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Software
The computer must have a standard, working com port (1-4) to use the software.
If there is any doubt, please verify Identifying COM Ports on your PC.
Newer PC's with USB but no com port can use adapters. USB Connections
The software installation (below pp 2-2.2) must be complete.
Software Installation - new PC with W98 or newer
Shipments to first-time users are pre-configured with as much SETUP
information that was available when the order was made. The microMETER
arrives in the box with a temporary hookup so you can simply plug it in
and attempt a reading on your desktop. This should resolve most
common problems right away.
mMII final test
Step 1 - Connect the DB9 connector to a known, working PC comm port.
If this is not the case, determine what is available.
See Identifying COM Ports on your PC.
Step 2 - Connect power. The LED (under the terminal board) should flicker
in about 10 seconds and ever 10 seconds thereafter.
Another LED tester is included (with units shipped since 12/2/04).
See explanation in Troubleshooting - No Data.
Step 3 - Run the capture program Cap2002 choosing the subfolder mm01 or test. See tutorial.
Check Type 1 or Type 2 at the bottom of the form (v1.18).
It takes about 3 minutes to complete and it will
beep when done. If the wrong COM port is accessed, nothing will
happen and you may need to reboot the PC. If everything is OK, the
red panel will turn yellow for about 3 minutes and then turn green for
a few more seconds as it stores the data. This must be done twice the 1st
time for Dis2002 to have before-and-after readings to work with.)
See Vista for other methods for very new (Vista) pc's.
See DOS Archive for other methods for older pc's.
Step 4 - Run the display program Dis2002 choosing the subfolder chosen above. See tutorial.
Program should not fail with an incomplete file.
If this happens, there as a problem in Step 3. You should see 0
amperes on channel 1 (or whatever you may have put through the
attached CT). You may see maximum amperes appear on other channels
you intend to use that do not have CT's connected yet.
Choose the first and second captures (There must be at least 2.)
Click "mm.htm" button
Click "ie browser" button (or open a different browser and view mm.htm)
See DOS Archive for other methods for older pc's.
The software, old and new, makes very little demand of a PC. Often a "junker"
can be dedicated to the job. For those wanting to utilize the "latest and greatest",
there are still some caveats:
1) 9/12/2007 - Be sure the pc's operating system supports serial communications. Some recent "home
versions" are omitting this support. Specify at the time of purchase that you need serial
capability and (preferably) get a built-in com port. The com port has 9 pins in 2 rows and is usually
found in the rear. See Identifying COM Ports on your PC.
2) 11/20/2007 - Avoid proprietary systems. If you are using a Compaq or HP box,
do not put inything in the root directory. Copy the cd folder "micromtr" to the desktop.
3) Avoid overloaded systems (10 lbs. in a 5 lb. bag). A corporate PC with
a time clock connection, security monitors, etc. had no usable com port
in spite of assurances that it did from the local support technician.
4) Avoid crippled systems. A corporate PC with standard o/s components
disabled or removed can be difficult to work with if direct access to files
and utilities is thwarted.
5) Avoid Vista at this time. Choose XP professional edition with full serial
communications capability.
For PC's lacking com port connections, there are inexpensive USB serial
adapters available. For example:
Belkin
Part # F5U103
"I used a belkin USB serial adapter $40 and it worked on com 1 of mM.
Pretty much a plug and play application." - actual microMETER customer
11/13/2008 - Customer reported success with 4-serial to 1-usb adaptor from
Sealevel
2/22/2007 Sewell
http://sewelldirect.com USB-to-Serial Adapter SW-1301 $13.95
This worked fine with Windows Vista. Com port #
depends on which USB port is used.
Sfcable
http://www.sfcable.com USB-to-Serial RS232 DB9 Adapter 1 ft $11.95
This arrived next day and worked perfectly as COM3 on
a Gigabyte m/b that already had Com1 and XP pro
A more industrial source has multiple serial ports from one USB:
Quatech
Another source for interface matching (serial-USB, serial-MODBUS, etc.) is
MOXA
A source for LAN connectivity (wired ES1A and wireless ES1AWB)
B&B
9/19/2007 - A LAN interface, ES1A $150 from B&B (above) successfully connected a mMII
to a H/P Vista pc with no native comm support. This took all of 30 minutes from the time the box
arrived! It connects the mM to a router and operates over the LAN. The Cap2002.exe program
ran thru red, yellow, green states and captured the data. Email "how to" to a customer follows:
- "30 minutes ago the ES1A arrived. I followed the quick setup guide for Vista (this pc with
no native com ports). I just got a successful capture. The mM cable needs no modification.
I used the "RealPort" profile and set the Basic Serial settings to 300,8N1.
I copied the VCOM software folder from the cd to C drive and ran the Setup32 wizard.
It took about five minutes to configure itself. I selected Com1 to be my port name. I
ran Cap2002.exe (mM program) successfully using Com1."
8/20/2008 - Customers report ease-of-use of 802.15.x wireless devices (Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.)
These have about a 300' foot range and are inexpensive for low baud rates like mM.
Some use FTDI drivers to bypass physical 9-pin serial connections.
FOR THE MOST PART, THIS IS NOTHING MORE THAN DRAGGING THE CDROM FOLDER CALLED "micromtr"
TO YOUR DESKTOP.
The Windows program Cap2002.EXE can utilize COM 1,2,3 or 4 using Win 98 or newer.
1/5/06 - Windows does not recognize file suffixes .dat and .db1 as text files.
Right-click open and "choose program from a list" (notepad)
Check the box below to always open with notepad.
Using the configuration CD:
Step 1 - Drag the CDROM folder micromtr to your pc desktop. Ignore anything else on the CD.
This should create a main folder called micromtr with subfolders mm01, etc.
This will contain your customized files per correspondence.
The "recovery" folder contains extra files only if they are needed.
Proceed to Step 3.
04/22/2008 - Using the email-attached, configuration zip file microzip:
Step 1 - Save the self-extracting file microzip.zip to your desktop.
Step 2 - Doubleclick into it and extract all files.
Note: This will put the folder "micromtr" inside a desktop folder called "microzip".
Finish the installation:
Step 3 - If desired, create desktop shortcuts to run micromtr\Cap2002.EXE and
micromtr\Dis2002.EXE.
Step 4 - Verify the following micromtr directory structures before proceeding.
micromtr
Cap2002 EXE - The capture program that reads the com port and builds the database.
Dis2002 EXE - The display program that reads the database and creates the reports.
b gif - a graphic pixel used by Dis2002.EXE
mscomm32.ocx - MS runtime file - If placed here, there is no need to disturb anything else on your pc.
msvbvm60.dll - MS runtime file - If placed here, there is no need to disturb anything else on your pc.
mm01 (directory) - You may have as many more as needed, MM02, etc. Customized
folders may have different names, usually 4 characters long based on your request. May appear as mm01, etc.
TEST (directory) - simply to run captures or test other items without affecting anything else.
micromtr\mm01
CT DAT 1,168 05-28-96 12:46p CT.DAT
MICRO TXT 438 01-15-96 5:46p MICRO.TXT
MICRO DAT 175 02-01-96 9:34p MICRO.DAT
Several data files for one mM can be on \micromtr\mm01 but only these three are needed
to start the new software. There should be no subdirectories under this one.
Any additional subdirectories (folders) nested under \micromtr\mm01 will cause
Dis2002.EXE to fail with a "problem with MM.DB1 file" message.
A few new filenames will be created later when programs are used. MM.DB1 is the main database.
pp 3-7 DOS program descriptions archived
DOS Archive
8/18/2008 - * * * * * * DATA MUST BE BACKED UP PERIODICALLY * * * * * *
The processor has a nonvolatile memory of total usage but no time interval data. The captured usage
is recorded in the mm.db1 database. The configuration, which is initially customized but static
afterwards, is also essential to recovery of accurate usage data. The subfolders, mm01, etc. contain
the data that needs to be periodically copied. The main folder, micromtr contains executables
and the sub folders.
Since the executables are small by today's standards, it is easy and practical to simply copy the
micromtr folder periodically to a thumb drive, removeable hard drive, or a network server.
A zipped copy of the main folder is easy to create and can be emailed as an attachment.
This also makes migration to another computer very easy. Just copy the micromtr folder to another
computer's desktop and you're done.
1. Is it common for some CTs needing to be wired in reverse phase?
**Yes, but it's easier to correct than plan.
2. Please explain how the CTs work if possible. It doesn't make sense to me why a
coil attached to an AC line would not work hooked up forward or backward.
The coil outputs AC voltage. Is it also reading current and this is the reason for being directional?
**They are directional. It is not a simple explanation but is similar to reversing motor windings
to make it reverse rotation. The CT phase must relate properly to the PT phase.
3. Do CT coils pickup voltage and current from wires running next to them on the outside?
(It's very tight in the breaker box and many CTs have wires running next to them.
** Not at all. Again, not simple. Maxwell equations.
4. Is the polarity of the CTs a necessity of the hardware or software? i.e. if I wrote custom
software would I be able to read negative values?
** Hardware, No. Normal power flow is unidirectional and omitting the - sign doubles + resolution.
This is also why backflow must be measured on a different channel with an additional CT sense
winding with reversed phase.
5. You mentioned something about new dis2002.exe that could account for the back feed values.
Are you planning on having that in the near future?
** A means to leave line items out of the total, or subtract them has been added.
Data File Special Parameters - Home Generation - Backflow
6. What happens if a power failure occurs on the micrometer? Does this affect the readings?
Maybe you could provide some info on how the hardware operates, ie storing info in RAM until the
next reading, or is it non-volatile memory, etc.
** It is nonvolatile flash. No power means nothing to record until it returns.
Operational Overview
All these files can be accessed with a plain text editor. Only the first 3 are used by
the new 32-bit software. The new software produces and uses 10 and 11 as well.
If you are using Cap2002/Dis2002, use Notepad to make changes.
1/5/06 - Windows does not recognize file suffixes .dat and .db1 as text files.
Right-click open and "choose program from a list" (notepad)
Check the box below to always open with notepad.
2/2/07 - DON'T USE MICROM.EXE to edit files for Cap2002 and Dis2002. Use Windows Notepad.exe.
If you are using MICROM.EXE (for everything on an older PC), use Setup dropdown.
Use this Handy-Dandy Ruler for checking field lengths and starting positions:
....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7....+....8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Files 1-3 are used universally by all s/w. They represent your configuration.
8/18/2008 - Note:
XML versions of these files are simply tagged at each end of each line except CT.DAT.
XML version of CT.DAT is tagged at each end of the circuit label and at each end of the
numerical parameters on each line.
1. MICRO.DAT
12.75 (Scale1: This is fixed for v1.04 microMETER hardware)
2390.625 (Scale2: 286875 / your avg line voltage if using RMS with mMI)
16.96 (cents / kwh, based on total bill amounts)
1=DOS color/0=mono (used for default COM Port in MICROM.EXE)
3 rows of 4 numbers - special meanings for various programs
example:
12.75
2390.625
16.96
1
0 1 2 3 <--- line 5
4 5 6 7
7 7 0 0
04/15/2009-
Use this Handy-Dandy Ruler for checking field lengths and starting positions:
....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7....+....8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Special options: Change the default value above to enable.
Line 5 1st number: 0=non-analytic mMI or mMII - alternating row color in Dis2002.EXE
Line 5 1st number: 2=analytic mMI - paired row color in Dis2002.EXE and special pf calc
Line 5 1st number: 3=3-phase mMII - triple row color in Dis2002.EXE
Line 5 2nd number: 0=unselect true power in Dis2002 display (v1.15) for mMII with incorrect phasing
Line 5 3rd number: 0=use micro2.cap timing in Dis2002 display (v1.18)
Line 5 4th number: >10=skip output by excess of 10 Cap2002 (v1.14)
Line 6 1st number: 0=show before/after kwh Dis2002 (v1.21 3/7/06)
Line 6 2nd number: 0=verify processor ID consistency Dis2002 (v1.28 11/21/07)
2. MICRO.TXT
Company name (1st line) and text for DISplay and PRTBILL (7 lines total)
microMETER Corp.
99999 <- processor ID - ignore if blank - Dis2002 v1.28 11/21/07
Energy usage charges due and payable for the period ending.
Taxes and customer charges have been added proportionately.
Thank you for your prompt payment.
Customer Billing Period Usage Amount Due
Rate: Non-demand, Non-TOU - Customer chg incl. @ xxxx cts/kwh
1/5/06 - Windows does not recognize file suffixes .dat and .db1 as text files.
Right-click open and "choose program from a list" (notepad)
Check the box below to always open with notepad.
3. CT.DAT
CT #1 descr, CT size, power factor, circuit voltage, low alarm limit, high alarm limit
CT #2 descr, CT size, power factor, circuit voltage, low alarm limit, high alarm limit
...
Use this Handy-Dandy Ruler for checking field lengths and starting positions:
....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7....+....8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
example: period is used to reserve space
1 - Kitchen/Dinette ,0040,1.00,120,000,999 .
2 - Water Heater ,0040,1.00,240,000,999 .
3 - Range ,0040,1.00,120,000,999 .
4 - Refrigerator ,0020,1.00,120,000,999 .
5 - Washer ,0020,1.00,120,000,999 .
6 - Garage ,0020,1.00,120,000,999 .
7 - Tool Shed ,0020,1.00,120,000,999 .
8 - Air Handler ,0040,1.00,240,000,999 .
9 - Master Bedroom ,0020,1.00,120,000,999 .
10 - Living Room ,0020,1.00,120,000,999 .
11 - Small Bedrooms ,0020,1.00,120,000,999 .
12 - Dryer ,0040,1.00,120,000,999 .
13 - A/C ,0040,1.00,240,000,999 .
14 - Pool ,0020,1.00,240,000,999 .
15 - GFI ,0020,1.00,120,000,999 .
16 - ,0000,1.00,120,000,999 .
9/26/2007 - The quote " in col 26 may now be replaced w a comma (,) in current distributions.
Either will work. e.g. (older distributions)
1 - Kitchen/Dinette "0040,1.00,120,000,999 .
8/18/2008 - Note:
------1st XML tag set-----
-------2nd XML tag set----------------------- for CT.DAT on server
The low,high alarm limits ------------> 000,999 are passive until changed. Setting the
low limit above 000 or setting the high limit below 255 will trigger alarm related events
in any programs that use them. They are compared to the raw pulse count (second number from mM).
Use this Handy-Dandy Ruler for checking field lengths and starting positions:
....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7....+....8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
CT.BIL and CT.BI2 are produced when the following option is selected. (v1.27 9/19/07)
Line 6 1st number: 0=show before/after kwh Dis2002
The format is similar to DOS versions and includes KWH before-and-after fields at the end.
4 - Refrigerator 20070730 to 20070914 157 kwh $ 19.58 4123 4280
....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7....+....9....+...10....+...11
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11.1 - Data File Special Parameters - Home Generation - Backflow
For channels that see the same power a second time, e.g. mains:
Put "0" (zero) in the very 1st column to keep it out of the totals.
|
V
015 - Mains A ,0200,1.00,120,000,999 .
016 - Mains B ,0200,1.00,120,000,999 .
For circuits that contribute power, e.g. solar inverter, wind turbine:
Put "-" in the very 1st column to subtract it from the totals.
|
V
-15 - SunnyBoy A ,0060,1.00,120,000,999 .
-16 - SunnyBoy B ,0060,1.00,120,000,999 .
11/21/2007 - New feature in Dis2002 v1.28
For circuits that are unused and should not be printed at all:
Put "x" (lowercase) in the very 1st column to suppress the line printing only.
|
V
x15 - ,0000,1.00,120,000,999 .
x16 - ,0000,1.00,120,000,999 .
Files 4-9 are described in the DOS Archive
1/5/06 - Windows does not recognize original file suffixes .dat and .db1 as text files.
Right-click open and "choose program from a list" (notepad)
Check the box below to always open with notepad.
10. alarmlog.txt - produced by Cap2002 - channel, status, unit, date-time
09 high mM0120040210122950
11. mm.db1 - used by 32-bit programs as main database. It has long lines that have the
subdirectory, date-time, channel 1 data, channel 2 data, ...
04/15/2009-
Use this Handy-Dandy Ruler for checking field lengths and starting positions:
....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7....+....8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
This file layout looks like (depending on the processor type):
mM0120020909131542,01,010,38979,00028,02,174,50596,00231, 14 more 19-byte groups for mMI = 322 bytes*
mM0120020909131542,01,010,38979,00028,010,38979,00028,10000, 15 more 41-byte groups for mMII = 674 bytes*
* (minus last comma)
A day's worth of type 2 data requires 540 entries totalling 363960 or about 364k.
The id,date and time is followed by processor streams for channel 1, 2, etc as
described in "Protocol".
09/08/2009 - Downloads has new Java tools for converting Type 1 files:
Type 1 archives can be converted to Type 2 format.
Type 1 captures can be converted to Type 2 captures to append to archives.
04/15/2009 -
Use this Handy-Dandy Ruler for checking field lengths and starting positions:
....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7....+....8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12. b.gif - a blue graphic pixel used to draw html demand graphs
13. filter.db1 - abridged database output from Dis2002 for spreadsheet imports
1/5/06 - Windows does not recognize original file suffixes .dat and .db1 as text files.
Right-click open and "choose program from a list" (notepad)
Check the box below to always open with notepad.
09/28/2009 - Processor Streams:
Type1:
4,5,60288,921
5,0,56614,373
6,14,42885,374
7,48,36923,626
8,58,30532,555
9,10,21428,403
10,3,38219,360
11,4,39786,409
12,0,25367,487
13,40,18498,521
14,0,55974,2550
15,0,57803,1409
16,0,45411,2020
1,0,38057,477
2,16,56987,1049
3,3,64545,492
4,5,60293,921
Type2:
8,8,25015,90,8,25064,105,10603
9,0,257,0,0,438,0,10603
10,0,28561,1,0,29182,1,10603
11,0,0,0,0,404,0,10603
12,0,255,0,0,553,0,10603
13,0,260,0,0,737,0,10603
14,0,275,0,0,534,0,10603
15,0,23020,164,0,58438,172,10603
16,0,544,0,0,828,0,10603
1,0,27585,80,0,22727,95,10603
2,0,18288,19,0,6289,21,10603
3,2,37108,42,2,36548,42,10603
4,17,43624,124,26,2540,161,10603
5,0,58117,41,2,22526,46,10603
6,0,29066,102,0,738,141,10603
7,0,10924,109,0,41318,148,10603
8,8,25023,90,8,25072,105,10603
Cap2002 screen shot Dis2002 screen shot
Cap2002.EXE
This is a 32-bit GUI program that replaces MICROM.EXE comm port functions. One of the
best features is the saving of every CAPture. This enables a great deal of ad hoc data mining
that was not possible before without a lot of manual intervention. Also, the
legacy .CAP files (produced for backward compatibility only) are not updated
until the CAPture is complete and successful. This will prevent legacy
program failure when files are incomplete.
When running, pick the appropriate subdirectory and click the
appropriate COM port button. Message area turns red, then yellow (with sync), then
green when complete. A database (flat file that gets data appended in chronological
order) called MM.DB1 will save every capture (in a new format) that will allow ad hoc
reconstruction of billing periods.
For multiple (refresh) captures, replace the 1 in the 3rd box with 100 to use Dis2002 realtime
display. This will run for about 5 hours. Put a higher number if desired.
07/23/2006 - Cap2002 v15 will accept 999999999 in the observation window and decrement from there
which would keep the program running for almost 100 years! Only 5 nines show but if you put in nine,
the displayed value will remain 99999 for all of this time except the last 3.5 days.
This program can create non-customized mm01 files by doing the following:
Click Type 1 or Type 2 choice at bottom of form (v1.18)
Change the 1 to the right of "End now" to 0.
Click "init" in lower left corner.
Click "End now".
download
Dis2002.EXE
This program is much easier to use than MICROM.EXE. There are no more RESETS and
dependence on four separate files to represent a time interval. It (only) reads the
new database file mm.db1 and allows you to
pick any time interval that has ever been recorded with Cap2002.EXE. As your
database grows, more and more statistics will be available. Older, little-used
functions are removed (temperatures, reconciles, demand graphs). In their place
there will be exports to modern spreadsheets and html browsers.
For realtime displays, start Cap2002 with multiple captures and minimize it.
Click all three buttons in Dis2002 and minimize it. Now watch your browser change
in realtime.
A listbox below the three buttons is a debugging monitor that shows a trace of the
program activity. If there is ever a problem processing your data, the last entry in
this box shows the last successfully processed code segment. To re-create the same
problem, a zipfile of the micromtr folder contents will be needed here.
For graphical output:
There is a checkbox in Dis2002 for graphs that must be checked BEFORE selecting
the directory. Links to the graphs will then appear in the html
output. The mm.db1 files can also be imported to Excel for more
elaborate treatment. For best results, try to get a number of evenly-spaced
captures, e.g. hourly, daily, weekly, etc.
In Excel, use the "Data" dropdown menu and choose "Import". Specify "comma delimited"
and treat the first column as "general" or "text". You should then have a very large
spreadsheet extending out to column DY. Every eighth column will contain the processor ID.
It is redundant but also is a good way to verify the results. Remember this is raw data
that should be scaled by CT.DAT factors Protocol (mMI and mMII)
but the raw values can still make useful plots for relative comparisons.
MMII demand data can be found this way:
------------- Excel columns ---------------
channel true power demand volt-ampere demand
1 C F
2 K N
3 S V
4 AA AD
5 AI AL
6 AQ AT
7 AY BB
8 BG BJ
9 BO BR
10 BW BZ
11 CE CH
12 CM CP
13 CU CX
14 DC DF
15 DK DN
16 DS DV
If you are using mMII processor, this assumes that true power phasing is correct.
Version 1.16 has features to filter observations. By running Cap2002 continuously
for a period, one can filter the observations down to intervals shown below.
This is repeatable and causes no loss of original data. If used, the filtered data
is put out on a new (abridged database) file called filter.db1. It is not necessary
to use it to immediately display abridged results in mm.htm. That happens automatically.
It is only provided for further spreadsheet analysis.
10/08/2007 - Column headings were requested so here is an example (Type 2).
headings
07/31/07
Mathematical Model:
Assume channel 1 has a CT20 which is mounted on a 120-volt feed wire.
At 20 amperes, the digitized full-scale value (called "pulse count") is 255.
Thus 255 pulses / 20 amperes = 12.75 pulses-per-ampere. This is Scale 1 (for demand).
With 16 channels being processed one-at-a-time and each taking 10 seconds,
channel 1 will be sampled every 160 seconds, or 22.5 times per hour (= 3600 / 160).
This will accrue 255 pulses * 22.5 = 5737.5 pulses when 20 amperes flows for 1 hour (20 AH).
Since the circuit operates at 120 volts, we have 2400 watts flowing for 1 hour = 2.4 KWH.
5737.5 pulses / 2.4 KWH = 2390.625 pulses-per-kwh. This is Scale 2 (for usage).
Subsequent proportional scaling for different voltages and CT sizes is then applied.
Both scale values are used as divisors for the simple reason that they are larger than
unity and easier to recognise and remember. They can be used in integer-based processors.
The demand repeatability error is 1/255 = .39%.
The usage repeatability error (over one month) is
1 / (720 hours-per-month * 22.5 samplings-per-hour) = .006%.
The sampling process can be likened to a rain gauge, probability-based but highly
accurate over time.
- 12.1 -
Timing Facts:
8640 channel readings per 24 hours
540 sets-of-16 as a line in mm.db1 per day (8640/16)
22.5 sets (lines in mm.db1) per hour (540/24)
45 lines in mm.db1 per 2-hours (120 minutes)
9 lines in mm.db1 per 24-minute interval
3 lines in mm.db1 per 8-minute interval
1 line in mm.db1 represents 2.667 minutes
Rather than ignore processor data in Cap2002, we can filter it in Dis2002.
Run Cap2002 continuously to get all the processor data for a span of time.
Two new parameters for Dis2002 control the initial loading of mm.db1.
"Skip first" drops "n" lines from the beginning. "Use every" takes every "nth" line.
This will allow uniform graphing of a useful range of time intervals. Only whole
numbers may be used, e.g. hourly data cannot be gotten exactly by putting 22.5
in the "use every" field. These must be set prior to selecting the directory.
11/26/03 - Enhancement to Dis2002 to support multiple processors.
Version 1.18 optionally displays 64 channels together in anticipation of the 64-channel
mMIII processor. For now, it can be made to work with up to 4 mMII processors covering a
mid-sized office building. Back in the DOS days, we did the same thing with batch files
for "one-command reads them all" convenience. It's back as "one-click reads them all" in
v1.18. Processes mm01,mm02,mm03,mm04 subdirectories as 64-channel virtual processor with one click
in "4P" checkbox. Do not select the final subdirectory. Click 4P instead.
01/05/06 - Enhancement to Dis2002 to support multiple processors - v1.20.
An "8P" checkbox will process mm01,mm02,mm03,mm04,mm05,mm06,mm07,mm08 subdirectories
as a 128-channel virtual processor with one click. This will be compatible w mMI and mMII.
Do not select the final subdirectory. Click 8P instead.
Also, these subdirectories may now be nested below \micromtr\ to gain additional flexibility.
06/29/06 -
Example: \micromtr\case1\micromtr\mm0x ...
The executables and shared files in \micromtr\ must be copied to \micromtr\case1\micromtr\
Preparing folders and files for Dis2002 4P/8P reports.
If you do not have a complete set of sub folders (above) and need "dummy" processors, do the following:
1) Click into the "test" folder and copy/rename the appropriate database. If you have Type 1
processors, copy/rename mm1.db1 to mm.db1. If you have Type 2, copy/rename mm2.db1 to mm.db1.
2) Right-click copy the test folder and paste/rename it as mm04, ... mm0x as needed to have a
complete set of (dummy) sub folders.
download
- 12.2 -
Emu2002.EXE - 01/05/04
This program is NOT used for normal measurements with a processor. It "fakes" readings
and/or appends readings from raw processor data in text files.
I am working on a new program that has a lot of interesting uses.
In the ten years of working with microMETERs, I have had to occasionally fake a capture
to produce a desired output. This is not easy to do. A long overdue emulator (called
Emu2002) is available for download. It communicates with the existing
Dis2002 via the database and utilizes circuit attributes already stored in the setup files.
A new parameter was added to represent duty cycle (in percent). It can mimic a mMI or mMII
processor as you adjust virtual circuit parameters. To create an arbitrary time span, clear the
MM.DB1 file and do an init. Then edit the file and set the date back to cover the desired period
up to the current date. Now do reads whenever you want and see the accruals in Dis2002.
This program may also be used to create data files from a special file called ctcap.txt.
If 16** complete lines of raw mMI or mMII output is saved (via cutpaste)
in this file and placed in a mM subdirectory, the button marked "ctcap.txt"
can be used to append the observation to the database and create legacy files
with the system timestamp. For example, Windows
Hyperterminal Identifying COM Ports on your PC is used to view
a raw data stream. Copy and paste 16** complete lines to a text file and save it
to the above name. Emu2002 can be used to produce files as if the capture had
been done by normal means (Cap2002, MICROM, MCAP, etc.).
** get 17 to be "safe" since the first is always discarded.
download
6/20/2008 - For special needs only:
How to run Capture on Vista
Dis2002 screen shot
This report with standard default options set has the above header.
Keep in mind that data is presented is several ways and certain columns relate
in a way similar to a car's speedometer and its odometer. Either can have a high
(or low) value relative to the other and still make sense.
The 1st column is the channel number followed by the circuit label. Both come from
the configuration file CT.DAT. It is possible, but not recommended, to use the
whole column for the label without the channel number.
DEMAND:
The 2nd is expressed in amperes and watts/volts. In a perfect electrical relationship,
they are equal but differ otherwise. Type I processors could only show one or the other
and the program could not tell and just kept both headings. Type II processors show
the circuit current demand at the time of capture and express it in amperes.
The 3rd is power demand at the time of capture and expresses it in kilowatts. If the checkbox
for true power is unchecked because correct phasing was not possible, the value is in kilovoltampere-hours
which, again in a perfect circuit, would be equivalent. Both 2nd and 3rd columns are like the
speedometer readings in that the car might not be moving at the time but may, or may not, have a lot
of mileage showing elsewhere.
USAGE:
The 4th, 5th, and 6th columns with the white lettering represent something known as the
The Power Triangle
and show total usage. Like in a car, the odometer shows total miles. The 4th
is kilowatthours (kwh). With the car analogy again, it relates to what you pay to drive.
You buy these directly from the utility. Gallons of gas is what you are really buying for the car.
The 5th is kilovoltamperehours (kvah) which is like the gas you pumped plus a little in the hose
that you didn't get to use. It is always greater than or equal to kwh.
The 6th is kilovoltamperereactivehours (kvarh) which is the phantom power you didn't get to keep
(gas in the hose). It's good when it is low but is seldom zero.
The 7th is $ cost created by multiplying kwh cost (above) times kwh
The 8th is percent of total kwh for the kwh shown on the line.
OPTIONS:
The 9th shows "L" for low or "H" for high when comparing demand (in raw pulses) to limits in CT.DAT.
The 10th shows "d" for selected demand graph, if available.
The 11th is reserved for control software input (not yet available).
The 12th is power factor, which describes the power triangle (above). .999 is perfect, .8 is common
for many loads other than incandescent lamps (plain light bulb) and big things that heat (stove, space heater).
.6 is not real good and can indicate a problem. Don't worry about it if the kwh cost is insignificant.
The 13th and 14th appear with a special option set to show before-and-after total kwh for utility bill
public assistance programs.
The PC used to read the processor must have a standard COM port 1-4.
9/12/2007 - Some recent "home versions" are ommitting this support. Specify at the time of purchase
that you need serial capability and (preferably) get a built-in com port.
Windows Hyperterminal can be used to verify that a given port can be used. In Windows XP
Professional, the procedure is:
Be sure the processor is connected and powered up.
Click START, then All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Hyperterminal
(without any previously saved sessions).
Enter Name: mmtestcom1 and click OK. (This is for COM1. Repeat for COM2, COM3, and COM4)
Connect using: COM1 and click OK
Bits per Second: Change to 300 and click OK
Allow at least 10 seconds to see lines containing comma-separated numbers appear.
If you do not see these numbers, you cannot use this COM port.
Try Windows "hyperterminal" with Baud=300,8N1 to see the data stream.
Also see: USB Connections
p 15 intentionally omitted
The microMETER (mMI) sends four numbers separated by commas and ending with CRLF (0x0D0A),
every ten seconds (Baud=300,8N1). If you capture these values directly for use in
a spreadsheet, you must convert them into useful information.
Details for each follow:
* First number - CT # (1 through 16).
* Second number - KW or KVA demand pulse count, a value ranging from
0 to 255. Multiply by (actual CT size)/255 to get watts/volts.
* Third number - KWH low bucket pulse count. Value range
is 0 to 65535.
* Fourth number - KWH high bucket pulse count. Multiply
this value by 65536, then add the low bucket value above.
Now, divide the sum by 2400 and multiply by
(actual CT size)/20 to get KWH.
example: 8,0,11823,64
for mMII only, extra values ignored by mMI s/w
* Fifth number - current demand pulse count, a value ranging from
0 to 255. Multiply by (actual CT size)/255 to get amps.
* Sixth number - KVAH low bucket pulse count. Value range
is 0 to 65535.
* Seventh number - KVAH high bucket pulse count. Multiply
this value by 65536, then add the low bucket value above.
Now, divide the sum by 2400 and multiply by
(actual CT size)/20 to get KVAH.
* Eighth number - Processor ID - Value range is 10000 to 65535.
example: 8,0,11823,64,0,24514,64,10602
Pseudocode to illustrate capture from com port: (mMI)
open com port
while not CRLF
listen //discard first input (partial or full)
wend
for i=1 to i=16
read j,k,l,m //get 16 full lines
A[j] = k //index values into arrays by channel #
B[j] = l
E[j] = m
end-for
close com port
open reset file (an earlier copy of above data)
for i=1 to i=16
read "CT.RES" j,k,l,m //read from last reset file
AA[j] = k //index values into arrays by channel #
BB[j] = l
EE[j] = m
end-for
close reset file
Code snippet to illustrate conversion:
i=0;while(i<16){
B[i] = B[i] - BB[i]; //subtract past readings
E[i] = E[i] - EE[i];
F[i] = B[i] + E[i] * 65536;
// BK = breaker (CT) size from CT.DAT
// LV = line voltage from CT.DAT
// PF = power factor from CT.DAT
// SCAL, SCA2, PRICE from MICRO.DAT
A[i] = A[i] / SCAL * BK[i] / 20; //Scale to amps
K[i] = A[i] * LV[i] * PF[i] / 1000;//Scale to kw
G[i] = (F[i] / SCA2 * BK[i] / 20 * PF[i] * LV[i]/120);//Scale to kwh
C[i] = PRICE * G[i] / 100; i++;}
All of the PC software has been open-sourced. Text files containing multiple
program listings can be found in the link below. It is hoped that, in the spirit of
open-source, takers will give back improvements so we all can benefit.
I (Chris) am a lazy programmer, which is generally a GOOD THING. However,
much more can be done by many imaginative users.
download
8/28/2007
These are open source equivalents of the above described 32-bit Windows programs.
Most users use, or have access to, Windows pc's. The lack of compatibility between
Windows versions, however, makes software upkeep difficult and confusing. What is being
done here is taking the best ideas from all versions of the Windows programs and
combining them in a more stable Linux/Unix platform. Some key concepts and features are:
Support files renamed as .txt, e.g. ct.dat becomes ctdat.txt.
Consistent lowercase used on all directory names and file names, e.g. /mm01/ctdat.txt
Directory structure and file structure remains the same.
Less GUI, more scripting, more Web enabling.
Type 2 processor supported, Type 1 processor not supported at this time.
Written in ANSI c, c++, possibly some java
ldis2007
9/05/2007
lcap2007 v1.0 - Written in ANSI C and compiled with gcc (on ubuntu 6.06). The executable resides in
main folder called micromtr. Always run with a 4-character parameter in terminal mode, e.g.
./lcap2007 mm01
which selects the subdirectory (processor) of interest. In most cases this is mm01. A special
parameter "init" will cause the program to create a subdirectory called "test" and create three support
files (micro.txt, microdat.txt, and ctdat.txt). The subdirectory can then be renamed to mm01 (or other)
and the files can be customized with a text editor.
11/20/2007 - Mod for Type 1 processor to masquerade as Type 2
Look for the group of lines matching the 1st 4 here. Comment the next four and add the
last four, as shown:
if (commas == 0) { ct[cti] = dan; cti++; }// 8 values come in from type 2 processor
if (commas == 1) { bb[bbi] = dan; bbi++; }// 3 long names shortened
if (commas == 2) { cc[cci] = dan; cci++; }
if (commas == 3) { dd[ddi] = dan; ddi++; }
//if (commas == 4) { ee[eei] = dan; eei++; }// 4 new names are short
//if (commas == 5) { ff[ffi] = dan; ffi++; }
//if (commas == 6) { gg[ggi] = dan; ggi++; }
//if (commas == 7) { hh[hhi] = dan; hhi++; }
if (commas == 1) { ee[eei] = dan; eei++; }// Mod for Type 1 processor to masquerade as Type 2
if (commas == 2) { ff[ffi] = dan; ffi++; }
if (commas == 3) { gg[ggi] = dan; ggi++; }
if (commas == 3) { strcpy(temp2,"11111");hh[hhi] = temp2; hhi++; }
ldis2007 v1.0 - Written in ANSI C and compiled with gcc (on ubuntu 6.06). The executable resides in
main folder called micromtr. Always run with a 4-character parameter in terminal mode, e.g.
./lcap2007 mm01
which selects the subdirectory (processor) of interest. In most cases this is mm01. The program
creates a web page called mm.htm in the subdirectory that can be viewed with a standard browser.
The current implementation is sparse in that it will display the usage of the last two captures
only and special features found in Dis2002.exe such as 3-phase display, multi-processors, and demand
graphs are not yet implemented.
pp 19-29 intentionally omitted
--------------------------- Hardware -------------------------
Processor types:
mMI non-analytical - 16 channels all apparent power or all true power set by jumper block.
*mMI analytical - 16 paired channels apparent power and true power for 8 circuits.
*discontinued, use mMII
mMII - 16 channels with true power and apparent power measured on each.
mMII3ph - 5 3-phase A,B,C channel groups with true power and apparent power measured.
mMII - wire color codes:
In keeping with telco tradition, the Cat 1 (quad cable) colors will map to Cat 5
as follows:
Table 30a
mMI** mMII function
1 green white w blue rs232 return
2 red blue (w white) rs232 data from mM
3 black white w orange PT return
4 yellow orange (w white) * PT 29 vac A phase
5 white w brown * PT 29 vac B phase
6 brown (w white) * PT 29 vac C phase
7 white w green R2 select C phase instead of B phase
8 green (w white) R1 select other phase than A phase
In single-phase true power applications, 4,5, and 6 are connected to A phase.
Because Cat 5 is #24, the cable will be soldered to the PCB.
**Note (01/19/2006): This applies to mMI and mMII. Cat 1
is no longer readily available. Cat 5 will be used for
all processors and cabling. Color code equivalents are:
Cat 1 Cat 5
green white w blue
red blue
black white w orange
yellow orange
08/30/2006 - RS2329 cable assembly is replaced by RS2325 cable assembly:
Table 31
RS2329 RS2325 function DB9 Pin Extendable Length
1 green white w blue rs232 return (ground) 5 300'
2 red blue (w white) rs232 data from mM 2 300'
3 black white w orange ring detect 9 do not extend
4 yellow orange (w white)* rs232 data to mM 3 do not extend
5 white w brown ** dtr 4 do not extend
6 brown (w white) ** dsr 6 do not extend
7 white w green ** rts 7 do not extend
8 green (w white) ** cts 8 do not extend
* not used in mMI or mMII
** jumpered together
10/21/2008 - Special note about extending RS2325 cable: Only the blue/white pair
needs to be extended. The other pairs are locally looped back or open and
SHOULD NOT BE EXTENDED.
*** 50 Hz mods
Lockheed testing showed that replacing the 120-ohm 1 watt dropping
resistor (mMI R1) with 150 ohm 1 watt and adding a .022 uf cap to the .12 uf cap
in the vref circuit (C4) improved stability and accuracy. R1 was later
changed to 150 ohms for all boards, C1 and C2 were upgraded to 470 uf
on std 60 hz boards and has not been tested at 50hz.
We can supply these parts with units tested at 60Hz but need for 50 hz
is too low to do tests here.
50hz mods
An updated schematic of mMI is available as:
I am having trouble with some of these files. How are we ever to
preserve information? Problem seems to be converting old CAD files.
bmp
gif
huge bmp
errata (mMI):
The CT FS output is 23.0 mv, not 25.0. The span adjustment was revised
slightly in the final prod run (500 ohm pot was replaced with 200 ohm pot).
The opamp feedback s/b 24k (not 27k). The 1 meg resistor from the multiplier
(AD633) feeds the 1uf cap from pin 7 AND the top of the INT pot.
See picture.
Type 1 wires attached.
Type 2 wires attached.
Most simple installations and orders shipped are set up to minimize the need
to keep track of phase for successful operation. Phase matters in two areas,
at the CT level, and at the processor level. In many cases, remediation is as
easy, or easier, than the initial planning! No permanent harm can result from a
mistake other than a loss of accuracy. (In a 3-phase situation, the planning is
much more important. Simply reversing connections at the CT level will not
always work.)
At the CT level:
If a CT is used to monitor more than one circuit, i.e. more than one wire passing
through the center, they must be of the same phase or cancellation of magnetic fields
will occur and the result will be under-representation of the power used. For example,
an A-phase circuit lights a 60-watt bulb and a B-phase circuit lights a 100-watt bulb,
The CT will only sense 40 watts because of the cancellation. When only one bulb
is lit, the results are accurate. If these wires are the two sides of a 240 volt
double breaker, the second must pass through backwards so that currents add, rather
than cancel. When currents add like this, the voltage is considered to be 120v.
An equal draw for a 240 volt load would register the same current twice so half
the voltage (120) is used to compute the correct wattage.
If more than one CT is used on a single channel, e.g. two sides of a double
breaker feeding a mobile home each have a CT60, the signals must be combined properly
to avoid cancellation. The method, described elsewhere in Diagrams,
places the second CT facing the opposite way so that when the short lead of one is
connected to the long lead of the other, the remaining short-long lead pair represents
a properly combined signal. Alternatively, these two CT's can be
connected to two separate processor channels. Each channel will record a portion of the
total usage. In either case, the lower voltage, e.g. 120, is used in CT.DAT
At the processor level:
For correct true power operation, the phase of the CT signals must correspond correctly to the phase
of the PT (Potential Transformer). If the values are slightly smaller than the apparent power,
the phasing is correct. If they disappear entirely, you have a phase problem
on that channel that can be remedied 3 ways:
1) Reverse the CT connection - This is the preferred method.
2) Reverse the physical CT orientation - This is more trouble than 1)
3) Reverse the PT connection - This affects all channels.
By doing any two of the above, you still have the same result on a given channel. If more than
half of the channels are wrong, do #3 first. Follow up with #1.
The current transformer (CT) is designed to sense a dynamic range of current
that includes the maximum expected value. A circuit breaker establishes a
physical limit that often exceeds the maximum draw by two times. In the case of
panel mains, and dedicated circuits for kilns, compressors, etc. the electrical
code anticipates this safety margin. In small convenience outlet circuits,
however, anything goes e.g. coffee pots, microwaves, space heaters, etc. It is
not unusual to load these to the max. The CT choice should cover the maximum
expected but allow for good resolution. Like a pegged meter movement, an undersized CT
will not show the true maximum. An oversized CT will only show small variations with
poor resolution. In either case there is no consequence except loss of information
and accuracy.
Considering the expected life of the product (10 years or more), it is well worth
a little planning beforehand and a little extra effort during the installation.
Solid core CT's are always more accurate and reliable than "split core" CT's that
only save a few minutes during installation. Plain CT's are better than "auto phasing"
types that only compensate for lack of skill during installation. Such added circuitry
contributes nothing afterwards, is subject to failure, and has been known to "play tricks"
when other generators and inverters are involved.
The standard CT ranges are set by the ratio of wire turns internally. It is
possible to change ranges externally as well. A wide range of "virtual" CT sizes
can be created by passing the conductor multiple times through the center so
the current is "seen" multiple times.
The tables here suggest several, but certainly not all, of the possible ranges
that can be sensed.
Table 33
Max Amps Actual/Virtual CT type # Passes CT.DAT value
1 V CT20 20 0001 pic
5 V CT20 4 0005 pic
10 V CT20 2 0010 pic
20 A CT20 1 0020 pic
30 V CT60 2 0030 pic
40 A CT40 1 0040 pic
50 V CT100 2 0050 pic
60 A CT60 1 0060 pic
100 A CT100 1 0100 pic
200 A CT200 1 0200 pic
Table 33b
The CT200 has an accessible sense winding that can also be altered.
Max Amps Actual/Virtual CT type # Passes CT.DAT value Sense Turns
200 A CT200 1 0200 3 pic
150 V CT200 1 0150 4 pic
120 V CT200 1 0120 5 pic
100 V CT200 1 0100 6 pic
75 V CT200 2 0075 4 pic
Extreme enhancement of the sensitivity of a CT by additional sense winding turns
is not advised due to the fact that a given core requires a certain level of
stimulation to be in a linear mode. All in the above table are linear.
p 34 intentionally omitted
CT Summing is done with a CT20 or CT60. For example, a 1200 ampere
phase has three 600MCM "legs". We could use a 9" clamp-on or,
fit three smaller solid-core donuts on each conductor. With
three secondaries, we could see 15 amperes on the combined
secondaries. With a CT20, we won't go to full scale. But, if
we make 4 passes of each secondary thru a CT60, we will "max
it out". This is done neatly with 4 passes of a 2-foot piece of
telephone wire and a barrier strip. Use the red, yellow and green
wires for the 3 secondaries and tie off the black. A lab test
showed a slight warming with 3 of four #22 conductors loaded with
5 amperes, making a total window amperage of 60. To avoid the
possibility of warming, double up the phone wire. It is tight, but
you can pass a pair of Cat 1 thru the window 4 times.
The software knows nothing of a CT60. It is a virtual CT1200 in
the SETUP. Phase shifts on the order of a degree may
occur, but accuracy will not be impacted by more than 1 or 2
percent. Adjusments can be made in the software. The
significant power factor data is not affected.
An alternative way to measure large currents.
Copper bus ampacity is about 1.5 amp/sq mm and #12 solid copper wire has about 3.31 sq mm area.
A paralleled piece of this wire will carry about 5 amperes when the bus is loaded to capacity.
A CT20 with 4 passes of this wire will be full-scale equivalent at the bus capacity.
This is considerably cheaper and no less accurate than using a large, 3rd-party clamp-on sensor.
It can also be applied without interruption and provides the same millivolt isolation thru the CT20.
For the 1200-amp scenario above, we could use this general computation with a CT20 and enter it as 1200
in the software setup. Or we could refine the calculation using 3x the area of the 600MCM.
Convenience stores are excellent sites for monitoring power. Monthly usage is in the tens of thousands
of kwh. The petroleum-related circuits are usually grouped into a specialized sub panel that should
not be disturbed due to specialized codes and safety requirements. It is usually fed from a double-pole
breaker IN THE MAIN PANEL which is where to put CT's. Use one CT on each pole of the FEEDER BREAKER
(located in the main distribution panel) to the Veeder Root(tm)/Power Integrity(tm) equipment to maximize
analytical data. This will enhance safety attributes by providing additional power monitoring without any
alteration of the specialized petroleum circuitry.
The most important circuits to split out individually are those associated with refrigeration compressors.
After that, HVAC and lighting are large cost components. Outlets used for electric vehicle charging are
an emerging and presently unregulated profit center.
Diagram #0 *** Normal 120-volt breakers - e.g. lights, outlets
pic
CT 20,40,60, or 100 Undersize for better low load resolution.
Enter in SETUP as actual CT size with voltage = 120.
Diagram #1 *** Small Unbalanced 240 volt "X" - e.g. RV, boatslip, sub panel, electric range*, dryer, combined opposite-phase 120v loads
pic
Panel Examples 1,3,4
*Electric range can also be treated as a balanced load (easier, see diagram 3) with essentially the same result.
More X's
Enter in SETUP as actual CT size with voltage = 120.
or, use a short jumper and wire nut as shown below:
pic
Panel Examples 1,3,4
Diagram #1 alternate
Panel Examples 1,3,4
Enter in SETUP as actual CT size with voltage = 120.
Diagram #2 *** 120/240 Large Single Phase 240 Volt Unbalanced, e.g. house, cottage, apartment
pic
Connect sense leads in series aiding (- to +)
Enter in SETUP as actual CT size with voltage = 120.
03/07/2008
Diagram #2c *** Combining Same-Phase Loads with a Split Window
pic
Connect sense leads in series aiding (- to +)
Enter in SETUP as actual CT size. This is equivalent to both wires going through a single CT.
- 38 -
Diagram #3 *** Balanced 240 - e.g. electric range*, water heater, a/c compressor, air handler, pool pump, well pump, hot tub
pic
Panel Examples 1,3,4
*Electric range (slightly unbalanced) can be treated as a balanced load (easier, below) with essentially the same result.
Enter in SETUP as actual CT size with voltage = 240.
Diagram #4 *** non-adjacent 120-volt breakers - Combined circuits, same phase
pic
Panel Examples 1,3,4
4 small breakers
Enter in SETUP as actual CT size with voltage = 120.
Diagram #4b *** adjacent 120-volt single breakers - Combined circuits, alternating phase A, B
4 small breakers
Enter in SETUP as actual CT size with voltage = 120.
- 39 -
Diagram #5 *** Interface large current or clamp-on CT - e.g. 500 amps
pic
500 amp service
Enter in SETUP as actual commercial CT size.
Typical apartment panel
Typical smart house panel
8/31/2009
Diagram #6 *** 120/240 - Combined circuits, same phase on different sides of panel
pic
If wires are too short for "X" style, the "loop back" style s/b used. Setup voltage is 120, not 240 in both examples.
If right position is staggered by one, invert the loopback so that it remains on B-phase.
The easiest and cheapest way to prevent lightning damage to the PC and mM is to
use a common phone jack for a disconnect. At the PC when readings are complete
simply disconnect the D connector. At the mM processor, use two
RJ11 jacks and a RJ11 phone cord for the disconnect. Connect the inner pair of the
first jack to the mM red wire, outer pair to the green. Do the same with the
cable run and the second jack. Use any four conductor phone cord to connect the
two. By using inner and outer pairs as the polarity convention, reversal is
impossible. Just unplug one end of the phone cord at the pole.
Use shielded wire for building to office runs. A suitable cable is available from
www.DigiKey.com (1 800 344 4539). Order W504-X-ND (X is 100, 500 or 1000 feet).
It is #24 stranded, so care must be taken when connecting to solid #22. Use good wire
nuts or solder. The color code may be almost the same as telephone wire,
but if the pairs are individually shielded, keep each circuit in its own shield.
Bond the shields to ground at one end, preferably all together at the
mM processor location.
When measuring KVA and KVAH as estimates for KW and KWH from the primary side of a
distribution transformer, power factor (PF) should be considered when loading is
less than 50%. An experiment with a 400va isolation transformer and two 100 watt,
120 volt incandescent light bulbs yielded the following data:
load watts primary amperes bulb amperes power factor load capacity
0 .46 0 0 (theoretical) 0
100 1.12 .84 .75 .25
200 1.86 1.68 .90 .50
What this means is that for very light loading, the billable consumption should be
reduced by the power factor. As loading increases beyond 50% capacity, the difference
narrows and could be safely ignored. PF can be entered separately for each mM channel
in the software setup.
Alternatively, the discounting of consumption might be handled administratively in
the case where loading varies significantly and updating software parameters is
inconvenient or likely to be forgotten. This concern can be avoided by metering the
secondary side with larger CT's or by using true power mode.
The Power Triangle
A good pf reference
p 42 intentionally omitted
One of the common goals of utilities and their customers is to make
power factor as close to unity as possible. This minimizes "I square R"
losses on both sides of the utility meter. A passive means is possible
using analytical data from mMII. By combining leading loads with lagging
loads as close as possible e.g. short electric power wire runs, some
mitigation can be observed in subsequent readings.
Table 43
Load Power Factor Feeder Distance to
Common Connection
Lighting (ballast) 3.1 kva .87 lagging 50 feet
Server Bay 2.5 kva .92 leading 60 feet
Combined Circuit 4.9 kva .96 lagging 25 feet
The Power Triangle
A good Power Factor reference
pp 44-59 intentionally omitted
Ordering
Ordering has evolved into a semi-automated web/phone/email process. Basically
we will contact you in response to an inquiry. We will then quote our best, direct price
based on the current state of the inventory spreadsheet and your need. Small variations may
occur due to parts replenishment costs. The quote should be good for 30 days. After that,
details are lost and the process starts from the beginning. When quoting a system price, the
logic always discounts the absolute total by 20-30% and includes free shipment if
remittance is received within a week. Nominal prices for components are listed on
the next page and will generally apply for individual parts orders. Orders from
Florida require sales tax or a Tax ID# to document a commercial sale. Upon a verbal
agreement to purchase, a detailed invoice will be emailed and a package will be prepared.
Upon receipt of remittance via check or Paypal, the package will be sent out on
the same day via 3-day ground. The following is simply a guideline for subsequent
parts orders.
order form
Remittance and processing instructions will be provided in the emailed quotation.
microMETER CT Sizes and Types, CT outer diameter 1.7", length 1.13"
Lead length 24" - 48" unless otherwise specified. Discontinued items
can be made for special orders but are no longer stocked.
Std. Maximum Lead Window
Type Amperes Color Size (inches) Price Qty
For up to 300 volts:
p/n
CT20 20 blue .5 $30 _____ pic
CT40 40 green .5 $30 _____ pic
CT60 60 yellow .5 $35 _____ pic
CT100 100 white .5 $35 _____ pic
For up to 600 volts (thick orange leads, marked as 600v):
p/n
CT20HV 20 4 turns orange .5 $35 _____
CT40HV 40 2 turns orange .5 $35 _____ pic
CT60HV 60 5 turns orange .5 $35 _____
CT100HV 100 3 turns orange .5 $35 _____
CT200HV 200* 3 turns orange 1.0 $42 _____ pic
For special purpose applications*:
p/n
CT100LGD 100 6 turns white 1.0 $80 _____ pic
CT100LGRS 100 6 turns white 1.0 $45 _____ pic
second 100 6 turns yellow
CT100LGRSD 100 6 turns white 1.0 $90 _____ pic
second 100 6 turns yellow
CT200LV 200 3 turns white 1.0 $40 _____ pic
* parts developed after original mM was listed by UL
microMETER compatible PT Types (subject to availability)
04/11/2009 Note: Correct PT phasing produces a 180-degree shift of the secondary waveform relative to
primary. This can be verified with a temporary jumper between primary neutral and secondary common ("B")
and measuring the ac voltage between primary line side and secondary high side and observing the SUM
of the primary and secondary voltages. Example: 120v + 29v = 149v. **** SEE CAUTIONARY WARNING BELOW. ****
WARNING: Do not connect a jumper or perform this test with the processor connected.
PT120 120 volt potential transformer sold out pic
Basler Electric BE121620BAE 20va
H1 black, X1 B sec 29.3v mMI black mMII wht w org
H2 white, X2 A (original design component)
PT120B 120 volt potential transformer
Ault KS21239L4 7.5va (plug-in wall-wart) sold out pic
H1 blade over term 3, X1 term 3 B sec 27.4v mMI black mMII wht w org
H2 blade over term 2, X2 term 1 A
PT120W 120 volt potential transformer
MG Elect MGT2420P 20va (plug-in wall-wart) $42 _____ pic
H1 blade over term 2, X1 term 1 B sec 27.8v mMI black mMII wht w org
H2 blade over term 1, X2 term 2 A
PT208 208 volt potential transformer 3ptyB _____ pic
Honeywell AT140A1018 40va
H1 red, X1 R B sec 26.76v mMI black mMII wht w org
H2 black, X2 C A
PT240 240 volt potential transformer 3ptyB _____ pic
Honeywell AT140A1018 40va
H1 orange, X1 R B sec 26.76v mMI black mMII wht w org
H2 black, X2 C A
PT277 277 volt potential transformer 3ptyA _____ pic
Honeywell AT87A1189 48va
H1 brown, X1 B yellow sec 26.5v mMI black mMII wht w org
H2 black, X2 A blue
08/06/2007
PT277J 277 volt potential transformer 3ptyA _____ pic
Johnson Controls Y66FUD-1 75va
H1 red, X1 B brown sec 27.1v mMI black mMII wht w org
H2 black, X2 A orange
3ptyA - Third Party items - order direct from suppliers below: Kele Minvalco Alco
3ptyB TFCampbell Patriot NOTE: We can match a locally available transformer to your voltage.
Calibrations are based on differences from PT120. Adjust software scales
accordingly by secondary voltage ratios for correct true power readings.
08/06/2007
Determining PT phasing can be accomplished this way:
1) Connect H2 (primary common) to X2 (secondary common).
2) Energize primary.
3) Measure AC volts between H1 and X1. It should equal primary voltage minus secondary voltage.
4) If the volage measurement is higher, reverse either H1-H2 or X1-X2. Be sure the H1-H2 connection
observes any "common" designations properly.
p/n desc
PSA Phase Selector Assembly (external w J-box - price / mM $350 _____
pic pic
SWTxx Switch (local) to select one of xx mM's - price / mM $35 + $35/mM _____
pic
09/30/2008 -
DTMFxx DTMF Remote Switch to select one of xx mM's - price / mM $250 + $35/mM _____
pic
A DTMF switch is place near the networked pc's speaker(s). Remote desktop control utilizes
a DTMF keypad, available as a webpage. One (fixed) com port can now access all processors.
Downloads
02/10/2009 -
ROWGxx Rogowski equivalent split-core CT - price TBA
pic
A Rogowski coil is a non-ferrous, non-saturating, open-ended coil that can substitute for a standard
CT under certain conditions. Advantage is non-interruption of circuit. Accuracy tradeoffs TBD.
More.
p/n desc
MB1.04R mMI Main Board Repair TBD _____ pic
MB1.04 mMI Main Board (new from reserved inventory) $1050 _____ pic
MB2.00R mMII Main Board Repair TBD _____ pic
TB-D Terminal Board D discontinued, replace w TB-E pic
TB-E Terminal Board E $75 _____ pic
RIBN-C Ribbon cable C (use w TB-E) $45 _____ pic
J-BOX J-box (w/o UL label) two port (mMI) discontinued, use 3-pty source
J-BOX1 J-box (w/o UL label) one port (mMI,mMII) $12 _____ pic
J-BOXC J-box cover $6 _____ pic
RS232M RS232 Connector Male DB25 (for modem) discontinued, use 3-pty adaptor
RS232F RS232 Connector Female DB25 discontinued, use 3-pty adaptor
RS2329 RS232 Connector Female DB9 quad cable discontinued, use RS2325 pic
RS2325 RS232 Connector Female DB9 Cat5 $35 _____ pic
p 64 intentionally omitted
Addendum 02.1: Terminal Board D
re: equipment sold after May, 2003
The 16 position terminal strips with printed labels are no longer
available. Unmarked 4-terminal blocks were substituted in groups of 4.
Channel one is located towards the center of the main board. The +/- markings are reversed.
These had tendency to lose coninuity more than any other. Foil traces on one side only.
Replace with Terminal Board E.
Addendum 02.2: Terminal Board E
re: equipment sold after Nov, 2005
Channel one is located towards the center of the main board. The +/- markings are correct.
The solder pads are larger and traces are on the top and bottom. This should put an end
to continuity problems in the field. They are marked "REV E" and plated on both sides.
CAD pic
Terminal board comparison photo
Addendum 05: ESD (lightning) protection
Experience has shown that the greatest vulnerability of the mM
to ESD is the RS232 communication link. The 75150 chip has taken
hits in certain Florida locations where long, unshielded runs were
made to the PC.
What happens is that the wire between them picks up a spike from overhead
lightning and pops the chips in both the PC and the mM. The mM keeps
on counting kilowatt hours but the PC can't get a readout. The fix
is to power down the mM and replace the 75150 chip.
Then, readings can be obtained with no loss of data.
An improved ESD protection device has been added to mM units sold
after April 1998. It has not failed yet. Shielded wire is strongly
recommended.
To prevent the problem in the first place (without additional ESD
protection) is to disconnect the wire at both ends until new readings are desired.
At the PC, simply unplug the DB connector from the COM port.
At the mM, provide a RJ11 connection (like a telephone) that can be unplugged.
When using RJ11 fittings, put the RS232 signal on the inner pair and
the RS232 return on the outer pair to prevent roll reversal.
The Power Triangle
pp 66-82 intentionally omitted
Unable to capture data.
1) Make sure the RS232 signal is reaching the computer. Use the test LED
tester that is taped to the DB9 female plug.
Hold the plug facing you with 5 holes on top and four on the bottom (smiling).
Put short LED lead in hole 5 and long LED lead in hole 2. The hole numbers go like this:
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
The LED should flash briefly every 10 seconds.
If it is lit and briefly goes out every 10 seconds, the signal wires are reversed.
Hole 5 is the green wire from Type 1 or white (w blue) wire from Type 2 processor.
Hole 2 is the red wire from Type 1 or blue (w white) wire from Type 2 processor.
If the LED does not flash, trace continuity back to the processor.
Another LED, inside the processor, should be flashing every 10 seconds.
Make sure processor is energized.
2) Make sure the computer has a working com port.
Be sure you have properly identified the com port on your PC.
See Identifying COM Ports on your PC.
Try Windows "hyperterminal" with Baud=300,8N1 to see the data stream.
See how to use.
Check device manager to be sure ports exist. (start/control panel/system/device manager).
Cap2002 fails to run to completion (red,yellow,green).
09/14/2007 - Some of these errors have been fixed in v1.17. The version number appears in
the title bar at the top of the panel. Downloads the latest.
1) "Runtime Error 75, Path/File Access Error"
Are you trying to run from the CD? It cannot update CDROM files. Copy to desktop.
If you have a Compaq, HP, or any such pc that restricts access to the
C: root directory, use the default user directory that you get when you click
"My Computer", "C:" or the "MSDOS" or "C\" icons. For example, this could be:
Computer-> HP(C:)-> users-> yourname (Put the micromtr folder here.)
Check to see if any of the application's files or folders are marked as read-only.
2) "Component 'mscomm32.ocx' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered:
a file is missing or invalid"
On Vista home edition and some later "home versions" of XP, these operating system components
have been left out. Even with a USB-to-Serial adapter, these essential operating
system components need to be present and registered. Seek competent maintenance
advice to resolve this issue. Try to resolve it under your warranty or service
plan. Alternatively, you can:
1) obtain a copy of this file and put it in the micromtr directory (may or may not work).
2) try the full install shield process that updates registry (contact us for help with this).
This made Cap2002 v1.17 run correctly on an HP Pavilion a1520e with a USB-to-Serial adapter
and MS Vista Home Premium o/s!
3) find pc with Windows 98 or better that has a com port.
4) try the Vista .net programs described on page 1 above.
5) try the Linux programs described on page 18 above.
3) "Error 62 - input past end of file"
Request for help from MS
Resolution from MS
12/10/07
4) "Runtime Error 5 - Invalid procedure call or argument" (along with garbled data stream)
Verify that the computer connections (blue pairs) are not crossed with other processors or other
color pairs. YOU CANNOT PARALLEL CONNECT OR DAISY CHAIN THE RS232 SIGNALS. Each processor
must be read one-at-a-time with it's own computer connection.
Dis2002 fails to run to completion (mm.htm,ie browser).
08/21/2007-08/23/2007
Apparent Microsoft Bug - 08/21/2007 - Improperly Captured Data
Type 1-as-Type 2
12/22/2007 - Download Cap2002 v1.18 and choose type 1 or 2 checkbox before selecting com port.
Apparent Microsoft Bug - 08/22/2007 - Failure to Display Captured Data
Problem with file mm.db1 or directory structure
Reporting an error and getting tech support assistance:
04/22/2008 - Create a new zip folder called "error01" and copy the entire micromtr folder into it.
Send the folder as an email attachment to tech support. Contact us for email information.
Incorrect values, hardware, software setup
1) Zero or lower than normal readings:
07/02/07 - Be sure channel in CT.DAT has correct entries (CT amps > 0000).
Try RMS mode (Type 1). If a particular circuit is zero, check the CT
wiring or switch it with another CT. If True Power is zero
and RMS is not, check phasing of each affected CT by
reversing connections. If most of the CT's are affected, it
is easier to reverse the PT connection first.
2) Higher than normal readings, constant maximum reading on some channel(s):
07/02/07 - Be sure channel in CT.DAT has correct entries (CT amps > 0000).
Unused channels must be jumpered (shorted out) on the Terminal Board to prevent this.
Full scale readings can occur if the CT circuit is open.
The multiplexer pulls the floating input to this state.
Overtightening terminal board (Rev D) screws can break the traces.
Terminal board Rev E is much better.
Terminal board comparison photo
Make sure terminal board is seated properly with both rows of pins connecting to ribbon cable
and that ribbon cable is seated properly with both rows of pins connecting to main board.
pic
3) 04/22/2008 - Examine mm.db1 file for anomalies in the structure.
See example.
END OF DOCUMENT README2
