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Hi there, having an error message pop up when I try to enter the token, possible reasons and how to fix? Been without power for the second day now
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Tshwane prepaid meters online / remote access
- Thread starter Mobus
- Start date
What is the error?
The following advice assumes you have the same tshwane pcma meter and keypad I do:
Do you get the date if you type 009?
If not you don't have an uninterrupted wired connection between your keypad and meter. Your keypad needs to be plugged into a wall socket (close to the meter) even if the power is off and the keypad running on batteries. *
If you got the date, then something else is clearly wrong. Perhaps try 005 and 008. You should get your pcma serial number (similiar but not exactly your meter number). If you don't, it might be that your keypad has reset itself and became unlinked from the meter. There is a way to pair the two, but I am not sure how. The link provided earlier in this thread to the chinese website might shed some light.
If you did get the serial number then it might be that your token code has been used, has expired, wasn't issued for your meter/incorrect meter number given or has otherwise been corrupted. Try buying another small value token from a different provider (I use snapscan).
Finally the worst case scenario, your meter has failed. Probably the high power relay has burned out and needs to be replaced by Tshwane.
*Note if you run a generator with a change-over switch or have CBs down on your DB, those might break the wired connection between your plugged-in keypad and meter outside, making it impossible for the keypad to use power line communication (PLC) to send the token to the meter to authenticate and reset the reconnect the relay.
The following advice assumes you have the same tshwane pcma meter and keypad I do:
Do you get the date if you type 009?
If not you don't have an uninterrupted wired connection between your keypad and meter. Your keypad needs to be plugged into a wall socket (close to the meter) even if the power is off and the keypad running on batteries. *
If you got the date, then something else is clearly wrong. Perhaps try 005 and 008. You should get your pcma serial number (similiar but not exactly your meter number). If you don't, it might be that your keypad has reset itself and became unlinked from the meter. There is a way to pair the two, but I am not sure how. The link provided earlier in this thread to the chinese website might shed some light.
If you did get the serial number then it might be that your token code has been used, has expired, wasn't issued for your meter/incorrect meter number given or has otherwise been corrupted. Try buying another small value token from a different provider (I use snapscan).
Finally the worst case scenario, your meter has failed. Probably the high power relay has burned out and needs to be replaced by Tshwane.
*Note if you run a generator with a change-over switch or have CBs down on your DB, those might break the wired connection between your plugged-in keypad and meter outside, making it impossible for the keypad to use power line communication (PLC) to send the token to the meter to authenticate and reset the reconnect the relay.
Hi same problem here. Did you find solution?Hi there, having an error message pop up when I try to enter the token, possible reasons and how to fix? Been without power for the second day now
Hi Adolf, didnt any of my suggests above work for you?Hi same problem here. Did you find solution?
@Modus, you are quite knowledgeable around the subject. Appreciate all your input. I have similar issue.What is the error?
The following advice assumes you have the same tshwane pcma meter and keypad I do:
Do you get the date if you type 009?
If not you don't have an uninterrupted wired connection between your keypad and meter. Your keypad needs to be plugged into a wall socket (close to the meter) even if the power is off and the keypad running on batteries. *
If you got the date, then something else is clearly wrong. Perhaps try 005 and 008. You should get your pcma serial number (similiar but not exactly your meter number). If you don't, it might be that your keypad has reset itself and became unlinked from the meter. There is a way to pair the two, but I am not sure how. The link provided earlier in this thread to the chinese website might shed some light.
If you did get the serial number then it might be that your token code has been used, has expired, wasn't issued for your meter/incorrect meter number given or has otherwise been corrupted. Try buying another small value token from a different provider (I use snapscan).
Finally the worst case scenario, your meter has failed. Probably the high power relay has burned out and needs to be replaced by Tshwane.
*Note if you run a generator with a change-over switch or have CBs down on your DB, those might break the wired connection between your plugged-in keypad and meter outside, making it impossible for the keypad to use power line communication (PLC) to send the token to the meter to authenticate and reset the reconnect the relay.
currently my CiU is connected to wall socket. However as soon as I start to type on the keypad the lcd screen flashes PLc for 2-3 seconds then i am able to continue to type codes/voucher nrs. However I followed all your steps and still i receive an error message on the screen. Any additional advise? I can retrieve the serial number and i have tried purchasing another voucher to test. No success.
My keypad does the same. The first button press always triggers the PLC message first, then thereafter you can continue entering the rest of your command/code.
Do you see you unit balance if you type 007?
Whats the error message you get after entering a voucher code?
Have you ever been able to load a voucher before, or are you failing to load your very first voucher?
Do you see you unit balance if you type 007?
Whats the error message you get after entering a voucher code?
Have you ever been able to load a voucher before, or are you failing to load your very first voucher?
Not the first voucher. Have been using this CIU for a few months. When they installed it, it was loaded with 5 Units, and it ran out quickly the first day. Struggled to get it connected again. But what worked was to plug it into the wall socked nearest to the DB. Believe that would then be connected to the mains, i was then able to load a new voucher.My keypad does the same. The first button press always triggers the PLC message first, then thereafter you can continue entering the rest of your command/code.
Do you see you unit balance if you type 007?
Whats the error message you get after entering a voucher code?
Have you ever been able to load a voucher before, or are you failing to load your very first voucher?
However this time when the units ran out i went to plug it into that same wall sacked and when i enter the voucher an error message appears. The display just says “Err0r”
There is a small symbol on the display that i believe is an “open switch” symbol, like a dot with a line with another dot, but the line is at an angle and not touching the other dot, hope that makes sense.
I also went to the meter on the edge of the property. The PCR421 meter unit has an amber colour light on next to “Relay”.
When i request balance (007) the message returns “null”
That's the issue right there.There is a small symbol on the display that i believe is an “open switch” symbol, like a dot with a line with another dot, but the line is at an angle and not touching the other dot, hope that makes sense.
It's a visual indicator that the built-in anti-tampering mode has been triggered, unfortunately.
Tshwane Muni will have to send one of their employees (not contractors) to punch in a unique code to reset that meter.
Prepare for a few more days without power...
I dont think that is the case. It simply means the device is not getting AC power. I checked, with my AC power on and the keypad plugged in the keypad displays the switch icon in closed position. If I unplug the keypad, I get the open switch icon. Plugging back in, it flashes PLC (connecting the the meter outside), switch icon closes again and displays the time.That's the issue right there.
It's a visual indicator that the built-in anti-tampering mode has been triggered, unfortunately.
Tshwane Muni will have to send one of their employees (not contractors) to punch in a unique code to reset that meter.
Prepare for a few more days without power...
Read the description here https://m.alibaba.com/product/62269680526/TOPSCOMM-CIU-STS-single-phase-prepaid.html
Could be both? (Same icon indicates tampering, if it does not reflect as closed after getting AC power.)I dont think that is the case.
Link text appears to be fine but when clicked it links to a completely different product.Read the description here https://m.alibaba.com/product/62269680526/TOPSCOMM-CIU-STS-single-phase-prepaid.html
With my keypad plugged in, AC on (switch icon closed):Not the first voucher. Have been using this CIU for a few months. When they installed it, it was loaded with 5 Units, and it ran out quickly the first day. Struggled to get it connected again. But what worked was to plug it into the wall socked nearest to the DB. Believe that would then be connected to the mains, i was then able to load a new voucher.
However this time when the units ran out i went to plug it into that same wall sacked and when i enter the voucher an error message appears. The display just says “Err0r”
There is a small symbol on the display that i believe is an “open switch” symbol, like a dot with a line with another dot, but the line is at an angle and not touching the other dot, hope that makes sense.
I also went to the meter on the edge of the property. The PCR421 meter unit has an amber colour light on next to “Relay”.
When i request balance (007) the message returns “null”
0 *PLc* 07 enter *ConnEct* *unit balance*
On the second try 007 doesn't give the *PLc* msg
009 *date*
Plugged out (switch icon open):
0 *PLc* 07 enter *ConnEct* *Error*
Or sometimes
0 *PLc* 07 enter *ConnEct* *NULL*
And
009 *ConnEct* *Error*
But
005 or 008 still gives pcma serial number (I.e. pairing between keypad and meter still in place)
Keypad plugged in, AC off/0 units (switch icon open):
0 *PLc* 07 enter *ConnEct* 0.00 kWh
And
009 *ConnEct* date
0 *PLc* 05 or 08 pcma serial number
Last edited:
With everything running normal, my pcr421 is flashing red the pulse led whilst the relay and alarm leds are off. I suspect if my units run out the relay will switch off the mains and turn the relay led amber as in your case.I also went to the meter on the edge of the property. The PCR421 meter unit has an amber colour light on next to “Relay”.
When i request balance (007) the message returns “null”
Your keypad is clearly not communicating well with the meter. Balance query should say zero not null. And 009 at least give the date (even , i'm guessing, if tampered with - in which case the alarm led will probably also light up on the pcr421).
Are you running a generator? Most generator setup will break the wire link between you keypad and meter. Disconnect genny and set DB for normal operation from Eskom power.
Last guess, change the batteries in the keypad.
Last edited:
Good dayI just got my old post-paid meter replaced by a PCMA (power-c metering africa) prepaid meter (model KY124, dated 2019).
Anyone know if you can access the log somewhere online?
Can you enter the 20 digit token online somehow? Say you are away from home for a while and need to load a new voucher without access to the physical keypad?
In general, what has been your experience with these meters? Are the reliable and accurate?
I am using KY124 prepaid smartmetering. It has been showing error on the screen. I cannot load the token. I dont know whether it has been affected by loadshedding.
Does it say error all the time or just when you try to enter 007?Good day
I am using KY124 prepaid smartmetering. It has been showing error on the screen. I cannot load the token. I dont know whether it has been affected by loadshedding.
Good MorningDoes it say error all the time or just when you try to enter 007?
It says error all the time and I have plugged it in the garage near the db board and closer to Tshwane Mini Sub for better signals. But it stil says error I have changed the battery as well.
I had a problem with a KY124 smartmeter having consistant error even if I tried to move it closer to the DB and Tshwane Mini sub. I changed the battery it kept on showing the error even if I tried to load any code. Finally the Technician came over and replaced inside the mini sub and gave me a new meter number and it worked. The Technician did an outstanding work to assist me.I have no manual. This is just trial and error on my PCMA KY124.
888 - reads time from keypad. Pointless but confirms your time is wrong or if time doesn't display normally.
009 - reads date from meter (and possibly sync to keypad?)
030 - reads the time from the meter and syncs it to the keypad. (not sure if it also reads the date, possibly use with 009)
The complaint has been resolved by the Technician.Good Morning
It says error all the time and I have plugged it in the garage near the db board and closer to Tshwane Mini Sub for better signals. But it stil says error I have changed the battery as well.
Thank you Mobus for the professional advise.Does it say error all the time or just when you try to enter 007?
He replaced the unit situated in the mini sub for the municipality since it could not communicate with meter in the house. Everything is working perfectly.Glad you got sorted. The fact that it said error all the time probably meant there was a hardware fault. Lightning damage maybe?
Did he replace both the meter unit and the keypad?