ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 — Pulse Counter and Stand-Alone GSM Modem

The ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 is a universal device designed for the automatic collection, storage, and remote transmission of data from water, heat, gas, and electricity meters, as well as other measuring instruments.

The device can be used as a multichannel pulse counter or as a stand-alone GSM/GPRS modem for equipment fitted with an RS-232 digital interface.

This solution makes it possible to automate an existing metering station without replacing the installed meter, organise remote data collection, and transmit information to an information system, central control room, or SCADA system.

Purpose

The ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 is designed for use with measuring instruments equipped with:

• a pulse output;

• a dry-contact output;

• an open-collector output;

• a signal line with NAMUR-type line integrity monitoring;

• an RS-232 digital interface.

The device counts pulses, calculates metering values, stores data in its internal memory, and transmits the information via a mobile network.

Main Functions

The ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 provides:

• pulse counting through independent channels;

• conversion of pulse counts into volume or another metered parameter;

• signal-line integrity monitoring;

• hourly, daily, and monthly data archives;

• event, alarm, and operator-intervention logging;

• scheduled or event-triggered data transmission;

• remote reading of equipment through RS-232;

• operation with primary and backup SIM cards;

• automatic data storage when mobile communication is unavailable;

• operation from an external or stand-alone power supply.

Two Operating Modes

Pulse Counter

In this mode, the device receives signals from mechanical or electronic meters with a pulse output.

The following parameters can be configured separately for each input:

• pulse weight;

• pulse registration on the rising or falling edge;

• minimum pulse duration;

• operation with or without signal-line integrity monitoring;

• initial value for synchronisation with the connected meter reading.

Depending on the version, the device supports up to four independent pulse or digital inputs.

Stand-Alone RS-232 Modem

The ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 can be used for the remote reading of water meters, heat meters, and other instruments equipped with an RS-232 interface.

In this mode, the device provides:

• digital communication with the connected meter;

• reading of current values;

• retrieval of archived data;

• data transmission via GSM/GPRS;

• remote access to the instrument;

• transparent-channel operation;

• integration with information systems without replacing the existing meter.

The number of available pulse channels in modem mode depends on the specific hardware version and configuration.

How the Device Works

Once commissioned, the ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 operates automatically:

1. It receives pulses or digital data from the connected meter.

2. It processes and stores the received information.

3. It creates hourly, daily, and monthly archives.

4. It activates the GSM/GPRS modem according to the configured schedule.

5. It connects to the server and transmits current readings and archived data.

6. Once the communication session is complete, it switches off the modem to conserve the stand-alone power source.

When an external power supply is available, the modem can remain permanently active. This enables polling of the connected instrument in near real time.

Data Is Retained When Communication Is Unavailable

If mobile communication is temporarily unavailable, the ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 continues to:

• count pulses;

• calculate current readings;

• maintain archives;

• record alarms and events.

Once communication is restored, the accumulated information is automatically transmitted to the server.

Data is stored in non-volatile memory.

Key Advantages

Stand-Alone Operation

The device can operate at facilities without a permanent power supply.

The pulse recorder and GSM modem use separate power sources. As a result, data transmission does not directly affect the continuity of metering.

Battery life depends on:

• the minimum pulse duration;

• the number of active channels;

• the communication frequency;

• the duration of each communication session;

• the quality of mobile network coverage;

• the selected operating mode.

With correctly configured operating parameters, the pulse counter can operate autonomously for many years.

Up to Four Channels

A single device can collect data from several meters. This makes it possible to create a compact multichannel metering station and reduce the amount of communication equipment required.

Primary and Backup SIM Cards

The GSM module supports two SIM cards:

• SIM 1 — primary;

• SIM 2 — backup.

If the device cannot register on the mobile network or establish a connection using the primary SIM card, it automatically switches to the backup SIM card.

A SIM card with a static IP address is not required.

Flexible Data Transmission Schedule

Communication can be configured:

• hourly;

• once or several times per day;

• once per week;

• once per month;

• after a specified time interval;

• when an alarm or another event occurs.

The data transmission frequency is selected according to the required reporting speed and desired stand-alone power-source life.

Data Archives

The ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 maintains:

• an hourly archive — up to 1,440 records;

• a daily archive — up to 500 records;

• a monthly archive — up to 60 records;

• an event archive — up to 1,200 records;

• an operator-intervention archive — up to 250 records.

The archives contain meter readings, service information, power-supply parameters, and equipment status data.

All configuration changes are recorded in the operator-intervention archive.

Equipment Status Monitoring

The device continuously monitors:

• power-source status;

• battery voltage;

• external power supply;

• signal input status;

• communication-line integrity;

• enclosure opening;

• operation of electronic modules.

Depending on the configuration, the following events can be recorded:

• loss of external power;

• low pulse-counter battery;

• low GSM-modem battery;

• enclosure opening;

• signal-line break;

• input short circuit;

• restoration of normal operating conditions.

Event information is stored in the archive and can be transmitted to the server or sent by SMS.

Pressure Monitoring

Up to two pressure sensors can optionally be connected to the device.

Depending on the configuration, the following sensor types are supported:

• sensors with a 4–20 mA analogue output;

• strain-gauge pressure sensors.

This makes it possible to create a single monitoring station that controls both the accumulated resource volume and the pipeline pressure.

The system can:

• store pressure readings in archives;

• transmit them together with metering data;

• monitor configured threshold values;

• detect pressure drops or excessive pressure;

• generate alarm notifications.

Applications

Water Metering

Connection of mechanical and electronic water meters with a pulse output or RS-232 interface.

Typical applications include:

• building-level water metering;

• commercial metering;

• process metering;

• water wells;

• pumping stations;

• water intake facilities;

• industrial water supply systems.

Heat Energy Metering

Remote reading of heat meters installed at:

• individual heating substations;

• central heating substations;

• boiler houses;

• heating stations;

• heat distribution points;

• residential and public buildings.

Gas and Electricity Metering

The device can collect pulses from gas and electricity meters used in process metering, energy monitoring, and consumption-control systems.

Remote Facilities

The stand-alone version can be installed at sites where:

• no permanent power supply is available;

• no local communication network is available;

• regular personnel access is difficult;

• manual meter reading requires significant time and resources.

Modernisation of Existing Metering Stations

The ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 makes it possible to add remote data transmission to an existing meter.

The primary measuring instrument does not need to be replaced. It is sufficient to connect its pulse output or RS-232 interface.

Integration with Information Systems

The ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 can operate as part of:

• dispatching and remote monitoring systems;

• SCADA systems;

• automated commercial energy metering systems;

• automated electricity metering systems;

• energy management systems;

• automated utility metering systems;

• water supply monitoring systems;

• corporate information platforms.

After manufacture, devices can be preconfigured for operation with the ERGOMERA Information System.

The APN parameters, server address, TCP port, data transmission schedule, and other settings can be changed according to customer requirements.

Configuration and Remote Management

The ERGOMERA-160.04 Configurator software is used to configure the device.

Configuration can be performed:

• locally through the service interface;

• remotely through the polling server.

The configurator is used to set:

• pulse weight;

• input type and polarity;

• NAMUR parameters;

• minimum pulse duration;

• communication schedule;

• server address and port;

• APN settings for each SIM card;

• SMS notification parameters;

• permanent connection mode;

• battery voltage thresholds.

Main Technical Specifications

Scope of Supply

The standard package includes:

• ERGOMERA-160.04RS232;

• operating documentation;

• packaging.

Depending on the order, the package may additionally include:

• external power supply unit;

• GSM antenna;

• RS-232 interface cable;

• pressure sensors;

• mounting accessories;

• software;

• additional batteries or rechargeable battery module.

Benefits of the Solution

The ERGOMERA-160.04RS232 is a ready-to-use solution for modernising an existing metering station and replacing manual meter reading with automated remote monitoring.

The device provides:

• operation without a permanent power supply;

• connection of several meters;

• mobile communication redundancy;

• data retention when mobile communication is unavailable;

• extended data archives;

• alarm and connection-status monitoring;

• remote configuration;

• integration with information systems;

• modernisation without replacing the primary meter.

The equipment complies with the requirements of the Technical Regulation for Radio Equipment, approved by Resolution No. 355 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 24 May 2017.