Overview
Transceiver that reads a single pulse-output meter.
Replaced by a newer product
The TR201 Transceiver has been replaced by the TR4 Transceiver.
The TR201 Transceiver collects usage data from a single meter's pulse output. It is compatible with most pulse output water, electric, gas, run-time, and BTU meters.
The NextCentury TR201 Transceiver offers unmatched efficiency in remote meter data collection, reducing manual labor and enhancing utility management. Its exceptional range ensures access to meters in even the most challenging locations, while its compatibility with various meter types makes it versatile for both residential and commercial applications. With a user-friendly replaceable lithium battery and intuitive LED indicators, the TR-201 simplifies installation and maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability and cost savings. Upgrade your metering system today to benefit from streamlined operations and accurate, hassle-free data collection.
Specifications
Connectivity
| Wireless Specifications | 15,000-ft line-of-sight communication range +20 dBm signal output 902-928 MHz unlicensed band Antenna diversity technologies Two-way communication |
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| Pulse Input Compatibility | Single-pulse input Reads virtually all pulse output utility meters |
Physical and power
| Operation | Adjustable check-in interval (15 minutes to 24 hours) 5-7-year battery life (normal temperature range and default six-hour interval) 18 - 22 Gauge (twisted/solid core) wire Instant feedback during setup installation |
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More details
| Security | Proprietary multi-routing protocol Fully encrypted communications |
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Certifications
| Certifications | FCC: 2AB8I-TR-20-214 IC: 20949-TR20214 |
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Installation
Caution
The TR201 Transceiver must be installed indoors.
Install the Transceiver
Connect the Transceiver to the meter
Open the Transceiver: press in the plastic release tab while lifting the cover away.
Pull the blue Degson connector straight up off the board.
Insert the meter’s stripped wire ends into the two terminals of the connector. If wires are already in place, make sure they’re seated firmly.
Tighten the connector screws with a small Phillips screwdriver.
Press the connector back onto the board.
Note
For an active pulse meter with a polarity output, place the positive (+) wire so it lines up with the (+) mark on the board when the connector is pressed back on.
Mount the Transceiver
Use one of these three methods:
- On an M201C or M201CH meter: slide the Transceiver onto the meter’s mounting plate. You won’t need the Transceiver’s own plate.
- With tape: remove the backing from the 3M tape on the Transceiver’s mounting plate and press it onto a clean wall.
- With screws: secure the Transceiver’s mounting plate with the included screws and anchors.
Note
Route the meter wires through the wire slot so the cover closes completely.
Take it out of Travel Mode and test
Each Transceiver ships in Travel Mode, with its radios off (the light blinks red slowly, four times).
Press the Test Connect button to wake it up. It won’t go back into Travel Mode.
Press Test Connect again to check the connection. The light blinks green twice when its Gateway receives the message.
Transceiver light
| 4 slow red blinks | In Travel Mode |
|---|---|
| 8 quick red blinks | Searching for the Gateway to sync with |
| 8 quick blue blinks | Sending a message to its synced Gateway |
| 2 green blinks | The Gateway received the message |
Replace the battery
When the NextCentury web portal shows a low battery alert, replace the CR123 battery:
Replace the CR123 battery
Open the Transceiver: press in the release tab while lifting the cover away.
Remove the old battery.
Insert the new battery, matching the orientation marked on the battery holder.
Note
The Transceiver keeps its pulse count when the battery is out and syncs with its Gateway on its own, so it doesn’t need to be reprogrammed. Reset the initial meter read so the reads in the NextCentury Cloud match the meter.
FAQ
Situations that Require a Transceiver Reset:
- Accidental pulses were recorded during installation or maintenance
- Transceiver 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 Transceiver 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 TR201 Transceiver:
The TR201 does not have a reset button. Rather the Tamper and Test Connect buttons are used in sequence.
- Press and hold the gray Tamper button for 6 seconds
- Continue to hold the Tamper button as you press the red Test Connect button
- Release both buttons
- A quick succession of red blinks confirm a factory reset has successfully occurred
- Press the red Test Connect button once again to prompt the TR201 to check-in again (green blinks confirm successful check-in)
When this sequence is executed, the TR201 will be reset. However, if you aren't familiar with this sequence yet, we recommend checking on the Web Portal or Mobile App to confirm it was done correctly and the pulse count has dropped back to zero.
Note
A new IMR should be recorded when a Transceiver is reset. The IMR is the meter's exact read at the time the Transceiver was reset.
The following points apply to the installation and function of a new Transceiver:
- Transceivers ship in a sleep mode to meet shipping requirements. The red Test Connect button must be pressed at least once to wake up the Transceiver. It will never return to sleep mode after the button is pressed.
- After the red Test Connect button has been pressed at least once, the Transceiver will record pulses from a connected meter.
- The Transceiver does not need to connect to a Gateway to continue recording pulses. Once it does connect, all pulses received to that point will appear under a single time-stamped check-in.
- The Transceiver does not time-stamp pulses it receives. It must be within range of a programmed Gateway in order for time-stamps to be added to usage.
Transceiver Interaction with the Gateway:
- The Transceiver will broadcast a message every 12 hours until it receives a response from the Gateway with a new check-in interval. The default check-in interval is 6 hours.
- After a Transceiver receives an updated check-in interval it will always check-in at that interval, even if it does not receive a response from the Gateway for an extended period.
- When a Transceiver checks-in the Gateway may send a shorter interval as part of network balancing.
- The Transceiver's LED indicator will blink green twice when it receives a message back from the Gateway. This is the only LED pattern that indicates affirmative communication.
Pulse Types:
The TR201 Transceiver can read the signals of both "passive" and "active" pulse-output meters. This includes many meter models for gas, electric, run time, thermal usage, and water utilities.
Polarity:
Meters that have no polarity in their wiring (do not require the two wires to be connected to a specific port on the Transceiver) 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 Transceiver.
Some meters emit an "active pulse" or actually give 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 Transceiver 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.
Battery Type:
The TR201 Transceiver battery is a CR-123A type lithium-ion battery. It can be purchased from your distributor or for smaller quantities, it is generally available at retail locations which have a large selection of battery types.
Battery Replacement:
The TR201 battery is replaceable. To ensure the meter read & usage is recorded correctly, the Transceiver should be reset after the installation of a new battery and a new IMR recorded.
Battery Life:
The TR201 Transceiver has an estimated 5-7 year battery life, based on normal operating conditions between 70°-90°F as well as a standard 6-hour check-in interval.
Temperature extremes reduce the battery's capacity.
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 Transceiver 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 TR201 Transceiver 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
Transceivers do not have a rapid transmit mode, however, communication can be verified instantly by observing the LED lights.
Rapid transmit mode is used to verify transmitter signals. NextCentury Transceivers are capable of two-way communication, meaning they can both send and receive information. You can view this transmission by just watching the LED blinks. It is also possible to view real-time communication, battery level, meter information, temperature, and network signal strength from the mobile app or website.
A distance of 100 feet has been tested, but longer distances may be possible under ideal wiring conditions.
Observed at Any Time:
- Single blue blink each time a pulse is recorded
- Two green blinks means that the Gateway the Transceiver belongs to received the message and was able to successfully send back a reply
Observed After Pressing the Test Connect Button:
- Two green blinks means that the Gateway the Transceiver belongs to received the message and was able to successfully send back a reply
- Rapid red blinks mean that it sent out an RF message trying to find the Gateway it belongs to
- Rapid blue blinks indicate that the Transceiver has at a previous point been associated with a Gateway
The NextCentury TR201 Transceiver is part of NextCentury’s Data Gathering Solution. It is compatible with virtually all pulse output submeters (gas, water, electric and so forth). The Transceiver collects pulse signals from submeters and wirelessly transmits them to the NextCentury Gateway.
The TR201 Transceiver is compatible with all passive (switch) pulse meter outputs including:
- Reed switch output
- Mechanical Relays
The TR201 Transceiver is also compatible with many active (voltage) pulse meters:
- Solid State Relays (Dual MOSFET)
- Open Drain (FET)
- Voltage pump/charge Signals
When connecting a passive (switch) meter, there is no polarity and wires can be connected in either direction. When connecting active type meters, the positive signal should be connected to the + (positive) terminal and negative signal should be connected to the - (negative) terminal.
The NextCentury TR201 Transceiver’s input PIN is a typical I/O input with the following circuitry:
The above circuitry, as well as the firmware installed on the Transceiver, allows it to recognize up to eight pulses per second from any of the above types of submeter pulse signals.
The Test Connect button allows for instant Network feedback. When pressed, the Transceiver will flash blue and send a “Test Connect” signal to its programmed Gateway. If within range, the Gateway will return this message which then causes the Transceiver to flash green.
If the Transceiver’s indicator light does not flash green, then the Gateway is either not in range, or one of the devices is not programmed correctly.
Newly recorded meter readings will also be updated when a Test Connect message successfully reaches its Gateway. This allows for manual Transceiver check-ins that can be verified on the NextCentury Web Portal and Cloud.When pressed for the first time, the Test Connect button also permanently wakes a new Transceiver from factory sleep mode.