Itron MbusRead

MBUSREAD

USER MANUAL

V3.0

MBusRead Software – User Manual – Page 2 / 31

Table of Contents

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1. Comments regarding this documentation

This documentation describes the range of functions provided by the Actaris MBusRead software. Thisdocumentation does not describe the M-Bus as such or the hardware components needed to run M-Bus networks.

The first section explains the individual menus, submenus and various windows in MBusRead with the help of textand graphics. This documentation assumes a basic knowledge in these related areas. It also assumes general PCliteracy and a certain level of familiarity with the user interfaces of Windows® 98 / Me / Nt / XP / 2000.

2. What is MBusRead?

MBusRead is a software package that enables to read data, either direct or via modem, from meters recordingconsumption at an M-Bus installation and which presents this data to the user in the form of normal andunderstandable text.

The spectrum of functions performed by MBusRead ranges from the initial recording and structuring of an M-Businstallation – via tests for existing configurations – right trough to remote reading and saving meter data. The data isread out and performed in terms of editable concepts in ASCII (text & CSV) or Excel®, Paradox® or DBASE® formatfor the purposes of further processing.

The data can be read out either directly on site or via modem.

3. PC system requirements

PC: Normal IBM® - compatible PC, at least Pentium II, 300 MHz or better800 x 600 displayCD Rom drive

Operating system: At least Window® 98 / NT

RAM: At least 64 MB

Hard disk: At least 200 MB free, depending on the size of the M-Bus object

Interface: At least one free serial connection RS-232 at port COM 1-9

4. MBusRead M-Bus device prerequisites

Generally speaking, metering devices and M-Bus installations from any manufacturer can be read, providing theyimplement the ML-Bus transmission protocol as per EN 1434-3 with a variable protocol in low-byte-first mode andrespond via primary or secondary addressing.

However, we recommend M-Bus metering devices from Actaris because MBusRead automatically recognizes suchequipment and is able to provide supplementary information regarding the received data .The special informationprovided on Actaris M-Bus meters (CF-Sensor / CF-Combi, Integral-MK Maxx, CF50, CF150, CF-Echo and cybleMbus) are all fully readable and supported.

For the purposes of communicating with the M-Bus, a simple repeater (Actaris M-bus-Repeater) or an intelligentcentral unit (Actaris M-Bus-Concentrator) is required.

The Actaris central unit M-Bus-Concentrator can be parameterized and configured via MBusRead. Data can beread out either via a direct RS-232 interface or via any normal commercially available modem.


5. Installation (most important windows)

Tip: It is impossible to install MbusRead twice. The second installation forces the removal of MbusRead.You have to be local administrator to install MBusRead

The installation is completely automatic. You just have to insert the CD in the CD drive and follow the instructions.

Regarding the license agreement, you have to read and accept it to continue the installation.

Here please enter the requested information. The serial number can be found on the CD jewel case inside cover.

When the installation is completed, you have to restart your computer:

If you tick off this proposition,the restart is automatic.


6. Starting MbusRead

For the first start of MBusRead, the password asked is blank.# �Do not forget to change it as soon as possible.

To change the password go in the Option menuand click in the new window on miscellaneous.

1. Capture your old password2. Write the new one3. Write the new one again4. Click on the button “Change password”

The first step is to create a new database or choose an already existing one.

Tip: this message only appears from the second start.

This option is ticked off by default.

Check this option avoid this message boxat the next opening.


7. The MBusRead desktop

The MBusRead desktop includes four main windows:

It shows the access path for the directory where the database is.

Tips: display the « Communication logging » tab:

$ In the main menu choose « Options »$ Go to the Miscellaneous$ Tick off the menu « show Communications

tab in the log »

$ Structures:You will find here the list of all the itemsyou want to read. This window is thepicture of your physical network.

$ Arrangement:In this window, you will have the possibilityto create groups of meters and managethem to organize the data as you want. Asan example you can read all the watermeters in a first group ,all the heat metersin another…

$ Data:This window displays the data read fromthe M-Bus network.

$ Communications:Events loggingCommunication errorsProtocol errorsMeters errorsCommunication logging (optional)*


8. Working with MBusRead: Basic operations

8.1. Configuration of the installation

The first step is to create a master (concentrator, repeater, optical probe…). To do so, you have two possibilities:

• In the structure window, click on the right button of the mouse, Create Item, Create Master

• The fastest solution is to click on the “create master” button in the tool bar.

Then, the following window opens:

Select the appropriateCOM port when the

interface is connected(concentrator ,modem…).

Choose the typeof master

Enter your concentratorpassword to access your

network.

If you use a modem to accessyour site network, enter here

the phone number.


Tips :If the master is a concentrator you can change its properties (after creation) by clicking on the button .

Then the following window opens. In this one you can change the reading cycle or the baudrate for example.

If any change is requested, it is possible to edit the parameters. To do so, you can either double-click or right-clickon the desired items and go to “Properties”. The previous window will appear again.

At this step it is necessary to build the network tree in the “Structure” window. This tree will be the picture of thephysical architecture of your network.

To do so, three possibilities exist (next paragraphs).

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Note: this search method is not available for the optical probe.

Position the mouse in a master (Structure window), right-click on it, go to “Create Item” and “Search meters”.


• If the master is a concentrator, there is no search option. But the following message will appear:

If you choose Yes, MBusRead will copy and display the meter list already stored in the concentrator.

If you choose No, the central unit will search meters by itself. This process employs the concentrator’s operatingsystem functions and may take up to 20 minutes.

After completion, the following window appears:

• If the master is a repeater:

The list of the connectedmeters appears.

Once the list appeared , clickhere to transfer the meter list

in the structure window.

2. Choose the addressing method.By default ,the primary & secondaryaddresses are tick off.

4. Click on this button (when thesearch is complete) to transfer themeters list in the structure window.

1. Select the communication speed

3. Click here to launch the search


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You can also manually add some meters, either by right-clicking on the master in the structure window:

Or by clicking on the slave button in the tool bar. This option is useful to create slaves one by one.

Both leads to the same result:

Choose the meter typein the scrolling list.

These metererrors are devicedependant : thelabel will changeaccording to thetype of meter.

Enter the primary address ofthe new meter.

Select the correct baudrate.

Give a name to the meter.


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If your different installation (master / salves / devices) are very similar and in order to save time , you can copy andpaste some elements. TO obtain the menus right clicking on the element.

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If you want to create a master, a meter or a device and its properties on the model of an already existing one :

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If you have different structures in the same model you can copy and paste the master with all the meters connected.First of all you have to select the master.

The new master appears with all the meters connected to it. The master (and the different meters) have the sameproperties than the one you have copied.

The master appears and itsproperties are he same than theone you have copied.


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It is also possible to create a complete list of meters.

In the structure window, go on a master, right click and select “Create Item” and “Add several meters”

or click in the tool bar on the following button:

The following window appears:

After having chosen the meter, you will obtain this window:

Choose the numberof meters wanted.

Click here to obtain theslave properties window(see § 8.1.2 ; p.11)

You can delete meters :one by one orall the meters of the list.


Pattern management:

In order to save time, it is possible to create a meter and keep its properties, as a pattern, to create othermeters on the same model. To do this:

1. Select (underline) one meter on the “New meters list”2. Click on the button “Define selection as pattern”.3. Choose how much number you want.4. And click on the button “Add Pattern(s)”. After you will obtain the following window:

8.2. Data reading

To read the data of all the Mbus devices connected to a selected master:

1. Select the master (structure window)2. Right-click on it3. And select “Read Data”

8.3. Data window

When individual meters, group or whole installations have been read, the meter data is presented in thiswindow in sheet form. Each measured value transferred from an M-Bus meter, e.g. energy type, volume,check-date, is written together with its associated texts, serial number, description (…) to a reserved row.

The meters have beenautomatically addressed.

Their primary addresshave been increased.

In clicking here you add this meters list underthe master in the structure window.


Such measured value thus represents an individual data record and such data records can easily beincorporated into other programs. Thanks to a comprehensive filter function (see § 9.4.1 & 9.4.2) the requireddata can be selected from the variety of available values and data fields and then stored in the CSV format tobe used after with Excel, Dbase, Paradox or ASCII.

This procedure enables the user to generate specific data records per application and prevents superfluousdata from being imported unnecessarily into the processing system.

All the data of themeters attached to themaster is displayed.You can also see thedata only for one slaveof the master.

8.4. Arrangement window

In this window logical groups of M-Bus meters can be formed. These groups are independent of the system’sphysical structure. A meter can also be copied from the devices list window into a group using the drag-and-drop technique.

The groups can have designations and comments appended.

To use this feature, it is necessary (at first) to create a new group. For this, right-click in the windowarrangement, select “Create Group” and enter the requested information.

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Enter a description forthe group of meters.

If the automatic readingoption has been selected,this indicates when thenext reading will occur.

Choose the reading cycleyou want for this group.


After the creation of the group(s), you have to click this button (in the tool bar), in order to activate theautomatic reading.

The following message appears automatically:

This cyclic reading feature is useful when used with the automatic export function: the data read from the group ofmeter selected are automatically put into a file, defined by the user.

8.5. Communication Window

This window tracks the activity of the system, and reports the errors in real time, if a problem occurs during theworking session. It mainly helps during troubleshooting.

This window contains 4 main tabs and an optional one:

See paragraph 11.1 to have the list of error messages.

Eventslogging

Communicationerrors

Protocolerrors

Metererrors

Communicationlogging (option)


You have also the possibility to save the communication by right-clicking on the communication window. This optionis only possible for the Events and Communications logging tabs.


9. Working with MBusRead: Advanced operations

9.1. The tool bar

Quit the application

Create a new database

Open an existing database

Print the structure window

Create a master

Create a slave

Add several meters

Activate or deactivate the automatic reading

Different positions of the main windows

9.2. The File menu


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The “Description»,”Serial number” and “Comment” are optional.

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Thanks to this window you can choose the printer and its properties.

It allows to open a database inany directory.

This menu makes available the10 last opened databases.

You have to enter aname for the

database.

Click on this icon tochange the destination

directory.


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The available formats are XLS (Excel), DBF (Dbase), DB (Paradox), TXT and CSV (text file).The XLS format option is usable only if Excel is installed on the computer and the minimum version is Excel 95.

The active data window is always that of the individual meter, group or concentrator / repeater which is currentlymarked in the devices list or devices assignment.

9.3. The Option menu

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Mbus reading tries : Number of communication triesbefore the failure statement.

Meter reading tries : “Number of Mbus reading tries”

Do not change these values.

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By default, only English or French versions are available.For other languages please contact us.


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This window sums up all the slaves supported by MBusRead and shows the properties of each one.With the red arrows you can change the position of the slaves in the list in order to put in first position the metersyou use often.

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Here, for each slave you can choose the frames you want to read just by clicking on it.

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Check this menu to openthe last database used

at each start

Change your password here.


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It just represents a list of the connected modems.

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9.4. The Data menu

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It opens a selection window enabling the user to define how the data records listed in the data window are to betreated.


The user can blank out some data fields, descriptions, media and can select data according to UnitNumber for e.g.water meters with MultiSensor and StorageNumber for e.g. check-dates. If the displayed data comprise a numberof readings, it is also possible to select according to reading time or reading period.

Once a setting has been selected you can assign a name and save it. The filter thus generated is applied to thedata window by confirming with the OK button.

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This selection list can be used to define which data fields, i.e. columns, will appear in the data record.

The following data fields can be displayed and saved, this is the maximum.

Data field Origin DescriptionGroup DesignationGroup Serial NumberGroup CommentCounter DesignationCounter Serial NumberCounter CommentMediumPrimary AddressSecondary AddressGenerationManufacturerError CodeUnit Number

Storage NumberTariff NumberRead Out TimeData DescriptionData Function

Data ValueDevice Number

Devices assignmentDevices assignmentDevices assignmentDevices listDevices listDevices listM-BUSM-BUSM-BUSM-BUSM-BUSM-BUSM-BUS

M-BUSM-BUSPCM-BUSM-BUS

M-BUSDatabase

Text field, generated by the group properties designationText field, generated by the group properties serial numberText field, generated by the group properties commentText field, generated by the meter properties designationText field, generated by the meter properties serial numberText field, generated by the meter properties commentMedium of the measured value: heating, cold water, hot water…Primary address of the M-BUS meter, values “000-250”Secondary address of the M-BUS meter, 8 charactersGeneration of the M-BUS meter, e.g. 1=CF Sensor, 5=CF EchoManufacturer identity, encoded in M-BUS, normally “SLB”Encoded error message of the M-BUS meter, no error = ”00”Defines the origin of the data, e.g. “0” = Main device,”1” =Subordinate device 1,”2” = Subordinate device 2Distinguishes current data from check-date, current = “0”Normally = “0”Format “DD/MM/YYYY HH’MM’SSDescription of the transmitted measured value, encoded in M-BUSFunction of the measured value, encoded in M-BUS, normally“Current Value”Physical unit to which this measured value refersConsecutive device number, generated from the MBusReaddatabase.

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This selection list can be used to view or mask out data records with certain descriptions.

Each M-BUS meter transmits a number of different measured values. The descriptions, contained in the additionalinformation encoded in M-BUS protocol and assigned per measured value, are translated by MBusRead into normaltext.

The usual descriptions are “Energy type»,”Volume»,”Power»,”Volume flow»,”Temperature difference”.

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This selection list can be used to select data records according to the measuring medium of the connected M-BUSmeters. MBusRead displays the medium, also encoded in the M-BUS protocol, in normal text.

The usual media are “Heating (VMFT or VMRT)»,”Cold water»,”Hot water” and “Water”.


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The unit number, also encoded in the M-BUS protocol, distinguishes the origin of the data.

Using CF Sensor, it is possible to connect two external water meters. The unit number is defined like in thefollowing sheet:

E = 0 Data from the heating meterE = 1 Data from the meter number 1E = 2 Data from the meter number 2

If e.g. Equal to 0 is selected, only heating meter data is displayed in the data window.If Unequal to 0 is selected, a filter is generated which masks out the heating meter data and only the connectedwater meters with their respective consumption values are displayed.

For other possible unit number definitions (e.g. heating meters from other manufacturers), please refer to thedevice-specific description of the meter’s M-BUS interface.

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The storage number, also encoded in the M-BUS protocol, distinguishes current data from check-date data. For CFSensor, the storage numbers are as defined in the following sheet:

S = 0 Current data of the heating meter and the water metersS = 1 Data from the most recent check-dateS = 2 Data from the check-date before last

A filter with the setting Equal to 1 e.g. causes only the CF Sensor data including the connected water meters as perthe most recent check-date to be displayed.

For other possible storage number definitions (e.g. heating meters from other manufacturers), please refer to thedevice-specific description of the meter’s M-BUS interface.

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The MBusRead object database retains all readings, including those from previous remote readings, in thedatabase memory until such data is, partly or wholly, deleted (See § 9.4.3 and 9.4.4).

The data is saved together with a reading time derived from the PC’s system time.By filtering data according to its reading time is possible to display data from defined reading periods.

The date and time-of-day must be entered in the predefined format, thanks to the scrolling list.


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The following window appears, which lists the filters already saved. You can choose one of the filters to apply it tothe data. You can also edit the properties of the filter or delete it.

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It deletes the data of the selected device in the structure window.

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This completely deletes all the read data from all devices connected to the master in the structure window.

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This updates the data in the data window if new readings have been made in the meantime.

9.5. The window menu

This menu allows you to select the arrangement of the main windows.

This option shows you on which window you are working.


10. Devices properties

For each command you want to change, underline the device and make a right-click. You can see § 8.1.2.

Recapitulative sheet for each slave:

Set PrimaryAddress

Set SecondaryAddress

Changebaudrate

Resynchronize

CF Sensor Y N N N

Pad Pulse Y N N N

CF 100 Y N Y N

CF 50 Y N Y Y

ISWZ Y Y Y Y

CF Echo Y Y Y Y

TH 4 Y Y Y Y

M-Bus meter Y Y Y Y

Cyble M-Bus Y Y Y Y

ABB SVM F2 Y Y Y Y

10.1. Primary Address

The primary address of each meters can be modified with this menu. This not necessary if the secondary address isknown. When the device is read for the first time via its secondary address, any primary address that may havebeen programmed is recognized automatically and subsequently shown in the device list.


10.2. Secondary Address

The meter’s secondary address can be modified here. If the installed meters are from Actaris, the secondaryaddress is automatically produced thanks to the serial number of the meter.

10.3. Change baudrate

It is possible to change the baudrate of the master. This will set the speed to which the master will interrogate themeters.

10.4. Resynchronize

It is possible to synchronize the date and time of the meters in comparison of the PC.

10.5. Status

Select a meter and right-click on it, choose the properties menu and click on the status button


This window displays additional information regarding the M-BUSselected meter.

It lists not only normal texts such as Description or Comment andthe M-BUS addresses but also all the groups in the devicesassignment in which the meter is used.

10.6. Properties

Select a meter and right-click on it, choose the properties menu and click on the properties button

This window displays more information about the selected meter.These information only regard the meter itself (manufacturer,serial number, generation…).


11. Miscellaneous

11.1. Errors codes messages

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3 = Closing concentrator4 = Searching meters5 = Primary address reading6 = Secondary address reading7 = Extended Secondary address reading8 = Wake up optical probe...9 = Initializing modem10 = Dialing11 = Disconnecting modem12 = Opening serial port13 = Connecting modem14 = Opening concentrator15 = Concentrator password authentication16 = List of conflicts17 = Closing serial port18 = Loading Concentrator parameters...19 = Changing primary address20 = Changing secondary address21 = Changing baudrate22 = Changing date and time23 = Get Concentrator meters list24 = Waiting for concentrator to reboot25 = Reading concentrator memory26 = Storing concentrator memory into database27 = Setting Concentrator parameters...

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101 = The new password has been validated102 = The old password is valid yet103 = No data are buffered in concentrator104 = Searching finished105 = No conflict106 = User interrupt!107 = Primary slave search in progress108 = Primary slave search, found slave109 = Primary slave search, collision110 = Secondary slave search in progress111 = Secondary slave search, found slave112 = Secondary slave search, collision113 = Secondary slave search, unsolvable collision114 = Extended secondary slave search in progress115 = Extended secondary slave, unsolvable collision116 = Extended secondary slave search, slave found117 = Extended secondary slave search, collision118 = Modem : DialTone119 = Modem : Dialing120 = Modem : RingBack


121 = Modem : Busy122 = Modem : Connected123 = Modem : Proceeding124 = Modem : Disconnected125 = Modem : Line Closed126 = Concentrator slave search : slave found127 = Concentrator slave search in progress128 = Modem : No dialtone129 = Stopping slave search

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201 = Primary address not found202 = Secondary address not found203 = Extended Secondary address not found205 = Cannot open concentrator206 = Concentrator password authentication failed207 = Loading Concentrator parameters has failed208 = Reading meter has failed

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301 = No opened database303 = This Database is not a 2.0 version. Use ConvMBus to convert database

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401 = The password has not been correctly validated402 = Parent node not found403 = Excel must be installed404 = Error during printing405 = Null addresses are forbidden406 = Import file is corrupted on line

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501 = Meter error

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601 = COM port cannot be opened602 = Dialing failed603 = Disconnecting modem failed604 = Modem initialization failed605 = Cannot connect to modem606 = No phone number for this master


11.2. Retrieving old version of MBusRead databases

With this menu you can only convert a database from the second version to the version 3.

11.3. Language troubles

According to the Windows® language installation some windows will be in another language that the one ofMbusRead.

The first window of MbusRead (where the password is required) will be ever in English.

11.4. Troubleshooting

Under some versions of Window 98 some icon display trouble may occur. This is due to a missing DLL on yousystem.

On the root of the CD there is a program named “50Comupd.exe”. Launching this program will install the missingfile on your computer. You will have to reboot your PC and the system will then work properly.

11.5. FIFO

How to disable the FIFO under Windows® NT :


Uncheck the FIFO Enabled checkbox.

11.6. ModemsMbusRead lies on the Windows Telephony API to drive modems.MbusRead will work properly with autobaud modems (modems which can adapt themselvesautomatically in terms of speed and format) :

• OLITEC Speed’Com 2000• OLITEC speed’Com V92 Ready

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