Tense Optical Readers

Meter optical readers are reading heads that attach magnetically to the optical port on the front of electronic meters such as electricity meters and transfer meter data to a computer or modem. They are used to read meter data on site with a computer and for communication between GSM, Ethernet or PSTN-based modems and the meter. This group includes the Tense OP-USB, which connects to the computer's USB port, and the Tense OP-232 with an RS-232 interface; both models attach to the meter with a neodymium magnet. Choose the reader by the interface of the device it will connect to (USB or RS-232), your meter's optical port support and compatibility with the reading software or modem you will use. The reader only establishes the physical connection; meter reading software or a remote reading modem is needed separately to display the data. These products are not optical mark readers that scan exam sheets or barcode readers; they communicate only with the meter's optical port.

Products

How to choose Optical Readers

Meter optical readers are reading heads that attach magnetically to the optical port on the front of electronic meters such as electricity meters and transfer meter data to a computer or modem. They are used to read meter data on site with a computer and for communication between GSM, Ethernet or PSTN-based modems and the meter.

  • Separate sensing, motion control, logic processing and operator interface requirements.
  • Select signal type, supply voltage, communication protocol and I/O count for the machine network.
  • Verify housing size, sensing distance and PNP/NPN output polarity against the PLC input card.

Frequently asked questions

What is Optical Readers and where is it used?

Meter optical readers are reading heads that attach magnetically to the optical port on the front of electronic meters such as electricity meters and transfer meter data to a computer or modem. They are used to read meter data on site with a computer and for communication between GSM, Ethernet or PSTN-based modems and the meter.

What should I compare when choosing Optical Readers?

Choose the reader by the interface of the device it will connect to (USB or RS-232), your meter's optical port support and compatibility with the reading software or modem you will use.

Where can I find technical details for Optical Readers products?

These products are not optical mark readers that scan exam sheets or barcode readers; they communicate only with the meter's optical port.

Industrial Communication Selection Guide: Technical Criteria and Engineering Practice