Since January of 2005, Badger has offered utilities a cutting edge fixed network AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) solution through our GALAXY fixed network product line. The GALAXY fixed network AMI advanced metering system employs high-powered meter transmitters in conjunction with an easy-to-deploy network of Receivers to bring daily meter data right to the utility’s desktop. To make data capture even easier, the GALAXY system allows the use of multiple network backhaul options, providing additional flexibility, security, and reliability.
GALAXY FIXED NETWORK SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY
The GALAXY system is made up of three simple components: Gateway Receivers, High-Powered Transmitters and ReadCenter® Reading Management Software.
This fixed network advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system utilizes Gateway receivers to receive and transfer meter data from transmitters located at each water meter on to the utility computer. To ensure trouble-free communication, Badger’s AMI system operates in the FCC- licensed 450-470 MHz band. This meter data is immediately forwarded to the utility computer or to a hosted website as the data is received. The Gateway receivers offer a choice of three flexible and reliable backhaul options to enable this data to reach the utility. The utility can choose from a Cellular, Wi-Fi or LAN network backhaul.
Badger’s READCENTER reading data management software allows easy access to system information and a variety of customer service tools. In addition to providing meter data to the utility’s billing system in a flexible and compatible file format. The meter data management software also monitors and controls system performance, manages data, and remotely reconfigures the Gateway Receivers as needed.
To assure optimum system performance, Badger’s system engineers assist utilities by designing a custom installation plan for the implementation of the GALAXY® fixed network system’s Gateway Receivers. This work considers each utility’s unique radio frequency propagation factors, environmental settings, topography, and available infrastructure mounting locations and ensures an effective – and efficient system installation.
GALAXY® FIXED NETWORK SYSTEM DIAGRAM
THE THREE E’S OF THE BADGER® GALAXY® SYSTEM – KEY FEATURES
Let’s examine the three key features of the Badger GALAXY fixed network solution.
EASE: The GALAXY Fixed Network system is set apart from competitive fixed networks by virtue of its ease of use, while retaining all of the functionality valued by today’s water utility. The phrase, “Fixed Networking Made Easy,” describes the GALAXY system’s unique ability to integrate into a wide variety of existing metering systems while maintaining ease of product installation, setup, and operation. Many of today’s fixed network offerings are complicated, and difficult to install, configure, and use. GALAXY is a product that all utilities can embrace - regardless of their level of technological expertise, size or AMI experience. Furthermore, at only 6.5 lbs., our network infrastructure is simple, light, compact and easy to maintain because of its solid state design. Compared to other fixed network systems, our design allows easier, more flexible and lower cost network installation and on-going maintenance. The GALAXY® Gateway Receiver mounts in minutes to a 2” to 12” vertical pole - with no special tools required.
EFFICIENCY: The meter data available with the GALAXY® fixed network AMI, advanced metering infrastructure, system will improve your utility’s operations in numerous ways. In addition to providing timely and accurate billing information, the system quickly flags vandalized transmitters or - to assist in your conservation efforts - accounts that may have a potential leak. Additionally, utility customer service is greatly improved when hourly meter reading data are made easily accessible to help quickly answer customer questions and resolve billing disputes.
EXPERIENCE: As an industry AMR leader in both tenure and installed base, Badger Meter enjoys an unparalleled position of strength in the water AMR market. Even though fixed network AMI is relatively new to most water utilities, our twenty plus years of experience with water utility automatic meter reading and the long-term, reliable performance of these products gives us credibility and acceptance that our competitors cannot match. Period.
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INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUALS
TECH BRIEFS
WARRANTIES
WHITE PAPERS
SUCCESS STORIES