Metercat Getting Started 2 1

Metercat
Getting Started Guide

Release 2.1
www.elster.com

Metercat
Metercat
Contents
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Introducing Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Metercat system requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Introducing AlphaPlus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
AlphaPlus system requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Introducing Alpha Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Alpha Keys requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Additional CD contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Registering your software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
2 Installing Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Preparing to install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Installing from CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Installing or uninstalling additional features . . . . . . . . . 22
Installing from a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Adding or changing your background image . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Configuring your monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Starting Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Forgotten password? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3 Upgrading Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Backing up existing databases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Upgrading Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Starting Metercat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
4 Installing AlphaPlus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
AlphaPlus installation disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Installing from CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
5 Installing Alpha Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Installing .NET Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Installing Alpha Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Installing Metercat - network installation error . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Installing Metercat - installation interrupted . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
A Creating a custom image file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Metercat
Metercat
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 2000, XP or Vista platforms.
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 requirements

Metercat 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)
a SVGA monitor (minimum resolution of 800 x 600 pixels, Font Size = Small Fonts)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher
1. Introduction
Metercat
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 2000 or 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
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.
1. Introduction
Metercat
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 requirements

To 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).
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. You can download and install the current release of Acrobat
Reader from the Adobe website (http:\\www.adobe.com).
Note: PDF files of the User Guide are installed as part of the Metercat installation.
The installation CD also contains the following meter documentation:
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 (TM42-2182)
ALPHA Plus Meter Technical Manual for Use in Canada (TM42-2185)
REX Meter Technical Manual (TM42-2210)
A1800 ALPHA Meter Series Technical Manual (TM42-2410)
Software documentation:
AlphaLite Software Quick Reference
AlphaLite Technical Manual (TM42-2201)
AlphaPlus Software Menu Quick Reference
AlphaPlus Getting Started Guide (TM42-2200)
Alpha Keys User Guide
1. Introduction
Metercat
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.
1. Introduction
Metercat
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
Note: You cannot install Metercat by copying files from one computer to another.
Metercat must be installed by running Setup.exe from either the Metercat
installation CD or from a network location to which the entire contents of the
Metercat installation CD have been copied.
Caution:
Do not install multiple instances of Metercat on the same

computer.
Preparing to install
Note: To install Metercat software on Windows 2000, XP or Vista platforms, you must
have Administrator privileges on the workstation.
Before you begin installing the Metercat software, exit all open programs.
Metercat stores data files (stored readings, reports, and the Metercat databases) in the
Microsoft recommended location to avoid permission issues for non-administrative users
on the computer.
for Windows 2000 and Windows XP, data files are stored in the C:\Documents and
Settings\All Users\Application Data\Elster\Metercat folder
for Windows Vista, data files are stored in C:\ProgramData\Elster\Metercat\
folder
If you selected All Users, Metercat.exe will be available for all users who log on to the
computer; if you selected Only for Me, Metercat.exe will only be available to you when
you log on to the computer.
You must have Administrator privileges to change the location of Metercat data files to a
location other than the default. 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

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:
2. Installing Metercat
Metercat
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.
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 2.1 - click to begin the installation.
e. Alpha Keys - click to begin installing Elster Electricitys Alpha Keys software (see
Chapter 5, Installing Alpha Keys for details)
f. AlphaPlus Applications - click to begin installing Elster Electricitys AlphaPlus
software (see Chapter 4, Installing AlphaPlus for more details)
Metercat
10
5. After clicking Install Metercat 2.1, 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.
Metercat
11
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.
Figure 2-5. Customer information dialog

8. Enter your User Information: Name, Company, and Serial Number.
Metercat
12
Note: Your Metercat CD has the serial number located on the back of the jewel case.
9. Select to install Metercat for Anyone who uses this computer (All Users) or Only for
me.
If you select All Users, Metercat.exe will be available for all users who log on to the
computer; if you select Only for Me, Metercat.exe will only be available to you when
you log on to the computer.
10.Click Next to continue to the next step.
Figure 2-6. Setup type

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: A3 ALPHA,
A1800 ALPHA, REX meters and Language Customization Tools
Note: Depending on your selection, you will see different installation instructions.
Metercat
13
Figure 2-7. ANSI and IEC Setup - Destination Folder

12.If you selected Typical ANSI or Typical IEC you will see the Destination Folder dialog.
Metercat stores data files (stored readings, reports, and the Metercat databases) in
the Microsoft recommended location to avoid permission issues for nonadministrative users on the computer.
for Windows 2000 and Windows XP, data files are stored in the C:\Documents
and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Elster\Metercat folder
for Windows Vista, data files are stored in the
C:\ProgramData\Elster\Metercat\ folder
a. You can click Change to change the Metercat installation path.
Note: You must have Administrator privileges to change the location of Metercat data
files to a location other than the default. See your IS Administrator for assistance.
Caution:
Elster strongly recommends installing Metercat to the default

location. If you change the Metercat data files location from the
default value, other Metercat users on that computer may be
unable to access Metercat or its data files.
b. Click Next to continue.
Metercat
14
Figure 2-8. Begin the installation

c. Click Install to begin the installation.
13.If you selected Custom, you will see the Custom Setup dialog.
Figure 2-9. Custom Setup

a. Select the meter components you wish to install.
Metercat 2.1 components:
Printable Metercat Guides - you can choose to not install the PDF files of the
Metercat
15
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
Meters Supported
Site ID Labels
Holidays
Dates and Rates Options
Programming Options
Time Difference Options

Stored Readings
Default Value
all installed meter types enabled
#1 - Account:
#2 - Meter ID:
No holidays will be generated automatically in Special
Dates components
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Season 5, Season 6, etc.
only 4 seasons will be enabled
midnight switch times will be generated automatically
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
Metercat will not check for time errors
Account value will be used when importing stored
readings.
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 choose 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 - you can choose to not install support files
and applications for internationalization language support
Background Customization - you can choose to not use a custom
background image in the body area of Metercat
Note: You can install any uninstalled features at a later date by inserting the Metercat
installation CD and following the instructions in Installing or uninstalling 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.
If you selected to use a custom background image, the Installation Wizard
prompts you to select the image file. See Appendix A, Creating a custom image
file for details on creating a custom background image.
b. Navigate to the location of the image file and select the image file.
Metercat
Figure 2-10. Custom image selected

c. Click Open.
16
Metercat
17
Metercat will open with the selected image as the background.
Figure 2-11. Metercat with background custom image - small window
Metercat
18
Figure 2-12. Metercat with background custom image - full screen

d. Click Space to view available disk space.
Metercat
19
Figure 2-13. Disk space requirements

e. Click OK to return to the Setup dialog.
f. Click Change to select a new installation path for the software or accept the
default Destination folder (C:\Program Files\Elster\Metercat).
Caution:

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.
Metercat
20
Figure 2-14. ANSI and IEC Setup - Destination Folder

15.Click Change to select a new path for the data files
Or
Accept the default Destination folder.
folder
Caution:

Note: You must have Administrator privileges to change the location of Metercat data
files to a location other than the default. See your IS Administrator for assistance.
16.Click Next to continue.
Metercat
21
Figure 2-15. Ready to Install

17. 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.
The installation proceeds. After Metercat has been installed, the final dialog displays.
18.Check Launch the Metercat program to open Metercat immediately after
installation.
Uncheck Launch the Metercat program to finish the installation without launching
Metercat.
Metercat
22
Figure 2-16. Finishing the Installation

19.Click Finish to complete the installation.
Installing or uninstalling additional features

If you have installed Typical ANSI support or Typical IEC support, you can install the other
support at a later date by doing the following:
Using InstallShield
Using Add or Remove Programs
You can also use this procedure to uninstall installed components.
Using InstallShield
2. Insert the Metercat installation CD into your CD-ROM drive.
You will see the Metercat InstallShield Wizard dialog.
Metercat
23

3. Click Next to continue to the next step.
Figure 2-18. Program Maintenance

4. Select to Modify your current installation.
5. Click Next.
Metercat
24
Figure 2-19. Select program features

6. Select the additional meter components you wish to install or uninstall.
You can select to install/uninstall a feature or to install/uninstall a feature and all
subfeatures on a local drive. Elster Electricity recommends you select to install or
uninstall a feature and all subfeatures.
Note: To change a background image, you must first remove the image and complete
the install, then repeat the above process to add an image.
7. Click Next to continue.
Figure 2-20. Begin modification
Metercat
25
8. Click Install to install the additional feature.

The installation/uninstallation begins.
Once the changes have been performed, the Completion dialog displays.
9. Check Launch the Metercat program to open Metercat immediately after
installation.
Metercat.
Figure 2-21. Installation complete

Using Add or Remove Programs

To install or uninstall components using the Windows Add or Remove Programs dialog:
1. From the Windows Start menu, select Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove
Programs.
2. Scroll down the installed programs list and select Metercat.
Metercat
26
Figure 2-22. Add or Remove Programs dialog

3. Click Change.
You will see the Metercat InstallShield Wizard dialog.
5. Select to Modify your current installation.
6. Click Next.
7. Select the additional meter components you wish to install or uninstall.
Note: You can select to install/uninstall a feature or to install/uninstall a feature and all
subfeatures on a local drive. Elster Electricity recommends you select to install a
feature and all subfeatures.
9. Click Install to install the selected features.
Installing from a network

To install the Metercat software from a network server:
copy the entire contents of the Metercat installation disc to a location on a network
server
Note: Elster Electricity does not support installing 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
8.
Metercat
27
Adding or changing your background image

To add or change your customized background image, use the precedure described in
Installing or uninstalling additional features on page 22 to select an image file to be used
as Metercats background.
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
To 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.
Starting Metercat
During the installation process, the program created a Metercat Program Group
containing shortcuts for the Metercat 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 2.1.
Double click the Metercat 2.1 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.
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.
Metercat
28
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.
Metercat
Metercat
29
3. Upgrading Metercat
3 Upgrading Metercat
Note: Installing Metercat Rel. 2.1 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 2.1:
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.
Metercat
30
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 you will need Acrobat Reader installed on the
computer.
d. Install Metercat 2.1 - [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
5. After clicking Install Metercat 2.1, you may see the InstallShield Wizard startup
dialog box.
Metercat
31
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.
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.
Metercat
32
Figure 3-4. Select database defaults

8. Select one of the following options:
a. Install New Defaults to start with new (empty) default databases.
b. Use Existing Databases to continue to use your existing data.
Note: Use Existing Databases is the default value. Elster recommends accepting the
default setting to preserve existing Metercat settings, preferences, and files.
Your Customer Information displays (Name and Company).
10.Enter your Metercat 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: A3 ALPHA,
A1800 ALPHA, REX meters, Language Customization Tools and Background
Customization
If you selected to use a custom background image, the Installation Wizard
prompts you to select the image file.
a. Navigate to the location of the image file and select the image file.
Metercat
Figure 3-5. Custom image selected

b. Click Open.
33
Metercat
34
Metercat will open with the selected image as the background.
Figure 3-6. Metercat with background custom image

Metercat
35
Figure 3-7. Selecting data files folder

13.Click Change to select a new installation path for the software.
Or
Accept the default Destination folder (C:\Documents and Settings\All
Users\Application Data\Elster\Metercat\).
Note: Installing to a location other than the default causes a broken link to the Special
Option Board information page. To view this page, navigate to
..Elster\Metercat\SpOBDefs and open the HTML file.
A dialog displays informing you what files will be moved and the location to which
they will be moved.
folder
Metercat
36
Figure 3-8. Moving existing Metercat data files

15.Click OK to continue.
16.To review or change your installation settings (for example, the installation folder)
click Back until you see the appropriate dialog and make your changes.
Or
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. After the uninstallation of older Metercat versions is complete, a finish window is
displayed. If prompted to do so, do not restart your computer.
18.Check Launch the Metercat program to open Metercat immediately after
installation.
Metercat.
Figure 3-9. Uninstall Complete dialog

19.Click Finish on the final screen to complete the installation.
Metercat
37
Starting Metercat
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.
To start Metercat the first time after an upgrade installation:
From the Windows Start menu, select Programs > Metercat > Metercat 2.1.
Double click the Metercat 2.1 icon on your desktop.
If you are upgrading from Metercat 1.8 or earlier, 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 command windows.
Metercat will then start in either Single User or Multiple User mode depending
upon the settings in the existing databases.
3. If you are using existing databases, you must log on using a valid log on name and
password and group name.
4. If you are starting with a blank database, you must select between Single User and
Multiple User mode. The system will then automatically build several database
entries.
5. You will need to log on using the Administrator user name and password and the
Administrator group.
Caution:
To ensure Metercat security, Elster strongly recommends you

change the Administrator password once you have logged on.
Metercat
Metercat
38
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.
4. Installing AlphaPlus
Metercat
39
Figure 4-1. AlphaPlus Installation Splash Screen

3. Click AlphaPlus Applications.
The AlphaPlus Applications dialog displays.
Metercat
40
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
Metercat
41
Figure 4-3. AlphaPlus for ANSI Standard Meters Only dialog
Figure 4-4. AlphaPlus for ANSI & IEC Standard Meters dialog
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
Metercat
42
Figure 4-5. AlphaPlus for ANSI meter ALPHA Keys dialog
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.
Metercat
43
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

10.Press Enter to continue with the installation.
Metercat
44
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

13.Enter the installation path for the AlphaPlus software (for example, C:\Elster\APLUS\).
14.Press F10 to continue.
Metercat
45
Figure 4-11. Selecting type of system to install

15.Select the correct software type to install.
Figure 4-12. Selecting IEC meters to support

17. Select all of the IEC meter types to be supported by the installed software.
Metercat
46
Figure 4-13. Selecting ANSI meters to support

19.Select all of the ANSI meter types to be supported by the installed software.
Figure 4-14. Selecting AlphaPlus functions to performed

21.Select the functions to be supported by the installed software.
Metercat
Figure 4-15. Confirming installation

23.Press Y if your selections are correct.
Or
Press N to review your selections.
47
Metercat
48
Figure 4-16. Install.exe installs the software

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.

Metercat
Metercat
49
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 installer will begin the .NET
Framework installation.
Note: To use Alpha Keys, you must have Microsofts .NET Framework installed.
Installing .NET Framework

To install .NET Framework:
Alpha Keys installer begins the .NET Framework installer.
5. Installing Alpha Keys
Metercat
50
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.
Metercat
51
Figure 5-4. Configuring .NET Framework
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.
Metercat
52

5. Click OK to complete the installation.
Installing Alpha Keys

To 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 49), the Alpha Keys installer begins.
Figure 5-7. Alpha Keys installer

3. Click Next to continue with the installation.
Metercat
53
Figure 5-8. Alpha Keys license agreement

4. Read the license agreement.
5. If you agree to its conditions, click I Agree.
Metercat
54
Figure 5-9. Alpha Keys installation confirmation

Figure 5-10. Digital Signature dialog

8. Click Yes to continue the installation.
Metercat
55
Figure 5-11. Alpha Keys installation complete

9. Click Close to complete the installation.

Metercat
Metercat
56
6 Troubleshooting
Installing Metercat - network installation error

If installing Metercat from a network share, the log on dialog may 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 6-1. 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 2.1, the InstallShield Wizard may terminate the installation process
unexpectedly and display the following dialog box.
6. Troubleshooting
Metercat
57
Figure 6-2. InstallShield Wizard Complete (interrupted)

If this occurs, click Finish to close out the installer. Restart your computer and install
Metercat 2.1 again.
6. Troubleshooting
Metercat
58
6. Troubleshooting

Metercat
Metercat
59
A. Creating a custom image file
A Creating a custom image file
To create a custom background image for Metercat:

1. In a graphic application such as Paint, Photoshop, etc., create a new graphic with
the page dimensions: 14 inches by 11 inches.
The page dimensions selected may very depending on the size of your monitor.
2. Make the image background the appropriate color.
3. Place the appropriate image in the following location:
0.5 inches above the center
1.0 inches to the right of the center
4. Save the file as the appropriate file format (for example, jpg, bmp, etc.) ensuring that
the file resolution is at least 96 dpi (dots per inch).
See Figure 2-11 and Figure 2-12 for examples of the custom background image
appearance in Metercat.

Metercat
Metercat
60
Index
AlphaPlus disks 38
background image 59
customizing
background image 15
preparing to install 8
starting 27
Microsoft .NET Framework 49
Index
Symbols
*.mdb 29
A
ALPHA Keys
installing 38
AlphaPlus
creating disks 38
functions supported 46
installing 38
meter types 45
B
background image
creating 59
customizing 15
C
CD-ROM 6
contents 6
configuring the monitor 27
creating
group 27
password 27
troubleshooting 28
installing from network server 26
registering 7
log on name 27
logging onto Metercat 27
starting Metercat 27
startup modes 37
multi-user 37
single-user 37
system requirement
operating system 4
system requirements
minimum 4
M
Metercat
configuring the monitor 27
description 4
installing 8, 38
installing from network server 26
logging on 27
About Elster Group

Elster Group is the world's leading
manufacturer and supplier of highly
accurate, high quality, integrated metering
and utilization solutions to the gas,
electricity, and water industries. In addition,
through its subsidiary Ipsen International, it
is the leading global manufacturer of highlevel thermo- chemical treatment
equipment.
The group has over 8,500 staff and
operations in 38 countries, focused in
North and South America, Europe, and
Asia. Elster's high quality products and
systems reflect the wealth of knowledge
and experience gained from over 170 years
of dedication to measuring energy and
scarce natural resources.
ALPHA, ALPHA Plus, REX, and EnergyAxis are registered

trademarks and Metercat and AlphaPlus are trademarks of
Elster. Other products and company names mentioned herein
may be the trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
Elster
208 S Rogers Lane
Raleigh, NC 27610-2144
United States
T
F
+1 800 338 5251 (US toll free)

+1 919 212 4801
[email protected]
www.elster.com
February 2008 by Elster. All rights 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 the Elster.
Printed in the United States of America.
February 2008

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Metercat

Getting Started Guide

Getting Started Guide

5 Installing Alpha Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

A Creating a custom image file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Getting Started Guide

Metercat system requirements

AlphaPlus system requirements

Introducing Alpha Keys

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

Alpha Keys requirements

Registering your software

Getting Started Guide

You can perform a standard installation of Metercat from:

Do not install multiple instances of Metercat on the same

Installing from CD-ROM

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

You will see the Metercat installation splash screen.

Figure 2-1. Metercat Installation Splash Screen

Figure 2-2. Progress bar

Figure 2-3. Metercat InstallShield Wizard dialog

Figure 2-4. Software License Agreement

Figure 2-5. Customer information dialog

Figure 2-6. Setup type

Figure 2-7. ANSI and IEC Setup - Destination Folder

Elster strongly recommends installing Metercat to the default

Figure 2-8. Begin the installation

Figure 2-9. Custom Setup

User Guide and the Getting Started Guide

Time Difference Options

Figure 2-10. Custom image selected

Metercat will open with the selected image as the background.

Figure 2-11. Metercat with background custom image - small window

Figure 2-12. Metercat with background custom image - full screen

Figure 2-13. Disk space requirements

Elster strongly recommends installing Metercat to the default

Note: Installing to a location other than the default (C:\Program Files\Elster\Metercat)

Figure 2-14. ANSI and IEC Setup - Destination Folder

Elster strongly recommends installing Metercat to the default

Figure 2-15. Ready to Install

Figure 2-16. Finishing the Installation

Installing or uninstalling additional features

Figure 2-17. Metercat InstallShield Wizard dialog

Figure 2-18. Program Maintenance

Figure 2-19. Select program features

Figure 2-20. Begin modification

8. Click Install to install the additional feature.

Figure 2-21. Installation complete

Using Add or Remove Programs

Figure 2-22. Add or Remove Programs dialog

Installing from a network

Adding or changing your background image

Configuring your monitor

Getting Started Guide

Backing up existing databases

The .bak files located in that directory should NOT be deleted

Figure 3-1. Metercat Installation Splash Screen

Figure 3-2. Progress bar

Figure 3-3. Metercat InstallShield Wizard dialog

Figure 3-4. Select database defaults