A1200 ALPHA Support Software User Guide 1 1

User Guide

Release 1.1

A1200 ALPHA® Meter Support Software

© 2004 by Elster Electricity, LLC. All rights are reserved.

No part of this software or documentation may be reproduced, transmitted, processed or recorded by any means or form, electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise, translated to another language, or be released to any third party without the express written consent of Elster Electricity, LLC.

Printed in the United States of America.

NoticeThe information contained in this software and documentation is subject to change without notice. Product specifications cited are those in effect at time of publication. Elster Electricity, LLC shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. Elster Electricity, LLC expressly disclaims all responsibility and liability for the installation, use, performance, maintenance and support of third party products. Customers are advised to make their own independent evaluation of such products.

ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, and EnergyAxis are registered trademarks and Metercat, REX and AlphaPlus are trademarks of Elster Electricity, LLC.Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide Contents

29 June 2004 3

Contents

1. IntroductionAdditional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

What is A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9User Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Installing Support Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Upgrading from Earlier Releases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Reinstalling the Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Installing the Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Starting the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Closing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Using the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Using the Toolbar Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Uninstalling the Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Viewing Software Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Using the Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Viewing the Help Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Viewing Window-level Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Connecting a Meter to the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

2. Setting User PreferencesSetting General Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Creating an IDT File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Setting Storage Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Setting Communication Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Changing Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Setting Program Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Setting Programming Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

3. Reading a MeterReading Register Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Using IDT Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Reading Configuration Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Reading Diagnostic Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Printing Displayed Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

4. Creating a Meter ProgramCreating a New Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Creating from an Existing Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

From a Meter’s Existing Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55From an Existing Program File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Importing an A1000 ALPHA Meter Software PAR file . . . . . . . 56

Optional Components tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software User Guide

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareContents User Guide

4 29 June 2004

Viewing a Program’s Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Energy Quantities tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Terminal Configuration tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Tariffs tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Optional Components tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

5. Programming a MeterSaving Program Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65Opening a Meter Program File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Programming a Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Writing an Active Program to a Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Replacing a Program in a Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Overriding Program Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Sharing Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

6. Configuring Utility InformationIdentification, Buttons tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Changing the Utility Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Using the Set Utility Password function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Changing the Utility ID Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Using the Set Utility Identification function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Using the Identification, Buttons tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Setting Button Activation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

7. Configuring Energy and DemandMetering, Demand tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Measuring Energy Quantities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Enabling or Disabling Demand Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Enabling or Disabling Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82Setting Transformer Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

8. Configuring the Meter DisplayDisplay tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Changing General Display Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Changing Time/Date Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Changing Data Display Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90Adding a New Display Item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

9. Configuring Time-of-UseTime of Use tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Day Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96Tariffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Special Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

10. Configuring Relays and LEDRelays and LED tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101Selecting Relay Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101Selecting LED Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

11. Configuring External TariffsExternal Tariffs tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Using Inverted Tariff Input Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

No Inputs Inverted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109Terminal 13 Inverted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110Terminal 33 Inverted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide Contents

29 June 2004 5

Both Terminals Inverted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

12. Configuring Service Test SettingsService Test tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113Changing Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Enabling/Disabling Service Test Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

13. Configuring Remote CommunicationsRemote Communication tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

14. Setting Meter ParametersResetting Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121Resetting Anti-tampering Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122Resetting Meter Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122Resetting the Values and Statuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123Setting the Overload Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123Setting the Transformer Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124Setting Meter Date/Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125Modifying the Remote Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

15. Upgrading a Meter’s CapabilitiesUpgrading a Meter’s Capabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

16. Testing a MeterEntering Test Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129Testing a Tariff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131Testing Energy Quantity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132Decreasing/Increasing LED Pulse Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133Exiting Test Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

17. TroubleshootingCommunication Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135Uneven Columns in Printed Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

A. GlossaryTerms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

B. Display TableMeter Display Quantities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Prefixes for Display Quantity Identifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA Meter Display Quantities . 142A1200 ALPHA Meter Only Display Quantities . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

C. IDT FileSample File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareContents User Guide

6 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 7

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide

Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability

There are no understandings, agreements, representations, or warranties either expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, other than those specifically set out by any existing contract between the parties. Any such contract states the entire obligation of the seller. The contents of this manual shall not become part of or modify any prior or existing agreement, commitment, or relationship.

The information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notices in this manual are based on Elster Electricity experience and judgment with respect to operation and maintenance of the described product. This information should not be considered as all-inclusive or covering all contingencies. If further information is required, Elster Electricity should be consulted.

No warranties, either expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability, or warranties arising from the course of dealing or usage of trade, are made regarding the information, recommendations, descriptions, warnings, and cautions contained herein.

In no event will Elster Electricity be responsible to the user in contract, in tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damage or loss whatsoever, including but not limited to: damage or loss of use of equipment, cost of capital, loss of profits or revenues, or claims against the user by its customers from the use of the information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notices contained herein.

Releases to This DocumentThe A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software User Guide can be referred to by its document number: TM42-2400. Each release of this manual is designated with a letter, with the first release being ‘A,’ the second being ‘B,’ and so forth. The document number and its release letter are located at the bottom of each page.

The following table lists the revisions to this document, the date of release, and a brief description of the changes made.

Release Date Brief Description

A 25 September 2002 First release of the document.

B 29.June.2004 Document converted from an ABB document to an Elster document.



8 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 9

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 1 Introduction

1 Introduction

Before you begin using the A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software, you should understand the purpose for using the software and how to get started. The following sections answer these questions.

■ What is A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software?

■ What are the system requirements for using the software?

■ How do I install the software?

■ What do I need to know if I am upgrading from an earlier release?

■ What do I need to do if I want to reinstall the software?

■ How do I start the software?

■ What will I see when I start the software?

■ How do I uninstall the software?

■ How do I find out what version of the software I’m using?

■ How do I know which profile can perform an action?

■ How do I get help while using the software?

■ What do I need to do in order to use the software?

■ How do I set a password for communicating with a meter?

Additional InformationRefer to the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) located on your software installation CD for details and specifications on the A1000 ALPHA or A1200 ALPHA meter.

What is A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software?

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software is a Windows®-based application that allows you to perform various metering functions (for example, read a meter’s register; read a meter’s program; reset maximum demand; set meter password; and configure utility data, rates (or tariffs), and display settings).


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software1 Introduction User Guide

10 29 June 2004

User ProfilesThe software installation media contains four different installation files based on the support software User Profiles. These profiles are:

■ Consumer

■ Reader

■ Technician

■ Full Access

These profiles correspond with the user permissions (that is, the software user’s ability to perform certain metering functions). The following table details the permissions granted to each user profile.

Figure 1-1. User Profiles

Fu

ll Access

Tech

nician

Read

er

Co

nsu

mer

Create/Modify a Program XRead Meter

Read Register X X X XRead Meter Configuration X XDiagnostic Read X X

Change Meter ConfigurationProgram Meter X XWrite Active Program to Meter XReplace Program in Meter X X

Meter CommandsReset Demand X X XReset Anti-Tampering Registers X X XReset Meter Errors XReset Values and Statuses XSet Utility Password X XSet Utility Identification X XSet Overload Threshold X XSet Transformer Factor X XSet Date/Time X XModify Remote Definition X XUpgrade Meter Capabilities X X

TestTest Mode X X

Support Software Features

User Profile

29 June 2004 11


System Requirements

The requirements for running the support software are as follows:

■ 90 MHz (or faster) Pentium® computer, equipped with:

■ 32 MB RAM (or more)

■ a hard drive with 12 MB free space

■ a CD-ROM drive

■ an RS-232 serial communications port (COM port)

■ IEC 61107-compatible optical communications probe equipped with an interface connector for connecting to your computer

■ Windows® 95/98/2000/Millennium Edition/NT/XP

■ Internet Explorer 3.02 or later (or 5.5 or later for Print Preview functionality)

■ Monitor (with resolution set to at least 640 × 480 pixels)

Installing Support Software

Before installing the software, close all applications currently running on your computer, including those that automatically load during start up. This ensures that all of the necessary files can be copied to your computer.

After closing all running applications, perform the installation according to the instructions below.

Note: Before installing the software, you must know which user profile you need to install. See “User Profiles” on page 10.

Upgrading from Earlier ReleasesA1200 ALPHA ® Meter Support Software installation will automatically uninstall any earlier version of the software.

If you upgrade to the new release using an installation path different from an earlier release of the software, file locations for program files, readings files, diagnostic files and reports will not use the new path. Instead, the file locations will continue to use the path used by the earlier release of the software.

For example, if a previously installed A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software report files used a path different from C:\Program Files\Elster\A1200 ALPHA\Reports, the current A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software will continue to use the same path for the report files.

If you want your report files to use the new default path (C:\Program Files\Elster\A1200 ALPHA\Reports), you can use Tools > User Preferences > Storage Options to change the Report file location to the new default path. Additionally, you can copy/move the old report files to the new location and delete the old Reports folder. Refer to Chapter 2, “Setting User Preferences” for more information.

Reinstalling the SoftwareYou can install A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software on computers that have a prior release of the support software.


12 29 June 2004

Installing the Software1. Insert the A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software installation

media into the appropriate drive of your computer.

The A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software Installation program should start automatically.

Note: The Installer program may prompt you to restart your computer before you can use A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software for the first time.

Figure 1-2. A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software installation

2. If the installation program does not start automatically:

a. From the task bar Start button, select Run.

The Run dialog box displays.

b. Type d:\\index.html in the Open field (where d is the drive letter assigned to your compact disc or browse to locate the index.html file on the installation media).

c. Click OK to begin the installation.

3. Click the Software link at the top of the page.

4. Review the user profiles and determine which user profile you need to install.

29 June 2004 13


5. Click the Install Now link for the user profile you need.

6. Select Open to run InstallShield from its current location.

Figure 1-3. InstallShield Wizard - Welcome

7. Click Next.


14 29 June 2004

Figure 1-4. InstallShield Wizard - Software License Agreement

8. Select I accept the terms in the license agreement and click Next to continue.

Note: You must agree to the Software License Agreement in order to install and use the software.

29 June 2004 15


Figure 1-5. InstallShield Wizard - Customer Information

9. Enter your user information (Name and organization), Serial Number, and select who to install the application for (anyone or only you) and click Next to continue.

Note: The serial number is printed on a sticker on the CD-ROM jewel case.

Note: Selecting Only for me installs a shortcut to the A1200 ALPHA support software into your Start > Programs menu; selecting Anyone who uses this computer (all users) installs a shortcut into the Start > Programs menu for all users.


16 29 June 2004

Figure 1-6. InstallShield Wizard - Setup Type

10. Click Complete to install all program and help files.

Or

Click Custom to install only selected program components:

a. Program Files

1) Functional Layer

2) Graphical User Interface

b. Help Files

Note: You must install the functional layer in order to install the graphical user interface.

11. Click Next to continue.

29 June 2004 17


Figure 1-7. InstallShield Wizard - Destination Folder

12. Click Change to change the installation location for the software or click Next to continue.


18 29 June 2004

Figure 1-8. InstallShield Wizard - Ready to Install

13. Click Install to begin the installation.

Figure 1-9. InstallShield Wizard - Installation Complete

29 June 2004 19


14. Click Finish when the installation is complete.

Starting the Software

To begin using the support software, start the program from your personal computer.

To start the support software program:

■ From the Windows Start menu, select Programs > A1200 ALPHA > A1200 ALPHA 1.1

Or

■ Click the A1200 ALPHA 1.1 icon on your desktop -

The A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software main window opens.

Closing the Software

To close the software:

■ From the File menu, select Exit

Using the Software The support software has an easy to use graphical user interface. This interface allows you to easily manage a meter programming and data as well as performing meter functions (such as setting transformer factor or device address).

After the application starts, the software displays the following window:


20 29 June 2004

Figure 1-10. Main Window

This window consists of four areas:

Title bar

Contains the title of the application and the Windows control buttons (minimize, maximize, and close). When a sub-window is opened, the title bar also contains the name of that sub-window.

Menu barContains menus with commands for each action your access level can perform from within the software.

ToolbarContains buttons for the most common actions your access level can perform from within the software. See “Using the Toolbar Buttons” on page 21.

Workspace A large area where all sub-windows open.

29 June 2004 21


Using the Toolbar Buttons

The toolbar buttons provide a fast, one-click method for executing the most common metering actions.

■ To use a toolbar button, click it to execute the corresponding action.

The following table describes the available toolbar buttons:

Button Description

Create New Program - opens the Meter Configuration Wizard that guides you through creating a new program. See “Creating a New Program” on page 49.

New Program from Meter - retrieves the connected meter’s current program and uses the settings to create a new program. See “Creating from an Existing Program” on page 54.

Open Program - opens a dialog that allows you to select an existing program file to open. See “Creating from an Existing Program” on page 54.

Save - opens a dialog that allows you to save the current window contents (for example, a program, a register reading, or a report) to an XML file.

Program Properties - opens a dialog that allows you to change a program’s settings (optional components, meter type, etc.). See “Viewing a Program’s Properties” on page 59.

Create Report - creates an HTML report of the active meter program. See “Saving Program Settings” on page 65.

Print - prints the active window whether billing data or an HTML report.

Read Meter Configuration - reads the connected meter’s current program. See “Reading Configuration Data” on page 44.

Program Meter - opens a dialog that allows you to select a program file for writing to the connected meter. See “Programming a Meter” on page 67.

Write Active Program to Meter - programs the connected meter with the currently open program. See “Writing an Active Program to a Meter” on page 69.

Replace Program in Meter - opens a dialog that allows you to select a program file for writing to the connected meter; you can specify which components will be written to the meter. See “Replacing a Program in a Meter” on page 70.

Note: Billing data will be preserved.

Read Register - reads the connected meter and displays data in a window. See “Reading Register Data” on page 41.

Note: Read data is automatically saved as a text file.


22 29 June 2004

Note: Depending on your user profile, some tool bar buttons may not be available (see “User Profiles” on page 10 for details).

Uninstalling the Software

To uninstall the software, perform the following procedure:

1. From the task bar Start button, select Settings > Control Panel.

2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs.

3. Select A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software from the list box.

4. Click Add/Remove.

5. Click Next.

6. Click Remove to remove the support software.

Note: Program files, reports, and readings are not removed.

7. Click Finish when the uninstallation is complete.

8. If prompted, restart the computer by selecting Shut Down > Restart the Computer? from the task bar Start button menu.

Viewing Software Version Information

To obtain version information on the support software:

1. From the Help menu, select About A1200

The About A1200 splash screen shows the release and access profile of your software.

Diagnostic Read - performs a diagnostic reading of the connected meter (including meter capabilities, components, etc.) See “Reading Diagnostic Data” on page 45.

Reset Demand - performs a demand reset in the connected meter. See “Resetting Demand” on page 121.

Reset Anti-Tampering Registers - resets tariff tool timer and counter, anti-tamper tool timers, register and other counters, and total power off timer. See “Resetting Anti-tampering Registers” on page 122.

User Preferences - allows you to set user-specific options (for example, folder locations, language, etc.). See “Setting User Preferences” on page 27.

A1200 Help - opens the online help file. See “Using the Online Help” on page 23.

Button Description

29 June 2004 23


Figure 1-11. About A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software dialog

2. Click OK to exit the About dialog box.

Using the Online Help

The software’s online help provides you with detailed information on using the support software. You can access the online help in two ways:

■ Help Contents - provides links to all topics in the help system (using the Contents tab), an Index tab, and a keyword search (Find tab)

■ Context-sensitive (F1) help - provides online help specific to the window currently displayed

Viewing the Help ContentsTo view the online help contents:

1. From the Help menu, select A1200 Help.

The A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software Online Help is displayed.

From the Help window you can use the Contents tab to select specific topics, the Index tab to look-up keywords or the Find tab to search for a keyword or multiple keywords.

2. In the Contents tab, double-click on a book icon to show the topics of the book; double-click a page icon to view the topic.

Or

You can highlight the book and click Open; then, select the desired topic and click Display.


24 29 June 2004

For additional information on using Windows online help, refer to your Windows Operating System documentation.

3. Click the Exit button to close the help system.

Viewing Window-level HelpTo view help specific to the window currently open in the support software:

1. Click the mouse pointer anywhere in the open window.

2. Press the F1 key on your keyboard

Or

From the Help menu, select Contents.

3. Click the Exit button to close the help system.

Technical Support To obtain immediate technical support you may contact Elster Electricity using the following telephone numbers:

■ + 1 800 338 5251 (US Technical Support)

■ +1 919 212 4800 (US Main Telephone)

■ +1 905 634 4895 (Canada)

If the problem is not urgent you may contact Elster Electricity using the following email address:

■ [email protected]

Getting Started Before configuring a meter, you must perform the following actions:

1. Connect a meter to the computer that is running the support software using an optical communication probe as described in “Connecting a Meter to the Computer” on page 24.

2. Set the default communication password in the support software as detailed in “Setting Communication Options” on page 32.

Connecting a Meter to the ComputerYou use the support software to communicate with an A1000 ALPHA or an A1200 ALPHA Meter that is connected to your computer via an optical communication probe (see “System Requirements” on page 11). The figure below illustrates the typical hardware set up for communicating with an A1000 ALPHA or A1200 ALPHA meter.

29 June 2004 25


Figure 1-12. Communicating with a meter

Once you have established the connection between the computer and the meter, you are ready to begin using the support software.


26 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 27

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 2 Setting User Preferences

2 Setting User Preferences

In this chapter you learn how to set user-specific options:

■ Setting General Preferences

■ Setting Storage Options

■ Setting Communication Options

■ Changing Labels

■ Setting Program Defaults

■ Setting Programming Options

User-configurable preferences include the following:

■ Setting general user options such as default language, register description selection, the ability to hide passwords while entering them, and the font to use for printing reports

■ Setting default directories used for storing meter programs, read data, and reports; setting default filenames for saving collected data

■ Setting communication settings such as the COM port, selecting to prompt for password and selecting to suppress optical reflection

■ Setting season, day type, and tariff labels

■ Setting program defaults such as the default tariff

■ Selecting programming options that determine the items a user may override when writing a program to a meter (for example, utility password, remote device address, etc.)

Setting General Preferences

Use the General tab in the User Preferences dialog to set or change the following user settings:

■ Programmer ID

■ Application Password

■ Application Language

■ Hide Passwords

■ Report Font

■ Register Description for Read Reports

To set or change general settings:

1. From the Tools menu, select User Preferences.

2. Click the General tab.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software2 Setting User Preferences User Guide

28 29 June 2004

Figure 2-1. User Preferences - General tab

3. Select a Programmer ID (any number between 2 and 9999). The Programmer ID allows you to track who last modified the program in the meter.

Note: The Programmer ID is written to the meter during any functions that write data to the meter (for example, program or replace functions). The Programmer ID will appear in diagnostic readings. A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meters are shipped with a Programmer ID of zero (0).

29 June 2004 29


4. To change the software language, click the Application Language drop list button and select the language to use for viewing data. Available selections are:

5. Enter the Application Password (from 1 to 8 characters) or leave empty if it is not needed.

Note: If an application password is entered, each time the software opens you must enter the password before you can use the software.

6. Check the Hide Passwords box to display utility and communication passwords as asterisks (‘*’) instead of actual characters and to force users to confirm any password changes.

Figure 2-2. Enter Meter Password dialog (Hide Passwords off)

Figure 2-3. Enter Meter Password dialog (Hide Passwords on)

7. Click the Report Font browse button to select the font to use for displaying reports in the software. If a font is not selected the computer’s default font is used.

Note: Elster recommends that you always use a fixed-space (monospaced) font like Courier to ensure that the columns of text line up properly when they are printed. See “Uneven Columns in Printed Data” on page 136.

8. Click the radio button that corresponds to the Register Description you want to use for the Read Register report (see

BLG Bulgarian POL Polish

CHI Chinese POR Portuguese

ENG English RUS Russian

FRA French SPA Spanish


30 29 June 2004

“Reading Register Data” on page 41 for an example of the various register reports). Available selections are:

9. After setting your options, click OK to save your changes and return to the main window.

Your changes take effect immediately.

Creating an IDT FileWhen you want to use your own register descriptions in a read register report, you must create an IDT (ID translation) file detailing your register descriptions.

Note: When you installed the support software, an example IDT (Example.IDT) file was installed at the same location as the A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software (for example, C:\Program Files\Elster\A1200 ALPHA folder). Appendix C, “IDT File” contains the contents of this file.

Use the following procedure to create your own IDT file:

1. Open an ASCII text editor (for example, Notepad or Wordpad).

2. Create a file with the following values:

■ Field name - in either a three character including a decimal point (#.#) or a two character (##) format. Acceptable characters are 0-9, F, and L

■ Field description - maximum of 38 alphanumeric characters

3. Each ID must be entered on a separate line, in the following format:

<Field name>;<Description>

Examples:

F.4;Demand period

F.5;Demand reset counter

or

33;Time integral 1, Rate 1

34;Time integral 2, Rate 2

4. Once you have created the file, save it as ASCII text with an IDT extension in the same folder (or a sub-folder) where your support software is installed.

5. Select Own IDs in the User Preferences > General tab to load the IDT descriptions for all register reads.

See “Using IDT Files” on page 44 for an example of using an IDT file.

According to EDIS Use the register description defined by the Energy Data Identification System (EDIS).

Own IDs Use your own pre-defined set of register descriptions. When selected, you must provide the filename (including the full path) containing your pre-defined descriptions. For instructions on how to set up an IDT file see “Creating an IDT File” on page 30.

None Do not include the register description column when viewing register data.

29 June 2004 31


Note: To ensure that the IDT descriptions appear when the register is read, be sure to use the same ID number when configuring the meter display quantities. See “Changing Data Display Settings” on page 90.

Setting Storage Options

Use the Storage Options tab in the User Preferences dialog to set or change the following file storage locations and options:

To set or change folder settings:


2. Click the Storage Options tab.

Program Files Designates the folder to use for loading or saving program files.

Reading Files Designates the folder to use for loading or saving billing data (also known as register data).

Readings Filenames Designates the source for default readings

filenames (date of readings, Utility ID1, Elster Electricity Serial Number1, Row 1 of data, Row 2 of data, Row 3 of data, or Row 4 of data).

1. will always require communication password regardless of settings specified in User Preferences > Communication (see “Setting Communication Options” on page 32).

Automatic Reading View If checked, each time a meter’s register is read the data will automatically be displayed by the software and saved to a file. If unchecked, the reading is saved to a file but not displayed.

Diagnostic Files Designates the folder to use for loading or saving diagnostic data retrieved from the meter (includes all settings in the meter) in a special format (.mtd).

Diagnostic Filenames Designates the source for default diagnostic filenames (for example, date of readings, Utility ID or Elster Electricity Serial Number).

Save Diagnostic Data If checked, diagnostic reads are saved in the Diagnostic Filenames location. If unchecked, diagnostic data is not saved, but a report will be displayed by the software.

Report Files Designates the folder to use for saving report files.


32 29 June 2004

Figure 2-4. User Preferences - Storage Options tab

3. Click the appropriate browse button to select a different Program, Readings, Diagnostic, or Reports folder.

4. Select the Filename drop list buttons and select the option the software should use as the default file name.

5. When you have finished changing all of your options, click OK to save your changes and return to the main window.


Setting Communication Options

Use the Communication tab in the User Preferences dialog to set or change communication settings.

To set or change communication settings:


2. Click the Communication tab.

29 June 2004 33


Figure 2-5. User Preferences - Communication tab - optical probe

3. Select the Serial Port that has your computer’s optical probe or RS-232/RS-485 connection.

Note: If your COM port is not shown, type in the value in the form COMX (where X is the appropriate port number).

4. Select the Connection Type from the drop list:

a. Optical Probe

b. Direct Connection - for example, RS-232 or RS-485 options

Note: Direct connection does not support programming a meter or replacing program components.

5. If you are using a direct connection, select the appropriate options:

a. Select the Negotiation Mode:

1) Standard Negotiation Mode (start at 300 bps)

2) No Negotiation (use fixed rate)

Note: If you select No Negotiation, the software will use the specified Remote Port BPS setting.

b. Select the Remote Port BPS: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600.

Note: When using direct connection to read meters, the meter must be configured with the same port settings. See “Remote Communication tab” on page 119 for detail.


34 29 June 2004

6. Select the Request Password setting:

Depending on your settings for Hide Passwords (“Setting General Preferences” on page 27) you will be prompted to enter a communication password.

Figure 2-6. Enter Meter Password dialog (Hide Passwords off)

Figure 2-7. Enter Meter Password dialog (Hide Passwords on)

Note: If you are using an RS-232 or an RS485 direct connection and meter was programmed with a device address (ID) as part of a multi-drop installation, you must enter a device address in order to communicate with the meter. Set your Request Device ID settings accordingly.

7. Select the Request Device ID setting:

Always Prompt You will be prompted for the password every time you communicate with the meter.

Never Prompt You will never be prompted for the password. The password used is the password entered in the field on the Default Communication Password text box.

Prompt Once You will be prompted the first time you communicate with the meter during a software session, and not again after that.

Always Prompt You will be prompted for the device ID every time you communicate with the meter.

Never Prompt You will never be prompted for the device ID (used if communicating using an optical probe).

Prompt Once You will be prompted to enter the device ID the first time you communicate with the meter during a software session.

29 June 2004 35


Depending on your settings for Request Password and Request Device ID you will be prompted to enter values.

Figure 2-8. Enter Device ID dialog

Figure 2-9. Enter meter password and device ID dialog (Hide Passwords off)

8. Enter the Default Communication Password to be used if Never Prompt is selected for Request Password. It is the default password that appears in the Password for Communication with Meter dialog box.

9. Check Message for Communication Success if you want to see a completion message every time you successfully complete a meter function (for example, after a demand reset).

The software will display a Success message that you must acknowledge before proceeding.

Figure 2-10. Success message dialog

Note: If Message for Communication Success is not selected, no message will display for successful completion. Problems and errors will always be reported.

10. Check Message for Writing Program to Meter if you want to see a message before executing a program, replace or write active program to the meter function.


36 29 June 2004

The software will display a message that you must acknowledge before proceeding.

Figure 2-11. Warning message dialog

11. Check Set DTR Line High if your optical probe requires it. Refer to your optical probe’s documentation for verification of the proper setting to select.

12. Check Optical Read/Write Fixed at 300 bps if you want to force all communication sessions to communicate at only 300 bits per second.

13. To set the number of times a communication session will be attempted after a failure, enter the Number of Retries (range of 1 to 10).

14. To set the time to wait for a response from the meter, enter the Intermessage Timeout.



Changing Labels Use the Labels tab in the User Preferences dialog to set labels for seasons (for example, Winter, Spring, etc.), day types (Weekend, Weekday, Holiday, etc.), and tariffs (for example, Tariff 1, Tariff 2, etc.). These labels will be used throughout the software, program development, and in reports.

To set the software labels:


2. Select the Labels tab.

29 June 2004 37


Figure 2-12. User Preferences - Labels tab

3. Select the label to the right of the item you want to change.

4. Edit the text as needed (for example, Winter, Weekend, Rate A, etc.).

Note: If the text string is too long, the software user interface may have an undesired appearance.


38 29 June 2004

Figure 2-13. Editing Label Preferences


Note: Close any open meter programs and then re-open them for the changes to take effect.

29 June 2004 39


Setting Program Defaults

Use the Program Defaults tab to set the default tariff to be used in the time-of-use component.

To set the default tariff:

1. Select the desired Default Tariff from the drop list.

Figure 2-14. User Preferences - Program Defaults tab


Note: Close any open meter programs and then re-open them for the changes to take effect.

Setting Programming Options

Use the Programming Options tab to select the items that can be entered to override values when writing a program to a meter:

1. Check the items a user can override when writing a program to a meter:

For each item selected, at program execution time the software shows the program’s existing value and gives you an opportunity to change to a new value. For items not selected on this dialog, you cannot change the value at program execution time.

• Utility Password• Utility ID• Remote Device Address

• Overload Threshold• Transformer Factor• Meter Date/Time


40 29 June 2004

Figure 2-15. User Preferences - Programming Options tab

2. Check Reset Meter Values during Program function (requires Security Key) to reset the meter values (for example, billing data) during meter programming.

Note: If Reset Meter Values is enabled, a communication message appears after programming: without a Configuration Security Key you are informed that the meter values were not reset but programming was successful.



29 June 2004 41

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 3 Reading a Meter

3 Reading a Meter

This chapter details how to:

■ read a meter’s data registers

■ read program settings

■ read diagnostic data

■ setup and print the displayed meter settings

Note: You must have an A1000 ALPHA or an A1200 ALPHA meter connected to your computer via an optical probe to perform the procedures described in this chapter.

Note: If you have problems communicating with the meter refer to Chapter 17, “Troubleshooting.”

Reading Register Data

User Profiles: All (Full Access, Technician, Reader, Consumer)

The support software allows you to read and view the meter data (including energy consumption and meter status) from the meter’s registers. The meter information that is reported from the meter during a Read Register function is defined in the Display component of the meter’s program (see “Changing Data Display Settings” on page 90 for details).

To read register data:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Read Register.

Or

Click the Read Register button on the toolbar.

2. If Request Password is set to Always Prompt or Prompt Once (see “Setting Communication Options” on page 32) and if Readings Filenames are set to either Utility ID or Elster Electricity Serial Number, enter the communication password.

The read action begins. A progress bar indicates the current status of the read.

When the download finishes, the register data is saved to a file in the location specified in User Preferences > Storage Options tab. If Automatic Reading View is selected (see “Setting Storage Options” on page 31), the data is displayed in a report.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software3 Reading a Meter User Guide

42 29 June 2004

Figure 3-1. Read Register (without IDT file)

29 June 2004 43


If Display > Formats > Send IDs via optical port in EDIS format is enabled, the reading report will include the EDIS numbers and variable descriptors.

Figure 3-2. Read Register (with EDIS enabled)

Note: If you are collecting information from multiple meters, Elster Electricity recommends using individual files when saving the data so the data from all meters is separated. The files can then be used for billing purposes. See the Reading filename option under “Setting Storage Options” on page 31 for additional information.

3. Click Close to close the window.


44 29 June 2004

Using IDT FilesIf you have configured the software to use an IDT file of your own descriptions for the various data values (see “Creating an IDT File” on page 30 and Appendix C, “IDT File” for details) you will see your descriptions next to the data label.

Figure 3-3. Read Register (with IDT file)

Reading Configuration Data

User Profiles: Full Access or Technician

The support software allows you to read a meter’s current configuration and view it in the software.

To read a meter’s configuration:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Read Meter Configuration.

Or

Click the Read Meter Configuration button on the toolbar.

2. If Request Password is set to Always Prompt or Prompt Once (see “Setting Communication Options” on page 32), enter the communication password.

29 June 2004 45


The read action begins. A progress bar indicates the current status of the read. When the download finishes, the meter’s configuration is displayed in a report.

Figure 3-4. Meter Configuration report

To save the configuration report to a file:

1. From the File menu, select Save As.

2. Enter the file name or accept the default.

3. Click Save.

Reading Diagnostic Data


The support software allows you to read the diagnostic data of a meter and view it in the software.

To read a meter’s diagnostic data:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Diagnostic Read.

Or

Click the Diagnostic Read button on the toolbar.


46 29 June 2004

2. If Request Password is set to Always Prompt or Prompt Once (see “Setting Communication Options” on page 32), enter the communication password.

The read action begins. A progress bar indicates the current status of the read. When the download finishes, the diagnostic data is displayed in a report.

Whenever a diagnostic read is done and Save Diagnostic Data is checked (see “Setting Storage Options” on page 31), a file is saved in the reading folder with the filename based on your preferences. If you want a report of the reading you must save the HTML page displayed using the File > Save As command while viewing the report.

Note: Diagnostic data is saved in a special file format, .mtd, and can be used to create an HTML report by opening the file (File > Open Diagnostic File) and then creating a report.

Figure 3-5. Diagnostic reading

To save the diagnostic report to a file:

1. From the File menu, select Save As.

2. Enter the file name or accept the default.

3. Click Save.

29 June 2004 47


Printing Displayed Data

The support software provides the ability to set or change printer set-up options for printing displayed data to a printer.

Setting up Your PageTo set up your page:

1. From the File menu, select Page Setup.

The software displays a standard Page Setup dialog box. The options available depend on the type of printer you have selected.

2. Click Printer to change your printer.

a. Select the Name of your printer from the drop list.

The dialog box changes to reflect the parameters specific to the selected printer.

b. Click OK.

3. Select the paper parameters (for example, paper size, margins, and orientation).

4. Click OK to save your settings or click Cancel to return to the main window.

Previewing a Print JobTo preview a print job:

■ from the File menu, select Print Preview

Note: The Print Preview command requires Internet Explorer 5.5 or later.

Printing the DataTo print the data you are currently viewing:

■ from the File menu, select Print

The data is printed to the printer you specified in “Setting up Your Page” on page 47.

See “Uneven Columns in Printed Data” on page 136 for details on troubleshooting printed reports.


48 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 49

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 4 Creating a Meter Program

4 Creating a Meter Program

The support software allows you to create meter programs in two ways:

■ create a new program using a wizard

■ create a new program based on an existing program

Creating a New Program

User Profiles: Full Access

To create a new program using the meter configuration wizard:

1. From the File menu, select New Program.

The Meter Configuration Wizard begins to guide you through the process.

Figure 4-1. Meter Configuration Wizard - selecting a meter type

2. Select the Meter Type for the new program:


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software4 Creating a Meter Program User Guide

50 29 June 2004

a. A1000R - A1000 ALPHA Type R - collects, processes, and stores energy data for single or two–tariff applications.

b. A1000C - A1000 ALPHA Type C - collects, processes, and stores any two energy quantities plus maximum demand of one quantity; using external signalling, the A1000 ALPHA Type C meter can implement up to four tariffs

c. A1200 - A1200 ALPHA - in addition to the features of the A1000 Type C, can perform Time-of-Use metering


Figure 4-2. Meter Configuration Wizard - selecting energy quantities

4. Select the appropriate Energy Quantities to be collected (kWh only, kWh and kVARh, or kWh and kVAh).


29 June 2004 51


Figure 4-3. Meter Configuration Wizard - selecting the terminal configuration (A1000 ALPHA meter

Figure 4-4. Meter Configuration Wizard - selecting the terminal configuration (A1200 ALPHA meter)

6. Select the Terminal Configuration:

a. Direct-connected

b. Current Transformer Connected

Note: Only the A1200 ALPHA meter supports current transformer connections.


52 29 June 2004


Figure 4-5. Meter Configuration Wizard - selecting the tariffs (A1000 ALPHA meter)

Figure 4-6. Meter Configuration Wizard - selecting the tariffs (A1200 ALPHA meter)

8. Select the appropriate Tariffs option:

29 June 2004 53


a. Internal Tariffs Using Clock (A1200 ALPHA meter only - see Chapter 9, “Configuring Time-of-Use”)

b. Single Tariff

c. External Tariffs

Note: Select External Tariffs if you are using an external tariffs input device to trigger tariff changes. See Chapter 11, “Configuring External Tariffs” for details.


Figure 4-7. Meter Configuration Wizard - selecting the optional components (A1000 ALPHA meter)


54 29 June 2004

Figure 4-8. Meter Configuration Wizard - selecting the optional components (A1200 ALPHA meter)

10. Select the appropriate Optional Components:

Caution: If you are creating a new meter program or are programming a meter with an unknown configuration, Elster Electricity recommends you select and configure all optional components. Optional components that are not included in a program will not be written to a meter. The meter will keep its current settings for those missing components.

a. Relays and LED - see “Relays and LED tab” on page 101

b. Service Test - see “Service Test tab” on page 113

c. Remote Communication (A1200 ALPHA meter only) - see “Remote Communication tab” on page 119

11. Click Finish to complete the program definition.

Creating from an Existing Program


You can create a new program from an existing program in three ways:

■ create a new program based on reading it from a meter

■ open an existing program file and save the file as a new file

■ import an A1000 ALPHA Meter Software program (PAR) file

29 June 2004 55


From a Meter’s Existing ConfigurationTo create a new program based upon a meter’s current configuration:

1. From the File menu, select New Program from Meter

Or

Click the New Program from Meter button on the toolbar.

The application prompts you to enter the meter’s password (based upon your User Preferences > Communication > Request Password and User Preferences > General > Hide Passwords settings).

The application reads the meter’s program information and displays the new program based on the meter’s current program information. A Communication dialog box indicates the progress of the reading.

2. Edit the program as needed.

Note: Program properties can be modified by selecting File > Program Properties.

3. To save the new program, from the File menu select Save or Save As.

The application displays the existing program settings with the Optional Components tab showing.

Figure 4-9. Save As dialog

4. Enter the File name for the meter program file.

5. Click Save to save the meter program file.

From an Existing Program FileTo create a program from an existing program file:

1. From the File menu, select Open Program.

The Open Program dialog is displayed.


56 29 June 2004

Figure 4-10. Open a program dialog

2. Select the program you want to use.

3. Click Open.

The application displays the existing program settings with the Optional Components tab showing.

4. Edit the program as needed.

Note: Program properties can be modified by selecting File > Program Properties.

5. To save the new program, from the File menu select Save As.

Importing an A1000 ALPHA Meter Software PAR fileA1000 ALPHA Meter Software uses PAR files (.par) to store meter program information.

To import a PAR file:


The Open Program dialog is displayed.

2. Select Meter old configuration files (*.PAR) from the Files of type drop list.

29 June 2004 57


Figure 4-11. Open a PAR file dialog

3. Select the PAR file you want to import.

4. Click Open.

Note: In some cases, the support software may detect an incomplete program. As a result, you may see a warning message informing you that the imported file is incomplete. The file will be loaded with default values for any missing components.

Figure 4-12. Importing incomplete PAR file message dialog

5. Review the new program settings and properties and edit as needed.

6. To save the new program, from the File menu, select Save or Save As.

7. To create a report of the imported PAR file, from the File menu, select Create Report.

To save this report, from the File menu, select Save.


58 29 June 2004

Figure 4-13. Imported PAR file report

29 June 2004 59


Optional Components tab

The Optional Components tab allows you to select the options to be supported by the meter program.

Figure 4-14. New Program from Meter - Optional Components tab

Check the relevant option to view the following components:

■ Relays and LED tab

■ Service Test tab

■ Remote Communication tab

Viewing a Program’s Properties

To view or change the properties of the open program, from the File menu, select Program Properties. The Program Properties dialog opens with four tabs:

■ Energy Quantities tab

■ Terminal Configuration tab

■ Tariffs tab

■ Optional Components tab

Note: Meter type cannot be changed for an existing program.


60 29 June 2004

Energy Quantities tabThe Energy Quantities tab shows the currently selected energy quantity from one of the following:

■ kWh only

■ kWh and kVARh

■ kWh and kVAh

Figure 4-15. Program Properties - Energy Quantities tab

Note: The program’s meter type appears in the list at the bottom of the dialog box.

To change the program’s energy quantities select the desired quantity and, when all changes are complete, click OK to close the dialog box.

29 June 2004 61


Terminal Configuration tabThe Terminal Configuration tab shows the currently selected terminal configuration from one of the following:

■ Direct-connected

■ Current Transformer Connected (A1200 ALPHA meter only)

Figure 4-16. Program Properties - Terminal Configuration tab

To change the program’s terminal configuration select the desired setting and, when all changes are complete, click OK to close the dialog box.


62 29 June 2004

Tariffs tabThe Tariffs tab shows the currently selected tariff from one of the following:

■ Internal Tariffs using Clock (A1200 ALPHA meter only)

■ Single Tariff

■ External Tariffs

Figure 4-17. Program Properties - Tariffs tab

To change the program’s tariff configuration select the desired tariff setting and, when all changes are complete, click OK to close the dialog box.

29 June 2004 63


Optional Components tabThe Optional Components tab shows those optional components that are currently available and enabled for the active program:

■ Relays and LED

■ Service Test

■ Remote Communication (A1200 ALPHA meter only)

Figure 4-18. Program Properties - Optional Components tab

To change the program’s components check or uncheck the desired components and, when all changes are complete, click OK to close the dialog box.


64 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 65

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 5 Programming a Meter

5 Programming a Meter

This chapter describes the basic program operations supported by the support software including:

■ Saving a meter program file

■ Opening a meter program file

■ Programming a meter

■ Writing the active program to a meter

■ Replacing program components

■ Overriding program values

■ Sharing programs

See Chapter 4, “Creating a Meter Program” for details on creating meter programs.

Saving Program Settings

The support software allows you to save program settings to files (XML extension) that can be used at a later time.

To save a meter’s program settings to a file:

1. From the File menu, select Save.

Or

Click the Save button on the toolbar.

The software displays the Save As dialog box.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software5 Programming a Meter User Guide

66 29 June 2004

Figure 5-1. Saving program settings to a file

2. Find and select the location to place the file on your computer’s hard drive.

Note: Elster Electricity recommends saving program files to a folder that contains only programs created using this support software.

Note: Use Tools > User Preferences > Storage Options to set default directories where the support software files are located.

3. Type a name for the file in the File name text box.

Note: Elster Electricity recommends saving the program with a descriptive name that will allow you to easily locate it.

Note: You must save the meter program file with a XML extension so the support software recognizes it as a meter program file.

4. Click Save to save the file or Cancel to cancel the save and return to the main window.

Opening a Meter Program File

The support software saves program settings to XML files. To view the program settings in a XML file, you must first open the file using the support software.

To open the program settings from a file:


Or

Click the Open Program button on the toolbar.

The software displays the Open Program dialog box.

29 June 2004 67


Figure 5-2. Loading a program file

2. Locate and select the program file you want to load into the software.

3. Click Open to load the file.

Programming a Meter


To program a meter:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Program Meter.

Or

Click the Program Meter button on the toolbar.

The software displays the Program Meter dialog box.

Figure 5-3. Loading a program file


68 29 June 2004

2. Locate and select the program file you want to load into the software.

3. Click Open to load the file.

Depending on your settings for User Preferences > Programming Options > Reset Meter Values during Program function (requires Security Key) you may see a Warning dialog:

Figure 5-4. Programming a meter (with reset meter values enabled)

Figure 5-5. Programming a meter (with reset meter values disabled)

4. Click Yes to continue with programming the meter.

5. Depending on your user preference settings (see “Setting Programming Options” on page 39), enter any override values and click OK.

6. Enter the meter’s communication password when prompted and click OK.

The software programs the meter with the selected XML file.

29 June 2004 69


Writing an Active Program to a Meter


The support software allows you to write an open program file directly to a meter.

To write an open program directly to a meter:

1. Open a meter program file as described in “Opening a Meter Program File” on page 66.

2. From the Meter Functions menu, select Write Active Program to Meter.

Or

Click the Write Active Program to Meter button on the tool bar.

Note: If you have made changes to the open program, you must first save those changes and then write the program to the meter.

Depending on your settings for User Preferences > Programming Options > Reset Meter Values during Program function (requires Security Key) you will see a Warning dialog:

Figure 5-6. Programming a meter (with reset meter values enabled)

Figure 5-7. Programming a meter (with reset meter values disabled)

3. Click Yes to continue with programming the meter.

4. Enter the meter’s communication password if prompted and click OK.

The software programs the meter with the active program.


70 29 June 2004

Replacing a Program in a Meter


The support software allows you to specify particular program components to be replaced in a meter.

To replace a program you must ensure the following:

■ The energy quantities must be kept the same, except for the following conditions:

■ you can enable a second energy quantity (if the meter is capable and if the second energy quantity was not specified in the first place)

■ you can disable the second energy quantity

■ The demand measurement interval settings cannot be changed except:

■ if demand measurement is disabled, you can enable it (if the meter is capable)

■ you can disable demand measurement

To replace a program in a meter:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Replace Program in Meter

Or

Click the Replace Program in Meter button on the toolbar.

The Open Program dialog box opens.

2. Locate and select the program file to write to the meter.

3. Click Open.

Figure 5-8. Replace Program in a Meter dialog

4. Select the components you want to replace.

29 June 2004 71


5. Click OK to begin replacing the meter’s program components.

A Warning dialog appears.

Figure 5-9. Replacing a program warning dialog

6. Click Yes to continue replacing the selected program components.

The software writes the settings to the meter.

Overriding Program Values


Note: You can also override program values using the Meter Functions menu. See “Using the Set Utility Password function” on page 75, “Using the Set Utility Identification function” on page 75 and this chapter for details.

The support software allows you to override particular program components in a meter. By checking options in User Preferences > Programming Options (“Setting Programming Options” on page 39) you can override options during meter programming.

To override program values when programming a meter:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select one of the following:

a. Program Meter

b. Write Active Program to Meter

2. If prompted, enter the communication password and click OK.

3. Depending on your settings in User Preferences > Programming Options you will see a dialog box that allows you to override the selected values in the program.


72 29 June 2004

Figure 5-10. Overriding program values

4. Enter the values you want to override.

5. Click OK to continue with programming the meter with the new values.

Sharing Programs The support software allows you share program files between computers using the same version of the software.

To share program files Copy the desired program file from one computer and Paste the file to the A1200 ALPHA/Program folder of the other computer.

29 June 2004 73

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 6 Configuring Utility Information

6 Configuring Utility Information

This chapter describes how to configure utility-specific settings using the Identification, Buttons tab.

Identification, Buttons tab

The Identification, Buttons tab allows you to set the utility password, utility ID number, and program ID number, and to enable/disable test mode activation by button and service register reset by button.

From the Identification, Buttons tab you can change the following meter program settings:

■ Utility password (used to protect a meter’s internal configurations and settings from unauthorized access)

■ Utility identification number (can be used to identify meters belonging to other utilities, to other facilities within the same utility, or between meter localities)

■ Program identification number (can be used to identify the program in a meter or group of meters)

■ Button activation settings for entering test mode and resetting the anti-tampering register (A1000 ALPHA Type C and A1200 ALPHA meters only)

Note: Options that appear in gray are not supported by the meter’s capabilities. For more information about adding options to the meter (see “Upgrading a Meter’s Capabilities” on page 127), call your Elster Electricity representative.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software6 Configuring Utility Information User Guide

74 29 June 2004

Figure 6-1. New Program from Meter - Identification, Buttons tab

Changing the Utility Password


Every A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meter has a utility password to protect its internal configurations and settings from unauthorized access. In order for the support software to communicate with the meter, you must enter the utility password into the software before you can read or change the program settings.

The software’s usage of the utility password is based on settings specified in User Preferences. See “Setting Communication Options” on page 32 for details.

You can change a meter’s utility password in two ways:

■ using the Identification, Buttons tab (programming or replacing program components in a meter is only accessible by those using the Technician or Full Access user profile version of the support software - see “User Profiles” on page 10)

Note: If you only need to change the Utility Password, Elster Electricity recommends you use the Meter Functions > Set Utility Password function.

■ using the Meter Functions > Set Utility Password function

29 June 2004 75


Using the Set Utility Password functionUse the Meter Functions menu to change a meter’s password and immediately write the new password to the meter.

To modify a meter’s password and immediately write it to the meter:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Set Utility Password.

Depending on your User Preference settings for Communications (see “Setting Communication Options” on page 32) and the Hide Passwords setting (see “Setting General Preferences” on page 27) the software may display a Meter Password dialog box.

2. Type the meter’s Utility Password (exactly 8 alphanumeric characters) in the text box.

Note: The password must be 8 characters in length. If 8 characters are not entered, the password is padded with zeros (0).

3. If Hide Passwords is turned on, retype the password in the Confirm Password text box to confirm that you typed the password correctly.

4. Click OK to immediately load the new password into the meter or Cancel to return to the main window without saving your changes.

Note: Depending on user preferences, you may be prompted for the current meter password. See “Setting Communication Options” on page 32 for details.

Changing the Utility ID Number


An utility identification number (utility ID number) can be set for each or all meters belonging to a utility. This unique number can be used to identify meters belonging to other utilities, to other facilities within the same utility, or between meter localities. A unique number can be assigned for each meter or the same number may be used for several or all meters.

You can change a meter’s utility ID in two ways:

■ using the Identification, Buttons tab (programming or replacing program components in a meter is only accessible by those using the Technician or Full Access profile version of the support software)

Note: If you only need to change the Utility Identification Number, Elster Electricity recommends that you use the Meter Functions menu.

■ using the Meter Functions > Set Utility Identification function

Using the Set Utility Identification functionTo set or change the utility identification number:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Set Utility Identification.

The software displays the following dialog box:


76 29 June 2004

Figure 6-2. Set Utility ID dialog

2. Type the Utility Identification number (up to 8 numbers) in the text box.

3. Click OK to immediately load the new number into the meter.

Using the Identification, Buttons tab

To modify a meter’s utility password, utility identification number, or program identification number:

1. Open a program as described in “Opening a Meter Program File” on page 66.

2. Replace the current value in the appropriate text box:

a. the Utility Password - must be 8 alphanumeric characters (if 8 characters are not used the password is padded with zeros (0))

b. the Utility Identification Number - up to 8 numbers

c. the Program Identification Number - up to 8 numbers

29 June 2004 77


Figure 6-3. Identification, Buttons tab

3. Select the button activation settings (see “Setting Button Activation” on page 77).

4. Save the program to save the changes (see “Saving Program Settings” on page 65).

Or

Write the program to the meter (see “Writing an Active Program to a Meter” on page 69).

Setting Button Activation

Note: Button activation is only available in the A1000 ALPHA Type C and A1200 ALPHA meters.

To allow the use of the meter’s push button to activate test mode or reset the meter’s anti-tampering register:

1. Open a program or read the program from a meter.

2. Select the Identification, Buttons tab.


78 29 June 2004

Figure 6-4. Setting Button Activation

3. To enable activation of test mode using the meter’s push button, check the Enable Test Mode Entry check box; uncheck the box to disable button activation.

4. To enable anti-tampering register resets using the meter’s push button, check the Enable Reset of Anti-Tampering Registers check box; uncheck the box to disable button activation.

29 June 2004 79

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 7 Configuring Energy and Demand

7 Configuring Energy and Demand

This chapter describes how to use the Metering, Demand tab to configure:

■ energy quantities

■ demand measurement

■ overload threshold

■ transformer factor

Metering, Demand tab

The Metering, Demand tab allows you to configure Energy Quantities, Overload Threshold, and Demand Measurement.

Energy quantity settings represent the Active (P), Reactive (Q) and Apparent (S) energy flows and their respective directions (delivered [+] or received [–]) that are supported by the meter.

Depending on a meter’s capabilities, one or two energy quantities may be measured. Available measurements vary according to the meter’s capabilities.

From this tab you can modify:

■ Energy measurement and direction for the first and second energy quantities

■ Enable or disable demand measurement, and set the type of measurement and demand interval

■ Enable or disable overload and set the overload threshold

Note: Feature availability is dependent on meter capabilities (see “Upgrading a Meter’s Capabilities” on page 127). Refer to the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) for details and specifications on the A1000 ALPHA or A1200 ALPHA meter.

Measuring Energy Quantities

To select an energy quantity to measure for energy quantity 1 or energy quantity 2:

1. Select the Metering, Demand tab.

Note: Energy Quantity 1 must always be selected.

Note: Energy quantities available for selection may be changed using File > Program Properties.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software7 Configuring Energy and Demand User Guide

80 29 June 2004

Figure 7-1. New Program from Meter - Metering, Demand tab

2. Select the type of energy you want to set for the Energy Quantity 1 - kWh (P), kVARh (Q), or kVAh (S).

Note: If changes are made to the energy quantities, review the program’s display settings to ensure that the correct quantities are selected. See “Changing Data Display Settings” on page 90.

Note: The value selected for Energy Quantity 1 determines the Demand Measurement settings and Overload (Delivered quantity only) settings.

Refer to the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) for details and specifications on the A1000 ALPHA or A1200 ALPHA meter.

3. Check each box that corresponds to the energy direction you want to measure for Energy Quantity 1: (+) for delivered, (–) for received, or both for sum.

To disable an energy measurement, uncheck it.

4. Select the type of energy you want to set for the Energy Quantity 2 [kWh (P), kVARh (Q), or kVAh (S)].

29 June 2004 81


Note: Check the meter’s capabilities before attempting to configure a second energy quantity (see “Upgrading a Meter’s Capabilities” on page 127). Refer to the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) for details and specifications on the A1000 ALPHA or A1200 ALPHA meter.

5. Check each box that corresponds to the energy measurement you want to measure for Energy Quantity 2: (+) for delivered, (–) for received, or both for sum.

To disable an energy measurement, uncheck it.

6. To save the program settings to a file, use the procedure described in “Saving Program Settings” on page 65.

The support software allows you to configure energy quantities, demand and overload threshold.

Enabling or Disabling Demand Measurement

To enable and specify demand measurement:


Figure 7-2. Metering, Demand- Demand Measurement Enabled


82 29 June 2004

2. Check Demand Measurement box to enable demand measurement; to disable demand measurement, uncheck the box.

3. Select whether the demand is to be measured in Arithmetic or Vectorial format.

Note: Vectorial calculation cannot be selected unless both P and Q energy quantities are selected for measurement.

4. From the Demand Interval drop list select the appropriate interval (in minutes) (2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, or 60).

Enabling or Disabling Overload

You can program the A1000 ALPHA and the A1200 ALPHA meter to record the overload energy when demand exceeds a specified threshold. If the meter supports the measurement and recording of overload, the support software allows you to set or change the overload threshold, as well as to select whether or not to record overload conditions.

Overload threshold can also be set using the Meter Function > Set Overload Threshold function. See “Setting the Overload Threshold” on page 123.

Note: Overload is only applicable to the delivered quantity selected for Energy Quantity 1.

29 June 2004 83


To enable or disable overload and set or change the overload threshold:


Figure 7-3. Metering, Demand tab - Overload Enabled (direct connected meter)

2. Check the Overload Energy Measurement box to enable overload recording; to disable overload recording, uncheck the box.

3. Enter the demand value to be used as the threshold in the Overload Threshold text box (range of 00.01 to 99.99 and up to two decimal places).

Note: If you are configuring a transformer connected meter the Metering, Demand tab will contain Transformer Factor text box.


84 29 June 2004

Setting Transformer Factor

All meter readings for energy quantities by current transformer connected (Program Properties > Terminal Configuration > Current Transformer Connected) A1200 ALPHA meters are measured on the secondary side of the instrument transformers. This means a transformer factor (the CT × VT ratio) is required to calculate the energy supplied to a customer on the primary side of the transformers. The support software provides a function that allows you set the value of the CT × VT ratio used by the meter.

The following example shows how to calculate the CT × VT ratio:

■ If the current transformer (CT) ratio (primary to secondary) is 100/5, then the CT ratio is 20.

■ If the voltage transformer (VT) ratio (primary to secondary) is 10,000/100, then the VT ratio is 100.

The CT × VT ratio is 20 x 100 = 2000.

Note: If no voltage transformer is used, then the CT ratio alone is used as the CT × VT ratio (VT ratio = 1).

Transformer factor can also be set using the Meter Function > Set Transformer Factor function. See “Setting the Transformer Factor” on page 124.

Note: Transformer factor is only applicable for A1200 ALPHA meter programs for current transformer connected meters.

29 June 2004 85


To set the transformer factor (for transformer connected A1200 ALPHA meters only):


Figure 7-4. Metering, Demand tab - Overload Enabled (transformer connected meter)

2. Enter the value in the Transformer Factor text box (a number within the range of 0.001 to 99999999 with up to three decimal places (example, 99999.999)).

Note: Up to eight digits maximum can be entered for the CT × VT ratio and up to three of those eight digits can be decimal places.


86 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 87

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 8 Configuring the Meter Display

8 Configuring the Meter Display

This chapter describes how to configure a meter’s display using the Display tab.

Display tab The Display tab allows you to select the meter information and data that will be returned on a Read Register Data function and that will also appear on the meter’s liquid crystal display (LCD).

■ Display Items

■ Time/Date

■ Formats

Changing General Display Settings

The Formats tab allows you to specify the format of billing data and to select data readout options such as, the meter’s data in EDIS (Energy Data Identification System) format and leading zeros in data.

To select different general display settings:

1. Open a program and select the Display tab.

2. Select the Formats tab.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software8 Configuring the Meter Display User Guide

88 29 June 2004

Figure 8-1. Display - Formats tab

3. Check the Include IDs in data readout in EDIS format box if you want the register data IDs to be in EDIS format.

Note: The display list on the Display Items tab will also display the EDIS ID for each item in the display list.

4. Check the Include units in data readout box if you want to include unit information (such as kWh) when viewing register data in the support software.

5. Check the Display leading zeros for billing data box if you want leading zeros to fill the 8 digit display on the meter’s LCD for billing data.

Note: Leading zeros are also displayed in the register data.

6. Specify the total number of digits and decimal places for the values displayed by the meter (examples are shown on the tab) by moving the sliders that correspond to the display format for the Energy Quantities, Demand Quantities, and Cumulative Demand.

29 June 2004 89


Changing Time/Date Settings

The Time/Date tab allows you to specify display hold times, alternate mode display time-out, and the date format.

To set date and time parameters:


2. Click the Time/Date tab.

Figure 8-2. Display - Time/Date tab

Note: This feature allows you to set two display scroll hold times for quantities like billing data on A1000 ALPHA Type R meters that do not have a button-controlled scrolling mechanism.

3. To set the Display scroll hold time 1, select the time interval you want to use as the first scroll hold time (range from 1 to 15 sec) by moving the slider to the desired time.

4. To set the Display scroll hold time 2, select the time interval you want to use for the second scroll hold time (range from 1 to 15 sec) by moving the slider to the desired time.

5. Select one of the following Alternate display mode timeout (that is, the length of time the meter is in ALT mode) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 25, 30, or 60 minutes.

6. Select the Date format: MM-DD-YY, DD-MM-YY, or YY-MM-DD.


90 29 June 2004

Changing Data Display Settings

The Display Items tab lets you specify which meter information and data will be returned by a Read Register Data function and which display items get displayed on the meter’s LCD and how each is to be represented. See Appendix B, “Display Table” for details on A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meter display items.

Note: Display list items will appear on the meter’s LCD only if the meter is capable and configured to use them (see “Upgrading a Meter’s Capabilities” on page 127). Refer to the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) for details and specifications on the A1000 ALPHA or A1200 ALPHA meter.

Note: All items specified in the display list will be output from the meter during the Read Register function (see “Reading Register Data” on page 41).

You can define whether or not to display a display item’s identification segment (ID) and whether or not the display value should appear in the meter’s normal scroll mode and/or alternate mode display sequence.

Additionally, you can select how long a display item should remain displayed (that is the hold time, see “Changing Time/Date Settings” on page 89) during scroll mode and you can specify the ID for each item.

Note: The A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meter support a maximum of 30 items in the display list.

To change an existing display item’s settings:


2. Click the Display Items tab.

29 June 2004 91


Figure 8-3. Display - Display Items tab

The top portion of the tab displays a line item for each display item currently selected in the display list.

Note: Note the correlation between the information highlighted in line 1 and the parameters in the lower portion of the Display Items tab.

3. Use the Up/Down arrow buttons to Adjust position of selected item in display list.

4. Click Insert to insert an undefined display item above the currently selected display item.

Note: If changes are made to the energy quantities (see “Measuring Energy Quantities” on page 79), review the program’s display settings to ensure that the correct quantities are selected.

5. Click Sort to move undefined display items to the end of the display list.

6. To configure the Quantity:


92 29 June 2004

a. Select the Description from the drop list of available display items (maximum of 30 items).

b. Check the Include in normal scroll mode sequence [NS] box to enable the display item to display during normal scroll mode.

c. Check the Include in alternate scroll mode sequence [AS] box if you want the selected display item to be displayed when the meter is placed in alternate (ALT) mode (A1000 ALPHA Type C and A1200 ALPHA meters only).

d. Select the Display scroll hold time [HT] the selected display item should remain displayed during scroll mode.

Note: The available settings for Time Interval are based on the time intervals specified for the Scroll Hold Time 1 and Scroll Hold Time 2 values as described in “Changing Time/Date Settings” on page 89.

7. To configure the Display quantity identifier format:

a. Check Show ID segment on LCD to show ‘Id’ as part of the display ID on the meter LCD.

b. Check Show ID decimal point on LCD to include a decimal point in the display ID on the meter LCD.

c. To specify your own ID (if you are not using EDIS format) click the ID digits drop list buttons and select the beginning and ending ID segment numbers for the new display item.

Note: All display items that the meter is programmed to collect are available for viewing via the optical port regardless of whether or not they have been set to display on the meter’s LCD (in ALT mode or Normal Mode).

Adding a New Display Item

Note: The A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meter support up to 30 items in the display list.

To add a new display item to the meter display list:

1. Highlight an undefined entry in the display list or select the desired location in the display list.

2. Click Insert to insert an new undefined entry in the location highlighted.

3. Click the Description drop list button and select the display item you want to add to the display list.

29 June 2004 93


Figure 8-4. Adding a Display Item to the Display

4. Use the Up/Down arrow buttons to Adjust position of selected item in display list.

5. If you are using your own IDs, specify the settings for the display ID by checking or unchecking Show ID segment on LCD and Show ID decimal point on LCD and by selecting the digits to use in the ID.

6. Click the ID digits drop list buttons and select the beginning and ending ID segment numbers for the new display item.

Note: When you select a display item from the Description drop list, the default LCD identifier is automatically selected. See Appendix B, “Meter Display Quantities” for details.


94 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 95

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 9 Configuring Time-of-Use

9 Configuring Time-of-Use

This chapter describes how to configure a meter’s Time-of-Use parameters using the Time of Use tab:

■ Day Types

■ Tariffs

■ Special Dates

Time of Use tab The A1200 ALPHA meter can be configured to adjust the active tariff using the meter’s intenral clock. The Program Wizard refers to this feature as Internal Tariffs Using Clock.

The time-of-use component defines when a given tariff should be active. This component allows you to specify a tariff schedule for three different day types per season for up to eight seasons. This means that up to 24 tariff schedules can be defined. The active tariff schedule on any given day depends on the current season and the day type specified for that day.

When a season becomes active, the meter uses the day type tariff schedule defined for that season. Each day of the week (Sunday through Saturday) has an assigned day type.

Note: The assigned day type will be used unless a special date is defined for that day in the Special Dates list.

The Time of Use tab allows you to define time-of-use settings for the meter program for determining which tariff is active using the meter’s internal clock. You can define the following items:

■ Day Types

■ Tariffs

■ Special Dates

Note: The labels shown for Seasons, Day Types, and Tariffs are based on settings specified in User Preferences. See “Changing Labels” on page 36 for details on changing these settings.

When writing the time-of-use component to the meter, the meter determines the current season based on the special dates list that is being written to the meter.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software9 Configuring Time-of-Use User Guide

96 29 June 2004

Day TypesThe Day Types tab allows you to configure day types settings for time-of-use metering. Each day of the week can be defined to be one of three different day types. This applies for all seasons.

Note: The assigned day type will be used unless a special date is defined for that day in the Special Dates list.

Figure 9-1. Time of Use - Day Types tab

1. Tariffs by Season - to view a graphic representation of the day types and tariff settings by season, select the desired Season from the drop list.

2. Days of Week - to set the day type for each day of the week select the day type from the drop list (Holiday, Workday, or Weekend).

Note: The labels shown are those configured in User Preferences > Labels.

29 June 2004 97


TariffsThe Tariffs tab allows you to configure switch times by season and day type. Each day type’s tariff schedule can define up to eight time periods where a specific tariff (up to four) can be active.

Figure 9-2. Time of Use - Tariffs tab

1. To configure Switch Times:

a. Select the desired Season from the drop list.

b. For each season:

1) Select the desired Day Type from the drop list (Holiday, Workday, or Weekend).

2) Set the start and end times for a tariff Period by moving the slider to the desired beginning time; the next period’s beginning time will be set to the previous period’s end time.

Note: Tariff periods can also be adjusted in 15–minute increments using the left and right arrow keys.

3) Select a Tariff from the drop list.


98 29 June 2004

Special DatesThe Special Dates tab allows you to define special dates such as season changes, special dates’ tariff schedules, special dates’ day types, and Daylight Saving Time changes. You can specify up to 32 special dates. The Special Events Counter indicates the number of dates that are currently defined.

Figure 9-3. Time of Use - Special Dates tab

1. To add a new Special Date:

a. Click Add.

The New Special Date dialog is displayed.

29 June 2004 99


Figure 9-4. New Special Date dialog

b. If the special date you want to add is a fixed date (for example, January 1), select Fixed Date and select the Month and Day.

c. If the special date you want to add is a complex date (for example, the last Sunday in October), select Complex Date and select the Month, Day and the appropriate designator (First, Second, Third, Fourth, or Last and day of week selection (Sunday, Monday,…Saturday).

d. Select the appropriate Event Type (Day Type, Season Change, Start Daylight Saving Time (+), or End Daylight Saving Time (-).

Note: If you select add a Start Daylight Saving Time (+) event, you must also include the End Daylight Saving Time (-) event.

Note: If you select Day Type as the Event Type, you must also specify which day type tariff schedule should be active on that date (see “Tariffs” on page 97).

Note: If you select Season Change as the Event Type, you must also specify which season should become active on that date. If no season change events are defined in the Special Dates list, the meter will use the tariff schedule for season 1.

Note: All events become active at midnight (00:00) on the date specified.

Note: The active season remains active until the next season change event occurs even if a new year occurs.

e. Click OK.


100 29 June 2004

2. To remove a Special Date:

a. Select the desired special date from the listing.

a. Click Remove.

3. To edit a Special Date:

a. Select the desired special date from the listing.

b. Click Edit.

Figure 9-5. Edit Special Date dialog

c. Make any changes.

d. Click OK.

29 June 2004 101

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 10 Configuring Relays and LED

10 Configuring Relays and LED

This chapter describes how to configure a meter’s relays and LED settings using the Relays and LED tab.

Relays and LED tab The Relays and LED tab allows you to configure up to two S0 (passive) relays and the test light emitting diode (LED) settings for the meter program. From this tab you can modify:

■ Relay configuration and pulse rate settings

■ Select LED program settings

Selecting Relay Configuration Settings

The A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meters can be ordered with either one or two solid-state S0 (passive) relay outputs (per IEC 62053-31). The S0 relay outputs can be configured for pulse output, BOI (beginning of interval) output, or as an overload indicator. The figure below indicates the terminal locations of Relay 1 and Relay 2 for the A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meters.

Figure 10-1. A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meter S0 relay outputs

Note: The support software sets the value for the Relay Closed Interval (RCI) based on the Demand Interval selection (see “Enabling or Disabling Demand Measurement” on page 81) as follows:

Relay 2Relay 1

comm

on (-)

Top view of I/Oterminal block


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software10 Configuring Relays and LED User Guide

102 29 June 2004

To select relay program settings:

1. Open a program that contains a Relays and LED optional component

Or

Edit the program’s properties and add this component (see “Viewing a Program’s Properties” on page 59).

2. Select the Relays and LED tab.

Demand Interval(in min)

Relay Closed Interval(in sec)

2 1

5 3

10 6

15 9

20 12

30 18

60 36

29 June 2004 103


Figure 10-2. Optional Component - Relays and LED

3. Select a Relay Configuration for Relay 1 by selecting one of the following: Selected Energy, None, Beginning of Interval [BOI], or Overload Detected.

Note: If you choose Selected Energy for either Relay 1 or Relay 2, you also need to specify an energy quantity: kWh, kVARh or kVAh (depending upon configured energy quantities).

4. If your meter supports a second relay, select the Relay Configuration for Relay 2 by selecting one of the following: Selected Energy, None, Beginning of Interval [BOI], or Overload Detected.

Note: Relay 2 is not supported by all meter types. Refer to the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) for details and specifications on the A1000 ALPHA or A1200 ALPHA meter.

5. If you are using Selected Energy for one or both relays, you may specify the pulse rate by clicking on the Relay Pulse Rate


104 29 June 2004

(pulses per kWh) drop list button to select a different relay pulse rate:

The Relay Pulse Rate specifies the number of pulses per energy measurement period (for example, 1000 pulses per kWh).

Note: Do not set the pulse rate to a value that exceeds the capability of the receiving device.

Selecting LED Configuration Settings

The A1000 ALPHA and the A1200 ALPHA meter have a single, test light emitting diode (LED) on the front of the meter face which flashes (or pulses) a specific number of times during each energy quantity interval (for example, 1000 pulses/kWh or 1000 pulses/kVARh as displayed on the meter’s nameplate).

The support software allows you to program the test LED to represent a specific energy quantity and to set its pulse rate.

Note: Check the pulse rate on the meter’s nameplate to ensure compatibility.

To select test LED input or output pulse settings:

1. Open a program that contains a Relays and LED optional component

Or


2. Select the Relays and LED tab.

Direct Connected CT-connected

1002505001000

10002500500010000125002500050000

29 June 2004 105


Figure 10-3. Relays and LED configuration

3. Check the boxes that corresponds to the energy quantities: kWh, kVARh, or kVAh, that the test LED flashing pulse is to represent. The energy quantities available depend on the settings under Energy Quantity 1 and Energy Quantity 2 on the Metering, Demand tab.

4. Click on the LED Pulse Rate (pulses per kWh) drop list button to select a different relay pulse rate:

The LED Pulse Rate specifies the number of pulses per energy measurement period (for example, 1000 pulses/kWh).

Caution: Do not set the pulse rate to a value that exceeds the capability of the receiving device.

Direct Connected CT-connected

1002505001000125025005000

10002500500010000125002500050000


106 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 107

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 11 Configuring External Tariffs

11 Configuring External Tariffs

This chapter describes how to configure external tariff signals.

Note: To set external tariffs you must define a program that uses External Tariffs (File > Program Properties > Tariffs).

External Tariffs tab If your meter will be installed to receive tariff control information from an external device, you will need to use the External Tariffs tab.

To set external tariffs:

1. Open a program (or create a new program) that contains an External Tariffs optional component.

2. Select the External Tariffs tab.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software11 Configuring External Tariffs User Guide

108 29 June 2004

Figure 11-1. External Tariffs tab - tariff inputs inverted

3. If you are using inverted signals, check the box that corresponds to the terminal at which the tariff input signal is inverted (see “Using Inverted Tariff Input Signals” on page 109 for details on properly configuring inverted tariffs).

Note: Refer to “Tariff Inputs” in Chapter 5, “I/O Interface” of the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) for details.

4. Select the appropriate number of tariffs the meter uses (one to four tariffs).

5. Save your changes to the program.

29 June 2004 109


Using Inverted Tariff Input Signals

The A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meters both support inverted tariff input signals.

Note: External tariffs must be specified at time of meter purchase.

The assignment of a meter’s voltage and tariff can be inverted at the input terminal depending upon the tariff source (for example, ripple receiver or external clock). If a meter’s tariff/voltage is inverted, you can specify at what terminals the inversion occurs.

Note: Two tariff meters use one terminal (Terminal 13), while three and four tariff meters use two terminals (Terminals 13 and 33).

For additional information about inverted tariff input signals, refer to “Tariff Inputs” in Chapter 5, “I/O Interface” of the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398).

Depending upon the tariff source of the meter, the input signals may be configured using one of the following scenarios:

■ No Inputs Inverted

■ Terminal 13 Inverted

■ Terminal 33 Inverted

■ Both Terminals Inverted

No Inputs Inverted

Do not check any boxes:

Tariff

2 Tariff Meter

3 Tariff Meter 4 Tariff Meter

Terminal 13Terminal

13Terminal

33Terminal

13Terminal

33

T1 Off Off Off Off Off

T2 On On Off On Off

T3 On/Off On Off On

T4 On On


110 29 June 2004

Terminal 13 Inverted

Check Signal is inverted at Terminal 13 box:

Terminal 33 Inverted

Check Signal is inverted at Terminal 33 box:

Tariff

2 Tariff Meter

3 Tariff Meter 4 Tariff Meter

Terminal 13 Terminal 13 Terminal 33 Terminal 13 Terminal 33

T1 On On Off On Off

T2 Off Off Off Off Off

T3 On/Off On On On

T4 Off On

Tariff

2 Tariff Meter 3 Tariff Meter 4 Tariff Meter

Terminal 13

Terminal 13

Terminal 33

Terminal 13

Terminal 33

T1 Off Off On Off On

T2 On On On On On

T3 On/Off Off Off Off

T4 On Off

29 June 2004 111


Both Terminals Inverted

Check both boxes:

Tariff

2 Tariff Meter 3 Tariff Meter 4 Tariff Meter

Terminal 13

Terminal 13

Terminal 33

Terminal 13

Terminal 33

T1 On On On On On

T2 Off Off On Off On

T3 On/Off Off On Off

T4 Off Off


112 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 113

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 12 Configuring Service Test Settings

12 Configuring Service Test Settings

This chapter describes how to configure Service Test settings on the Service Test tab. Using this tab you can perform the following operations:

■ change the high voltage, low voltage, or high current limits of a meter - see “Changing Limits” on page 114

■ enable or disable certain service test options - “Enabling/Disabling Service Test Options” on page 116

Service Test tab The Service Test tab allows you to configure Service Test settings for the meter program. Service test settings are used to ensure that a meter is installed properly. The support software allows you to set or change parameters that effect how a meter is tested during a service voltage or service current test.

Refer to the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) for details and specifications on service test function the A1000 ALPHA or A1200 ALPHA meter.

To open the service test component:

■ open a program with the Service Test optional component enabled

Or


The software displays the Service Test component.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software12 Configuring Service Test Settings User Guide

114 29 June 2004

Figure 12-1. Optional Component - Service Test

From this component you can change the following test configurations:

■ High voltage limit

■ Low voltage limit

■ High current limit

■ Enable/disable service test options

Changing Limits User Profiles: Full Access or Technician

Note: Direct connect meters have 288 V and 100 A as the maximum operating voltage and current. Current transformer connected meters have a maximum current of 10 A.

To change the high voltage, low voltage, or high current limits of a meter:

1. Open a program with the Service Test optional component enabled

Or



29 June 2004 115


Figure 12-2. Service Test tab

Note: Elster Electricity recommends that limit settings always be higher (approximately 20%) than the nominal system voltage, but lower than the meter’s maximums.

2. Select to perform Run Service Test after power up and/or Run Service test when entering Alternate mode.

Note: You must select at least one of these two run options to select individual service tests.

3. To detect system over and under-voltage conditions:

a. Select Test if voltage is in the correct range.

b. Set the High voltage limit (range of 80 to 288 V).

Note: The high voltage limit must exceed the low voltage limit.

c. Set the Low voltage limit lower than the nominal system voltage (range of 0 to 277 V).

4. To detect system over-current conditions:

a. Select Test if current exceeds high limit.

b. Set the High current limit (range of 0 to 120 A).


116 29 June 2004

Enabling/Disabling Service Test Options


To turn on or turn off a service test option:

1. Open a program with the Service Test optional component enabled

Or



Figure 12-3. Service Test tab - Test Options

2. Select to perform Service Test after power up or Service test when entering Alternate mode.

3. Check each box that corresponds to a test option you want to enable for testing purposes:

You must select one in order to set remaining options:

• Service Test after power up• Service test when entering Alternate mode

To set test limits, select: • Test if voltage is in the correct range• Test if current exceeds high limit

29 June 2004 117


Note: The A1200 ALPHA meter will not run a voltage angle test if at least one of the phase voltages is not in the range. To ensure the voltage phase angle test runs correctly, if you check Test phase angles between voltages, the support software also checks Test if voltage is in correct range so that you can set high and low voltage limits.

To disable an option, uncheck the box.

Note: If either “Run Service test after power-up” or “Run service test when entering Alternate mode” is selected and the Real Time Clock is enabled, then the selected service tests will be automatically run once a day. Refer to the A1200 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) for details and specifications on the A1200 ALPHA meter.

To set test options, select: • Test phase angle between voltages• Test if there is negative current on any

phase• Reset service error flags in 10 minutes


118 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 119

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 13 Configuring Remote Communications

13 Configuring Remote Communications

This chapter describes how to configure remote communication settings on the Remote Communication tab. See “Modifying the Remote Definition” on page 125 for details on changing a remote definition.

Remote Communication tab

The Remote Communication tab allows you to configure the remote communication settings for the meter program. These settings determine how the meter will communicate through its remote port.

Figure 13-1. Optional Component - Remote Communication


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software13 Configuring Remote Communications User Guide

120 29 June 2004

1. If the meter is part of a multiple meter installation (that is, a group of meters using a modem sharing unit (MSU)), enter the Device Address (up to 32 alphanumeric characters: 0-9, a-z, A-Z, or <space>).

Note: Device Address is required for communication with multiple meter installations. If you will be using the support software to communicate through the remote port, see “Setting Communication Options” on page 32 for proper User Preference settings.

2. Select the Negotiation Mode that the meter should use during communication sessions:

a. Standard (start at 300 bps) - allows negotiation to different bps

b. No Negotiation (use fixed rate) - uses the bps specified in the Remote Port BPS only

Note: If you select No Negotiation, the meter will use the specified Remote Port BPS setting for the entire communication session.

3. If you selected No Negotiation, select the Remote Port BPS: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600.

29 June 2004 121

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 14 Setting Meter Parameters

14 Setting Meter Parameters

In this chapter you learn how to:

■ Reset Demand

■ Reset Anti-tampering Registers

■ Reset meter errors

■ Reset the values and statuses

■ Set the Overload Threshold parameter

■ Set Transformer Factor

■ Set Date/Time

■ Modify Remote definition

Note: These actions can only be performed when a meter is connected to the computer.

Resetting Demand User Profiles: Full Access, Technician, or Reader

When demand is reset, the following events occur:

■ the present demand values are added to the cumulative demand

■ the continuous cumulative demand is set to the new base cumulative demand

■ the present interval demand is set to zero (0)

■ the maximum demand (that is, the total energy register for quantity 1 and quantity 2) is copied to the previous billing data

■ the demand reset counter (that is, the cumulative number of demand resets) is incremented by 1

To reset demand:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Reset Demand.

2. If prompted, enter the Utility password (depending on preferences specified in User Preferences > Communication tab).

The reset action begins. A progress bar indicates the current status of the reset.

The software displays the main window when the function is complete or a report of any errors encountered when attempting to execute the function.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software14 Setting Meter Parameters User Guide

122 29 June 2004

Resetting Anti-tampering Registers

User Profiles: Full Access, Technician, or Reader

Resetting anti-tampering registers resets the following:

■ tariff tool timer and counter:

■ all tariff-specific elapsed timers

■ tariff switch counter

■ anti-tamper tool timers and register:

■ total elapsed operation timer

■ phase absent elapsed timer

■ reverse energy flow register

■ other counters:

■ time/date change counter

■ meter power up counter

■ anti-tamper counter

■ total power off timer

To reset anti-tampering registers:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Reset Anti-Tampering Registers.



Resetting Meter Errors


Resetting meter errors resets the following errors:

■ system errors - errors that indicate a problem with the meter

■ service errors - errors that indicate a problem with the informative registers

To reset meter errors:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Reset Meter Errors.


Note: If the meter is configured to disallow resetting of service and system errors, an error message will appear and the action will be terminated.


29 June 2004 123


Resetting the Values and Statuses


Note: Executing this function requires that the meter have the Configuration Security Key installed.

Resetting the values and statuses resets the following registers to zero:

■ billing data

■ informative register

■ errors and warnings

■ all tariff-specific elapsed timers

■ tariff change counter

■ total elapsed timer

■ phase absent elapsed timer

■ negative energy flow estimation

To reset a meter’s values and statuses:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Reset Values and Statuses.

Note: If the meter is configured to disallow resetting values and statuses, an error message will appear and the action will be terminated.



Setting the Overload Threshold


A meter configured with an overload threshold will record energy that is measured above that demand threshold in a separate overload register as well as in the normal reading register.

Note: Overload threshold can also be specified in the meter program. See “Enabling or Disabling Overload” on page 82.

To set or change the overload threshold:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Set Overload Threshold.

The software displays the Enter a new Overload Threshold dialog box.


124 29 June 2004

Figure 14-1. Overload Threshold dialog

2. Type the threshold you want the meter to use in the text boxes (range of 00.01 to 99.99).

3. Click OK to write the setting to the meter or click Cancel to return to the main window without setting the new overload threshold parameter.

Note: This function will only execute successfully on a meter configured with an overload threshold, otherwise, it will fail.

Setting the Transformer Factor


Note: This function only applies to current transformer connected A1200 ALPHA meters.

Note: Transformer factor can also be specified in the meter program. See “Setting Transformer Factor” on page 84.

To enter a transformer factor:

1. Calculate the CT × VT ratio for use in the meter.

2. To set the meter’s transformer factor, from the Meter Functions menu, select Set Transformer Factor.

Figure 14-2. Set Transformer Factor dialog

3. Enter a number within the range of 0.001 to 99999999 with up to three decimal places (example, 99999.999).

Note: Up to eight digits maximum can be entered for the CT × VT ratio and up to three of those eight digits can be decimal places.

29 June 2004 125


4. Click OK to write the setting to the meter or click Cancel to return to the main window without setting the new Transformer Factor parameter.

Note: This function will only execute successfully on a current transformer connected A1200 ALPHA meter.

Setting Meter Date/Time


Note: This function will only execute on an A1200 ALPHA meter.

To set the meter’s date and time parameters:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Set Date/Time.

Figure 14-3. Set Date/Time dialog

2. Select the correct Date from the drop list.

3. Check Use current date to set the meter to the current date of the computer.

4. Enter the correct Time.

5. Check Use current time to set the meter to the current time of the computer.

6. Click OK to write the setting to the meter or click Cancel to return to the main window without setting the new date/time parameter.

Modifying the Remote Definition


Modifying the remote definition allows you to change individual remote definition settings in the meter.

To change the remote definition:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Modify Remote Definition.

2. Enter the communication password if prompted.

The software reads the remote definition in the meter and displays the Modify Remote Definition dialog.


126 29 June 2004

Figure 14-4. Modify Remote Definition dialog

3. Modify the remote definition settings:

a. Enter the Device Address (up to 32 alphanumeric characters: 0-9, a-z, A-Z, <space>).

b. Select the Negotiation Mode: Standard (start at 300) or No Negotiation (use fixed rate)

c. If you selected No Negotiation, select the Remote Port BPS: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600.

4. Click Write to Meter to write the changed remote definition directly to the meter.

29 June 2004 127

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 15 Upgrading a Meter’s Capabilities

15 Upgrading a Meter’s Capabilities

In this chapter you learn how to upgrade a meter’s capabilities.

Upgrading a Meter’s Capabilities


The A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meter can be built or upgraded with additional options that enhance and expand its capabilities.

Meter options can be either purchased at the time the meter is ordered or added later via an upgrade. Upgrades can be purchased directly from Elster Electricity, LLC.

Available upgrade options for the A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meter are:

■ Support for a second energy quantity

■ Support for demand measurement

■ Support for overload measurement

■ Support for multiple tariffs

■ Support for instrumentation measurements

■ Support for a second SO output

To upgrade a meter’s capabilities:

1. From the Meter Functions menu, select Upgrade Meter Capabilities.

The software displays the Upgrade Meter Capabilities dialog box.

Figure 15-1. Upgrade of Meter Capabilities dialog

2. Type the Upgrade Code received from Elster Electricity in the provided text boxes.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software15 Upgrading a Meter’s Capabilities User Guide

128 29 June 2004

Note: The Upgrade Code will only upgrade the meter for which it was purchased.

3. Click OK to perform the upgrade on the meter.

The meter is immediately upgraded with the additional options you have purchased.

29 June 2004 129

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 16 Testing a Meter

16 Testing a Meter

In this chapter you learn how to:

■ enter Test Mode

■ specify testing options

■ exit Test Mode

Refer to the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) for details on test mode.

Entering Test Mode User Profiles: Full Access or Technician

Note: A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meters are factory calibrated and tested to ensure accurate operation. The A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meters should not require field calibrations or adjustments.

You may want to periodically test an A1000 ALPHA or A1200 ALPHA meter in order to ensure the accuracy of your billing data.

Test mode places the meter in a state where it can be quickly tested. After test mode has been deactivated, the meter returns to the normal operating mode.

To place a meter in test mode:

1. From the Test menu, select Enter Test Mode.

Note: Depending upon the settings specified in User Preferences > Communication, the software may prompt you to enter the communication password.

The software displays the Test dialog.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software16 Testing a Meter User Guide

130 29 June 2004

Figure 16-1. Test Mode dialog

2. Select one or more of the following options for your test:

■ a selected tariff

■ an energy quantity

■ run the test faster or slower by setting the LED pulse frequency

3. Click Activate Test Mode to place the meter in test mode. See “Setting Button Activation” on page 77 for information on enabling button activation of test mode.

Test mode automatically deactivates after 8 hours, but can be manually deactivated (Test > Exit Test Mode) if less testing time is desired.

Note: If a power failure occurs while the meter is in test mode, the test time is reset to 8 hours once power is restored.

4. (Optional) From the Test menu, select Leave Test Mode to manually deactivate test mode and return the meter to normal operating mode.

29 June 2004 131


Testing a Tariff Note: Manual Tariff Selection is only available for meters using multiple tariffs or using the internal tariffs using clock. This test is unavailable for meters programmed as single tariff or external tariffs with only one tariff selected. See “Tariffs tab” on page 62 for details.

By default, the test runs on the tariff for which the meter is currently collecting data. However, you can manually select to test any tariff the meter supports.

To test a different tariff:

1. With the Test dialog displayed, check Manual Tariff Selection to enable manual tariff selection.

Figure 16-2. Test Mode - Manual Tariff Section

2. Select the Tariff you want to test from the drop list.

3. Click Activate Test Mode to place the meter in test mode.

The meter’s LCD displays the test mode (TM) arrow.


132 29 June 2004

Testing Energy Quantity

By default, tests are run on the +P energy quantity. However, depending on how the meter is configured, you can test any of its supported energy quantities by manually selecting them.

To test a different energy quantity:

1. With the Test dialog displayed, check Energy Quantity to allow access to the Energy Quantity area.

Figure 16-3. Test Mode - Energy Quantity

2. Check each box in the Energy Quantity area that corresponds to the energy you want to test.

3. Click Activate Test Mode to place the meter in test mode and perform the test.


29 June 2004 133


Decreasing/Increasing LED Pulse Frequency

Before running a test, you may want to increase the speed of the LED pulse frequency or use a different pulse frequency for your test.

To change the LED pulse frequency:

1. With the Test dialog displayed, check LED Pulse Frequency to allow access to the LED Pulse Frequency area.

Figure 16-4. Test Mode - LED Pulse Frequency

2. Click on the LED Pulse Frequency drop list button and select the frequency you want to use for your test.

3. Click Activate Test Mode to place the meter in test mode and perform the test.



134 29 June 2004

Exiting Test Mode To exit test mode:

■ From the Test menu, select Exit Test Mode.

29 June 2004 135

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide 17 Troubleshooting

17 Troubleshooting

Following are the solutions to problems you may encounter when using the support software:

■ Communication Failure

■ Uneven Columns in Printed Data

Communication Failure

In the event of a communication failure:

■ Check to ensure the probe is connected to the correct serial port of the computer and to the meter.

■ Check to ensure the correct serial port is selected in the software:

a. From the Tools menu, select User Preferences.

b. Click on the Communication tab.

c. Make sure the correct COM port is selected (left side).

■ Check the communication port settings in Windows to ensure that FIFO is turned on.

a. From the Windows Start menu, select Settings > Control Panel.

b. Select Ports.

c. From the Ports dialog box, select the COM port being used for the communications probe.

d. Click the Settings button.

e. In the Settings dialog box, click the Advanced button.

f. In the Advanced Settings dialog box, make sure the box for FIFO enabled is checked. If it is not, check it.

g. Click OK to save the change.

■ If the connections and settings are OK, you may need to set DTR Line High for your optical probe:

a. From the Tools menu, select User Preferences.

b. Click on the Communication tab.

c. Depending on the type of optical communication probe you are using, you may need to check or uncheck the Set DTR Line High.

■ Check the orientation of the probe. Some probes have their optics reversed and require the probe to be connected upside-down.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support Software17 Troubleshooting User Guide

136 29 June 2004

■ Adjust number of retries and intermessage timeout. The defaults should work in most instances, but if the above suggestions do not correct the problem, you may want to try adjusting the number of retries and intermessage timeout settings.

Figure 17-1. Communication tab

Refer to the A1000 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2390) or the A1200 ALPHA meter Technical Manual (TM42-2398) Chapter 5, I/O Interface “Programming Modes Errors” for details on communication errors.

Uneven Columns in Printed Data

In order for columns to line up correctly when data is printed to a printer, you must use one of the fixed-spaced (also known as monospaced) fonts (for example, Courier, Lucida Console, etc.). Fixed spacing means that each letter has the same width thus allowing columns of data to align properly.

Most printers support the Courier font (or some variation of it) so if your columns do not align properly use the Courier font for printing data.

To change the font used for printing data:


2. Select the General tab.

3. Click the browse button for the Report Font parameter.

4. From the Font list select a fixed-space font like Courier.

5. Click OK to save your changes.

29 June 2004 137

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide A Glossary

A Glossary

Terms Active (P)Also known as real power or kW, the actual rate of usage or the actual amount of work performed. See kWh.

Apparent (S)See apparent power and kVAh.

alternate modeAlternate mode displays a second set of quantities on the LCD. The alternate mode is most often used for displaying non–tariff data, but it can be programmed to display any of the available quantities.

apparent powerAlso known as kVA, equal to Voltage Current or the amount of apparent work (without loss due to inefficiency).

ArithmeticThe average power within a demand interval (for kW, kVA, kVAR).

componentA meter configuration program is subdivided into several components. Taken together, these components form a complete configuration for a meter.

current transformer (CT) ratioAlso known as CTR or CT ratio, the ratio of the primary current to the secondary current of a current transformer. For example, 400A to 5A would have a current transformer ratio of 400:5 or 80:1.

Cumulative DemandUsed to describe a method for storing and display demand data. For example, upon a demand reset, the present maximum demand is added to the sum of the previous maximum billing period demand values. This technique provides a security feature indicating if unauthorized demand resets have occurred.

demandThe average power (kWh) computed over a specific time.

demand resetThe act of resetting the present Maximum Demand to zero.

demand thresholdThe present value of demand which when reached initiates a relay closure or other programmed action.

display quantityAny value available for display on the LCD.

beginning of intervalAlso known as BOI, the indication that the beginning of the time interval used to calculate demand has occurred.


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareA Glossary User Guide

138 29 June 2004

EDISEnergy Data Identification System; a uniform code for identifying meter data independent of a manufacturer’s meter data codes.

energyAlso known as Wh, is power measured over a period of time (Power × Time).

factory defaultOperating parameters that are programmed into the meter at the factory and assure that the meter is ready for correct energy measurement when installed.

hold timeThe length of time that an item remains visible on the meter’s LCD display.

IDTID translation; a user-created file for translating user-specified register descriptions.

kWhPower (in kilowatts) measured over a period of time (in hours); Power X Time; also known as Active (P).

kVAhThe Voltage Current (in kilovolt-ampere) or the amount of apparent work (without loss due to inefficiency) measured over a period of time (in hours); also known as Apparent (S).

kVARhThe amount of work lost due to inefficiency or the difference between real power (kWh) and apparent power (kVAh) over a period of time (in hours); also known as Reactive (Q).

light emitting diode (LED)A small light that turns on and off (for example, a light that blinks as a hard drive is accessed).

liquid crystal display (LCD)The liquid crystal display allows metered quantities and other information about the A3 ALPHA meter and installed service to be viewed. Display quantities are programmable through Elster Electricity meter support software.

Maximum DemandThe highest demand calculated during any demand interval over a tariff period.

optical portA photo–transistor and an LED on the face of the meter that is used to transfer data between a computer and the meter via pulses of light.

optical reflectionThe echoing a command received by the meter back to the communication port on the computer. This provides away of error checking for communication problems and ensures that the data being passed through the optical probe is accurate.

overload thresholdThe power level (kW, kVAR, or kVA) above which the meter begins recording energy data to the overload register.

Reactive (Q)Also known as reactive power or kVAR, amount of work lost due to inefficiency or the difference between real power and apparent power.

29 June 2004 139

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide A Glossary

real powerSee Active (P) and kWh.

relay pulseA relay used with the meter to provide output pulses from the meter to an external pulse collector. Each pulse represents a specific amount of energy consumption.

scroll modeThe default operating mode for a meter. Typically, normal mode displays tariff data on the LCD following a programmed sequence.

tariff dataMetered quantities used for billing.

test modeThe test mode stores tariff data in a secure memory location while the meter measures and displays energy and Demand data for testing purposes. The TEST annunciator will flash while the test mode is active. When test mode is exited, the accumulated test data is discarded and the original tariff data is restored.

ThresholdThe demand value(s) (kW, kVAR, or kVA) to be used to trigger the closing of a load control or customer alert relay.

Transformer FactorCT ratio × VT ratio.

VectorialCalculated from active and reactive energies (kVA only).

voltage transformer (VT) ratioAlso known as VTR or VT ratio, the ratio of primary voltage to secondary voltage of a transformer. For example, 12,000V to 120V would have a voltage transformer ratio of 100:1.

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareA Glossary User Guide

140 29 June 2004

29 June 2004 141

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide B Display Table

B Display Table

This appendix details the following:

■ Prefixes for Display Quantity Identifiers

■ A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA Meter Display Quantities

■ A1200 ALPHA Meter Only Display Quantities

Meter Display Quantities

The A1000 ALPHA meter supports 51 possible display quantities. The A1200 ALPHA meter supports the same 51 display quantities and an additional 19 display quantities unique to the A1200 ALPHA meter. Up to 30 display quantities may be configured in a meter for display and/or serial communication.

The display of each quantity can include a two-digit display quantity identifier and an optional decimal point. Display quantity identifiers are user configurable. The factory default display quantity identifiers are listed in the following tables in the Typical LCD Identifier:

■ A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA Meter Display Quantities

■ A1200 ALPHA Meter Only Display Quantities

Each display quantity can also be configured as a standard EDIS display quantity identifier.

Note: EDIS display quantity identifiers are only available for serial communication.

Prefixes for Display Quantity IdentifiersUse the table below to determine the prefix digit values of EDIS and LCD display quantity identifiers. Replace the † symbol (for EDIS identifiers) or the ‡ symbol (for LCD identifiers) with the digit that corresponds to the desired energy quantity.

Energy QuantityEDIS Prefix

(†)LCD Prefix

(‡)

kWh delivered (Active Power +P) 1 1

kWh received (Active Power -P) 2 2

kVARh delivered (Reactive Power +Q) 3 3

kVARh received (Reactive Power -Q) 4 4

kVAh delivered (Apparent Power +S) 9 3

kVAh received (Apparent Power -S) 10 4


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareB Display Table User Guide

142 29 June 2004

For example, the display quantity identifiers for total active energy (kWh) received are 2.8.0 for EDIS and 2.0 for the LCD (default).

A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA Meter Display QuantitiesThe following table lists display quantities supported by the A1000 ALPHA and A1200 ALPHA meters. See “Prefixes for Display Quantity Identifiers” on page 141 for details on identifier prefixes.

Display QuantityEDIS

IdentifierTypical LCD

Identifier

Active Power +P 1.7.0 8.0

Active Power –P 2.7.0 8.1

Apparent Power +S 9.7.0 8.4

Apparent Power –S 10.7.0 8.5

Cumulative Demand †.2.1 5.2

Current Phase L1 31.7.0 L1 (“A” units)



Demand Interval Length (Minutes) 0.8.0 5.0

Demand Reset Count 0.1.0 5.1

Energy Quantity 1 Previous Total energy †.8.0*1 ‡.L

Energy Quantity 1 Tariff 1 Energy †.8.1 ‡.1




Energy Quantity 1 Total Energy †.8.0 ‡.0

Energy Quantity 2 Previous Total Energy †.8.0*1 ‡.L





Energy Quantity 2 Total Energy †.8.0 ‡.0

Firmware Checksum C.65.0 0.4

Firmware Revision Code 0.2.0 0.3

LCD Segment Test -- --

Maximum Demand †.6.1 5.6

Meter Serial Number C.1.0 0.1

Overload Energy †.10.0 6.0

Overload Threshold 0.5.1 6.5

29 June 2004 143

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide B Display Table

A1200 ALPHA Meter Only Display QuantitiesThe following table lists display quantities that are only supported by the A1200 ALPHA meter.

Phase Voltage Absent Time C.61.2 9.6

Present Interval Demand †.4.1 5.4

Previous Interval Demand †.5.1 5.5

Previous Maximum Demand †.6.1*1 5.L

Program Identification Number 0.2.1 0.2

Reactive Power +Q 3.7.0 8.2

Reactive Power –Q 4.7.0 8.3

Reverse Energy Flow Estimation C.62.1 9.7

Service Errors Display F.2 F.2

Service Errors Display (on Error Condition Only) F.2 F.2

System Errors Display F.F F.F

System Errors Display (on Error Condition Only) F.F F.F

Tariff Change Count C.60.0 9.0

Time on Tariff 1 C.60.1 9.1




Total Operation Time (Hours) C.61.1 9.5

Utility Identification Number 0.0.0 0.0

Voltage Phase L1 32.7.0 L1 (“V” units)





Identifier



Identifier

Date After Last Time/Date Change C.63.5 7.4

Date Before Last Time/Date Change C.63.2 7.3

Date of Last Demand Reset C.64.2 5.7

Date of Last Service Error C.66.2 F.4

Last Service Errors C.66.3 F.6

Present Date 0.9.2 0.6

Present Time 0.9.1 0.5

Restart Count C.61.0 9.9

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareB Display Table User Guide

144 29 June 2004

Service Error Count C.66.0 F.3

System Warnings F.1 F.1

System Warnings (on Warning Only) F.1 F.1

Time After Last Time/Date Change C.63.4 7.2

Time and Date Change Count C.63.0 7.5

Time Before Last Time/Date Change C.63.1 7.1

Time of Last Demand Reset C.64.1 5.6

Time of Last Service Error C.66.1 F.5

Time of Use Status C.60.5 1.5

Total Power-off Time (Hours) C.61.3 9.8

Transformer Factor 0.4.1 0.7



Identifier

29 June 2004 145

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide C IDT File

C IDT File

Sample File The following text is the contents of the Example.IDT file:

F.F;System Errors

F.1;System Warnings

F.2;Service Errors

F.3;Service Error Count

F.4;Date of Last Service Error

F.5;Time of Last Service Error

F.6;Last Service Errors

0.0;Utility Identification Number

0.1;Meter Serial Number

0.2;Program Identification Number

0.3;Firmware Revision Code

0.4;Firmware Checksum

0.5;Present Time

0.6;Present Date

0.7;Transformer Factor

1.0;kWh Delivered Total Energy

1.1;kWh Delivered Tariff 1 Energy




1.5;Time of Use Status

1.L;kWh Delivered Previous Total Energy

2.0;kWh Received Total Energy

2.1;kWh Received Tariff 1 Energy




2.L;kWh Received Previous Total Energy

3.0;kVARh Delivered Total Energy

3.1;kVARh Delivered Tariff 1 Energy



A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareC IDT File User Guide

146 29 June 2004



3.L;kVARh Delivered Previous Total Energy

4.0;kVARh Received Total Energy

4.1;kVARh Received Tariff 1 Energy




4.L;kVARh Received Previous Total Energy

5.0;Demand Interval Length (Minutes)

5.1;Demand Reset Counter

5.2;Cumulative Demand

5.4;Present Interval Demand

5.5;Previous Interval Demand

5.6;Maximum Demand

5.7;Time of Last Demand Reset

5.8;Date of Last Demand Reset

5.L;Previous Maximum Demand

6.0;Overload Energy

6.5;Overload Threshold

7.1;Time Before Last Time/Date Change

7.2;Time After Last Time/Date Change

7.3;Date Before Last Time/Date Change

7.4;Date After Last Time/Date Change

7.5;Time/Date Change Counter

8.0;Active Power +kW

8.1;Active Power -kW

8.2;Reactive Power +kVAR

8.3;Reactive Power -kVAR

8.4;Apparent Power +kVA

8.5;Apparent Power -kVA

9.0;Tariff Change Count

9.1;Time on Tariff 1




9.5;Total Operation Time (Hours)

9.6;Phase Voltage Absent Time (Hours)

9.7;Reversed Energy Flow Estimation

9.8;Total Power-Off Time (Hours)

29 June 2004 147

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide C IDT File

9.9;Restart Count

L1;Phase L1

L2;Phase L2

L3;Phase L3

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareC IDT File User Guide

148 29 June 2004

A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareUser Guide Index

29 June 2004 149

Index

Symbols

.idt file: 30

.mtd file: 31

.par file: 56

.xml file: 65

Numerics

100 ATerminal Configuration tab: 61Terminal Configuration, new program: 51

300 baud, optical fixed at: 366 A

Terminal Configuration tab: 61Terminal Configuration, new program: 51

A

Activate Test Mode: 130adding

new display item: 92new special date: 98

alternate scroll mode: 92anti-tamper counter: 122anti-tampering registers: 122Application Password

General tab: 29Arithmetic, demand: 82

B

Baud RateModifying the Remote Definition: 126Remote Communication tab: 120

billing reading report: 41Beginning of Interval: 103BOI. See Beginning of Interval.Button Set Mode Options

activating Test Mode: 78resetting anti-tamper register: 78

C

capabilitiesupgrading: 127

changingprogram properties: 59remote definition: 125utility ID: 75utility password: 74

COM port, Communications tab: 33

communication300 baud only: 36preferences: 32

Communication tab: 32Complex Date, special date: 99configuration report: 44configuration wizard: 49configuring

LED: 104relays: 102Service Test: 113

Connection TypeCommunication tab: 33

continuous cumulative demand: 121copying

programs: 72counter

anti-tamper: 122demand reset: 121meter power up: 122tariff change: 123tariff switch: 122time/date change: 122

creatingIDT file: 30new program: 49new program from existing program: 54New Program from Meter: 55

CT × VT ratio: 84cumulative demand: 121current transformer connected

LED Pulse Rate: 105Relay Pulse Rate: 104Terminal Configuration tab: 61Terminal Configuration, new program: 51

D

datesetting: 125

Day TypesDays of Week: 96tab: 96Tariffs by Season: 96

Daylight Saving TimeSpecial Dates tab: 98

decimal places: 88Demand Interval: 82Demand Measurement

Arithmetic: 82enabling/disabling: 82Metering, Demand tab: 79Vectorial: 82

Demand Overload Threshold: 83


A1200 ALPHA Meter Support SoftwareIndex User Guide

150 29 June 2004

demand reset: 121counter: 121

Description: 92Device Address: 120Diagnostic files, location: 31Diagnostic Read: 45diagnostic reading report: 46direct connected

LED Pulse Rate: 105Relay Pulse Rate: 104Terminal Configuration tab: 61Terminal Configuration, new program: 51

direct connection, connection type: 33directories

defaults: 31Display

leading zeros for billing data: 88display

ALT mode timeout: 89date format: 89hold times: 89Quantity Identifier: 92

Display Items tab: 90Display tab: 87DTR line high: 36

E

EDISDisplay tab: 87setting General Preferences: 27

Enable Reset of Anti-Tampering Registers: 78Enable Test Mode Entry: 78enabling

overload threshold: 82service test options: 116

Energy Data Identification System.See EDIS.Energy Quantities

Metering, Demand tab: 79new program: 50Relays and LED tab: 105

Energy Quantities tab: 60Energy Quantity

testing: 132Enter Test Mode: 129errors: 123

meter: 122service: 122system: 122

Event Type: 99Exit Test Mode: 134exiting

Test Mode: 134External Tariffs

new program: 53Tariffs tab: 62

F

fileIDT: 30MTD: 31PAR: 56storage options: 31XML: 65

Filenames: 31Fixed Date, special date: 99

folder settings: 31formatting

data: 88

G

General tab: 27

H

Hide PasswordGeneral tab: 29

hide passwords: 27High current limit: 115High voltage limit: 115hold time, display: 92

I

ID digits: 92identification number

program: 76utility: 75

Identification, Buttons tab: 73IDT file

creating: 30using: 44

imported PAR file report: 57Include IDs in data readout in EDIS format: 88Include units in data readout: 88informative register: 123Internal Tariffs Using Clock: 53interval demand: 121inverted tariff input signals: 109

K

kVAh: 60kVAh (S): 80

kVARh: 60kVARh (Q): 80

kWh: 60kWh (P): 80

kWh and kVAh: 50kWh and kVARh: 50kWh only: 50

L

Labels tab: 36LCD: 87LED configuration: 104LED Pulse Frequency: 133LED Pulse Rate: 105limit

high current: 115high voltage: 115low voltage: 115

M

Manual Tariff Selection: 131maximum demand: 121message

success: 35


29 June 2004 151

metererrors: 122reading register data: 41upgrade capabilities: 127

Meter Date/Time: 39Meter Functions

Diagnostic Read: 45Modify Remote definition: 125Program Meter: 67Read Meter Configuration: 44Read Register: 41Replace Program in Meter: 70Reset Anti-Tampering Registers: 122Reset Demand: 121Reset Meter Errors: 122Reset Values and Statuses: 123Set Date/Time: 125Set Overload Threshold: 123Set Transformer Factor: 124Set Utility Identification: 75Set Utility Password: 75Write Active Program to Meter: 69

meter power up counter: 122meter type: 49Metering, Demand tab: 79Modify Remote Definition: 125MTD file: 31

N

negative energy flow estimation: 123Negotiation Mode

Remote Communication tab: 120setting Communication Options: 33

New Program: 49New Program from Meter: 55normal scroll mode: 92

O

Open Program: 66opening

program settings: 66optical probe, connection type: 33Optional Components tab, program properties: 63optional components, new program: 54Overload Detected: 103Overload Energy Measurement: 83Overload Threshold: 83

changing: 123enabling/disabling Overload: 82Metering, Demand tab: 79setting Programming Options: 39

overridingprogram values: 71

Own IDs: 27

P

Page Setup: 47PAR file: 56

importing: 56password

default: 35hide: 27

phase absent elapsed timerresetting anti-tamper registers: 122resetting Values and Statuses: 123

portcommunication: 33

preferences: 27communication: 32edit password hidden: 27general: 27language: 27Programmer ID: 27storage options: 31

Print: 47Print Preview: 47printing

displayed data: 47program

copying: 72identification number: 76overriding values: 71properties: 59replacing: 70sharing: 72

Program Defaults tab: 39Program files, location: 31Program Meter, function: 67Program Properties: 59program report: 44program settings: 65programming a meter: 67Programming Options tab: 39properties

program: 59

Q

Quantity: 91

R

read description: 27Read Meter Configuration, function: 44Read Register, function: 41reading

meter: 41meter configuration: 44register: 41

Reading files, location: 31register

informative: 123reverse energy flow: 122

register descriptions: 30register reading report: 41Relay Configuration, Relays and LED tab: 103relay designations: 101Relay Pulse Rate, Relays and LED tab: 103Relays and LED

new program: 54Optional Components tab: 63tab: 101

Remote Communicationnew program: 54Optional Components tab: 63tab: 119

remote definitionchanging: 125

Remote Device Address, Programming Options tab: 39

Remote Port BPSCommunication tab: 33

Replace Program in Meter, function: 70


152 29 June 2004

replacingprogram: 70

reportbilling reading: 41configuration: 45diagnostic reading: 46imported PAR file: 57program: 45register reading: 41

Report files, location: 31report font: 27Request Password

Communication tab: 34Reset Anti-Tampering Registers, function: 122Reset Demand, function: 121Reset Meter Errors, function: 122Reset Meter Values: 40Reset Values and Statuses, function: 123resetting

anti-tamper registers: 122demand: 121statuses: 123values: 123

reverse energy flow register: 122

S

S0 relay outputs: 101saving

program: 65Season

Special Dates: 98Tariffs: 97

Security Keyprogramming a meter: 68Programming Options tab: 40writing active program to meter: 69

Selected Energy: 103service errors: 122Service Test

new program: 54Optional Components tab: 63options: 116

Set Date/Time, function: 125Set Overload Threshold, function: 123Set Transformer Factor, function: 124Set Utility Identification: 75Set Utility Password: 75setting

date/time: 125Days of Week: 96directories: 31DTR line high: 36overload threshold: 123register read description: 27report font: 27storage options: 31transformer factor: 124user preferences: 27

setting upprinter: 47

sharingprograms: 72

Show ID decimal point on LCD: 92Show ID segment on LCD: 92Single Tariff

new program: 53Tariffs tab: 62

Special Datestab: 98

Special Events CounterSpecial Dates tab: 98

Storage Options tab: 31success message: 35Switch Times: 97system errors: 122

T

tariffchange counter: 123external: 62internal: 62single: 62switch counter: 122testing: 131

TariffsDay Types: 97Season: 97switch times: 97tab: 62Time of Use: 97

tariff-specific elapsed timerresetting anti-tamper registers: 122resetting Values and Statuses: 123

Terminal 13: 109Terminal 33: 109Terminal Configuration

new program: 51new program, Current Transformer Connected: 61new program, Direct-connected: 61tab: 61

testingEnergy Quantity: 132Enter Test Mode: 129Leave Test Mode: 130tariff: 131

timesetting: 125

Time of Use tab: 95time/date change counter: 122timer

phase absent elapsed: 122tariff-specific elapsed: 122total elapsed: 122total power off: 122

ToolsUser Preferences: 27

total elapsed timerresetting anti-tamper registers: 122resetting Values and Statuses: 123

total power off time: 122Transformer Factor

Metering, Demand tab: 85Programming Options tab: 39Set Transformer Factor, function: 124

U

Upgrade Meter Capabilities, function: 127upgrading

meter capabilities: 127user preferences: 27using IDT file: 44using inverted tariff input signals: 109


29 June 2004 153

Utility IDIdentification, Buttons tab: 76Programming Options tab: 39

Utility PasswordIdentification, Buttons tab: 76Programming Options tab: 39

V

Vectorial, demand: 82viewing

program configuration settings: 66program properties: 59Tariffs by Season: 96

W

warnings: 123wizard

meter configuration: 49Write Active Program to Meter, function: 69

X

XML file: 65


154 29 June 2004

Elster Electricity, LLC208 South Rogers LaneRaleigh, North Carolina USA+1 800 338 5251 (US Technical Support)+1 800 257 9754 (US Sales Support)+1 919 212 4800 (US Main)[email protected]

Date post:	10-Oct-2014
Category:	Documents
Upload:	-
View:	119 times
Download:	5 times

A1200 ALPHA Support Software User Guide 1 1

Documents