ITRON MC3Lite Manual
Mobile Collector 3 Lite (MC3Lite)
Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide
Technical
Communications
knowledge to shape your future
Identification
MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide
April 2018
TDC-1548-002
Copyright
© 2018 Itron, Inc. All rights reserved.
Confidentiality Notice
The information contained herein is proprietary and confidential and is being provided
subject to the condition that (i) it be held in confidence except to the extent required
otherwise by law and (ii) it will be used only for the purposes described herein. Any third
party that is given access to this information shall be similarly bound in writing.
Trademark Notice
Itron is a registered trademark of Itron, Inc.
All other product names and logos in this documentation are used for identification purposes
only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Suggestions
For more information about Itron or Itron products, see www.itron.com.
If you have questions or comments about the software or hardware product, contact Itron
Technical Support Services.
Contact
• Email: [email protected]
• Internet: support.itron.com
• Telephone Itron Technical Support North America: 1-877-487-6602
For technical support contact information by region, go to www.itron.com and select your
country and language.
Contents
Chapter 1 Before You Begin............................................................................... 1
Important Safety and Compliance Information.....................................................................................................1
New in This Revision.............................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2 Vehicle Preparation........................................................................... 5
Tools and Materials Needed................................................................................................................................. 5
Vehicle Preparation Tasks..................................................................................................................................... 5
Installing the Power Supply Cable........................................................................................................................ 5
To install the power supply cable ..............................................................................................................6
Installing the Integrated Antenna.......................................................................................................................... 6
Selecting an Antenna Location on the Vehicle...........................................................................................7
Installing the Antenna Mounting Base....................................................................................................... 7
To install the RF antenna cable and mounting base ..........................................................................8
To connect the antenna to the antenna mounting base..................................................................... 9
Chapter 3 Installing MC3Lite Components.....................................................10
Pre-installation Requirements.............................................................................................................................10
Mobile Collection Hardware Kit................................................................................................................10
Installing the MC3Lite Components................................................................................................................... 11
Mobile Collector Sled...............................................................................................................................12
Seat Belt Pretensioner............................................................................................................................. 13
To install the seat belt pretensioner.................................................................................................. 15
Junction Box............................................................................................................................................ 15
To install the junction box ................................................................................................................ 15
Vehicle Docks...........................................................................................................................................16
Tablet and Computer Dock Parts List...............................................................................................17
To attach the tablet to the vehicle dock............................................................................................18
To lock and unlock the tablet dock...................................................................................................23
To tilt and swivel the tablet dock.......................................................................................................24
Mounting the MC3Lite in the Vehicle....................................................................................................... 27
To mount the MC3Lite radio on a bucket seat..................................................................................28
Vehicle Sled..............................................................................................................................................29
Vehicle Sled Parts List...................................................................................................................... 29
MC3Lite Connectors.........................................................................................................................30
Connecting the Power Cables.......................................................................................................... 31
Connecting the Antenna................................................................................................................... 35
Connecting the GPS and Data Cables............................................................................................. 36
Removing the MC3Lite System.......................................................................................................................... 38
To remove the Mobile Collection computer from the vehicle dock..........................................................38
To disconnect the cables......................................................................................................................... 38
Chapter 4 MC3Lite System Maintenance....................................................... 39
Inspecting the Antenna Connectors and Cables................................................................................................ 39
Inspecting the Antenna Base and Whip..............................................................................................................39
To inspect the antenna base and whip.................................................................................................... 40
Cleaning the Antenna..........................................................................................................................................40
MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 iii
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Replacing the Antenna Gasket........................................................................................................................... 40
To replace the antenna gasket................................................................................................................. 40
MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 iv
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Chapter 1 Before You Begin
Mobile meter readers should use this document to install and operate the Mobile Collection
hardware system. For detailed information on the system, its components, and system
administration and maintenance, see the Mobile Collection Administration Guide.
This document also includes vehicle preparation, which includes installing the integrated
antenna, power cables, and, if appropriate, attaching the necessary GPS cables.
Unqualified personnel should not prepare a vehicle for the Mobile Collection system.
Important Safety and Compliance Information
This section provides important information for your safety and product compliance.
USA, FCC Part 15 compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesirable operation.
This device must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 centimeters (7.9
inches) from all persons to be compliant with regulatory RF exposure.
USA, FCC Class B-Part 15
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help.
MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 1
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Modifications and Repairs
To ensure system performance, this device and antenna shall not be changed or modified
without the express approval of Itron. Per FCC rules, unapproved modifications or operation
beyond or in conflict with these instructions for use could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
Canada, ISED compliance
Compliance Statement Canada Déclaration de Conformité
This device complies with Innovation, Science
and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, (2) this
device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation
of the device.
Under Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada (ISED) regulations, this
radio transmitter may only operate using an
antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain
approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada.
To reduce potential radio interference to other
users, the antenna type and its gain should be so
chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated
power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary
for successful communication.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR
d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1)
l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, (2)
l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout
brouillage radio électrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie
Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut
fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un
gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour
l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de
réduire les risques de brouillage radioélectrique à
l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le
type d'antenne et son gain de sorte que la
puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.)
ne dépasse pas l'intensité nécessaire à
l'établissement d'une communication
satisfaisante.
RF Exposure (FCC/ISED)
This equipment complies with radiation exposure
limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated
with minimum distance 20 cm between the
radiator and your body. This transmitter must not
be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
Cet équipement est conforme aux limites
d'exposition aux radiations dans un
environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement do
it être installé et utilisé à distance minimum de 20
cm entre le radiateur et votre corps. Cet émetteur
ne doit pas être co-localisées ou opérant en
conjonction avec tout autre antenne ou
transmetteur.
Before You Begin
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Electromagnetic Compatibility
Caution: Use only approved accessories with this equipment. All cables must be
high quality, shielded, correctly terminated, and normally restricted to 2 meters in
length. Unapproved modifications or operation beyond or in conflict with these use
instructions may void the authority's authorization to operate the equipment.
SUPPORTED VEHICLE INFORMATION
Itron's Mobile Collection systems are designed for use in land mobile vehicles such as cars,
trucks, and vans conforming to U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Use of any
Mobile Collection system in an aircraft is not supported by Itron nor certified for transmitting
by the Federal Aviation Administration and/or Transport Canada. Consult your local Aviation
Authority for additional guidance.
Warning: Do not visually monitor or physically adjust the Mobile Collection system
while driving. While driving, rely on the beeps produced when meter data is collected
to indicate proper system operation. Visually monitoring or adjusting the Mobile
Collection system while driving will divert your attention from your safe driving
responsibilities. Attention to driving is your primary responsibility, along with following
all the applicable driving regulations.
Mobile Collector 3 Lite Antenna Specifications
This section provides the specifications for the Mobile Collector 3 Lite antennas.
Caution: The Mobile Collection system is designed to operate with the antennas
listed here. Antennas not listed here are strictly prohibited for use with the Mobile
Collection system. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.
Specification 915 MHz Mobile Antenna Mobile Antenna Mount with GPS
Antenna
Itron part number MSE-0122-002 CBA-0334-001 or CBA-0335-001
Frequency range 908-958 MHz 1574-1576 MHz
Maximum gain 5 dBi 3 dBi
Polarization Vertical Omnidirectional Right-Hand Circular
Impedance 50 ohms 50 ohms
Termination 1-1/8"-18 thread mount SMA male (GPS)
TNC male (Mobile)
Overall dimensions 26.5” L x 1.43” D 2.25” x 4.25” x 1.25”
Before You Begin
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Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Conformity
This radio transmitter has been approved by
Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Canada (ISED) to operate with the antenna types
listed previously with the maximum permissible
gain and required antenna impedance for each
antenna type indicated. Antenna types not
included in this list, having a gain greater than
the maximum gain indicated for that type, are
strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Le présent émetteur radio est conforme aux CNR
d'Industrie Canada pour fonctionner avec les
types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessus et ayant un
gain admissible maximal et l'impédance requise
pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types d'antenne
non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont le gain est
supérieur au gain maximal indiqué, sont
strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de
l'émetteur.
New in This Revision
The following information has been added or revised in this version of the document.
New Information
• Added information about Mobile Collector 3 Lite (MC3Lite)
• Added information about the Panasonic FZ-M1 tablet and dock
Before You Begin
MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 4
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Chapter 2 Vehicle Preparation
When you use a vehicle with Mobile Collection, there are specific changes to the vehicle
that are required to accommodate the antenna and power. This section provides information
on how to perform those changes.
DANGER: The following procedures must be performed by a qualified professional
installer with the appropriate tools, knowledge, and experience to ensure safe
installation in accordance with these instructions and all applicable safety standards.
Installation by unqualified personnel voids all warranties for the installed products
and associated components, and may subject the installer, operator, or others to
hazardous conditions leading to injury or death.
Tools and Materials Needed
You need the following tools and materials to prepare a vehicle for the Mobile Collection
system.
Tools Materials
De-burring file Integrated antenna package
Drill and drill bit set DC power supply cable
Crescent wrench Permanent antenna mounting package
Pliers Silicone sealant
Cutting, stripping, and crimping tools for 12V wire
and coax cable
Vehicle Preparation Tasks
Vehicle preparation includes the following tasks. Perform the tasks in the order presented.
Task Action See...
1 Install the power supply cable. Installing the Power Supply Cable on
page 5
2Install the integrated antenna. This is broken into
sub-tasks.
Installing the Integrated Antenna on
page 6
Installing the Power Supply Cable
The unterminated end of the DC power supply cable connects to the vehicle's electrical
system and remains in the vehicle. This is done so that you can easily connect and
disconnect the Mobile Collector to the other end. The following shows the unterminated end
of the power supply cable.
MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 5
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ID Component
1White wire
2Black wire
3Green wire
To install the power supply cable
1. Select a location in the vehicle for the connector end of the cable so that it reaches the
cable that connects to the Mobile Collector. An extension cable is available from Itron, if
needed.
2. Route the unterminated end of the cable to the voltage and grounding sites in the vehicle.
Note: Do not route the cable where it can become abraded or damaged, such as under
the carpet in high traffic areas, over sharp edges, near hot engine components, near
brake or clutch linkages, or where it can be exposed to oil or other corrosive liquids.
3. If necessary, trim wires to a suitable length.
4. Connect the white wire (1) to a spare fuse in the vehicle's fuse panel that has a rating of
at least 15 ampere and receives power that is not turned on or off with the vehicle's
ignition (unswitched).
5. Connect the black wire (2) directly to the vehicle's chassis ground.
6. Connect the green wire (3) to a spare fuse in the vehicle's fuse panel that has a rating of
at least one ampere and receives power that is turned on with the vehicle's ignition set to
accessories (switched).
Installing the Integrated Antenna
Installation of the integrated antenna includes the following tasks. Perform the tasks in the
order presented.
Vehicle Preparation
MC3Lite Vehicle Preparation and Hardware Installation Guide TDC-1548-002 6
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