Kamstrup READy Concentrator Installation Guide

Installation guide
Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus
radio network
Kamstrup A/S • FILE100002702_B_EN_06.2023
Installation guide
Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
Disclaimer
All information provided in this document is copyright of Kamstrup. Licence is granted to the user to freely use and distribute
the information in complete and unaltered form, provided that the purpose is to use or evaluate Kamstrup products.
Distribution rights do not include public posting or mirroring on Internet websites. Only a link to the Kamstrup website can be
provided on such public websites.
Kamstrup shall in no event be liable to any party for direct, indirect, special, general, incidental, or consequential damages
arising from the use of this information or any derivative works thereof. The information is provided on an as-is basis, and thus
comes with absolutely no warranty, either express or implied. No right or licence is granted under any intellectual property
right, hereunder copyright, patent or trademark, of Kamstrup to any other party. This disclaimer includes, but is not limited to,
implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for any particular purpose, and non-infringement.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by
Kamstrup. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, Kamstrup assumes no responsibility for any
errors and/or omissions that may appear in this document.
Copyright Information
Copyright ® Kamstrup A/S
Industrivej 28
Stilling
DK-8660 Skanderborg, Denmark
All Rights Reserved
The graphics and content in this document are the copyrighted work of Kamstrup and contain proprietary trademarks and
trade names of Kamstrup.
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Installation guide
Contents
1
2
Introduction to this document
Radio theory in general
2.1 Radio signal disturbances
2.1.1 Environmental and physical factors
2.1.1.1 Spreading loss
2.1.1.2 Absorption
2.1.1.3 Reflection
2.1.1.4 Collisions, interference and near-field areas
2.1.1.5 Topography
3 Installation
3.1 Meter installation
3.1.1 Guidelines for meter installation
3.1.2 Utility room installation
3.1.3 Basement installation
3.1.4 Pit installations
4 Trimming of installations
4.1 Trimming of the meter installation
4.2 Trimming of installation in basement
4.2.1 Installation scenarios – antenna in basement
4.3 Trimming of installation in pit
4.3.1 Installation scenarios – pit installation
5 Data concentrator installation
5.1 READy concentrator
5.2 Omni antenna
5.3 Panel antennas
5.4 Cables
5.4.1 Cable installation
5.4.1.6 Installation scenarios – cables
5.5 READy Mini Concentrator
5.5.1 READy Mini Concentrator reception
5.5.2 READy Mini Concentrator installation
5.6 READy 4G Bridge
5.6.1 READy 4G Bridge reception
5.6.2 READy 4G Bridge installation
6 Installation of Kamstrup Repeater 5
6.1 Repeater
6.2 Pairing of meter and repeater
6.3 Typical error scenarios
6.4 Examples of good installation
7 check.kamstrup.com
8 Checklist for meter installation
9 Checklist for meter antenna installation
10 Checklist for concentrator installation
11 Checklist for repeater installation
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Installation guide
Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
1 Introduction to this document
This installation guide provides an insight into the installation of radio network equipment in connection with READy, but can
potentially also be used when installing other types of radio networks.
This guide focuses on “best practice” within installation of network equipment to obtain the best possible performance and to
avoid repeated visits/trimming of the equipment.
Technical specifications of each component will not be emphasised, but the guide provides an overview of the total solution
and of how components are connected in the best possible way.
For technical specifications of each component, visit http://products.kamstrup.com/index.php.
2 Radio theory in general
Radio signals are electromagnetic waves caused by vibrating electrons from a transmitting antenna.
Low-frequent radio signals below 3 MHz follow the curvature of the earth because of their diffraction with the atmospheric layer. This
can potentially provide global reach if the signal is unobstructed and without interference. However, low-frequent signals are easily
disturbed and affected by external factors and cannot contain very large amounts of data.
When we are working with frequencies above 3 MHz as is the case with wireless M-Bus, we operate with line-of-sight (LOS)
communication. With this type of communication, the radio signals are moving in a straight line between the transmitter and the
receiver because of the high frequency. If we zoom in on a high frequency, it will still be seen as fluctuations and not straight lines.
Low frequency
High frequency
This means that the transmitter and receiver ideally are directed towards and can see each other so that the radio waves can
move between the two unobstructed. High frequencies are better reflected than low frequencies and can thus jump from and
between surfaces. Radio signals with a high frequency can carry large amounts of data, but the range is reduced exponentially
with the frequency increase.
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2.1 Radio signal disturbances
2.1.1 Environmental and physical factors
A number of environmental and physical factors affect the quality and strength of the radio signal. When we talk about network
installations, it is important to consider the signal pathway from transmitter to receiver as obstacles such as buildings, trees and
the topography all have an impact on the signal pathway. There are many concepts and theories about radio signals. Below, some
of the main concepts and theories in connection with the installation of radio network equipment are described.
2.1.1.1 Spreading loss
You can think of radio signals as light. If we imagine the meter as a flashlight, you will see that the cone of light spreads and
will be weaker, the farther you move away from the flashlight. In the same way, the radio signal’s energy spreads over a greater
area, the farther away it moves – resulting in a weaker signal.
As a basic rule, the signal is weakened by the square of the distance. This means that if we move 1 distance unit, the signal
loss corresponds to a quarter of the starting point.
Note that the illustration is indicative. In practice, the signal loss will increase exponentially.
1
1
If we move 1 distance unit, the signal loss corresponds to a
quarter of the starting point.
The signal loss increases exponentially with distance.
2.1.1.2 Absorption
Radio signals lose energy when they pass through obstacles such as buildings and trees. This is known as the absorption.
When the signal on its way meets non-metallic surfaces such as concrete walls, some of the signal energy is absorbed and
restricts the signal transmission power and thus its reach. Compact materials absorb much energy.
The season may also influence the absorption from the environment or the signal pathway. Through the summer months,
more signal strength is absorbed by foliage on trees than in the winter months where trees are throwing leaves. In addition,
parameters such as snow, rain, fog and air pollution are also important factors when talking about absorption of the signal.
Absorption during the summer. The signal is absorbed, and
the signal strength is weakened.
Kamstrup A/S • FILE100002702_B_EN_06.2023
Almost no absorption in winter.
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2.1.1.3 Reflection
Many different surfaces reflect radio signals. This can be both a benefit and a disadvantage. If a vehicle parks on the signal
path to the receiver, the signal is reflected away from the receiver, and you will experience a temporary deterioration or
absence of the signal until the vehicle is removed.
Water or ice can act as a reflective surface, and therefore, by transmitters located far from the receiver with a pathway above
water, a significant extension of the radio signal is often achieved without a particularly large signal loss.
Example of the reflection on water.
In case of reflection, it is important to remember that the signal is scattered in different directions – once again we can make
the comparison with the light from a flashlight. When the light hits a surface, it will be reflected and depending on the surface
contour, the light is reflected in one or more directions. The same applies to radio signals, and as a result, the signals offset
each other through collisions in the air.
The reflection on a smooth surface.
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The reflection on an uneven surface.
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2.1.1.4 Collisions, interference and near-field areas
Interference/disturbance of radio signals occurs when multiple transmitters send signals away,
which collide or hit each other mid-air. There are both constructive and destructive interference
by which the radio signals either offset or reinforce one another. Meters or transmitting antennas
that are mounted very close (in each other’s near-field area) or in a large number within a small
area will create more interference and increase the risk of collisions in the air than senders that
are mounted in a good distance from each other.
In this example, there is a risk that the radio signals from the two meters with antennas expose
each other to destructive interference.
To avoid this, the antennas of up to 2 m in size must be installed at a distance of minimum 75
cm. In this way, the antennas are not within each other’s near-field areas in which the signals will
interfere and the signal strength is reduced.
The examples in the illustration below only take place in extreme cases. It is rarely seen that the
signal dies completely, but we must be aware that it can happen.
+
+
=
=
+
-
Interference models
2.1.1.5 Topography
The landscape contour or topography also has a major impact on the radio signal. For example, hills that are in the way of the
signal path may absorb the entire signal.
The illustration below shows that the hill casts a shadow over the meter so that the receiver cannot receive the signal. The
example is over-exaggerated, and in reality, the signal can probably reach the receiver due to reflection.
Meter and receiver may not “see” each other due to the topography.
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3 Installation
In this section, we will review the meter installation in utility rooms, basements and pits. Each type of installation is described
with focus on the radio signal. At the end of the section, a checklist of the most important elements is available.
An important element of the meter installation is check.kamstrup.com. Here, the meter’s signal to the concentrator can be
tested. See “7 check.kamstrup.com” on page 34 for a guide.
3.1 Meter installation
3.1.1 Guidelines for meter installation
At all installations, the following guidelines apply:
• Before installing the meter, orientate yourself on the receiver direction to achieve as short and direct a pathway as possible
• You must ensure free radiation so the signal is not quenched at installation
• The meter must not be covered, mounted in a metal cabinet, etc. If this is not possible, the range will be reduced
• If the network has been built, check that the meter can be read on check.kamstrup.com.
If these guidelines are complied with, the signal has the best possible conditions for reaching the receiver.
If it is not possible to see the meter, see “4.1 Trimming of the meter installation” on page 11.
3.1.2 Utility room installation
In case of installation in a utility room or similar, the meter is typically located at or above street level. As a rule, this means
that the meter’s own antenna has sufficient transmission power to reach the receiver.
If reflective or absorbing materials such as a steel cabinet cover the meter, this can be the cause of a shorter/no range.
If this is the case, it is recommended to extend the signal range using one of the options described in “4.1 Trimming of the
meter installation” on page 11.
Note:
Always test whether the meter can be seen and received on check.kamstrup.com.
Meter mounted in utility room.
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Installation guide
3.1.3 Basement installation
Here we take two different basement constructions as the starting point, which in their own ways affect the signal pathway:
1. A basement without a window or an opening to the outside
2. A basement with a window. Note:
• In a closed basement without a window, it is difficult to get out the signal
• If there is a window in the basement and if the meter can be placed high, the signal has good conditions
Check if the signal from the meter can be received on check.kamstrup.com.
Weak signal: Closed basement without a window.
Average signal: Basement with a window where the meter is
not installed in the window.
Good signal: Basement with a window, the meter can “see” a
window.
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3.1.4 Pit installations
Note the following:
• The signal can be strictly limited since the signal must go through the pit cover
• It affects the signal differently whether the cover is made of plastic or metal
Metal cover: Weak signal
• Metal surfaces reflect the signal
The signal reaches outside of the pit, but with low
transmission power. A large part of the signal is caught in the
pit or absorbed by the ground.
Plastic cover: Average signal
Plastic does not absorb as strongly as metal, the signal
therefore reaches outside of the pit, but with average
transmission power.
Check that the signal from the meter can be received on check.kamstrup.com.
If the meter cannot be seen, perform a trimming of the installation.
See more in “4.3 Trimming of installation in pit” on page 15.
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Installation guide
4 Trimming of installations
Kamstrup uses different methods for trimming the network.
Each installation is assessed individually to ensure the best solution.
• If a single meter cannot be read, it is recommended to install an external antenna
• If there are several meters that cannot be read within a short distance, it is recommended to use a repeater
4.1 Trimming of the meter installation
Before installing:
• Determine in which direction the receiver is placed
• In case of an external antenna: Measure the antenna cable’s way from the meter to the possible antenna location to
determine the proper cable length
Guidelines:
The cable:
• Soft curves (bending radius 10 x diameter of cable)
• Properly measured length
• Properly mounted connector
• In own cable tray – if possible not together with power cables
The antenna:
• Installed towards the receiver
• Installed outside or inside with the following reservation:
- No pipes, drain or boxes within 0.5 m of the antenna
Note: Ensure free radiation around the antenna
• Make sure to install the antenna as high as possible
Check that the signal from the meter can be received on check.kamstrup.com.
Example of antenna installation:
The meter is installed in a steel cabinet.
The signal is extended with the external antenna.
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4.2 Trimming of installation in basement
If the meter cannot be read on check.kamstrup.com, an external antenna must be mounted.
Important:
It is recommended to use an external antenna with properly measured cable length.
Always follow the installation guide of the selected antenna, but with attention to the following guidelines:
Guidelines:
The cable:
• Soft curves (bending radius = 10 x diameter of cable)
• Properly measured length
• Properly mounted connector
• In own cable tray – as far as possible not together with conductive cables
The antenna:
• Installed towards the receiver
• Installed outside or inside with the following reservation:
- No pipes, drain or boxes within 0.5 m of the antenna
Note: Ensure free radiation around the antenna
• Make sure to install the antenna as high as possible
• Free radiation
Check if the meter can be seen in the system on check.kamstrup.com.
Good signal strength
Average signal strength
Low signal strength
Optimal placement of the antenna in basement. Seen from above.
Note that it is always most optimal to place the antenna outside, for example on the end wall of a house.
The external antenna is mounted in the basement in a window. Outdoor mounting, as high and free as possible.
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4.2.1 Installation scenarios – antenna in basement
The antenna is mounted in the window, see the drawing
“Optimal placement of the antenna in the basement” in
section 4.2.
The antenna is mounted outside the basement. However, it
would be better to place it higher.
Antenna mounted in the window.
The antenna is mounted highly in the basement with good
distance to ambient elements.
Pit antenna mounted in the mounting kit. Error:
• The antenna is mounted in a corner
• The distance to the pipes is too short
Pit antenna attached to the pipe. Error:
• The antenna is attached to a pipe
• The antenna is mounted in a corner
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Installation guide
External antenna on water meter. Error:
• The mounting ring mounted incorrectly
• The cable is fastened with cable ties and the cable is
squeezed
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Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
The mounting ring is mounted correctly.
The IR diodes are visible in the notch in the ring.
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Installation guide
4.3 Trimming of installation in pit
If the signal is not visible on check.kamstrup.com, an external antenna must be mounted on the meter.
Important:
It is recommended to install an external antenna in the pit cover or outside the pit.
Always follow the installation guide of the selected antenna, but with attention to the following guidelines:
Guidelines:
The cable:
• Soft curves (bending radius = 10 x diameter of cable)
• Properly measured length
• Properly mounted connector
• Led through a PVC pipe
The antenna:
• Mounted vertically
• As short and direct a path as possible
• Orientate yourself on the location of the reciever
• Free radiation
• To be installed as high as possible
The pit antenna is designed for installation in pit cover, as can be seen in the illustration.
The pit antenna is primarily used where the signal has a short way to the receiver, otherwise a repeater is used.
Meter installed in pit with antenna in the pit cover.
An external antenna can also be mounted to get the signal out of the pit. Here, the same principle applies as for the pit antenna.
Meter installed in pit with external antenna.
The pit antenna or the external antenna mounted under the pit cover does not contribute to a better transmission power than
what the meter’s own antenna can deliver.
Meter with external pit antenna mounted under the
pit cover.
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Meter with external antenna mounted under the
pit cover.
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4.3.1 Installation scenarios – pit installation
The external antenna mounted on the meter in pit. The cable
has a proper length.
The antenna is mounted on the flagpole, higher than the
cover. This can only be done with the consent of the owner of
the property.
Meter with pit antenna.
The antenna is mounted under the pit cover which does not
result in better signal conditions.
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Installation guide
5 Data concentrator installation
Kamstrup has three network infrastructure components that are used for data collection:
1. READy Concentrator
2. READy Mini Concentrator
3. READy 4G Bridge
5.1 READy concentrator
A READy concentrator installation consists of a concentrator, antennas and cables.
Here, the composition of components to achieve the best possible performance of systems for the reception of signals from
the meters is described. The antennas pick up radio signals sent from the meter.
Stand-alone
Plastic cabinet
Steel cabinet
Stand-alone
• Indoor installation
• With integrated cavity filters (signal filters)
Plastic cabinet
• Installed indoors or outdoors, IP 44
• 2 x cavity filters, noise filters
• Internal power switch
Steel cabinet
• Installed outdoors in hard environment
• 2 x cavity filters, noise filters
• Internal power switch
• Heater unit for freeze protection (optional)
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5.2 Omni antenna
This type of antenna is an omni-directional antenna.
The omni antenna is suitable for the reception of a large number of meters due to its 360° reception area and high
amplification.
Omni antenna for 360° reception.
Omni antenna – 360° coverage.
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5.3 Panel antennas
The panel antennas are recommended for reception in one specific direction. They must point directly in the direction of the
meters.
Panel antenna for directional reception – outdoors.
Panel antenna for directional reception – indoors.
Outdoor panel antenna – coverage of a specific area or street.
In theory, the omni and wall antennas are omnidirectional, i.e. they are equally suitable for receiving signals in all 360 degrees.
In practice, the reception conditions may be affected by the environment, buildings and vegetation. In other words, just
because there is 200 m range in one direction, this does not mean that this range applies all the way around the antenna.
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5.4 Cables
Follow the guidelines from the cable manufacturer for bending of the cable: For example, the bend must as a minimum
amount to:
10 x diameter of a 10 mm thick coaxial cable

Bending radius ≥ 100 mm
This also applies to the rolling up of a cable.
In general, the cable must not be forced into place. If force is used to pull the cable, the cable can be damaged.
Use measured cable lengths where possible. In this way, the signal loss is reduced as much as possible.
Radius
ø5 mm cable  radius ≥ 50 mm
ø10 mm cable  radius ≥ 100 mm
Here, the radius is respected. However, a shorter cable
should have been selected for this installation.
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Here, the radius is not respected. This may result in
increased losses in the cable.
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Installation guide
5.4.1 Cable installation
The cable is mounted with soft curves, but is still attached to The cable is mounted with hard bends and fixed tightly to the
the stand.
stand.
The cable mounted along the pipes in a straight line with a
soft curve to the concentrator.
The cable wrapped around the pipe.
Soft curves – correct radius.
Too small radius of cables.
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5.4.1.6 Installation scenarios – cables
Concentrator 1 – in plastic cabinet
Error:
• GSM cable caught in box cover
• The cable breaks and there is no GSM signal
Concentrator 1 – in plastic cabinet
Error:
• Cable severed when closing the cabinet
Concentrator 2 – in plastic cabinet
Error:
• GSM Mini Triangle antenna mounted on wM-Bus
connector
Concentrator 2 – in plastic cabinet
Error corrected:
• GSM Mini Triangle antenna mounted on 2G/3G modem in
concentrator
Antenna cable. Error:
• Bending radius too small
• Unnecessary load
• Cable breaks in the connector
• Water can penetrate
Antenna cable. Error:
• The cable is led in narrow steel profile, resulting in too
small a bending radius
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5.5 READy Mini Concentrator
READy Mini Concentrator is a standalone data concentrator with built-in antennas. It receives wM-Bus signals from meters or
sensors and forwards the data to READy Manager either by WiFi, Ethernet or the optional GSM connection.
It is not possible to attach external antennas to READy Mini Concentrator.
5.5.1 READy Mini Concentrator reception
READy Mini Concentrator has a reception range of approximately 60 m, depending on potential obstacles on the radio signals
way from meter to READy Mini Concentrator.
5.5.2 READy Mini Concentrator installation
Install READy Mini Concentrator as close as possible, but at least 50 cm from to the meters you intend to read.
Consider aspects as reflection and absorption of radio signals when installing READy Mini Concentrator. Typically, it is best to
install READy Mini Concentrator up high to allow free radiation around the built-in antenna.
Guidelines:
• Free radiation
• Installation as high as possible, preferably in a height of 4 – 6 meters
• Test the signal strength between READy Mini Concentrator and the meter on the final installation site
• Follow the quick guide for installation and configuration
• Verify that the meters can be seen on check.kamstrup.com
Vertical orientation
Horizontal orientation
x 25
READy Mini Concentrator receiving data from 25 meters.
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5.6 READy 4G Bridge
READy 4G Bridge is a 4G cellular connected wM-Bus data collected with built-in antennas.
5.6.1 READy 4G Bridge reception
READy 4G Bridge has a reception range of approximately 200-300 m, depending on potential obstacles of the radio signals.
5.6.2 READy 4G Bridge installation
Install READy 4G Bridge as close as possible, but at least 50 cm from to the meters you intend to read.
Consider aspects as reflection and absorption of radio signals when installing READy 4G Bridge. Typically, it is best to install
READy 4G Bridge up high to allow free radiation around the built-in antenna.
Guidelines:
• Vertical mounting
• Free radiation
• Installation as high as possible, preferably in a height of 4 – 6 meters
• Test the signal strength between READy 4G Bridge and the meter on the final installation site
• Follow the quick guide for installation and configuration
• Verify that the meters can be seen on check.kamstrup.com
Vertical orientation
Horizontal orientation
READy 4G Bridge connected to 5 meters.
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6 Installation of Kamstrup Repeater 5
This section describes the installation of Kamstrup Repeater 5.
The repeater can forward the signal of up to 5 meters.
Guidelines
• Vertical mounting, see the arrow on the back.
• Free radiation
• Installed as high as possible, preferably in a height of 4-6 m
• Front towards the meter and the receiver. Therefore, orientate yourself on the
location of the receiver.
• Test the signal strength between the repeater and the meter on the final location of
the repeater
• Minimum -90 dBm between repeater and meter.
After the installation of the repeater, check the signal strength via READy App.
See “6.2 Pairing of meter and repeater” on page 27.
Verify that the paired meters can be seen on check.kamstrup.com with a signal strength of minimum 1 bar.
Vertical mounting
Horizontal mounting
The horizontal mounting is due to the antenna’s location in the repeater.
The signal is strongest at the front, and therefore, vertical installation is recommended to achieve the best spread of the radio
signal.
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6.1 Repeater
The repeater receives the signal from the meter and forwards it to the concentrator. When the signal is received by the
repeater, it is forwarded once more at full transmission power. In this way, the repeater functions as a signal extension for
meters that are placed on the outskirts of the concentrator antenna’s reception area or for meters that are placed on locations
where the signal has bad conditions.
The signal from the meter is received by the repeater and
forwarded from this new starting point at full power.
The meter signal is not picked up by the concentrator.
The signal pathway from the meter, through a repeater, to
the concentrator’s receiver antennas.
The problem with the obstacle is resolved.
Repeater paired with 5 meters.
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6.2 Pairing of meter and repeater
Follow the procedure below to pair a meter with a repeater in READy App.
1. Log in to READy App:
2. Click the icon in the upper right corner to select settings:
READy
READy
App
Please enter pin code
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

0
Clear
3. Select Pair with reader device:
READy
Read meters
Info codes
Send/Receive
Find meter
Data sent and received 6/1/17 - 08:13
4. Select the converter based on serial number:
Pair with reader device

Select reader device
Pair with server
Kamstrup_66502082
Settings
About
Log out
Read meters
Info codes
Send/Receive
Find meter
Data sent and received 6/1/17 - 08:13
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6. Select Repeaters:
Installation
REPEATERS
73005107
Read log
2/5
70054529
Nordhavnsvej 5
48661929
2/5
sqren
Meter exchange
48554067
julsgaardsvej 20 mast
48661866
73002234
Data sent and received 6/1/17 - 08:13
7. Select the repeater that is to be configured.
Here, the signal strength between a converter and the
repeater is displayed:
48554067
Installation
REPEATERS
sqren
48554067
48661866
73002234
2/5
-53 dBm
-60 dBm
0/5
-65 dBm
3/5
-68 dBm
5/5
5/5
Repeater
Repeater
Repeater number
-70 dBm
48554067
Installation text
Net ID
0

48661929
1/5
-68 dBm

Nordhavnsvej 5
-52 dBm
3/5

70054529
2/5
-44 dBm
-65 dBm

73005107
0/5
-41 dBm
0/5

48661935
0/5
-60 dBm

Test CIV
-53 dBm

48554067

METERS
-52 dBm
8. Enter the repeater’s location in Installation text.


1/5
-44 dBm

Installation
0/5

48661935
-41 dBm

0/5

48554067
Test CIV

METERS



READy

5. Select Installation:
Activate
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Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
Installation guide
9. Press Activate to activate and start using the repeater.

10. Select OK.
Repeater
Activate
Repeater
Repeater number
Installation text
Confirm activation of the repeater.
-70 dBm
48554067
Address and placement
Net ID
0
OK
Activate
Cancel

Repeater

Repeater
-70 dBm
Repeater number
Installation text
12. Select the meter with the correct serial number.
48554067
71003735
71003735
MULTICAL 21
-66 dBm

11. Add meters to the repeater’s free spaces by selecting Add.
Address and placement
Net ID
0
Attached meters
Free slot
Add
Free slot
Add
Free slot
Add
Free slot
Add
Free slot
Add
Deactivate
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Installation guide
Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
The signal strength between the repeater and the meter is now displayed.
Note: Minimum -90 dBm.
If the value is, for example, -95 dBm, the signal may not be strong enough to be read each time.
Select meter
71003716
MULTICAL 403
-45 dBm
60054840
Unknown unit
-48 dBm
60903541
MULTICAL 402
-48 dBm
69551106
MULTICAL 601
-48 dBm

-45 dBm

71003715
MULTICAL 403
71003735

-44 dBm

73350047
READy Gateway

-33 dBm

71003735
MULTICAL 21


Here, the final configuration with the signal strength from converter to repeater and from repeater to meter is shown:

Repeaters
48554067
Repeater 5
-21 dBm
Repeater number
48554067
Installation text
Net ID
71003735
Attached meters
71003735
-43 dBm
Remove
Free slot
Add
Free slot
Add
Free slot
Add
Free slot
Add
Deactivate
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Kamstrup A/S • FILE100002702_B_EN_06.2023
Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
Installation guide
Installation scenarios – the repeater
The repeater mounted on a bicycle shed.
Error:
• The repeater is mounted horizontally
Kamstrup A/S • FILE100002702_B_EN_06.2023
Repeater mounted vertically on a shed.
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6.3 Typical error scenarios
Cable jammed in the assembly.
The antennas interfere with each other.
Note that this installation does not
provide a better signal than the meters
can provide.
Cable pulled together with 230V.
Solution:
The cable is rolled up in a soft curve.
See “5.4 Cables” on page 20.
Solution:
The antennas are moved to a distance
of at least 50 cm between them and
installed higher than the meters.
Solution:
The cable is placed in own cable tray.
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Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
Installation guide
6.4 Examples of good installation
Antenna mounted in the window, here
in a basement installation.
Concentrator mounted outside, no
tangling.
Repeater mounted vertically + highly.
The antenna is mounted as high and
free as possible.
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Installation guide
Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
7 check.kamstrup.com
Follow the procedure below to check that there is a connection to a specific device:
1. Go to check.kamstrup.com
//check.kamstrup.com/
1
2. Enter the number of the unit to be read
3. Press Test connection
Kan enheden
aflæses?
67040585
Test forbindelse
4. Press See related devices for more
details on the quality and the time of
the reading
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
,
0
.
_
//check.kamstrup.com/
1
Måler kan
aflæses
Senest aflæst 19-02-2017 10:12
Se forbundne enheder
Test ny enhed
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Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
Installation guide
The meter should at least be able to be read by the concentrator with 1 bar. This appears from the column Quality.
//check.kamstrup.com/
1
Måler
67040585
Er forbundet til 37 enheder
«
‹
Serienummer
1
2
3
4
›
Aflæst
73100989
19-02-2017 10:12
73100902
19-02-2017 09:55
73101048
19-02-2017 09:52
73100252
19-02-2017 05:41
73100253
19-02-2017 03:17
73100269
19-02-2017 01:12
Note:
»
Kvalitet
Be aware of the date and time.
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8 Checklist for meter installation
The meter is installed as described in the installation guide for the meter concerned.
Before mounting the meter, check the following:
 Is the flow direction correct?
 Are the connections performed correctly?
When the meter registers a flow for the first time, the radio module is automatically
activated and the meter will become visible in the radio network.
When the meter is active, check whether the signal is received by the concentrator on
check.kamstrup.com.
 Can the meter be seen with at least 1 signal bar?
 Is the reading time correct?
//check.kamstrup.com/
Måler
67040585
Er forbundet til 37 enheder
«
‹
Serienummer
Consider whether the signal quality is affected by the installation’s location.
Location
The meter’s location has a huge impact on the signal strength.
When the meter is mounted in a cabinet, in a corner or covered, the range is reduced.
36
1
1
2
3
4
›
Aflæst
73100989
19-02-2017 10:12
73100902
19-02-2017 09:55
73101048
19-02-2017 09:52
73100252
19-02-2017 05:41
73100253
19-02-2017 03:17
73100269
19-02-2017 01:12
»
Kvalitet
Kamstrup A/S • FILE100002702_B_EN_06.2023
Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
Installation guide
9 Checklist for meter antenna installation
If it becomes necessary to install an antenna, you must be aware of the concentrator’s location as the antenna must be
installed towards the concentrator.
The antenna should be installed with the correct conditions:
The antenna must be mounted with at least 1 m. to:
 Other antennas
 Corners
 Powerful magnetic fields
In addition, the antenna must:
 Be mounted high
 Have a clear view of the window
 Be mounted in vertical position with the cable pointing downwards
In case of installation in basement:
 Optimally, the antenna must be mounted outside
If this is not possible:
 Place the antenna in the basement window, or in such a way that the antenna can “see” the window, see the figure below
 In a basement without windows, the antenna is moved outside and above basement level
Green is the most optimal position
Good signal strength
Yellow is an acceptable position
Average signal strength
Red may reduce the range
Low signal strength
Before the installation is completed, you must check that the meter can be read by the system.
Use check.kamstrup.com for this purpose.
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10 Checklist for concentrator installation
Check if the antennas are connected correctly to the READy Concentrator.
Overview of the connections:
1
2
3
4
1
GSM
2
Ethernet
3
Current
4
wM-Bus
 Are the cables connected to the correct terminals?
 Antennas through the filters?
 Power for the switch?
 The GSM antenna to the modem?
or
 The network cable to the Ethernet port?
 Are power and GSM antenna cables led out through the holes in the bottom of the cabinet?
 Are all cables neatly placed, without any hard bends?
 Have the connections been tightened?
 Does all diodes flash green/light up?
 Is the concentrator visible on check.kamstrup.com?
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Installation guide
11 Checklist for repeater installation
 Is the Repeater mounted vertically?
 Is there free radiation towards meter and receiver?
 Is the Repeater visible on check.kamstrup.com?
 Can the repeater see the meters?
This is checked in READy App.
See ”6.2 Pairing of meter and repeater” on page 27 and “6.1 Repeater” on page 26.
 Has the signal test been performed after the installation of the repeater?
The signal strength should be tested with the repeater mounted on the final location.
Note:
There must be at least -90 dBm between Repeater and meter.
If the signal is -95 dBm, the signal may be too weak to ensure that it can be read.
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Kamstrup Wireless M-Bus radio network
Kamstrup A/S • FILE100002702_B_EN_06.2023
Installation guide
Kamstrup A/S
Industrivej 28, Stilling
DK-8660 Skanderborg
T: +45 89 93 10 00
[email protected]
kamstrup.com