metercat getting started 1 95

Getting Started Guide

TM42-2206M

Metercat Release 1.95

2006 by Elster Electricity, LLC. All rights are reserved.

No part of this software or documentation may be reproduced, transmitted, processed or recorded by any means or form, electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise, translated to another language, or be released to any third party without the express written consent of Elster Electricity, LLC.

Printed in the United States of America.

ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, REX, and EnergyAxis are registered trademarks and Metercat and AlphaPlus are trademarks of Elster Electricity, LLC.Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Introducing Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Metercat System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Introducing AlphaPlus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

AlphaPlus System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Introducing Alpha Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Alpha Keys Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Additional CD Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Meter Technical Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Software Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Registering Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2. Installing Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Preparing to Install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Installing from CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Installing Additional Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Installing from a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Configuring Your Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

WinNT/2000/XP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Win95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Starting Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Forgotten Password? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

3. Upgrading Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Backing Up Existing Databases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Upgrading Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

4. Installing AlphaPlus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37AlphaPlus Installation Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Installing from CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

5. Installing Alpha Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Installing .NET Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Installing Alpha Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

6. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Installing or Upgrading Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

User Prompted for Installation CD When First Launching Metercat. . 59Installing Metercat on WinXP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Merge Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Uninstalling Metercat - Self-registration error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Installing Metercat - Network installation error. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

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Installing Metercat - Installation Interrupted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Installing Metercat - No Metercat Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

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Metercat Rel. 1.95Getting Started Guide 1 Introduction

1 Introduction

Introducing Metercat

Metercat, the meter configuration and analysis tool, is a user-friendly software package developed to program and read Elster Electricitys A3 ALPHA meter and manage the REX meter. Designed as a flexible Microsoft Windows-based application, Metercat runs on Windows 95/98/Millennium Edition/NT/2000/XP platforms.

Note: Computers running Windows NT 4.0 must have Service Pack 6 installed.

Metercat is used to communicate with Elster Electricity electronic meters for program development, meter programming, meter reading, meter testing, and report generation. Features of the Metercat software include:

user-friendly interface

function-level security

program development wizard

component editor

user management

function management

viewset management

database synchronization

launching AlphaPlus software from Metercat

Metercat users include:

meter shop administrators and supervisors

meter readers and programmers

program developers

remote communicators

Metercat System RequirementsMetercat has the following minimum system requirements:

Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended with appropriate keyboard and pointing device

32 MB of RAM (64 MB recommended)

a hard disk with 50 MB free space

a CD drive (or network access to the installation CD)


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a SVGA monitor (minimum resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, Font Size = Small Fonts)

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher

Introducing AlphaPlus

AlphaPlus is a MS-DOS-based software package that provides an intuitive, easy to use interface for configuring a broad range of meter functions. With AlphaPlus software you create meter programs that you download to meters. Meter programs tell meters to perform in ways that you specify. The software also lets you retrieve data from the meter on command.

AlphaPlus software was developed for use with Elster Electricitys ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, AIN ALPHA, and EMF meters. Refer to the AlphaPlus Getting Started Guide for details on functions and meters supported.

AlphaPlus System Requirements personal computer (PC)

430 KB of RAM

a hard disk drive with 4-10 MB free space

Note: To minimize disk storage required, you may remove the AlphaPlus on-line documentation. To do this, simply delete all files with extensions of .XDB and .TPC.

MS-DOS 3.0 or higher (DOS 3.3 or higher)

or

Windows 3.0 or later. AlphaPlus will run in standard or Real Mode. In 386 Enhanced mode, it is necessary to run AlphaPlus in Full Screen mode.

or

Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, and XP. AlphaPlus will run windowed or full screen. (Depending upon your systems configurations, the AlphaPlus System Menu screen may default to full screen view, but the program will switch back to windowed mode once a selection has been made.)

a CD drive (or network access to the installation CD)

a UNICOM probe (for optical communication)

The Elster Electricity UNICOM probe provides the interface between the computer and the meters optical port. With the UNICOM probe, service personnel can communicate with the meter both in the shop and in the field.

Optional equipment:

a printer (for printed reports)

a modem (for remote communication)

null modem cable (for direct PCtometer communication)

USBtoserial adapter for UNICOM probe connection (Windows 2000 and XP only)

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Metercat Rel. 1.95Getting Started Guide 1 Introduction

Introducing Alpha Keys

Alpha Keys is a combination of hardware and software that can perform either meter type upgrades (for example, upgrade a demand only meter [A3D] to a time of use meter [A3T]) or function upgrades (for example, add load profile).

Alpha Keys has three components:

Alpha Keys software - Windows-based software that performs the meter upgrade

Hard Key III - a physical device that attaches to any USB (universal serial bus) port of a computer and acts as a storage container for the Soft Keys. The Hard Key can be detached from one computer and moved to another as long as the computer has a USB port and both Metercat and Alpha Keys software installed.

Figure 1-1. Alpha Keys Hard Key III (USB)

Soft Keys - software counters stored in the Hard Key that allow specific upgrades to occur. One Soft Key permits one upgrade of one A3 ALPHA meter; the Soft Keys counters are decremented accordingly as upgrades are performed.

Alpha Keys RequirementsTo use Alpha Keys, you must have Metercat 1.7 or later installed on your computer and a Hard Key with Soft Keys available.

Additional CD Contents

In addition to the Metercat installation files, the Metercat installation CD contains:

Metercat Getting Started Guide

Metercat Release Notes

Metercat User Guide

Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0.1 installation files

customizable HTML Help project files

You may open and print the Metercat Getting Started Guide to a printer (600 dpi is recommended).

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Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print the Metercat and AlphaPlus documentation (in portable document format (PDF) format). Acrobat Reader 6.0.1 requires Windows 98 SE or later; Windows 95 or 98 (non-SE) is inadequate to run Acrobat Reader 6.0. If your operating system is not able to run Acrobat Reader 6.0, you can download and install Acrobat Reader 5.0 from the Adobe website (http:\\www.adobe.com).

Note: PDF files of the User Guide are installed as part of the Metercat installation.

Meter Technical Manuals A3 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2190)

A3 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual for Use in Canada (TM42-2195)

ALPHA Plus Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2182D)

ALPHA Plus Meter Technical Manual for Use in Canada (TM42-2185C)

REX Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2210A)

A1800 ALPHA Meter Series Technical Manual (TM42-2410)

Software Documentation AlphaLite Software Quick Reference

AlphaLite Technical Manual (TM42-2201C)

AlphaPlus Software Menu Quick Reference

AlphaPlus Getting Started Guide (TM42-2200C)

Alpha Keys User Guide

Registering Your Software

The Metercat software installation CD comes shrink-wrapped with a software registration mail-in card that contains the serial number for Metercat.

To register your software, complete the registration card (provide your name, company, address, etc.) and mail to Elster Electricity, LLC.

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Metercat Rel. 1.95Getting Started Guide 2 Installing Metercat

2 Installing Metercat

You can perform a standard installation of Metercat from:

the Metercat installation CD-ROM

a network server to which you have copied the contents of the Metercat installation disc

Caution: Do not install multiple instances of Metercat on the same computer.

Preparing to Install Before you begin installing the Metercat software, exit all open programs.WinNT/2000/XPYou must have Administrator privileges on the computer to install Metercat on Windows NT/2000/XP workstations. See your IS Administrator for assistance.

Note: If the Metercat user does not have Administrator privileges on the computer, you must ensure that the user has Full Access to Metercats \Config, \Readings, and \Reports folders (and their sub-folders).

Installing from CD-ROM

Note: To install Metercat software on NT/2000/XP platforms, you must have Administrator privileges on the workstation.

To install Metercat from the installation CD:

1. Close all open applications.

2. Insert the Metercat installation CD into your CD-ROM drive.

3. To start the installation wizard:

a. If Auto-insert Notification is enabled on your computer, the installation wizard should begin automatically (that is AutoRun.exe).

b. If Auto-insert Notification is disabled, from the Windows Start menu, select Run and use the Browse button to navigate to the disc drive and double-click on AutoRun.exe.

You will see the Metercat installation splash screen.


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Figure 2-1. Metercat Installation Splash Screen

4. You have the following options:

a. Metercat Release Notes - click to view the PDF version of the release notes (including known limitations).

b. Metercat Getting Started Guide - click to view the PDF version of the installation instructions.

c. Install Adobe Reader - click to begin the installation of Acrobat Reader.

Note: If you already have Adobe Reader 6.0 or later installed, you will not see this button. To view the Metercat User Guide and Program Development Guide you will need Adobe Reader installed on the computer.

d. Install Metercat 1.95 - click to begin the installation.

e. Alpha Keys - click to begin installing Elster Electricitys Alpha Keys software

f. AlphaPlus Applications - click to begin installing Elster Electricitys AlphaPlus software (see Chapter 4, Installing AlphaPlus for more details)

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5. After clicking Install Metercat 1.95, you may see the InstallShield Wizard startup dialog box.

Figure 2-2. Progress bar

Note: If installer files are needed on your system, you will be required to restart your computer before the installation can continue. The installation procedure should automatically continue after your system is restarted.

Figure 2-3. Metercat InstallShield Wizard dialog

6. On the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Metercat dialog box, click Next to acknowledge that you have closed all open programs and are ready to begin the installation process.


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Figure 2-4. Software License Agreement

7. Read the Software License Agreement and select I accept the terms in the license agreement if you agree to abide by its terms and click Next.

If you choose to not abide by the agreement, click Cancel to exit the setup program.

Note: You can click Back to return to the previous step in the installation.

8. Read and comply with the Product Information.

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Figure 2-5. Product Information

9. After you have read and complied with the instructions, click Next to continue to the next step.


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Figure 2-6.

10. Enter your User Information: Name, Company, and Serial Number.

Note: Your Metercat CD has the serial number located on the back of the jewelcase.

11. Click Next to continue to the next step.

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Figure 2-7. Setup Type

12. Select to install the appropriate Metercat type:

Typical ANSI - select if you are supporting A3 ALPHA and REX meters

Typical IEC - select if you are supporting A1800 ALPHA meters

Custom - select if you are supporting one or more of the following meters: A3 ALPHA, A1800 ALPHA and REX meters or Language Customization Tools

Note: Depending on your selection, you will see different installation instructions.

13. If you selected Typical ANSI or Typical IEC you will see the Destination Folder dialog.


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a. You can click Change to change the Metercat installation path.

Figure 2-8. ANSI and IEC Setup - Destination Folder

b. Click Next to continue.

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Figure 2-9. Begin the installation

c. Click Install to begin the installation.

14. If you selected Custom, you will see the Custom Setup dialog.


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Figure 2-10. Custom Setup

a. Select the meter components you wish to install.

Metercat 1.95 components:

Printable Metercat Guides - you can choose to not install the PDF files of the User Guide and the Getting Started Guide

Program Development - you can choose to not install Metercats program development module; if you do not install program development, Metercat will only open existing programs and components or import program and component files.

System Preferences - you can choose to not install Metercats system preferences configuration module; if you do not install system preferences, you will only be able to use Metercats default system preference settings.

Preference Default Value

Meters Supported all installed meter types enabled

Site ID Labels #1 - Account:#2 - Meter ID:

Holidays No holidays will be generated automatically in Special Dates components

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DOS AlphaPlus Launching - you can choose to not install the Tools > Launch AlphaPlus command in Metercat; if you do not install DOS AlphaPlus Launching, you will not be able to start AlphaPlus software from within Metercat.

A1800 ALPHA meter - you can select to not install support for the A1800 ALPHA meter

A3 ALPHA meter - you can choose to not install support for the A3 ALPHA meter

REX meter - you can choose to not install support for the REX meter

Language Customization Tools

Note: You can install any uninstalled features at a later date by inserting the Metercat installation CD and following the instructions in Installing Additional Features on page 22.

Note: You can select to install a feature or to install a feature and all subfeatures on a local drive. Elster Electricity recommends you select to install a feature and all subfeatures.

Dates and Rates Options Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Season 5, Season 6, etc.

only 4 seasons will be enabled midnight switch times will be generated

automatically

Programming Options line frequency will be the meter clock source one cycle of the alternate display list will be seen

at power up KYZ Value and Adjusted Kh will be disabled

Time Difference Options Metercat will not check for time errors

Stored Readings Account value will be used when importing stored readings.

Preference Default Value


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Figure 2-11. Installation features selected

b. Click Change to select a new installation path for the software or accept the default Destination folder (C:\Program Files\Elster\Metercat).

Note: Installing to a location other than the default (C:\Program Files\Elster\Metercat) causes a broken link to the Special Option Board information page. To view this page, navigate to ..\Metercat\SpOBDefs and open the HTML file.


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Figure 2-12. Ready to Install

16. If you wish to change your settings, click Back until you see the appropriate dialog and make your changes.

Or

Click Install to begin the installation.


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Figure 2-13. Finishing the Installation

17. Click Finish to complete the installation.

Note: When you first launch Metercat, you may be prompted for the Metercat installation CD-ROM.

To prevent this problem from occurring you should insert the Metercat CD-ROM and select to Repair the installation, afterwards, Metercat will launch normally without prompting for the installation CD-ROM.

Installing Additional FeaturesIf you have installed Typical ANSI support or Typical IEC support, you can install the other set at a later date by doing the following:


2. Insert the Metercat installation CD into your CD-ROM drive.

3. You will see the Metercat InstallShield Wizard dialog.

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Figure 2-15. Program Maintenance

5. Select to Modify your current installation.

6. Click Next.

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Figure 2-16. Select program features

7. Select the additional meter components you wish to install.

You can select to install a feature or to install a feature and all subfeatures on a local drive. Elster Electricity recommends you select to install a feature and all subfeatures.

8. Click Next to continue.


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Figure 2-17. Begin installation

9. Click Install to install the additional feature.

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Figure 2-18. Installation complete

10. Click Finish to complete the installation.

Installing from a Network

To install the Metercat software from a network server:

copy the contents of the Metercat installation disc to a location on a network server

Note: Elster Electricity does not support installing the Metercat software to a shared network drive.

To install Metercat from the network server:


2. From the workstation on which Metercat is to be installed, navigate (using Network Neighborhood or some other method) to the network server that contains the Metercat installation files.

3. Double-click on AutoRun.exe.

4. Follow the installation instructions as described in Installing from CD-ROM on page 9.

Configuring Your Monitor

Before you can run the Metercat software you must check that your monitor has the following settings:

Desktop Area of at least 800 x 600 pixels

Font Size set to Small Fonts


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WinNT/2000/XPTo check your monitors settings:

1. From the Windows Start menu, select Settings > Control Panel.

2. Double-click on Display.

3. Select the Settings tab.

4. If the Desktop Area is equal to 640 x 480 pixels, move the slider until the setting equals at least 800 x 600 pixels.

5. If the Font Size is set to Large Fonts, click the drop list button and select Small Fonts.

6. If you have changed any settings, click Test.

Your monitor briefly displays a test pattern.

7. If you see the pattern correctly you may click OK to apply your changed settings and return to the Control Panel window.

8. Close the Control Panel window.

Win95To check your monitors settings:

1. From the Windows Start menu, select Settings > Control Panel.

2. Double-click on Display.

3. If the Desktop Area is equal to 640 x 480 pixels, move the slider until the setting equals at least 800 x 600 pixels.

4. If the Font Size is set to Large Fonts, click the drop list button and select Small Fonts.

5. Click OK to apply your changed settings and return to the Control Panel window.

6. Close the Control Panel window.

Starting Metercat During the installation process, the program created a Metercat Program Group containing shortcuts for the Metercat 1.95 application and the Metercat documentation (online help, Getting Started Guide, User Guide, Program Development Guide, and Release Notes).

To start Metercat the first time after a new installation:

1. Do one of the following:

From the Windows Start menu, select Programs > Metercat > Metercat 1.95.

Double click the Metercat 1.95 icon on your desktop.

2. Select between Single User or Multiple User mode. The system will then auto-build several database entries.

Note: You cannot rename or delete the Administrator account. Elster Electricity recommends changing the default password after the first use. See Chapter 3 in the Metercat User Guide for instructions on changing passwords.

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3. The only log on name available at initial startup for blank database is Administrator with the password Administrator (if you selected Multiple User mode the group is Administrators).

Note: You can not rename or delete the Administrator account; Elster Electricity recommends changing the default password at the first log on. Refer to the Metercat User Guide, Chapter 3 for instructions on changing passwords.

To start Metercat the first time after an upgrade installation


From the Windows Start menu, select Programs > Metercat > Metercat 1.95.

Double click the Metercat 1.95 icon on your desktop.


a. Migrate your old data into the new database format. If you have ejected the Metercat CD, you will be prompted to insert the installation CD. When migrating the old data into the new database format, you may see DOS windows. Metercat will then start in either Single User or Multiple User mode depending upon the settings in the existing databases.

b. If you are starting with a blank database, you must select between Single User and Multiple User mode. The system will then auto-build several database entries.

Forgotten Password?

If you have forgotten the Administrator password, you must contact Elster Electricity Technical Support. They will guide you through a process using a temporary password to access Metercat.


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Metercat Rel. 1.95Getting Started Guide 3 Upgrading Metercat

3 Upgrading Metercat

Note: Installing Metercat Rel. 1.95 will automatically uninstall any previous releases of Metercat. Your existing program data, stored readings, or reports will not be deleted.

Backing Up Existing Databases

Before upgrading Metercat and as a precaution, Elster Electricity recommends that you create copies of your database (*.mdb) files (located at C:\Program Files\Elster\Metercat\Config1 where C: is the drive designation for the software).

Note: During the installation Metercats installer will create.bak (backup) files of existing databases. These .bak files will be numbered sequentially depending on the number of times Metercat has been upgraded (example, .bak1, .bak2, etc.).

Elster Electricity recommends that you create periodic backup files of your database files (located in C:\Program Files\Elster\Metercat\Config\ *.mdb.

Caution: The .bak files located in that directory should NOT be deleted from the system.

Upgrading Metercat To upgrade to Metercat 1.95:1. Close all open applications.

2. Insert the Metercat installation CD into your disc drive.


If Auto-insert Notification is enabled on your computer, the installation wizard begins automatically.

If Auto-insert Notification is disabled, from the Windows Start menu, select Run and use the Browse button to navigate to the CD ROM drive and double-click on AutoRun.exe.

The Metercat installation splash screen appears.

1 If you have upgraded from an earlier release of Metercat the path may be C:\Program Files\ABB\Metercat\Config.


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Figure 3-1. Metercat Installation Splash Screen


a. Metercat Release Notes - click to view the PDF version of the release notes (including known limitations).

b. Metercat Getting Started Guide - click to view the PDF version of the installation instructions.

c. Install Adobe Acrobat - click to begin the installation of Acrobat Reader.

Note: If you already have Acrobat Reader installed, you will not see this button. To view the Metercat User Guide and Program Development Guide you will need Acrobat Reader installed on the computer.

d. Install Metercat 1.95 - [Upgrade] click to begin the installation.

e. Alpha Keys - click to begin installing Elster Electricitys Alpha Keys software

f. AlphaPlus Applications - click to select a type of AlphaPlus software to install - ANSI meters or ANSI and IEC meters

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5. After clicking Install Metercat 1.95, you may see the InstallShield Wizard startup dialog box.

Figure 3-2. Progress bar

Note: If installer files are needed on your system, you will be required to restart your computer before the installation can continue. The installation procedure should automatically continue after your system is restarted.

6. On the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Metercat dialog box, click Next to acknowledge that you have closed all open programs and are ready to begin the installation process.


7. Read the Software License Agreement and select I accept if you agree to abide by its terms and click Next.


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If you choose to not abide by the agreement, click Cancel to exit the setup program.

Note: You can click Back to return to the previous step in the installation.

8. Read and comply with the Product Information.

9. After you have read and complied with the instructions, click Next to continue to the next step.

10. Enter your User Information: Name, Company, and Serial Number.

Note: Your Metercat CD has the serial number located on the back of the jewel case.

11. Select to install the appropriate Metercat type:

Typical ANSI - select if you are supporting A3 ALPHA and REX meters

Typical IEC - select if you are supporting A1800 ALPHA meters

Custom - select if you are supporting one or more of the following meters: A3 ALPHA, A1800 ALPHA and REX meters or Language Customization Tools


13. Click Change to select a new installation path for the software or accept the default Destination folder (C:\Program Files\Elster\Metercat).

Caution: If you are upgrading from Rel. 1.3 and change the installation path, the installation will complete but the existing Metercat database files, readings, and reports will not be copied over to the new location. If you wish to use existing Metercat files you must manually copy the files to the new installation location.


15. Review your installation settings (for example, the installation folder); if you wish to change your settings, click Back until you see the appropriate dialog and make your changes.

16. Click Install to continue to the next step.

17. As part of the upgrade, older versions of Metercat will be automatically uninstalled.

a. When prompted, click OK to remove the older version. The uninstallation process should continue.

Note: Program data, stored readings, and reports will not be deleted.

b. If prompted to remove shared files, click Yes.

Note: Check the Dont display this message again in the Shared File Detected dialog box to suppress the remaining shared file prompts from appearing.

c. After the uninstallation of older Metercat versions is complete, a finish window is displayed. If prompted to do so, do not restart your computer.

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Figure 3-4.

18. Select one of the following options:

a. Use Existing Databases to continue to use your existing data.

b. Install New Defaults to start with new default databases.

Figure 3-5. Uninstall Complete dialog

19. Click Finish on the final screen to complete the installation.

Note: If you selected Use Existing Databases, the databases will be migrated to the newer version automatically when Metercat is started for the first time. See Starting Metercat on page 28 for more details.

20. When you first launch Metercat, you may be prompted for the Metercat installation CD-ROM.

To prevent this problem from occurring you should insert the Metercat CD-ROM and select to Repair the installation. Afterwards, Metercat will launch normally without prompting for the installation CD-ROM.


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Metercat Rel. 1.95Getting Started Guide 4 Installing AlphaPlus

4 Installing AlphaPlus

You can perform a standard installation of AlphaPlus software and ALPHA Keys software from the Metercat installation CD-ROM.

Caution: AlphaPlus software can only be installed from a network server whose drive has been mapped to a drive letter (for example, K:\) on the computer.

AlphaPlus Installation Disks

AlphaPlus 1.30 software is distributed by Elster Electricity, LLC on a CD-ROM. In some instances customers may need to install the AlphaPlus software using 3.5 in. disks.

In these cases the customer should create their own installation disks by copying all of the files located in each of the subfolders in the 3.5 Install disks folder to a separate 3.5 in. disk.

The folder named Install Disk1 contains the Install.exe program which should be run to start the installation process. The program will prompt the user to insert the other disks when they are needed.

Installing from CD-ROM

To install AlphaPlus from the installation CD:

1. Insert the Metercat installation CD into your CD ROM drive.


a. If Auto-insert Notification is enabled on your computer, the installation wizard should begin automatically (that is, AutoRun.exe).

b. If Auto-insert Notification is disabled, from the Windows Start menu, select Run and use the Browse button to navigate to the disc drive and double-click on AutoRun.exe.

You will see the Metercat installation splash screen.


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Figure 4-1. AlphaPlus Installation Splash Screen

3. Click AlphaPlus Applications.

The AlphaPlus Applications dialog displays.

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Figure 4-2. AlphaPlus Applications dialog


a. ANSI Standard Meter Only - click to install AlphaPlus for ALPHA and ALPHA Plus meters

b. Install ALPHA Keys - click to install ALPHA Keys software for ANSI meters

c. ANSI & IEC Standard Meters - click to install AlphaPlus for ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, and AIN ALPHA meters

d. Install ALPHA Keys - click to install ALPHA Keys software for ANSI & IEC meters


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Figure 4-3. AlphaPlus for ANSI Standard Meters Only dialog

Figure 4-4. AlphaPlus for ANSI & IEC Standard Meters dialog

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5. For the AlphaPlus installation you have the following options:

a. AlphaPlus Release Notes - click to view a text file of the release notes

b. AlphaPlus Getting Started Guide - click to view a PDF of the AlphaPlus Getting Started Guide

c. Install AlphaPlus - click to begin the software installation

Figure 4-5. AlphaPlus for ANSI meter ALPHA Keys dialog


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Figure 4-6. AlphaPlus for ANSI & IEC meters ALPHA Keys dialog

6. For the ALPHA Keys installation you have the following options:

a. ALPHA Keys Release Notes - click to view a text file of the release notes

b. Install ALPHA Keys - click to begin the software installation

When you click to begin the installation process the software license agreement is displayed.

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Figure 4-7. AlphaPlus License Agreement dialog

7. Read the Software License Agreement.

8. Click I accept the terms in the license agreement.

9. Click OK.

The AlphaPlus Install.exe DOS splash screen displays.

Figure 4-8. AlphaPlus DOS Splash Screen


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10. Press Enter to continue with the installation.

Figure 4-9. Selecting installation option

11. Select the appropriate function, Install New AlphaPlus, to install the software.

12. Press Enter to continue.

Figure 4-10. Entering the installation path

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13. Enter the installation path for the AlphaPlus software (for example, C:\Elster\APLUS\).

14. Press F10 to continue.

Figure 4-11. Selecting type of system to install

15. Select the correct software type to install.



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Figure 4-12. Selecting IEC meters to support

17. Select all of the IEC meter types to be supported by the installed software.


Figure 4-13. Selecting ANSI meters to support

19. Select all of the ANSI meter types to be supported by the installed software.

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Figure 4-14. Selecting AlphaPlus functions to performed

21. Select the functions to be supported by the installed software.


Figure 4-15. Confirming installation


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23. Press Y if your selections are correct.

Or

Press N to review your selections.


Figure 4-16. Install.exe installs the software


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25. After installation is complete, press any key to continue.

26. Close the DOS window.

27. Close the Installer dialog.

AlphaPlus meter support software has been installed.


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28 February 2006 51

Metercat Rel. 1.95Getting Started Guide 5 Installing Alpha Keys

5 Installing Alpha Keys

To begin installing the software:

1. Insert the Metercat installation CD into the appropriate drive of your computer.

The Metercat installation splash screen displays.

Figure 5-1. Metercat installation splash screen

2. Click Install Alpha Keys.

The Alpha Keys installer checks to see if Microsoft .NET Framework is installed on your computer. If you do not have it installed, Alpha Keys


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installer will begin the .NET Framework installation.

Note: To use Alpha Keys, you must have Microsofts .NET Framework installed.

Installing .NET FrameworkTo install .NET Framework:

Alpha Keys installer begins the .NET Framework installer.

Figure 5-2. Begin .NET Framework installation

1. Click Yes to begin the installation.

.NET Framework installer extracts the installation files.

Figure 5-3. Installation files extraction

After the installation files have been extracted, the installer configures .NET Framework.

Figure 5-4. Configuring .NET Framerwork

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Figure 5-5. Microsoft .NET Framework license agreement

2. Read the software license agreement.

3. If you agree to its conditions, select I agree.

4. Click Install to begin the installation of .NET Framework.


5. Click OK to complete the installation.

Installing Alpha KeysTo install Alpha Keys:

1. Insert the Metercat installation CD into the appropriate port on your computer.

2. Click Alpha Keys.

After you have installed Microsofts .NET Framework (see Installing .NET Framework on page 52), the Alpha Keys installer begins.


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Figure 5-7. Alpha Keys installer

3. Click Next to continue with the installation.

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Figure 5-8. Alpha Keys license agreement

4. Read the license agreement.

5. If you agree to its conditions, click I Agree.



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Figure 5-9. Alpha Keys installation confirmation


Figure 5-10. Digital Signature dialog

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8. Click Yes to continue the installation.

Figure 5-11. Alpha Keys installation complete

9. Click Close to complete the installation.


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28 February 2006 59

Metercat Rel. 1.95Getting Started Guide 6 Troubleshooting

6 Troubleshooting

Installing or Upgrading Metercat

User Prompted for Installation CD When First Launching MetercatWhen Metercat has been upgraded from an earlier or Metercat 1.95 has been newly installed, if a user attempts to launch Metercat for the first time, the following scenario may occur:

1. IS Administrator installs Metercat on the machine.

2. A user (administrator or not) logs into the machine.

3. The user tries to launch Metercat for the first time.

First, the installer runs in order to load some additional needed files. The installer prompts the user for the CD-ROM used to install Metercat 1.95 needs to be loaded in the machine or the path to the install files needs to be accessible.

To prevent this problem from occurring:

the user should insert the Metercat CD-ROM and select to Repair the installation, afterwards, launching of Metercat will not require Installation CD and Metercat will launch normally.

Installing Metercat on WinXP

Merge Error MessageIf a non-administrative1 user is going to use the software on a machine running Windows XP, the following scenario may occur:

1. IS Administrator installs Metercat on the machine.

2. A non-administrative user logs into the machine.

3. The non-administrative user tries to launch Metercat for the first time.

First, the installer runs in order to load some additional needed files. The installer prompts the user for the CD-ROM used to install Metercat 1.95 needs to be loaded in the machine or the path to the install files needs to be accessible.

After running (with no prompts) an error message will appear:

1 Administrator privileges to the machine are granted using Control Panel > Settings > Users and Passwords. Depending upon IS policies, a user may not have Administrator privileges. Contact your IS Administrator.


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Figure 6-1. Windows XP Merge Error

4. Click OK to acknowledge the message (no other action is required) and continue launching Metercat.

Metercat completes loading.

5. The user can log in to Metercat and start using the software.

Once Metercat has been used once, this problem will no longer occur for that user; other non-administrative users may experience this problem if they attempt to launch Metercat on the same machine.

Uninstalling Metercat - Self-registration error

When uninstalling Metercat, you may see the following message about a file not self-registering:

Figure 6-2. Self-registration error

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If you see this error:

1. Click OK to acknowledge the message.

2. Usually, if this error occurs, Metercat forces you to reboot the computer; however, if the system does not prompt you to reboot, you should reboot the system manually (Start > Shut Down > Restart).

Once the system is rebooted, the issue should be resolved.

Installing Metercat - Network installation error

If installing Metercat 1.95 from a network share, it is possible for the log on dialog to be displayed, which allows the user to continue with the installation before establishing a connection with the network share. If this occurs, the following dialog is displayed:

Figure 6-3. Windows Installer error dialog

To avoid this situation, wait a few seconds after the log on prompt is displayed after the restart before typing your password information. If you do see this error, navigate to the network share with the installation files and restart the installation process.

Installing Metercat - Installation Interrupted

If installing Metercat 1.95, the InstallShield Wizard may terminate the installation process unexpectedly and display the following dialog box.


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Figure 6-4. InstallShield Wizard Complete (interrupted)

If this occurs, click Finish to close out the installer. Restart your computer and install Metercat 1.95 again.

Installing Metercat - No Metercat Icon

If upgrading from a previous version of Metercat, the InstallShield Wizard first uninstalls the previous version before installing the current version. After the uninstall process of the previous version is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer (as shown below). Restarting your computer at this point terminates the installation process altogether, and Metercat 1.95 is not installed on your computer. To correct this situation, start the installation of Metercat 1.95 again.

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Figure 6-5. Uninstallation complete


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Metercat Rel. 1.95User Guide

28 February 2006 65

Index

Symbols*.mdb: 31

AALPHA Keys

installing: 37AlphaPlus

creating disks: 37functions supported: 47installing: 37meter types: 46

CCD-ROM: 7

contents: 7configuring the monitor: 27creating

AlphaPlus disks: 37

Eerror

self-registration: 60

Ggroup: 29

Iinstalling from network server: 27

Llog on name: 29logging onto Metercat: 29

MMetercat

configuring the monitor: 27description: 5installing: 9, 37installing from network server: 27logging on: 29preparing to install: 9starting: 28

Microsoft .NET Framework: 51

Ppassword: 29

troubleshooting: 29

Rregistering: 8

Sself-registering: 60starting Metercat: 28startup modes: 29

multi-user: 29single-user: 29

system requirementoperating system: 5

system requirementsminimum: 5

Uuninstallation

self-registration error: 60

Metercat Rel. 1.95 User Guide

Metercat Rel. 1.95 User Guide

66 28 February 2006

Elster Electricity, LLC208 South Rogers LaneRaleigh, North Carolina USA+1 800 338 5251 (US Toll Free)[email protected]

ContentsIntroductionIntroducing MetercatMetercat System Requirements

Introducing AlphaPlusAlphaPlus System Requirements

Introducing Alpha KeysAlpha Keys Requirements

Additional CD ContentsMeter Technical ManualsSoftware Documentation

Registering Your Software

Installing MetercatPreparing to InstallWinNT/2000/XP

Installing from CD- ROMInstalling Additional Features

Installing from a NetworkConfiguring Your MonitorWinNT/2000/XPWin95

Starting MetercatForgotten Password?

Upgrading MetercatBacking Up Existing DatabasesUpgrading Metercat

Installing AlphaPlusAlphaPlus Installation DisksInstalling from CD- ROM

Installing Alpha KeysInstalling .NET FrameworkInstalling Alpha Keys

TroubleshootingInstalling or Upgrading MetercatUser Prompted for Installation CD When First Launching Metercat

Installing Metercat on WinXPMerge Error Message

Uninstalling Metercat - Self- registration errorInstalling Metercat - Network installation errorInstalling Metercat - Installation InterruptedInstalling Metercat - No Metercat Icon

Index

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/Description >>> setdistillerparams> setpagedevice

metercat getting started 1 95

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