EA_Inspector™ tool
Greater efficiency and productivity with advanced
network diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities
from EA_Inspector and EA_Inspector Manager™.
The EA_Inspector field tool enhances the
efficiency and effectiveness of your
EnergyAxis System network operations in
the field and on the bench. The
combination of EA_Inspector software and
a rugged handheld computer enables
field personnel to control and manage
meters and modules and to analyze
network connectivity and performance. It
also enables remote (over-the-air) meter
management for service connects and
disconnects.
Easy, efficient and flexible
With EA_Inspector, field staff can perform
the following tasks for a specific meter,
module or other EnergyAxis enabled
devices:
• verify the gatekeeper to which that unit
is registered
• read the total consumption (kWh,
cubic feet, gallons, etc.) if applicable
• read the firmware version in use
• display the average received signal
strength indicator (RSSI)
These signal strength measurements can
be performed on a one-time basis or
continuously for a predetermined period.
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EA_Inspector can also command any
residential meter to ping another meter in
its network in order to retrieve information.
The pinged device returns a response that
enables the EA_Inspector to determine
the RSSI between the two points.
EA_Inspector can be used to identify and
overcome gaps or obstacles that may
interfere with normal operation of the
mesh network. It can also be used to help
locate inaccurately placed or
undocumented meters.
Rugged and user-friendly
The EA_Inspector is a rugged handheld
computer equipped with the EnergyAxis
network interface card (EA_NIC) and with
EA_Inspector software installed. Your field
team can be equipped with multiple
handhelds as appropriate for the number
of meters and the amount of territory
being covered.
The EA_Inspector handheld is operated
using the color touch screen or 48-key
ergonomic keypad with separate numeric
keys. At regular intervals, users
synchronize their devices and download
log files and activity logs to the
EA_Inspector Manager software using a
cradle that connects to a computer’s USB
port.
EA_Inspector provides an easy-to-use field tool to
investigate EnergyAxis System network connectivity
and to better understand the functioning and status
of the mesh network.
Hosted management and
control
EA_Inspector Manager (which can be
installed on either a desktop computer or
a host server) manages all EA_Inspector
handhelds including user security and
handheld configuration settings.
Working with Microsoft ActiveSync,
EA_Inspector Manager synchronizes
handheld devices by:
• uploading updated user and
configuration files
• uploading logon information,
handheld activities, network test
results and user comments saved on
the handheld.
Role-based security
The EA_Inspector handheld works with
the EA_Inspector Manager software to
maintain users list and associated
passwords and permissions. These
permissions establish what tasks each
user can perform using the handheld.
All users can set and activate the ping
function. Additional capabilities include
troubleshooting, security, and the ability to
operate a service control switch at a
residential meter. Each of the optional
function sets is individually selectable for
every user.
The EA_Inspector has a programmable
idle-time sleep function to reduce power
consumption. The unit will also
automatically log-out if left idle for a
programmable period and force the
operator to enter both user name and
password before continuing.
Technical specifications
Handheld computer
• Windows CE operating system
• .NET Framework 4.2
• 400 MHz Intel XScale PXA255
• 128 MB RAM; 128 MB Flash memory
• 3.5-inch (89 mm) 240 x 320 TFT 65K
color industrial grade touch screen
• 48-key ergonomic keypad with
separate numeric keys
• User replaceable lithium-ion battery
pack, 3-hour charge, up to 8 hours
use
• Operating temperature: -4 °F to
+140 °F (-20 °C to + 60 °C)
• USB, Ethernet, serial, IPP, multiple
communications ports
• IP67 rated (1 meter submersion)
• MIL-STD-810F method - 1.5 meter drop
onto concrete test
The handheld does not require or support
an external antenna.
The EA_Inspector handheld is equipped
with:
• EA_Inspector software
• EnergyAxis System 900 MHz network
interface card (NIC)
• FCC compliance: Part 90 and Part 15
• FCC ID: G8JHHI03.
When Elster EA_Installer (PI 900) software
is installed, the same handheld supports
field installation of the EA_Gas Module.
Additionally, an EA_Installer handheld
originally purchased for gas installation
can also have the EA_Inspector software
added extending the usefulness of the
handheld device beyond the typical
installation and configuration operations
of other handheld AMR and AMI devices.
About Elster Group
A world leader in advanced metering
infrastructure, integrated metering, and
utilization solutions to the gas, electricity
and water industries, Elster's systems and
solutions reflect over 170 years of
knowledge and experience in measuring
precious resources and energy. Elster
provides solutions and advanced
technologies to help utilities more easily,
efficiently and reliably obtain and use
advanced metering intelligence to
improve customer service, enhance
operational efficiency, and increase
customer benefits. Elster's AMI solutions
enable utilities to cost-effectively deliver,
manage, and conserve the life-essential
resources of gas, electricity, and water.
Elster has over 7500 staff and operations
in 38 countries in North and South
America, Europe, and Asia.
Elster
208 S Rogers Lane
Raleigh, NC 27610-2144
United States
T +1 866 554 9007 (US toll free)
T +1 905 634 4895 (Canada)
F +1 919 250 4801
EnergyAxis.support@us.elster.com
www.elster.com
© 2009 by Elster. All rights reserved.
Information contained herein is subject to change
without notice. Product specifications may change.
Contact your Elster representative for the most current
DS42-1008A
product information. Product names mentioned herein
may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of
their owners. Printed in the United States.