DAE Instrument

Where is the DM400 PowerStar typically used?

(1) Subleased building spaces
(2) Rental offices
(3) Apartments
(4) Rental suites
(5) Property management companies

What are the most basic elements of the PowerStar system?

These are the minimum requirements for a PowerStar system to function:
(1) Internet access
(2) Link to target meters
(3) Various meters
(4) Static IP

What are the types of meters according to capability?

The most basic capability of all models is their ability to be remotely linked to from the web, each varies in features as follows:
(1) Basic AMR - capable of remotely viewing of meter value only, changing of meter value not allowed.
(2) AMR with Remote Disconnect - capable of not only viewing the meter value, the value may also be reset back to zero. Remote disconnect allows operator to remotely disconnect and restore the power.
(3) Remote Disconnect with Prepayment - same as (2) with the added capability to add or change the prepaid credits to the meter.

How does AMR differ from prepayment?

(1) AMR can show the meter value in real time.
(2) Remote disconnection allows for convenient control, may also reset the meter.
(3) In prepaid meters, the prepaid credits are directly stored in the meter, when the credit is used up, the meter will automatically shut off the power, which achieves the purpose of mandatory payment.

How many meters are supported by the PowerStar?

There are two models, the basic model can support up to 10 meters, the extended model can support up to 20 meters.

What are the benefits?

The administrator may access it anywhere there is an Internet connection, they are not limited to any particular locale, even when the person is on a trip or working abroad.
The landlord and tenant sees the exact same information so there would be no dispute.

The tenant can see the information, can they change it as well?

They can view only, they may not change it, as administrator access requires a password.

Can the meters be named?

Yes the administrator can label the meters for easier recognition, the power will not be disrupted while doing so.

Can the PowerStar also be used to administer water meters?

Yes, by special arrangement.

How to store value through the web?

The operator may access the the DM400 through the web from anywhere that there is Internet connection simply by entering the IP address that has been pre-assigned to the DM400. One can then check the meter data from this web interface. But one must first enter the password before being given access to the more secure features such as storing prepaid value or doing remote disconnection or reconnection.

What can one do from the web interface?

One can view the remaining value left for each prepaid meter. One can also change the name for each meter, add to or change the prepaid value, change the tariff rate, perform remote disconnect and reconnection, and check the latest prepaid transaction records.

How is the DM400 installed?

A: The meters and the DM400 are wired together using twisted pair cables. The IP address of the DM400 is then set. Then finally, the Ethernet port of the DM400 is connected to an Internet enabled communications device such as a router or modem.

How many and what types of meters can be connected to the DM400?

There are two models of the DM400, one can connect to 10 meters, the other can connect to 20 meters. The features are the same, and differ only in the number of meters supported. For prepaid applications, one can select the DEM510-5, DEM540-5 or DEM600-5. When only AMR is required, then one can choose from the DEM510-3, DEM530-3 or the PM200.

Can the administrator check the prepaid transaction records?

The administrator can check the latest 20 prepaid transaction records and the remote disconnection/restoration records. Every record includes a time stamp of when it occurred.

Can the tenant check their own prepaid balance?

Of course, but they can only look and cannot change the value.

Does the meter store the prepaid value itself?

No, the meter stores the remaining usable kwh, although the prepaid value is entered, it will first convert it into the kwh value based on the tariff rate and add this kwh to the existing kwh remaining to get the new usable kwh balance.

Does the landlord need to install software on their computer?

No, the DM400 is entirely web based, any computer with a web browser and Internet access can connect and use the DM400. The interface can be in Chinese or English.

How does web based metering benefit the landlord or facility manager?

(1) Operate anywhere. Whether it be at home, on a trip, in the office which greatly reduces administrative costs.
(2) Not only for fee collection, when the rent is overdue and repeated reminders are ineffective, one can resort to remotely disconnecting the tenant's power to force the tenant to resolve the situation.

Will remotely disconnecting the power affect the prepaid balance?

No, the prepaid balance is retained and is unaffected.

What will the meter do when the prepaid amount is used up?

The action taken is user selectable, it can either automatically cut off the power or the administrator can do so manually through the web interface.

What if I don't want the remote disconnection feature, is there any other option?

The DEM530-3 (1p3w) or the DEM510-3 (1p2w) meters does not have the remote disconnection feature. They also cost less than the equivalent meters with the remote disconnection feature.

What if I also want to monitor the overall utility power?

The DEM600 or the PM200 can be used to monitor the overall power. The second RS485 port must be used for this purpose. Two overall master meters can be used with a single DM400. The DM400 can record the overall meter readings twice daily, which can be exported as an Excel file, a maximum of 120 records can be logged (60 days worth).