RR4, A for the RR4-TR.
Reading the display
The display cycles through each connected meter every 5 to 10 seconds, showing the meter read, utility type, and unit of measure (plus the serial number for encoded meters). Every fifth view shows the configuration event count, for example "Event 0001".
- Tamper: the Remote Reader was removed from its mounting plate. Clear it with the mobile app.
- Leak or freeze: a leak or freezing temperature is currently detected. Clears automatically.
- Low battery: replace the battery within the next 4 to 6 months. Clears automatically.
FAQ
Situations that Require a Remote Reader Reset
- Accidental pulses were recorded during installation or maintenance
- Credit Card Payoff battery was replaced
- Meter's reed switch was replaced
- The meter was replaced
- Any other situation where the meter's visual read does not match the read appearing in the NextCentury system
Resetting the Remote Reader will revert its pulse count back to 0. A new IMR is entered, which compensates for the drop in the pulse count.
How to Reset a Remote Reader
The Remote Reader does not have a reset button. The pulse count can be reset using the Direct Connect, or manually by bridging the meter 1 or meter 2 pins
- Remove the Remote Reader from its mounting plate
- With a metal object, bridge the corresponding pins on the back of the Remote Reader
- For meter 1, bridge the first 2 pins from the right
- For meter 2, bridge the first 2 pins from the left
- Continue to bridge the pins for 10 seconds
- The LCD will then adjust its reading
Once the LCD adjusts its reading, this indicates that the pulses have been reset
Note
A reset will not clear the IMR. A new IMR should always be recorded when a Remote Reader is reset. This can be done using the Direct Connect tool in the NCCS App. The IMR (initial meter read) is the meter's exact read at the time the Remote Reader was reset. The IMR should only include whole numbers, decimals are excluded.
The following points apply to the installation and function of a new Remote Reader
- Remote Readers ship in sleep mode to meet shipping requirements. The Remote Reader will wake up once removed from its mounting plate for installation. The Remote Reader cannot return to sleep once woken up.
- Tamper alerts will be inactive for 30 minutes after the Remote Reader is re-attached to its mounting plate for the first time
- Once woken up, Remote Readers will need to be configured using the Direct Connect tool in the NCCS App
- After installing and configuring the Remote Reader, it will then begin to record and display meter reads
Pulse Types
The Remote Reader can read the signals of both "passive" and "active" pulse-output meters. This includes meter models for gas, electric, run time, thermal usage, and water utilities.
Polarity
Meters that have no polarity in their wiring are typically circuit closure type devices. This includes meters that use reed switches or mechanical relays to create the pulse signal. This type of signal is referred to as a "passive pulse" since the meter's pulse mechanism does not generate any electric current. It simply completes a circuit between the two pulse output ports. With this type of output, the voltage to detect the contact closure comes from the Remote Reader.
Some meters emit an "active pulse" which gives off a voltage when they pulse. These types of meters use voltage charge coils, solid-state relays, or digital I/O pin to give off the signal. In this case, one wire is connected to the - ground/common ("-") port of the meter, and the other is connected to the + positive. Because an actual voltage is being emitted in this case, it is important that the common port/wire is connected to the "-" terminal on the NextCentury Remote Reader and the positive wire is connected to the "+" terminal. Some examples of meters that emit this type of "active pulse" are the Hershey 430 water meters and Leviton electric meters.
Encoded
The Remote Reader can interpret signals from most encoded meters. Meters that use Neptune, Sensus, and Elster/AMCO protocols are supported.
Battery Type
The Remote Reader comes with a field-replaceable CR18505 lithium-ion battery. Replacements can be purchased from your distributor
Battery Replacement
The Remote Reader battery is replaceable. To ensure the meter read & usage is recorded correctly, the Remote Reader should be reset after the installation of a new battery and a new IMR recorded.
Battery Life
The Remote Reader has an estimated 10-year battery life, based on normal operating conditions between 70°-90°F. Temperature extremes reduce the battery's capacity and lifespan.
Impedance Threshold During a Pulse
We recommend a closed impedance of fewer than 1k ohms (the closer to 0 ohms the better) and an open impedance of more than 3 MegaOhms.
Maximum Pulse Frequency and Pulse Width
The minimum pulse width required by the NextCentury Remote Reader is 9ms. Meaning that an open impedance of more than 3 MegaOhms must be present for 9ms and then an impedance of fewer than 1k Ohms must be present in order for a pulse to be counted as valid.
In addition to pulse-width specifications, please note that the Remote Reader has a limit on the pulse frequency. A maximum of 8 pulses per second is recorded as valid. Pulses received at a higher frequency will be filtered out as potential false pulses.
Please contact Support if you need help determining whether a specific meter will meet with the specifications
Specification
Value
Closed impedance
<1k ohms
Open impedance
>3 MegaOhms
Minimum pulse width
>9 ms
Maximum pulse frequency
<8 per second
Observed at Any Time
- Single blue blink each time a pulse is recorded from meter 1
- Single purple blink each time a pulse is recorded from meter 2
Observed After Activating Magnetic Sensor or Tamper
- Two green blinks mean that the Remote Reader received a confirmation message from the mobile app when using Direct Connect.
- Eight rapid red blinks mean that the Remote Reader is attempting to communicate with the mobile app when using Direct Connect.