A3 ALPHA® meter with EA_NIC

Product guide
PG42-1017A

www.elster.com
Product guide i EA_Gatekeeper

Contents

Disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Revisions to this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

General description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
A3 ALPHA meter circuit board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Relay options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Metercat™ programming note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Operation of the A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Billing date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Recurring billing date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
TOU schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Season changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Power failure and restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
A3 ALPHA meter logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Exception messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Demand threshold exceeded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Power outage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Power restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Demand configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Reading the A3 ALPHA meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Changing an A3 ALPHA meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
EA_NIC test mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Display list items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
EA_NIC error codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
No error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Time error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Table CRC error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
General configuration error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Shared memory error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Power fail data save error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
EA_NIC status codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
No status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
NIC is in test mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
NIC is registered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Demand reset scheduled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
LAN information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
LAN ID 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
LAN ID 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Utility ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Network registration status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
FCC and Industry Canada compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Operating ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Product guide ii EA_Gatekeeper
Product guide iii Contents

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 technical
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 technical

manual are based on Elster experience and judgment with respect to the 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 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 be held 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.
Product guide iv Contents

Safety information
Installation, operation, and maintenance of this product can present potentially hazardous
conditions (for example, high voltages) if safety procedures are not followed. To ensure that
this product is used safely, it is important that you:

• Review, understand, and observe all safety notices and recommendations within this
manual.
• Do not remove or copy individual pages from this manual, as this manual is
intended for use in its entirety. If you were to remove or copy individual pages, cross
references and safety notices may be overlooked, possibly resulting in damage to
the equipment, personal injury, or even death.
• Inform personnel involved in the installation, operation, and maintenance of the
product about the safety notices and recommendations contained in this manual.
Within this manual, safety notices appear preceding the text or step to which they apply.
Safety notices are divided into the following 4 classifications:

Notice is used to alert personnel to installation, operation, or maintenance

information that is important but not hazard related.

Caution is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will or can
cause minor personal injury, equipment damage, or property damage if the
notice is ignored.

Warning is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that can cause
severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property damage if notice
is ignored.

Danger is used to alert personnel to the presence of a hazard that will cause
severe personal injury, death, equipment damage, or property damage if the
notice is ignored.
Product guide v Contents

Revisions to this document

The A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC product guide can be referred to by its document
number: PG42-1017. Each revision of this manual is designated with a letter, with the first
revision being “A,” the second being “B,” and so forth.

The following table lists the revisions to this document, the date of the release, and
applicable notes about the changes made.

Revision Date Brief Description

A 03 Aug 2011 First release of the document.
Product guide vi Contents
Product guide 1 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

General description
As a component of the EnergyAxis® System, the A3 ALPHA meter with the internal
EnergyAxis network interface card (EA_NIC) brings advaned metering infrastructure
capabilities to commercial, industrial, and high-end residential metering applications
where real and reactive energy measurements are desired. Utilities can obtain interval
data, real and reactive energy metering, critical tier, time-of-use (TOU) data, event log,
history log, PQM log, and voltage sag log information from the A3 ALPHA meter through
the EnergyAxis network.

The EA_NIC installed in the A3 ALPHA meter allows the meter to function as an EnergyAxis
System component in the Elster 900 MHz network. The EA_NIC mounts under the cover of
the A3 ALPHA meter, allowing network deployment to be as simple as installing a meter.
All billing-related data, including both register and interval data, are calculated and stored
in the meter (as compared to being calculated by the NIC). By reporting meter data as
calculated by the meter, the A3 ALPHA with EA_NIC provides excellent auditability.

Depending on the meter type and programming, the electricity meter readings reported
through the network can including the following:

• Register data
• Total and 4-tier energy for two energy quantities, real and reactive
• 4-tier demand for two demand quantities, real or reactive. Each demand reading
has an associated date and timestamp to indicate the time of the maximum
demand.
• 4-tier coincident demand for two coincident demand quantities, real or reactive
• per phase voltage
• number of demand resets
• number of outages
• A3 ALPHA meter error and warning flags
• EA_NIC error and warning flags
• A3 ALPHA meter configuration information
• 2 channels of interval data for any metered quantity in 5-, 15-, 30-, or 60-minute
interval lengths
Product guide 2 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

A3 ALPHA meter circuit board

The A3 ALPHA meter builds upon the strengths of the existing ALPHA meter designs. Like
its predecessors, the A3 ALPHA meter uses Elster’s patented digital measurement
techniques that offer high accuracy, repeatability, and low ownership costs. In support of
open architecture standards, the A3 ALPHA meter is the first Elster meter to fully support
ANSI C12.18, C12.19, and C12.21 standards.

To function as a node in the EnergyAxis System, an A3 ALPHA meter requires the following
option boards:

• internal interface board to support the mounting of the EA_NIC, relay option board,
or extended memory option board in position 1
• the EA_NIC option board in position 2
The board in position 1 connects to the A3 ALPHA meter using the 20-pin header (J4) on the
meter circuit board as shown in Figure 1. The EA_NIC option board connects to the other
option board using the 20-pin header (J5) as shown in A3 ALPHA meter electronic
assembly.

Outage notification requires the outage notification support board, which is installed in the
meter base (see Figure 2). The outage notification support board houses a capacitor that
briefly powers the meter during an outage. Outage notification must be specified at the
time of ordering. See see “Power outage” on page 8 for more information about outage
notification.

The internal antenna for the EA_NIC option board mounts directly onto the electronic
housing (see Figure 3) and fits completely under the cover of the A3 ALPHA meter. The
A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC can also be ordered with an external antenna.

A thin shield between the option board in position 1 and the main meter circuit board
provides additional isolation between the option boards and the high voltage components
of the A3 ALPHA meter. The unit should not be operated without this shield installed.

Figure 1. A3 ALPHA meter electronic assembly

1 EA_NIC option board at position 2

1
Interface board, relay option
2 board, or extended memory option
board at position 1
3 Option board shield
2

4 Meter circuit board

3 5 Meter electronic housing

5
Product guide 3 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

Figure 2. Outage notification support board

2 Outage notification support
1
board
2 A3 ALPHA meter base

Connects to J1 on
EA_NIC option board

Figure 3. A3 ALPHA meter electronic housing with internal antenna

Antenna

Relay options
The pulse output relays are brought out of the meter base via a cable on the A3 ALPHA
meter. There can be 2 or 4 relays. The relay output cable uses the color coding as
illustrated in Figure 4 or Figure 5.

Figure 4. 2-relay output color coding

A3 ALPHA
NC Yellow Y1
RELAY A NO Black Z1 Programmable
COMMON Red K1
NC Wht/Blk Y2
Programmable
RELAY B NO Blue Z2
COMMON Orange K2
Product guide 4 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

Figure 5. 4-relay output color coding

A3 ALPHA
NC Yellow Y1
RELAY A Programmable
NO Black Z1
NC Wht/Blk Y2
RELAY B Programmable
NO Blue Z2

NO Orange EOI Programmable

RELAY E COMMON Red K

NO Brown LC1 Programmable

RELAY F COMMON Green LC2
Product guide 5 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

Metercat™ programming note

To have the A3 ALPHA meter function properly as a node in the EnergyAxis System, it is
important that the meter be programmed correctly using Metercat. Be sure to understand
the following restrictions:

Component Description
Quantities • For A3D and A3T meters, the option board will return the first
energy and the first demand quantity configured in the meter.
• For all other meter types, the option board will return the first 2
energy and demand quantities configured in the meter. It will also
return the first 2 coincident demands configured in the meter.
Interval data • Quantities to record: The first 2 quantities will be the quantities
configuration profiled by the option board.
Note:Selecting any net quantity will result in an option board
configuration error.
• Interval length: The interval length can be 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20,
30, or 60. Selecting any other interval length will return interval
data but with an unknown interval length reported to EA_MS.
Display When operating as a network element within EnergyAxis, the
following items (located in the EnergyAxis Items category) are
available for display:
• ILC/ILN errors1
• ILC/ILN status
• EnergyAxis utility ID
• LAN ID 1 (first 4 digits) and LAN ID 2 (last 6 digits)
• LAN registration information
Demand Interval (minutes): For all meters, Elster recommends that you select
15, 30, or 60 minutes. Selecting any other value can prevent the
actual demand interval length from being reported in the data. That
is, the actual data will be reported without specifying the demand
interval length.
If any other demand interval is required, contact Elster for more
information.
Special Dates Except for season changes, recurring and nonrecurring special
dates should be configured without the demand reset option. Within
the EnergyAxis System, billing demand resets are controlled by the
system through the gatekeeper.
Remote2 If using the internal interface board:
• Port 1 usage is set to “Direct connect” and the bit rate is set to
9600
• Port 2 usage is set to “Disabled”
If using the relay option board or extended memory3 board:
• Port 1 usage is set to “Disabled”
• Port 2 usage is set to “Direct connect” and the bit rate is set to
9600
1
Within Metercat software, the EA_NIC may be referred to as the ILN option board.
2
If you do not see the Remote tab, select Remote as a program option in the Properties tab
of your program.
3
In the Status view, the extended memory option board is identified as the ITM3 even though
modem functionality is not present.

Note: If the remote definition is not programmed into the A3 ALPHA meter, the EA_NIC
will not be able to return any meter reads to EA_MS.
The other options can be set as desired. For more information on using Metercat, see the
Metercat user guide or the online Help.
Product guide 6 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

Operation of the A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

During power outage conditions, the time base within the A3 ALPHA meter is maintained
by its super capacitor and a battery. When powered, the A3 ALPHA meter maintains the
time base and the EA_NIC synchronizes the A3 ALPHA meter to the network time.

Billing date
The EnergyAxis System handles the billing dates for the registered A3 ALPHA meters.
EA_MS assigns each meter to one of 30 possible billing dates, and then EA_MS transmits
the billing dates to the meters' respective gatekeepers. Twenty-four hours before the billing
date, the EA_Gatekeeper schedules the meter to perform a demand reset at the next
midnight crossing. This results in the EA_NIC performing a demand reset of the A3 ALPHA
meter at midnight of the assigned billing date.

At midnight, the EA_NIC instructs the A3 ALPHA meter to perform a demand reset. The
EA_NIC then reads the A3 ALPHA meter’s demand reset copy of data and stores this
demand reset copy for retrieval by the EA_Gatekeeper. During the next reading of all its
registered meters, the gatekeeper retrieves and stores the copy of the billing data. Once
the billing data is stored in the gatekeeper, it can be retrieved by EA_MS at the next read of
the gatekeeper.

This feature allows individual meters to be assigned to a specific billing date that conforms
to the consumer’s request or the utility's business process. Neighboring meters can have
individual billing dates and are not forced to be read on the same day. Changes to the
billing date are handled through a schedule change in EA_MS.

Recurring billing date

Beginning with EA_NIC firmware version 5, the EA_NIC can be programmed with a
recurring billing date schedule. When the EA_NIC is programmed with a recurring billing
date, on the programmed recurring date, the EA_NIC will perform the demand reset at
midnight and then read the demand reset copy from the A3 ALPHA meter. The recurring
billing date process occurs regardless of whether or not the EA_NIC has received the
scheduled demand reset command from the gatekeeper.

Note: The meter should still be assigned to a billing date. Assigning a billing date
coordinates the transfer of the billing data (that is, the demand reset copy of the
data) to EA_MS.

TOU schedules
The A3 ALPHA meter can be programmed using Metercat to operate on a TOU program.
Each program includes a TOU schedule and display list. Each TOU schedule for the
A3 ALPHA meter consists of weekday, weekend, and two special day types (that is,
holidays). The display list controls the values that are shown on the A3 ALPHA meter LCD.
See the A3 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2190) for information on the TOU values
that can be displayed on the A3 ALPHA meter LCD.

Season changes
Season changes for the A3 ALPHA meter are controlled by the calendar in the A3 ALPHA
meter.
Product guide 7 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

Power failure and restoration

When there is a power failure, the A3 ALPHA meter initiates a shutdown and stores the
A3 ALPHA meter billing data and status information in EEPROM. All information stored in
the EA_NIC is stored in battery-backed RAM. The A3 ALPHA meter’s real-time clock and the
data stored in the EA_NIC are maintained by the super capacitor and battery in the
A3 ALPHA meter during a power failure. If both the super capacitor and battery fail, all
RAM in the meter and in the EA_NIC will be lost.

Upon subsequent power restoration, an error code is generated for both the A3 ALPHA
meter and the EA_NIC.

• For information on A3 ALPHA meter error codes, see the A3 ALPHA Meter Technical
Manual (TM42-2190).
• For information on EA_NIC error codes, see “EA_NIC error codes” on page 10.

A3 ALPHA meter logs

Starting with the EA_NIC 5.5 release, the EA_NIC supports retrieval of the A3 ALPHA meter
event, history, PQM, and voltage sag logs and transfer of these logs over the EnergyAxis
network. The EA_NIC polls the A3 ALPHA meter once a minute checks each meter log for
new events. If a new events have been posted to the log, the EA_NIC retrieves the events
and stores them in an EA_NIC event log. This EA_NIC event log contains data from all four
of the A3 ALPHA meter logs. The A3 ALPHA meter logs are read sequentially, which means
that the order of the entries in the EA_NIC event log is not necessarily in chronological
order. EA_MS, however, will report the events based on the event date/time stamp that is
provided by the A3 ALPHA meter.

After detecting and retrieving one or more new events from the A3 ALPHA meter, the
EA_NIC sends an exception message to the EA_Gatekeeper to notify the EA_Gatekeeper
that new event entries are available. The EA_Gatekeeper then reads the new events and
stores these in a log at the EA_Gatekeeper. The EA_Gatekeeper log will be retrieved by
EA_MS. The EA_Gatekeeper can be configured to notify EA_MS that new events are
available.

The history log may or may not be read, depending on how the EA_NIC has been
programmed with firmware version 5.5.

• If the EA_NIC firmware is upgraded to version 5.5 in the field (either over the
EnergyAxis network or the optical port), the EA NIC will be configured to read the
event, PQM, and voltage sag logs from the A3 ALPHA meter. The EA_NIC will not be
configured to read the A3 ALPHA meter’s history log.
• If the A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC is shipped from the factory with firmware version
5.5 or higher, the EA_NIC will be configured to read all four logs from the A3 ALPHA
meter.
When the EA_NIC is enabled to start retrieving and reporting log information from the
A3 ALPHA meter, the EA_NIC only retrieves entries that occur after the log retrieval
functionality was enabled.

If EA_NICs are shipped from the factory enabled to retrieve and report A3 ALPHA
log entries, there will be entries from the final steps of the Elster manufacturing
process. These entries will be reported over the EnergyAxis system, but they will
have timestamps before the installation date/time of the meter.
Product guide 8 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

Exception messages
The EA_NIC routinely communicates with the network to transmit the metering data from its
A3 ALPHA meter. In addition, the EA_NIC can also be programmed to transmit exception
messages to the gatekeeper that indicate an event has occurred that may require action
from the utility.

In addition to the event log updated exception message (see “A3 ALPHA meter logs” on
page 7) which is programmed by default and cannot be disabled through programming,
the EA_NIC can be programmed to transmit the following exception messages:

• demand threshold exceeded

• power outage
• power restoration
Demand threshold exceeded. The EA_NIC can transmit an exception message to the
gatekeeper indicating that the A3 ALPHA meter’s programmable demand threshold has
been exceeded. For more information on the A3 ALPHA meter’s demand threshold, see
the A3 ALPHA meter technical manual (TM42-2190).

Power outage. When the EA_NIC detects that the A3 ALPHA meter’s microcontroller is
initiating a shutdown as a result of a power failure, the EA_NIC can transmit an outage
notification excpetion message. Outage notification, which must be specified at the time of
ordering, requires the outage notification support board (see “A3 ALPHA meter circuit
board” on page 2.

Power restoration. The EA_NIC can transmit an exception message to the gatekeeper
indicating that power has been restored to the A3 ALPHA meter. The power restoration
exception message is not sent immediately. The EA_NIC must be programmed to wait
between 32 seconds and 8160 seconds before transmitting a power restoration message.
This power restoration delay time allows the power restoration to be validated before
transmitting a restoration message.

Demand configuration
The EA_NIC returns the following A3 ALPHA meter demand information to EA_MS:

• For A3D meters only, the maximum demand is returned

• For all other meter types, the EA_NIC returns the following:
• total and tier-based demand with demand timestamps for the first two demand
quantities configured in the meter
• tier-based coincident demands for the first two coincident demand quantities
configured in the meter
Note: Maximum demand or cumulative maximum demand is specified at the time of
ordering. For more information, see the A3 ALPHA and A1800 ALPHA meter with
EA_NIC programming form (PB42-2001G or later).
Product guide 9 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

Reading the A3 ALPHA meter

The A3 ALPHA meter can be read in the following ways:

• visually using the LCD

• optically using Metercat support software
• remotely over the EA_LAN
For more details on the information that can be viewed on the LCD, see “Display list items”
on page 10.

For more details on reading the A3 ALPHA meter optically, see the Metercat
documentation and online Help.

For more details on reading the A3 ALPHA meter remotely, see the EA_MS documentation
and online Help.

Changing an A3 ALPHA meter

Use authorized utility procedures to remove metering equipment. Dangerous

voltages are present. Equipment damage, personal injury, or death can result if
safety procedures are not followed.

If the A3 ALPHA meter must be taken out of service (because of an error condition, the
EA_NIC fails, etc.), the A3 ALPHA meter can be replaced with another A3 ALPHA meter. See
the change-out information in the A3 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM32-2190).

EA_NIC test mode

It is possible to put the EA_NIC into test mode, which forces the EA_NIC to send out packets
over the radio. While in EA_NIC test mode, the radio transmits at a typical duty cycle to
allow for metrology testing under realistic field conditions. While in EA_NIC test mode, the
meter ignores all incoming network traffic.

To enter EA_NIC test mode, use Metercat to perform a Set LAN Radio Test Mode task. While
in test mode, the meter LCD will display the appropriate status code (see “NIC is in test
mode” on page 11). To exit EA_NIC test mode, perform a clear data command (which will
also clear the expected data from the A3 ALPHA meter and EA_NIC) or cycle the meter
power.
Product guide 10 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

Display list items

The A3 ALPHA meter display is divided into different regions as shown in Figure 6. See
Chapter 3, “Operating Instructions,” in the A3 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2190)
for more detailed descriptions of the LCD and its display regions.

Figure 6. A3 ALPHA meter LCD

Operating mode indicators

Display quantity
Quantity identifer

Display identifers Potential indicators

PREV SEAS
RATE ABCD
CONT CUM TEST
RESETS MAX
TOTAL KWARh ALT EOI

Power/energy End of interval indicator

units identifier
Real energy indicators
Alternate energy indicators

The display list for all displayable items, including the items relating to the EA_NIC, can be
programmed using Metercat meter support software.

EA_NIC error codes

Unlike standard A3 ALPHA meter error codes, EA_NIC error codes must be programmed
as a displayable item in the A3 ALPHA meter display list using Metercat support software;
otherwise, the meter LCD will not display any indication that a condition exists that affects
the EA_NIC’s operation. Error conditions and codes identify the EA_NIC error conditions and
the associated display quantity value. The quantity identifier is the same for all EA_NIC
error codes and can be programmed to be any numeric character (represented by i in
Table 1).
Table 1. Error conditions and codes
Condition Quantity identifier Display quantity value
No error iii 000000
Time error iii 000001
Table CRC error iii 000100
Configuration error iii 001000
Shared memory error iii 010000
Power fail data save error iii 100000

Error codes may be displayed in combination (for example, iii 100100), indicating that
more than one error condition has been detected.

No error. This code is displayed when no error condition exists in the EA_NIC. Since
EA_NIC error codes must be programmed as display items, this code is used when no
error condition is present in the EA_NIC.

Time error. This code indicates that the EA_NIC is not able to obtain real time from the
A3 ALPHA meter or that the A3 ALPHA meter is reporting a real time-related error. Contact
Elster is this code is displayed on the LCD.

Table CRC error. This code indicates an error in the EA_NIC’s programming. Contact
Elster if this error code is displayed on the LCD.
Product guide 11 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

General configuration error. This code indicates a problem with the EA_NIC’s
configuration or program. If the meter is programmed for load profiling, this error code will
be displayed if one of the first two quantities is programmed for a net quantity.

Contact Elster if this error code is displayed and there are no apparent programming
issues.

Shared memory error. This code indicates a problem exists in the shared memory area.
Contact Elster if this error code is displayed on the LCD.

Power fail data save error. This code indicates that the data saved in the EA_NIC’s
nonvolatile memory during a power failure may be invalid. This error will be displayed
when power is restored to the meter if a self check has discovered an error with the
EA_NIC’s memory. Contact Elster if this error code continues to be displayed on the LCD.

EA_NIC status codes

EA_NIC status codes must be programmed as a displayable item using Metercat support
software to appear on the A3 ALPHA meter LCD. Status codes do not indicate a problem
with the EA_NIC. Status conditions and codes identify the status condition and its
associated display quantity value. The quantity identifier is the same for all EA_NIC status
codes and can be programmed to be any numeric character (represented by i in Table 2).
Table 2. Status conditions and codes
Condition Quantity identifier Display quantity value
No status iii 000000
NIC is in test mode iii 010000
NIC is registered iii 000100
Demand reset scheduled iii 000010

No status. This code is displayed when no status condition exists in the EA_NIC. Since
EA_NIC status codes must be programmed as display items, this code is used when no
status condition is present in the EA_NIC.

NIC is in test mode. This code indicates that the EA_NIC is in test mode. The code
remains in the display until the EA_NIC has exited test mode. See “EA_NIC test mode” on
page 9.

NIC is registered. This code indicates that the A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC is registered
with a gatekeeper. See “Network registration status” on page 12 for more specific
information about the registration information.

Demand reset scheduled. This code indicates that the meter has been scheduled to
perform a demand reset at the next midnight crossing. This code is displayed when the
EA_NIC receives a command to perform a demand reset from the network. The code
remains in the display until the next midnight crossing (the time at which the meter
performs a demand reset). See the A3 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual for more
information on demand resets.
Product guide 12 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

LAN information
The LAN information can be displayed on the A3 ALPHA meter LCD. Information item and
display format identifies all the items that are available for display. The quantity identifier
must be a numeric character (represented by i in Table 3) and should be unique for each
item that you want to display. Use Metercat meter support software to select the display
items and their associated quantity identifier.
Table 3. Information item and display format
Display item Quantity identifier Display quantity value
LAN ID 1 iii xxxx
LAN ID 2 iii xxxxxx
Utility ID iii xxxxxx
Network registration status iii xxxxxx

LAN ID 1. This item displays the first 4 digits of the EA_NIC LAN ID.
LAN ID 2. This item displays the last 6 digits of the EA_NIC LAN ID.
Utility ID. This item displays the utility ID for the A3 ALPHA meter. The utility ID is the same
for all meters that are part of the same network.

Network registration status. This item displays the following information about the
EA_NIC (see Figure 7):

• the EA_NIC is registered with a gatekeeper

• the number of communication “hops” between the EA_NIC and the gatekeeper
• the last four digits of the gatekeeper’s LAN ID
Figure 7. Network registration status display

Number of “hops” to Last 4 digits of

the gatekeeper gatekeeper’s LAN ID

User-programmable
quantity identifer

NIC registered
with gatekeeper
Product guide 13 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

FCC and Industry Canada compliance

User Information (Part 15.105): 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, 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 the 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/TV technician for help
If you experience trouble with this equipment, please use the Return Material Request (RMR) feature available at the
Online Customer Services at www.elstersolutions.com. Do not attempt to repair this equipment itself unless you are
replacing the entire module.

Compliance Statement (Part 15.19): This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Compliance Statement (RSS standards): This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS
standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Énoncé de conformité: 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, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le
brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Warning (Part 15.21): Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Elster could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.

RF Radiation Safety Guidelines per Part 2 of FCC Rules and Regulations: The meter should be installed in a
location where there will be a separation greater than 20 cm from locations occupied by humans.

Industry Canada Statement: The term "IC" before the certification/registration number only signifies that the Industry
Canada technical specifications were met.
Collocation Statement: Collocation of simultaneously-transmitting (co-transmitting) antennas within 20 cm of each
other in a final product is not allowed.

Under Industry Canada 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.
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.
Product guide 14 A3 ALPHA meter with EA_NIC

Technical specifications
Appendix E, “Technical Specifications,” of the A3 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-
2190) lists the meter specifications for an A3 ALPHA meter. When the A3 ALPHA meter is
operating as a network element within the EnergyAxis system, the operating range for a
Form 35S meter is different than the specifications listed in TM42-2190.

Operating ranges
Voltage Nameplate nominal range Operating range
Form 35S 120 V to 240 V 96 V to 288 V
All other forms 120 V to 480 V 96 V to 528 V
About Elster
Elster (NYSE: ELT) is one of the world's largest electricity,
gas and water measurement and control providers. Our
offerings include distribution monitoring and control,
advanced smart metering, demand response,
networking and software solutions, and numerous
related communications and services - key components
for enabling consumer choice, operational efficiency
and conservation. Our products and solutions are
widely used by utilities in the traditional and emerging
Smart Grid markets.
Elster has one of the most extensive installed revenue
measurement bases in the world, with more than 200
million metering devices deployed over the course of
the last 10 years. It sells its products and services in more
than 130 countries across electricity, gas, water and
multi-utility applications for residential, commercial and
industrial, and transmission and distribution
applications.

ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, REX, and EnergyAxis are registered

trademarks. Metercat, AlphaPlus, REX2, and REX2-EA are
trademarks of Elster. Other products and company names
mentioned herein may be the trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.

Elster
208 S Rogers Lane
Raleigh, NC 27610-2144
United States
T +1 800 338 5251 (US toll free)
T +1 905 634 4895 (Canada)
F +1 919 212 4801
support@us.elster.com
www.elster.com

© 2011 by Elster. All rights 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 the Elster.
Printed in the United States of America.