SatWater Communicator V3 With Water Meter (016035) Manual PDF

SatWater Communicator
Installation Manual
Version 3
Item # 016035
December 2019
watermission.org
+01-843-769-7395
Copyright © Water Mission 2019
Use of this document constitutes acceptance of
Water Mission’s Terms of Use available at
watermission.org/terms-of-use/.
Table of Contents
Important Safety Information 2
1. General Information 3
1.1 Introduction to Remote Monitoring 3
1.2 Introduction to the SatWater Communicator 4
1.3 Safety Information 4
2. Design 5
3. Set Up 7
3.1 Unpacking the SatWater Communicator 7
3.2 Junction Boxes 9
3.3 Battery Installation 9
3.4 Testing the Communicator 11
3.5 Pre-Installation Checklist 15
4. Installation 16
4.1 Installing the Water Meter 16
4.2 Installing the SatWater Communicator 18
4.3 Installing the Electrical Connections 19
4.4 Post-Installation Checklist 22
5. Establish Monitoring 23
6. Troubleshooting 24
6.1 Good Data 24
6.2 No Production 25
6.2.1 Preliminary Call 25
6.2.2 Visual Check of Water Meter and Extension Cable 26
6.3 Missing Transmissions 27
6.3.1 Visual Check of Communicator 28
6.3.2 Test Message 30
6.4 Additional Troubleshooting Recommendations 30
6.4.1 Replacing Batteries 30
6.4.2 Replacing the Water Meter 30
6.4.3 Replacing the SatWater Communicator 31
6.4.4 Estimated Production 31
SatWater V3 Installation
1 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Important Safety Information
This manual contains important safety and installation instructions for
the SatWater Communicator with water meter.
The following symbols are used throughout this manual to indicate

potentially dangerous conditions or important instructions.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use

extreme caution when performing this task.
NOTE: Indicates a procedure or function that is important to

the safe and proper operation of the system.
1. General Information
1.1 Introduction to Remote Monitoring
Monitoring is key to the success of a safe water project. However,
monitoring a large number of systems in remote areas is challenging.
Water Mission overcomes this challenge using the SatWater system for
remote monitoring.
The SatWater system is designed to measure a variety of data for safe

water projects, and to transmit that data via satellite to an online
database. The basic SatWater package is intended to collect and
transmit flow data using the SatWater Communicator with a water
meter. Additional data can also be monitored by adding optional sensor
packages and a power source to the basic SatWater system. Optional
sensors include water level (well depth), pressure, and water quality
(ORP). Refer to Figure 1 for a diagram of the complete SatWater system.
Figure 1 – Overview of the SatWater System
1.2 Introduction to the SatWater Communicator
This manual discusses the installation of the SatWater Communicator
with a water meter into a safe water system. The water meter collects
daily flow data, while the SatWater Communicator transmits that data
to an online database for remote monitoring. Based on the installation
location, the SatWater Communicator and water meter can be used to
monitor system production, storage, or distribution.
1.3 Safety Information

The SatWater Communicator is typically mounted outside on rooftops
or in places where ladders are required, as shown in Figure 2. Make sure
to use the proper precautions and fall protection during installation to
avoid injury.
SatWater
Communicator
Figure 2 – SatWater Communicator Installation
2. Design
A basic SatWater system requires both the SatWater Communicator and
a pulse output water meter. The water meter is designed to collect flow
(typically gallons/day) from a strategic point within a water system. It
can be used to monitor system production, storage, or distribution
depending on the installation location. The SatWater Communicator is
designed to transmit the data via satellite to an online database.
Figure 3 shows a schematic of the basic SatWater system with part

names and the necessary electrical connections.
Figure 3 – Schematic of SatWater Communicator with a Water Meter
Figure 4 shows an example of a basic SatWater system laid out in
accordance with the schematic shown in Figure 3.
NOTE: Figure 4 is for illustration purposes only. Refer to
Section 4 for detailed instructions on installation.
SatWater
Communicator Components
installed
outside
enclosure
Extension Cable
Junction Box
Components
typically
Meter Cable installed
inside
enclosure or
other secure
Water location
Meter
Figure 4 – Example of Equipment Connections for a SatWater System
3. Set Up
NOTE: To avoid installing faulty equipment, perform all set
up steps before deployment (i.e. before leaving the office for
the project site).
3.1 Unpacking the SatWater Communicator

Start by unpacking the installation kit for the SatWater Communicator.
Figure 5 shows all the items included in the installation kit. Refer to
Table 1 for quantities and descriptions.
2
1
Figure 5 - SatWater Communicator Installation Kit
Table 1 – Items Included in the Installation Kit

Quantity Item Description WM Item #
1 20 Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium Batteries* 032015
2 1 Pocket Screwdriver 008038
3 1 SatWater Communicator V3 001630
4 2 M16 Cord Grip 001488
* Use only Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium Batteries. All other batteries
will damage the unit.
After unpacking the kit, make sure the serial number engraved on the
outside of the SatWater Communicator matches the serial number
listed on its sticker label. Refer to Figure 6 for serial number locations.
Figure 6 - Verify that the Serial Numbers Match
Since the SatWater Communicator is typically mounted on rooftops, a

duplicate sticker label is provided so information about the system is
available after installation. Place this second sticker in an easily
accessible location, such as in the treatment enclosure.
In addition to the installation kit, there are tools and materials that
should be sourced separately. These items are not supplied with the
SatWater Communicator but are required for installation. Refer to Table
2 for quantities and descriptions of these items.
Table 2 - Required Items in Addition to the Installation Kit

Quantity Item Name
1 Water Meter with Dry Contact Reed Switch (Pulse Output)
1 Waterproof Junction Box (see Figures 3 and 4)
2 Cord Grip (if the two M16 Cord Grips are not the correct size)
4 Wire Nut
1 Wire Cutter/Stripper
1 Extension Cable* (see Figures 3 and 4)
8 Concrete Screw (for junction box and Communicator)
1 Hammer Drill and Drill Bit (for concrete)
2 Screwdriver (one Phillips-head and one flathead)
1 Nut Driver
* The Extension Cable should not exceed 1,000 ft (300 m).
3.2 Junction Boxes
Due to the short length of the meter cable, most SatWater installations
require an extension cable to connect the meter cable to the SatWater
Communicator. The extension cable should not exceed 1,000 ft (300 m).
It is recommended that all cable splices or connections be made inside a
waterproof junction box. Modify the junction box as necessary to
accommodate two waterproof cord grips: one for the meter cable and
one for the extension cable.
NOTE: Junction boxes are not included in the installation kit
and must be procured separately. Two M16 Cord Grips are
included in the installation kit. Make sure to use cords grips that
correctly correspond to the cable diameters entering and exiting the
junction boxes. Refer to Figure 7 for examples of different cord grip
sizes. Additional cord grips can be procured if other sizes are needed.
¼” ½” ¾”
Figure 7 – Make Sure to Use the Correct Cord Grip Size
3.3 Battery Installation

Prior to mounting, install twenty (20) Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium
batteries into the SatWater Communicator.
Step 1: Open the Communicator.

Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the Communicator lid as
shown in Figure 8, and open the lid.
Figure 8 - Open the Communicator

Step 2: Insert twenty batteries.
Insert twenty (20) batteries into the holders as shown in Figure 9. No
batteries are required to be placed inside the small satellite modem.
NOTE: Use only Energizer AA Ultimate Lithium batteries. All
other batteries will damage the unit. Make sure each battery
is facing the correct direction (positive end of the battery toward the
positive terminal). Not all batteries will face the same direction.
Figure 9 - Insert Twenty AA Batteries
Step 3: Verify all batteries have been installed.

Before moving on, verify a total of twenty (20) batteries have been
installed as shown in Figure 10.
NOTE: Make sure each battery is facing the correct direction
(positive end of the battery toward the positive terminal).
Not all batteries will face the same direction.
NOTE: No batteries need to be placed inside the satellite
modem. This is different from Version 2.
Twenty (20) batteries

beneath modem
Figure 10 - Battery Placement Summary

10 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Step 4: Orient the modem.
The SatWater Communicator can be mounted vertically (wall-mount) or
horizontally (roof-mount) based on the project manager’s discretion.
NOTE: The side of the modem labelled “THIS SIDE TOWARDS
SKY” should face up after the Communicator is mounted.
If the Communicator is to be wall-mounted, the modem should be

rotated back to ensure it will be facing up after the Communicator is
mounted. If the Communicator is to be roof-mounted, keep the modem
facing up toward the Communicator lid. Refer to Figure 11 for proper
modem orientations. Once the orientation of the modem is set, tighten
the two red adjustable screws below the modem to secure it.
Figure 11 - Modem Orientations for Wall (left) and Roof (right) Mounts
3.4 Testing the Communicator

It is important to test the Communicator before installation to make
sure it is correctly sending transmission signals. Complete installation is
not required to test the power on and sending of satellite messages.
This can be done any time after battery installation to test the
functionality of the Communicator. It is best practice to test the
Communicator in the office before deployment to the field, and again
after installation is complete. Use the following steps to turn on and test
the Communicator.
Do not take a Communicator to a project site for installation
unless it has been successfully tested in the office.
Step 1: Open the Communicator.

Use a screwdriver to remove the Communicator lid if not already open.
11 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Step 2: Set the transmission switch.
Set the transmit frequency switch to “3 Days” as shown in Figure 12.
NOTE: Data will be collected everyday regardless of the
switch position. The transmission switch corresponds to how
often the collected data is transmitted to the online database. The “3
Days” position is preferable as it saves on transmission costs.
Figure 12 - Set the Transmission Switch
Step 3: Turn on the unit.

Turn the power switch to “Power On” as shown in Figure 13. Wait for
the green LED to flash two times, and then wait for five minutes.
Figure 13 - Turn on the SatWater Communicator
12 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Step 4: Send a test message.
After five minutes, press the “Test Transmit Button” as shown in Figure
14 for approximately one second. Then proceed according to the
following indications from the “Status LED”:
 Two green flashes: This indicates that the system is working

properly. Proceed to step 5.
 Yellow flashes: This indicates a “please wait” message. The LED
will flash yellow if the test button was pushed within 5 minutes
of turning on or within 1 minute of a previous test message
attempt. Wait 5 minutes and push the test button again.
 Twelve fast red flashes: This indicates that there was an
interruption in sending the satellite message or that there is an
issue with the battery installation. Check that all batteries are
installed properly and press the test transmission button again.
 If you can’t get two green flashes, reset the unit by turning the
power on and off. If the problem persists, there may be a
hardware failure in the unit.
Figure 14 - Push the Test Transmit Button
13 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Step 5: Check the satellite transmission.
Access the internet to verify that the test message has been transmitted
successfully. This can be done by visiting the MAP or by using the
SatWater test website:
http://thepump.watermission.org/SatWaterTest.aspx?s=SN-001
Replace “001” with the serial number of the Communicator
NOTE: Test transmissions may take up to 30 minutes to

show on the test website.
If the test message has been successfully transmitted, the test date and
time will show on the SatWater test website, as shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15 - Example SatWater Test Website Message
If the test message is not successfully transmitted, push the test button
again (Step 4).
Step 6: Close the Communicator

Replace the lid and use a screwdriver to tighten the screws.
14 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
3.5 Pre-Installation Checklist
Use the following pre-installation checklist to finish SatWater set up. All
items in the checklist should be completed before deployment. Set up is
done when all items have been completed.
1. Check that all items from Table 1 were included in the

installation kit (see Section 3.1 Unpacking the SatWater
Communicator).
2. Check that all additional required items from Table 2 are

available for deployment (see Section 3.1 Unpacking the
SatWater Communicator).
3. Check that 20 batteries were installed into the SatWater

Communicator (see Section 3.3 Battery Installation).
4. Check that the status LED flashes green upon pushing the test
button (see Section 3.4 Testing the Communicator).
5. Check the SatWater test website for successful transmission of

the data (see Section 3.4 Testing the Communicator). Verify that
the “Last test message” shows the current date.
15 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
4. Installation
4.1 Installing the Water Meter
Any water meter that has a dry contact reed switch for pulse output can
be used with the Communicator. It is important to size the water meter
based on the anticipated flow rate and pressure. Typical sizes available
in Water Mission inventory range from 3/4” to 2” in diameter. Larger
cast-iron, flanged water meters can also be special ordered. In addition
to choosing the size, it is also important to find the proper fittings to
install the water meter into the water system. Figure 16 shows
examples of water meters commonly used with the Communicator.
Figure 16 - Example Water Meters
Water meters can be installed at the borehole, at the treatment system,

or on the safe water storage outlet. Use the project manager’s
discretion to ensure the most appropriate location is chosen for data
collection. Where possible, the water meter should be installed
horizontally with the register facing up.
16 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Figures 17-21 show example steps of installing a 3/4” water meter to a
piped system.
Figure 17 - Apply thread sealing Figure 18 – Tighten the 3/4" Water

tape clockwise to the threads of Meter fittings to the Meter
the Water Meter (include the O-ring between the
fitting and Meter)
Figure 19 - Apply thread sealing Figure 20 – Attach the reducer

tape clockwise to the ends of the bushings to connect to
Water Meter fittings 1" PVC piping
Figure 21 - Install the Water Meter
17 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
4.2 Installing the SatWater Communicator
The SatWater Communicator must be installed outside on a horizontal
or vertical surface. Make sure it is located with at least a 150 degree
clear view of the sky as shown in Figure 22 (i.e. no trees, buildings,
power lines, etc.).
Figure 22 - Mount the Communicator with a Clear View of the Sky
Elevated areas, such as enclosure rooftops, water towers, and solar

arrays, are preferred mounting locations. If mounting the
Communicator on a solar array, it can be installed on either the top or
bottom edge as shown in Figure 23. It should be mounted so that the
top of the box is flush with the edge of the solar array.
NOTE: It is critical that the Communicator does not cast any
shade onto the solar array.
SatWater
Communicator
Figure 23 - Communicator Mounting Options on a Solar Array
18 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
4.3 Installing the Electrical Connections
Step 1: Mount the junction box.
Mount the junction box on a wall or vertical surface near the meter.
NOTE: Do not install the junction box far away from the
water meter. The meter cable must be able to reach
between the meter and the junction box.
Step 2: Prepare the meter cable.

On the free end of the cable connected to the water meter, strip the
outer insulation approximately 2” (5 cm). Then strip each of the two
conductors approximately 5/8” (2 cm) to expose the stranded wire as
shown in Figure 24. Pass the stripped end of the meter cable through
the appropriate cord grip on the junction box. Tighten the cord grip to
secure the cable.
NOTE: Leave the lid off the junction box until installation is
complete.
Figure 24 - Prepare the Meter Cable and Junction Box
Step 3: Prepare the extension cable.

Cut a length of extension cable long enough to reach from the junction
box to wherever the SatWater Communicator is mounted.
NOTE: Extension cable is not provided with the installation
kit, and must be procured separately. It can be thin, thick,
armored, or conduit-enclosed depending on the project manager’s
discretion, but the extension cable should not exceed 1,000 ft (300 m).
Make sure that the cord grip needed for the chosen extension cable is
available and sufficient for a waterproof connection.
19 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
On both ends of the extension cable, strip the outer insulation
approximately 2” (5 cm). Also strip the two conductors on each end
approximately 5/8” (2 cm). Pass one end of the extension cable through
the appropriate cord grip on the junction box as shown in Figure 25.
Tighten the cord grip to secure the cable. Then lead the other end of the
extension cable to the SatWater Communicator.
Figure 25 - Prepare the Extension Cable
Step 4: Connect the extension cable to the meter cable.

In the junction box, use two wire nuts to connect the extension cable to
the meter cable as shown in Figure 26. Replace the cover on the
junction box.
NOTE: Depending on the color of wires, make sure that at
least one color is matched (i.e. black to black, red to red.)
Meter Cable
Extension Cable
Figure 26 - Connect the Extension and Meter Cables
20 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Step 5: Connect the extension cable to the SatWater Communicator.
Open the SatWater Communicator lid using a screwdriver. Pass the free
end of the extension cable through the “Flow” cord grip as shown in
Figure 27. Strip the outer insulation approximately 2” (5 cm). Then strip
each of the two conductors approximately 5/8” (2 cm) to expose the
stranded wire.
Flow Port/
Cord Grip
Figure 27 - Prepare the Extension Cable
Use the provided pocket screwdriver to loosen the blue “Flow” terminal
screws. Insert the stripped ends of the extension cable into the “Flow”
terminals, and retighten the screws as shown in Figure 28.
NOTE: When inserting the stripped wire ends into the
“FLOW” terminals, the +/- wire ends can go in either
terminal. This ONLY applies to the “Flow” terminals.
Figure 28 - Connect the Extension Cable to the “Flow” Terminal
21 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Give a light pull on the cable to ensure the terminal connection is
secure, and then tighten the cord grip to secure the extension cable.
Figure 29 - Extension Cable Connected to Communicator
Step 6: Power on and test the SatWater Communicator.

After installation is complete, inspect the SatWater system and make
sure it has been installed correctly. Then use the instructions in Section
3.4 Testing the Communicator to retest the Communicator. It is
important to make sure the Communicator is still working properly and
can send test transmissions after installation.
4.4 Post-Installation Checklist

Use the following post-installation checklist to finish SatWater
installation. Installation is done when all items have been completed.
1. Check that 20 batteries were installed into the SatWater

Communicator (see Section 3.3 Battery Installation, page 9).
2. Check that the status LED flashes green upon pushing the test
button (see Section 3.4 Testing the Communicator, page 11).
3. Check the SatWater test website for successful transmission of

data (see Section 3.4 Testing the Communicator, page 11).
Verify that the “Last test message” shows the current date.
4. After water begins flowing through the water meter, push the
test button again (make sure at least 5 minutes have passed
since the last test message). Recheck the SatWater test website
to verify that the “Flow” value increases with production.
22 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
5. Establish Monitoring
After installation, monitoring must be set up for the SatWater data to
display on the Monitoring and Alerting Platform (MAP). This requires
information about the project and SatWater installation to be submitted
to the Charleston office.
Fill out and submit Appendix 19 Annex 1 SatWater Installation Report

to the PUMP with the commissioning documents to set up monitoring.
A hardcopy of the form is included with this manual. Fill out all
applicable fields on the hardcopy before leaving the project site to
ensure all required information is recorded.
Then copy the information recorded at the project site onto the
electronic version of the form. The electronic version is available with
Appendix 19 Safe Water Project Commissioning Report. Once complete,
upload the form as a standard document to the PUMP.
Monitoring will not be set up until this form has been completed and
submitted. For help, email satwater@watermission.org.
23 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
6. Troubleshooting
This section describes steps that can be taken to troubleshoot the
SatWater Communicator Version 3 remote monitoring system.
Troubleshooting starts when flow data begins appearing on the MAP.
The MAP displays data from SatWater remote monitoring units in the
field. When a SatWater Communicator and water meter are successfully
installed, the system will immediately begin sending flow data.
However, the data will not appear on the MAP until the SatWater
Installation Report (Appendix 19 Annex 1) is uploaded to the PUMP.
To view the flow data on the MAP for a particular project, select the
country and project from the filter menu, or zoom in on the project
location on the MAP and pick the project dot. After clicking on the
project, you will be able to view the flow data graph. Clicking on the
flow data window will expand the graph into a full-screen size. The flow
data can be characterized into three (3) categories: good data, no
production, and missing transmission.
6.1 Good Data

Figure 30 is an example MAP display when flow data is transmitting
consistently and water appears to be flowing through the safe water
system in an expected fashion.
Figure 30 - MAP Example of “Good Data”
The blue bars represent the volume of water that flowed through the
water meter on a given day. The water meter has a built-in reed switch
that pulses as the totalizing meter counter spins. The SatWater
Communicator converts these pulses to the daily flow data transmitted
24 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
to the MAP. It is important to compare flow data observed on the MAP
with actual data collected during follow-up visits. If there are
discrepancies, this should be reported and addressed.
6.2 No Production
“No production” days are portrayed on the MAP by red dots as shown in
Figure 31. When the Communicator is not receiving pulses from the
meter, the data is described as “no production”. This occurs when the
remote monitoring system successfully transmits a value of zero.
Figure 31 - MAP Example of "No production"
This means one of two things:

1. The water system is not flowing and water production is zero, or
2. There is a problem with the water meter counter or cable
connected to the Communicator.
It is important to quickly verify whether “no production” data is

accurate using the following troubleshooting strategies.
6.2.1 Preliminary Call to Operator

If the MAP is indicating no production, call the operator and confirm the
status of the safe water system.
 If the operator confirms that the safe water system is not
functional, then the remote monitoring is working. Take actions
to address the problems with the safe water system.
 If the operator states that the safe water system is functioning,
then there may be a problem with the remote monitoring
system that should be investigated with visual checks.
25 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
6.2.2 Visual Check of Water Meter and Extension Cable
Verify that the water meter counter is spinning. A broken meter can
lead to false “no production alerts.
 If the meter counter is not spinning while water is flowing
through the meter, then the meter is broken. Take actions to fix
or replace the broken meter. See Sections 4.1 and 6.4.2 for
guidance on replacing water meters.
Verify that there is no damage on the meter cable or extension cable

between the meter and communicator. Damaged cables can lead to
false “no production” alerts.
 If there is visible damage to the cables, take actions to repair or
replace the cable.
Verify that the extension cable is securely connected to flow terminals.

Disconnected extension cables can cause false “no production alerts”.
 Give a light pull on the extension cable to verify a secure
connection to the flow terminal.
 If the extension cable is not securely connected, loosen the
terminal screws, re-strip the wire leads, and re-tighten the
stripped extension cable leads into the flow terminal.
Verify that all wire splices for the meter cable and extension cable are in
good condition. This may require the use of a multimeter. Faulty cable
connections can lead to false “no production” alerts.
 If the wire splices are not satisfactory, take actions to repair the
wire connections. This may require re-stripping wire and
replacing wire nuts.
Verify that a pulse signal from the meter is reaching the flow terminal.
Undetected meter pulses can lead to false “no production” alerts.
 If the water meter is spinning, a pulse signal should be passing
through the meter cable. Use the resistance setting on a
multimeter to verify this.
o Open the Communicator lid. While the meter is spinning,
place the multimeter leads on the flow terminal screws
as shown in Figure 32. For ¾” SingleMag water meters,
the resistance will cycle from infinite (often shown on a
multimeter as “1”) to 0 Ω every 10 gallons (40 liters).
26 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
 If the pulse signal is not detected, take actions to fix or replace
the water meter and/or meter cable.
 Undetected meter pulse signals can lead to false “No
production” alerts.
1 0Ω
10
Gallo
Figure 32 - Check Meter Cable for Pulse Signal
6.3 Missing Transmissions

When the Communicator is unable to transmit a signal, the data is
described as “missing transmissions”. While occasional missed
transmissions are expected due to changing satellite telemetry,
prolonged data gaps prevent successful remote monitoring.
“Missing transmissions” alerts are portrayed on the MAP by gray

triangles as shown in Figure 33. These alerts occur when the remote
monitoring system does not successfully transmit (i.e. misses a
transmission) on a particular day.
Figure 33 - MAP Example of "Missing Transmissions"
27 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Figure 36 shows the Globalstar coverage map for the satellite modem
used in the Communicator. If the Communicator has an unobstructed,
clear view of the sky and is in a “primary coverage” area, missing
transmissions should not be expected. In “fringe coverage” areas,
occasional missed transmissions should be expected. Refer to the
following steps to troubleshoot the “missing transmissions” scenario.
Figure 34 - Globalstar Coverage Map (2018)
6.3.1 Visual Check of Communicator

Verify that the Communicator has an unobstructed, clear view to sky.
Overhead obstructions can lead to “mission transmission” alerts.
 If the Communicator has an overhead obstruction, remove the
obstruction or relocate the communicator. Verify that the top of
the modem is rotated so that it is facing the sky.
Verify that the power switch is in the “On” position. Having the switch in
the “Off” position leads to “missing transmission” alerts.
 If the power switch has somehow been turned off, turn on the
power switch.
28 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Verify that no water damage is present inside Communicator.
 Verify that all cord grips and plugs are securely tightened.
 If there appears to be water damage inside the Communicator,
determine the cause of the water infiltration to avoid it from
happening again and then replace the Communicator. See
Sections 4.2 and 6.4.3 for guidance on replacement.
Cord
Grip
Plug
s
Figure 35 - Secure Cord Grips and Plugs
Verify that all AA batteries are present and in good condition. Damaged
batteries can lead to “missing transmission” alerts.
 If batteries are in good condition, a multimeter will read 1.7
volts across each battery or 3.4 volts across each pair.
 If batteries are in bad condition, take actions to replace
batteries. See Section 4.3 for battery replacement.
3.4 V
Figure 36 - Check Battery Voltage Under Modem
29 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
6.3.2 Test Message Transmission
If the Communicator sends a successful test message, it can be assumed
that the unit will continue sending normal, scheduled transmissions
successfully. It is always recommended to check for successful test
messages before taking the Communicator into the field and again
before leaving the field after installation. Getting a test message to
transmit successfully depends on the satellite telemetry and can take
time. Make sure to always plan this time into the installation.
Follow the instructions in Section 3.4 Testing the Communicator to send

and verify a successful test message.
6.4 Additional Troubleshooting Recommendations

6.4.1 Replacing Batteries
The only batteries that can be used in the SatWater Communicator, are
Energizer’s Ultimate Lithium AA batteries provided by Water Mission. It
is recommended to request extra packs of these special AA batteries
from Charleston to have in inventory at each country program office.
To eliminate any chance of installing dead batteries, it is recommended

to check the battery voltage of each battery using a multimeter before
taking them into the field and again immediately after installing them in
the Communicator. As stated previously, the voltage across each
battery should read 1.7 volts.
6.4.2 Replacing the Water Meter

When replacing a broken meter, it is important that the new meter has
the same units and pulse output as the old meter. If the pulse rate of
the broken meter is not known, check the manufacturer’s specifications
(e.g. 1 gallon/pulse, 10 gallons/pulse).
It is also important that the water meter be installed according to

manufacturer specifications. Generally, it is recommended to install
meters horizontally with the counter facing up and to leave sufficient
straight piping on either side of the meter (10 diameters upstream and
5 diameters downstream). If the manufacturer specifications are not
followed, the meter counter may break. Additionally, the flow direction
should always follow the arrow on the meter body.
30 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
As soon as the communicator begins receiving pulses from the new
meter, the data will once again start populating on the MAP. It is not
necessary to upload a new SatWater Annex Report.
6.4.3 Replacing the SatWater Communicator

Replacing the Communicator is the last resort when troubleshooting.
When a Communicator is replaced, the new Communicator should be
tested before taking it to the field to eliminate the chance of replacing
one faulty Communicator with another. The installation manual should
be carefully followed for proper installation. In order to begin viewing
data from the new Communicator, the old Communicator serial number
must be either 1) inactivated or 2) un-assigned from the project. This
can be done on the PUMP in the Project Control section under the
“Construction and installation” menu.
1. The inactive function is used to preserve data from an old
Communicator and merge it with a new Communicator. Contact
the Charleston engineering team to assist you in this scenario.
2. The un-assign function removes all SatWater data from the old
Communicator from the MAP. Once unassigned, a new
SatWater Annex Report must be uploaded to begin displaying
data from the new Communicator.
Contact the Charleston engineering team if any assistance is required in

replacing the Communicator
6.4.4 Estimated Production

The gray bars in flow graphs on the MAP indicate days where the
SatWater Communicator missed one or multiple concurrent
transmissions. Despite occasional missed transmissions, the SatWater
Communicator still retains totalized data. When a gap in transmission
occurs, the MAP takes the totalized value at the end of the gap and
spreads the quantity of water (in liters) equally across the days where
the transmission gap occurred. Therefore, gray bars represent
approximate values, rather than accurate daily values.
31 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
Figure 37 - Example of Gray Bars in Flow Data
If a project’s flow graph contains excessive gray bars, the following steps
can be taken:
1. Review installation to ensure that there are no overhead
obstructions (trees, solar panels, power lines, protective cages,
tin roof, etc.).
2. Review the Globalstar coverage map (see Figure 36) to see if the
modem inside the Communicator can be rotated 15 degrees
away from fringe coverage areas and towards primary coverage
areas. Rotating the modem 15 degrees towards the primary
coverage area can increase the success rate of transmissions.
3. If it appears that a SatWater Communicator has been installed
in a no coverage area and/or the Communicator does not
produce usable data, please reach out to the Charleston
engineering team for help. If the issue cannot be resolved, the
Communicator can be un-assigned from the project and used
on a different project in a better coverage area.
Please contact the Charleston engineering team for any additional

questions pertaining to estimated production observed on the MAP.
32 of 32 Item 016035 - December 2019
watermission.org
+01-843-796-7395

SatWater Communicator V3 With Water Meter (016035) Manual PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

SatWater Communicator V3 With Water Meter (016035) Manual PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SatWater Communicator

The following symbols are used throughout this manual to indicate

WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use

NOTE: Indicates a procedure or function that is important to

The SatWater system is designed to measure a variety of data for safe

Figure 1 – Overview of the SatWater System

1.3 Safety Information

Figure 2 – SatWater Communicator Installation

Figure 3 shows a schematic of the basic SatWater system with part

Figure 3 – Schematic of SatWater Communicator with a Water Meter

Figure 4 – Example of Equipment Connections for a SatWater System

3.1 Unpacking the SatWater Communicator

Figure 5 - SatWater Communicator Installation Kit

Table 1 – Items Included in the Installation Kit

Figure 6 - Verify that the Serial Numbers Match

Since the SatWater Communicator is typically mounted on rooftops, a

Table 2 - Required Items in Addition to the Installation Kit

3.3 Battery Installation

Step 1: Open the Communicator.

Figure 8 - Open the Communicator

Figure 9 - Insert Twenty AA Batteries

Step 3: Verify all batteries have been installed.

Twenty (20) batteries

Figure 10 - Battery Placement Summary

If the Communicator is to be wall-mounted, the modem should be

3.4 Testing the Communicator

Step 1: Open the Communicator.

Figure 12 - Set the Transmission Switch

Step 3: Turn on the unit.

Figure 13 - Turn on the SatWater Communicator

 Two green flashes: This indicates that the system is working

Figure 14 - Push the Test Transmit Button

Replace “001” with the serial number of the Communicator

NOTE: Test transmissions may take up to 30 minutes to

Figure 15 - Example SatWater Test Website Message

Step 6: Close the Communicator

1. Check that all items from Table 1 were included in the

2. Check that all additional required items from Table 2 are

3. Check that 20 batteries were installed into the SatWater

5. Check the SatWater test website for successful transmission of

Figure 16 - Example Water Meters

Water meters can be installed at the borehole, at the treatment system,

Figure 17 - Apply thread sealing Figure 18 – Tighten the 3/4" Water

Figure 19 - Apply thread sealing Figure 20 – Attach the reducer

Figure 21 - Install the Water Meter

Figure 22 - Mount the Communicator with a Clear View of the Sky

Elevated areas, such as enclosure rooftops, water towers, and solar

Figure 23 - Communicator Mounting Options on a Solar Array

Step 2: Prepare the meter cable.

Figure 24 - Prepare the Meter Cable and Junction Box

Step 3: Prepare the extension cable.

Figure 25 - Prepare the Extension Cable

Step 4: Connect the extension cable to the meter cable.

Figure 26 - Connect the Extension and Meter Cables

Figure 28 - Connect the Extension Cable to the “Flow” Terminal

Figure 29 - Extension Cable Connected to Communicator

Step 6: Power on and test the SatWater Communicator.

4.4 Post-Installation Checklist

1. Check that 20 batteries were installed into the SatWater

3. Check the SatWater test website for successful transmission of

Fill out and submit Appendix 19 Annex 1 SatWater Installation Report

6.1 Good Data

Figure 30 - MAP Example of “Good Data”