The EMS Modumess counter for water meters – technical concept, function, and retrofit options
The EMS Modumess counter is based on a long-established counter concept with an integrated mounting slot for remote reading modules. This combines mechanical measurement and consumption recording with the requirements of modern smart metering systems: The counter function remains mechanically reliable, while data acquisition and communication are flexibly supplemented via add-on modules.
Counter as a Mechanical Measuring Basis
The EMS Modumess counter for water meters is a mechanical roller counter (usually 8 digits) for the precise display of water meter consumption. Key technical features include:
- 360° rotation: The counter housing can be rotated a full 360° to facilitate reading from any angle
- Modulation pointer (indicator): A special wheel/indicator serves as a reference for inductive scanning by add-on modules
- Dry-running principle: Complete separation of wet and dry areas, protecting the number rollers in the counter from deposits
Thus, the EMS Modumess counter combines the advantages of mechanical measuring concepts with the interface requirements of modern readout systems.
EMS MODUMESS counter with the blanking plate removed; the exposed module slot and the red scanning disc are visible.
This allows the meter to be flexibly adapted to different building and reading concepts. The modular design also makes it possible to adapt existing installations to changing requirements at a later date.
Counting reliability through forward and reverse detection
For high counting reliability in the EMS Modumess concept, it is crucial that not only movements are recorded, but also the direction of rotation is reliably detected. Forward and reverse detection is therefore achieved by scanning the modulation pointer. This allows even impermissible backflows in the system to be detected, thus improving the quality of the meter readings.
Open Interface: Remote Reading via Add-on Module
The key feature of the EMS Modumess meter is its mounting slot with an open interface (module slot). This allows for flexible addition of communication and reading functions:
- All water meters with an EMS Modumess meter can be retrofitted with remote reading modules at any time.
- Add-on modules for EMS Modumess meters are available from several manufacturers.
- The add-on modules or communication modules can be installed at the factory or at any time in the field (configuration according to operator requirements).
- Reading and remote transmission of consumption data stored in the communication modules or add-on modules is possible via various data transmission methods (depending on the module type).
The blanking plate of each EMS Modumess counter is removable. Beneath it is the standard scanning disc for inductive communication modules. The communication modules are inserted into the space below the blanking plate, secured with a screw, and sealed.
Typical add-on modules or communication modules for EMS Modumess meters include:
- Radio modules for wireless reading (e.g., walk-by, drive-by, or stationary solutions)
- M-Bus modules for wired systems in building and network infrastructures
- Pulse modules (e.g., defined counting pulses for transmission to external data systems)
The modulation pointer is scanned using an inductive scanning method.
Suitable for Housing and Municipal Use
The EMS Modumess meter is specifically designed for use in the housing and municipal sectors. For operators, this primarily means:
- Robust integration into diverse installation and system environments
- Support for common meter reading processes, such as walk-by/drive-by and AMR (Automatic Meter Reading)
Universally applicable for different meter types
The EMS Modumess system is universally used, including with single-beam and multi-beam designs, as well as with different meter construction concepts (e.g., capsule or rotary piston meters). This allows the modular approach to be implemented consistently across different device variants.
EMS MODUMESS counter with the blanking plate removed; the exposed module slot and the red scanning disc are visible.
Summary of Facts about the EMS Modumess Counter for Water Meters
The EMS Modumess counter combines a mechanical roller counter with a dry-running principle, 360° readability of the counter, a modulation pointer for inductive scanning, and an open interface for remote reading modules. This transforms the meter into a flexible measurement and communication platform that allows for retrofitting and reliably supports the requirements of modern reading and monitoring concepts.
