Tapwatch Level II Training

Confidential /© 2002 Inovonics Wireless Corporation

Tapwatch Level II Training

• Understanding the Site Key• Understanding Conversions• Understanding Passwords• Understanding DCC Messages• Troubleshooting Tips


Site Key (Unique identifier)

• This should not be confused with the Password Key.

• The Site Key is a unique identifier that is placed on the DCC during the initial programming.

• Once it is loaded onto a DCC it is locked in place and can not be overwritten.

• When is this key created?


Site Key Creation


Site Key Creation

• When the OK button is pressed the system automatically generates a site key (unique identifier).

• All site programming is associated with this site key (unique identifier)

• This feature allows you to have 2 sites with the same name and prevents you from accidentally overwriting one with the other sites information.


Blanking a DCC

In the event that a DCC is incorrectly programmed, Inovonics has the ability to blank the DCC of all programming. If this becomes necessary it should be done before

the installer leaves the site and before the site commissioning.

Blanking the DCC should always be a last resort.


Site Conversions

• .DAT files (4)

• Property identifier

• Meter Model in use at the site

• Full Capture or Hot/Cold Allocation

• Enhanced or Conventional PMTs

The following information is required in order for the conversion to be completed:


Site Conversion Program

• Each of these fields are required in order to run the conversion program.

• If any of this information is not available this will put the conversion on hold until the information can be obtained.

• Planning ahead will always speed the conversion program.

• Only Inovonics maintains this program.


Conventional Site Conversions

• Require same information as enhanced

• Requires manual data correction by Inovonics Team in order to work

• Will require technician and billing office to restore from the original backup created by Inovonics


Manual Database Correction


Manual Database Correction


Passwords

• Inovonics designed the password system to ensure that your sites are secure.

• Because it involves security, the password system can sometimes seem very confusing.

• Inovonics prefers not to be involved in setting passwords since it is a matter of corporate security.

passwords


Password Key

• The password key is set at the time of software installation. At this time it is referred to as a “blank key”.

• This blank key must be forwarded to whoever maintains the corporate level software in order to have the key “cut” to the passwords your company is using.

passwords


Cutting Password Keyspasswords


Understanding Passwords

• The DCC can maintain 5 separate passwords.

• Of these 5 there are 3 passwords that are mandatory.

• The password key contains these 3 core passwords.

passwords


DCC Password Memorypasswords


Subcontractors/Property Ownerspasswords

• These 2 fields are set only at the DCC and are not part of the Password Key.

• If you are using passwords for either of these 2 levels you will need to have whoever maintains the corporate level software set up these two fields. Should you choose to no longer allow access to them then you would want to delete these fields so the password they are using are no longer valid.

• Subcontractors and Property Owners who access the DCC must enter their passwords each time and select the appropriate software level.

• This is a security feature for your system.


Questions and Answers

• What is another way of describing the Site Key?

• What data is required to complete a conversion from TW1 to TW2?

• How many passwords can be held in memory at the DCC?

• What passwords are associated with a Password Key?


Programming

• The DCC has many tools which if used correctly will help you speed your programming and installation times.

• Global Default settings seem to be one of the most confusing tools.

How It Works


Global Defaults

• Global defaults are in place in an attempt to save on time by populating certain fields in advance for you.

• Global defaults are maintained on your PC/Laptop and are not specific to the site DCC.

• Understanding how the defaults work will ensure quality programming and maintenance.

• Initially the defaults are set to a meter model of “Other” and a count factor of “0”. This is simply because we do not know what products are being used at any given time.

how it works


Global Defaultshow it works

When programming a site, the technician will select the meter model in use at the site. This will populate the count factor field for you.


Global Defaultshow it works

From here the technician is able to move forward with programming, the meter model and count factor will be populated for them as they register PMTs. This will save time as the technician will not have to manually enter this for each unit they register into the system.


Global Defaults

• When the technician completes the job and moves on to another site there is a chance that the meter model will be different at the next site.

• This is where it is critical that the technician is aware of the default settings.

• When you retrieve data from the next site your defaults will remain the same as they were at the previous job. If there is a different meter model in use, you will need to either reset the defaults or select the meter model in use on the edit option in the meter tab.

how it works


Understanding DCC Messages

What does it mean when meter readings are in red when you attempt to view them?

There are 3 reasons why the meter readings would appear highlighted in red, indicating that there is no data found:

how it works

1. The technician did not select “get meter readings for “x” periods”.

2. The date at the DCC is not correct

3. An information change has been published to the DCC and you are attempting to view data before the supervision window expires.

Viewing Meter Readings


Viewing Meter Readingshow it works

When a change is published to the DCC, the DCC will receive all the dataas “new” data and as a result all of the data will be dated 01/01/80. Asthe PMTs check in each one will include a current date along with thecount. This info is then updated at the DCC. At the end of thesupervision window everything is updated and viewable.

In the event that a PMT does not check in then the 01/01/80 date will be posted.

This will create an issue if there is a weak RF link making it difficult for some PMTs to check in. PMTs which check in intermittently (every few days) could cause confusion for the billing center as the date will fluctuate between current date with a count and 01/01/80 with no count.

Why would meter readings be in red following someone publishing a change?


Initial Meter Count Updatehow it works

Whenever the reset button is pressed in a PMT • The Count value in the PMT is reset to zero, and• The Initial Meter Count is updated in the DCC.

When the update occurs, no data is lost.

Before:

After:


Database Change Message

Whenever a change is made at the DCC it will update the lastmodified and last published to date at the DCC. When someoneconnects with a different modified/published date then they willsee a message to alert them of the change.

how it works

It is important to read the entire message to understand who was last connected and determine the best course of action next.

What would be the best course of action in the event you see a message like this one?


Date and Time Incorrect

• It is important not to confuse the “date and time may be incorrect message” with the database message just discussed.

• You will see this message when you have a new install and the DCC has not fully charged yet. After setting the date and time it will be maintained in the DCC.

• How long will the date and time be maintained without power?

how it works


Losing Connection

• Occasionally the connection with the DCC will be lost.

• It is suggested to wait at least 30 seconds following a failed publish or retrieval where the connection is still maintained.

• It is suggested to wait 5 minutes following a loss of connection

how it works


Warning Messages

• There will be several different warning messages to encourage you to slow down and think prior to retrieving or publishing.

• It is important to pay attention to what each message is saying even though it may seem familiar.

how it works


Unexpected Error

• The software used in the DCC is an event driven program. In order for it to move forward certain events must occur. If the expected event does not occur the software will generate an Unexpected Error.

• What should be done when you see an Unexpected Error?

how it works

Whenever you see this error you need to:

1. Copy the exact error and email or call Inovonics to report the EXACT ERROR.

2. Select Exit not continue to get rid of the error message.


Repeater Troubleshooting

It is still possible to troubleshoot repeaters with ease by retrieving theexception log and then sorting by the repeater column. This will pull anyproblem repeater information to the top for you to view.

how it works


Troubleshooting Tips

• Name 2 settings that effect all of the sites in your database?

• Why is it important to maintain a solid RF link within the system?

• How can global defaults effect programming?

• How can you verify a system is working before you leave the site?

• How can hitting reset on a PMT effect your system?

• How do you know if you need to retrieve the site configuration from an existing site?


Questions/Answers/Comments

How would you compare the TW product and its stability 1year ago to the TW product being marketed today?


Thank You

Technology

Tapwatch Level II Training