December 2008 IL42-4032A
Elster
Raleigh, North Carolina USA
+1 800 338 5251 (US toll free)
+1 905 634 4895 (Canada)
support@us.elster.com
www.elsterelectricity.com
A3 ALPHA
®
Meters with External Antenna Capability
For use with the ILC/ILN option board
General
Typically, the internal antenna used with the ILC/ILN option board is sufficient for reliable communication with the
EnergyAxis network. However, if the A3 ALPHA meter is enclosed in a metal service cabinet or the antenna needs to
be mounted higher to increase communication distances, an external antenna may be used.
This leaflet contains general information for installing the A3 ALPHA meter equipped with connections for an external
antenna.
■ For information on the operation of the A3 ALPHA meter, see the A3 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual (TM42-
2190B or later) or the A3 ALPHA Meter Technical Manual For Use in Canada (TM42-2195A or later)
■ For information on installing the A3 ALPHA meter, see the “ALPHA Meter Installation Instructions” (IL42-
4001Q or later)
Use authorized utility procedures to install and service metering equipment. Dangerous voltages are present.
Equipment damage, personal injury, or death can result if safety precautions are not followed.
Use circuit closing devices on current transformer secondaries (3S, 4S, 5S, 5A, 6S, 6A, 8S, 9S, 10S, 10A, 26S,
29S, 35S, 35A, 36S, and 36A meters). Equipment damage, personal injury, or death can result if circuit closing
secondaries are not used.
Connecting an External Antenna
The A3 ALPHA meter with the ILC/ILN option board has been certified for operation with the following antennas.
Antennas not included in this list are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
■ Internal antenna: Elster Electricity P/N: 1B12150H01
■ Local external antennas: Laird/Antenex TRA9023P (3.1 dBi) for use only with metal service cabinets and
meter sockets; Laird/Antenex TRA9023NP (3.1 dBi) for use only with non-metal service cabinets
1
■
Remote external antennas: PCTEL/MAXRAD P/N MFB9150
2
(2.15 dBi); PCTEL/MAXRAD P/N MFB 9153
(5.15 dBi)
1
These part numbers specify antennas with a white body. For antennas with a black body, use part numbers
TRAB9023P and TRAB9023NP, respectively. The version with an “N” does not require it to be mounted on a ground
plane and should only be used in non-metal cabinets. The version without an “N” requires a conductive ground plane
under the antenna and should only be used in metal service cabinets and meter sockets.
2
This part number specifies an antenna with a black body. For antenna with a white body, use part number MFA9150.
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