Auto Meter Reader Manual

Proprietary Notice

This User’s Guide contains confidential and proprietary information of Equipment BC and, except for use by the authorized user, its employees, consultants and agents, may not be used by or disclosed to other parties in whole or in part without prior written authorization from Equipment BC.

Copyright © 2011 by Equipment BC. All rights reserved.

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, photographic, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, or used in any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of Equipment BC.

Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

Equipment BC and its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees and agents provide the information contained in this User’s Guide on an “as-is” basis and do not make any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such information including, without limitation, warranties as to non-infringement, reliability, fitness for a particular purpose, usefulness, completeness, accuracy, or currentness.

Radio Frequency Compliance Statement

Equipment BC is the responsible party for the compliance of the following device:

MODEL : HOUR METER TAG
FCC ID : FCC Part 15 Compliant
CANADA : Industry Canada RSS-210 license exempt

The user(s) of these products are cautioned to only use accessories and peripherals approved, in advance, by Equipment BC. The use of accessories and peripherals, other than those approved by Equipment BC, or unauthorized changes to approved products, may void the compliance of these products and may result in the loss of the user(s) authority to operate the equipment.

Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) these devices may not cause harmful interference, and (2) these devices must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

FCC Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communication.

Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Industry Canada Compliance

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Contents

• 1.0Introduction
  • 1.1Fundamentals
  • 1.2System Overview
  • 1.3Operational Description
• 2.0Configuration and Wiring Instructions
  • 2.2Wiring Instructions (OPTIONAL)
  • 2.3Wiring Applications
• 3.0Mounting the Tag
• 4.0EQUIPMENT BC Hour Meter Tag Technical Specifications

1.0Introduction

1.1 Fundamentals

Equipment BCs’ technology is the next generation of long range active RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. The objective is wireless and automated data collection of meter data from your fleet.

1.2 System Overview

Equipment BC’ Hour Meter Tag consists of four main components:

• Hour Meters (also called transceivers) utilizing an external power supply, which are used to identify usage as well as maintenance scheduling
• Interrogator (fixed-mounted) operating in conjunction with a Windows based interface application that allows for the retrieval and display of current usage information that is exchanged information between the Hour Meters and host computer systems
• Optional Repeater unit for increasing range of communication in relation to read zone
• A central computer system as basis for control and monitoring

This manual only describes the operations of the EQUIPMENT BC Hour Meter Tag.

1.3 Operational Description

The EQUIPMENT BC Hour Meter is a high performance active RFID transceiver suitable for a wide variety of applications. The meter with read and program commands from the interrogator is to transmit its unique program read commands <identification number>. With the use of the EQUIPMENT BC software, the interrogator can then read a portion of data from the meter which records the cumulative number of hours the meter input has been active.

The Maximum operation range is 200 meters (600 feet) in open air, with a designed operation life of ten years.

The primary feature of this meter is its ability to connect to an ancillary device and record its hours of operation. This device may include a vehicle engine, or other device with a switch such as a lawnmower or portable generator.

Connected to the ancillary device, an hour meter total stored on the meter will increase in increments of one minute. Or one hour, customer choice of Windows application, using EQUIPMENT BC software, it is possible to write an initial or revised value of the hour meter to the tag. The range of possible values for the service meter hour total shall range from 0.0 to 65.000 hours or operating in minutes 0.0 to 1,100 hours displaying both minutes and hours (employee performance monitoring)

2.0 Configuration and Wiring Instructions

12 Volt Meters

The Intelligent Hour Meter Tag interfaces to the device through a standard three wire connection.

Requiring, a simple three wire installation.

The following table provides the Wire Color and functionality:

12 Volt the maximum input voltage is 12VDC from signal input required voltage 9 VDC

12 Volt The maximum input voltage is 12VDC from power supply required voltage 9 VDC

24- 60 VDC the maximum input voltage is 60VDC from power supply required voltage12 volts DC

24- 60 VDC the maximum input voltage is 60VDC from power supply required voltage12 VDC

24-60 Volt Units

The Intelligent Hour Meter Tag interfaces to the device through a standard three wire connection.

Requiring, a simple three wire installation.

The following table provides the Wire Color and functionality:

The maximum input voltage is 60VDC from signal input minimum voltage 12 VDC

The maximum input voltage is 60VDC from power supply minimum voltage 12 VDC

2.2 Wiring Instructions (OPTIONAL)

If the customer wishes to have a total operational time accumulated. than the signal input should only be live when machine is running and operational, allowing for the key to be left in the on position but not accumulating actual time on the Hour Meter. For 36 Volt units you have the option of splitting the Red input wire between the hydraulic pump and drive motor. That way when either is activated the unit will be counting. NOTE: When bridging the wires between the two components please install inline diodes that will keep the signal running one way only. You need to check with the manufacturer to ensure this type of installation is not voiding any type of warranty.

2.3 Wiring Applications

Hour meter can be configured to accumulate time in the event a Machine does not have a power trigger voltage input available. By allowing the meter to be installed into a machine with battery but does not have a separate power trigger source available

This is achieved through utilizing a normally open switch that when the switch is put into a closed state the meters required Power trigger can be provided internally from a at factory configuration

There are three typical types of wiring applications:

1. Switch to Ground
2. Switch to Battery
3. Available in 110 voltages for static positioned equipment

3.0 Mounting the Tag

When installing and mounting the Hour Meter, for best Range results it is best to mount the meter vertically with the wires pointing downward.

The tag is designed with two mounting holes so it can firmly mount onto virtually any surface. It can mount using various methods dependent on the particular application.

Among the common types of mounting are:

• Screws
• Industrial Strength Velcro

Note: Mounting hardware is not supplied with the tag.

Below is a suggested way of installing the meters into an AC powered piece of equipment with one transformer.

When mounting the tag, consideration should be placed on where the connector is located. Avoid placement of the tag in a manner that will put stress on the connector from the wiring harness. Although operation may not be affected, it may cause premature failure of the wiring harness.

The key element in positioning the tag is its location relative to the wireless RFID interrogation antennas. Do not place the tag in a metallic cavity, as this will reduce the ability to retrieve the hour meter log information from the tag and also reduce the effective communication range of the tag. For best performance, position the tag on a non-metallic backing with line-of-site visibility to the interrogation antennas.

4.0 EQUIPMENT BC Hour Meter Tag Technical Specifications

• Antenna options
• Interrogator incorporates external SMA (female) socket for external dipole or patch antenna
• RS-232 / USB interrogator configuration
• Tag to interrogator identification distance 125 meters 400 feet
• Tag incorporates Internal Omni directional integrated antenna
• Proprietary anti collision algorithm identifies multiple tags simultaneously without collision
• Does not interfere with wireless computer networks (IEEE802.11 WiFi)
• Bi directional reader Tag communication
• Interrogator to Tag wireless Timer threshold programming
• Optional antenna selection for longer range applications
• Operating Temperature Celsius -40 to +85 Degrees C
• Operating Temperature Fahrenheit -40 to + 185 F
• Enclosure Dimensions 3.1350'' X 1.5660''
• Input Voltage 12 volt DC60 volt DC
• Available 120 VAC transformers for VAC applications
• Hour Meter Non Volatile Memory write to EE-prom device feature

WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

MATT Meter Activity Tracking Technologies

Product Images

Base Station, when connected to any PC establishes wireless communication with meters and controllers.

• Indoor/outdoor or service vehicle, small physical footprint.
• Used in conjunction with either variation of (GUI) software.
• Read hour meters/program hour meters/receive service required notification.
• Asset monitoring to enabling and disabling assets for security and inventory monitoring.
• Runs with PC based Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Network control and Monitoring.
• Multiple connection options available including RS232 and USB (shown with RS232 connection).
• Connect to any PC and portable Laptop for service vehicles on remote job sites.
• Image of controller is utilizing a 4.0db antenna, optional longer range antennas available.
• This configuration allows for read, program, alert notification functions to 400+'.
• Power consumption 40mA patents pending.

Wireless proximity transceiver machine base alarm unit.

• Physical footprint (dimensions) of control unit, similar in size as an iphone.
• Machine to Machine/personnel to machine warning. Allows for Visual and audible warning alerts whenever a pedestrian or other machine is in the immediate vicinity, as the proximity alarm senses any other machine or person with a wireless Tag, making it a much safer workplace.
• Short range Wireless sensors can be fitted to booms on excavators or cranes. When swinging a boom on an excavator or crane, if the operator were about to hit an object he was unable to see, the proximity alarm can immediately lock out the boom control, allowing for the proximity control function to save your company from either serious personal injury or expensive equipment repairs.
• Mitigate the ever growing risks in today's fast paced dangerous workplace.

Automatic scheduled hour meter readings for employee performance and maintenance scheduling requirements GUI.

• Read and program equipment usage/hour meter readings and transmit real-time data via propitiatory wireless transmission.
• Software automatically reads all of your equipment hour meters at time of day or week you have selected, and sends a complete report.
• Employee performance, everyday at the end of a working shift, Auto read all meters on any type of machine to determine your individual employee performances.
• Monitoring of any multiple of functions on the same piece of equipment (ex. key switch time, hydraulic motor time, or drive motor time).
• Proprietary software and frequency usage makes the technology immune to viruses and hacking.
• Easy integration with existing maintenance fleet management software.

Auto meter detect features, automatic meter reading with email with file creating and reporting functions.

• Read and program equipment usage/hour meter readings and transmit real-time data via propitiatory wireless transmission.
• Software automatically reads all of your equipment hour meters when detected by installed interrogator report email / Cell text Employee performance, updated by the minute, Auto reads all meters on any type of machine to determine your individual employee performances.
• Monitoring of any multiple of functions on the same piece of equipment (ex. key switch time, hydraulic motor time, or drive motor time).
• Proprietary software and frequency usage makes the technology immune to viruses and hacking.
• Easy integration with existing maintenance fleet management software.
• Engineering packages available for software companies to add inexpensive state of the art wireless functionality  patents pending.

Asset control software, wireless condition monitoring and wireless controller management

• Allows for the remote control of any controller equipped machine to be remotely enabled and disabled.
• At the start of business enable your choice of assets to be used for the day, enter the ID # and click enable and your done!
• Monitoring all of your assets in real time, display will show all of the in range items tagged, control your inventory wirelessly.
• Monitor your assets and in the event they leave your property this system will send notifications via email and cell texts and when it returns same email return status.
• All controllers have the ability to receive and transmit data allowing for real time 2 way communication with your assets.
• Rental equipment inventory at a glance, whats on the property? when did it leave? when did it return?
• Receive hour meter service notification when machine requires servicing with email windows application and cell texts.
• Proprietary software and frequency usage makes the technology immune to viruses and hacking.

Asset control and inventory controller transceiver.

• This wireless controller transceiver is used in conjunction with the management software system.
• Units are equipped with TX RX functionality that is equipped with an in-circuit 30amp relay.
• When installed into the ignition system or control function of any piece of equipment, the software application is now in control.
• It requires a command to enable the machine from either a hand held remote control or from the PC software application.
• Giving you exceptional control of your assets wirelessly.
• As when the unit is discretely installed into any equipment it becomes Theft Proofed.

Wireless electric vehicle speed controller.

• Smart speed control is the latest wireless safety system for electric industrial vehicles.
• Smart speed controllers revolutionary system allows safety conscious companies to control speeds of their entire fleet of electric vehicles.
• RF wireless Zoned speed control by speed limiting your fleet wirelessly.
• Mitigate the ever growing risks in today's fast paced dangerous workplace.
• All controllers come equipped with 30 Amp normally open or normally closed Relays.
• Be in control of high pedestrian traffic areas, by having your vehicles speeds limited automatically Patents pending.

Wireless authorized access proximity key and controller.

• Ensure that only those employees trained can operate your equipment.
• Certified employee's proximity key (remote) has to be in RF range of the installed controller, in order to allow for the machine to function.
• Automatic gate control, when employee drives up to programed range of gate, will automatically open then close when vehicle clears gate.
• Keys and controllers can be programed to allow for different levels of qualification for machine type or classification access.
• When the machine operator leaves the machine unattended, the machines controls are automatically locked until the operator returns.
• Full Control of who controls company machines and equipment.
• Remote low power LED warning, operates with two standard 2 AAA batteries 2mA power consumption.
• Available in normally open or normally closed circuit (customer choice).

  MATT Meter Activity Tracking Technologies

FAQ'S and Pricing Information

• What it the read range from the interrogator to Meter?
  Read range is designed for 400' communication at ground level line of site operation, if the Meter is mounted higher above the ground 600' and greater can be realized, optional repeaters are available for large facilities.

• What are the available power requirements of the Meters?
  Meters are available in 3-VDC 12-VDC 12-24-VDC and 12-60-VDC as well as 120-VAC setups.

• How much energy do the wireless Meters draw to operate?
  The wireless Meters draw 20mA of power, about the same amount as a tiny electronic LED (light emitting diode).

• What is the warranty of our Intelligent wireless products? All of our products carry a full two year warranty.

• Where are the products developed and manufactured?
  All of our products are built in the USA and Canada, and the Engineering is performed at our Canadian head office for quick response time. Complete engineering services are offered for custom applications.

• What other industries are these systems used in?
  Our products are used in many countries around the world including industries such as the aviation manufacturing sector to very large industrial facilities and warehousing managing large fleets of material handling machines and fleet vehicles.

• Does your company have large company references?
  Yes we do please contact our sales department and we would be happy to provide you with more information including contacts of customers utilizing our technologies.

• Does your company manufacture other products?
  Yes we presently have in excess of 50 different wireless control systems and applications from wireless asset control to security products for many industries, from Golf to the heavy equipment industry, marine and many others.

"MATT" Meter Activity Tracking Technologies.