ANSI Optical Head AP-300

Overview

The AP-300 Optical Probe, featuring RS-232 output, is an interface that utilises infrared waves to communicate with peripheral devices, including electricity, water, heat or gas meters, or any other device equipped with an optical port. Its ABS and Polycarbonate filter material makes for a durable and lightweight unit, enhanced by its compact housing design. This product is compatible with all devices that comply with the ANSI C12.18 standard.

AP-300 features a D-Sub 9-pin female connector, ideal for reading consumption data with a peripheral device that supports the RS232 port. The probe draws power from the RS232 port, negating the need for an external battery pack or AC adapter. The probe’s strong magnet securely attaches the optical probe to the meter and ensures resistance to external light influences outside of the infrared wavelength.

* Installation and configuration instructions are provided with the probe.

Features

• Ergonomic & User-friendly Housing Design
• Powerful Magnet
• Optical Filter
• High-quality Cable
• Compliant with ANSI C12.18 Standard (Physical)
• Powered by RS232 Port

Ergonomic & User-friendly Housing Design

The housing is designed with ergonomics in mind for comfortable handling. The material of construction ensures both robustness and lightness. It provides substantial resistance against surface wear due to its prolonged usage with optical port devices and meters.

It’s worth noting that good material alone doesn’t guarantee high hardness. The housing shape significantly impacts probe hardness. We have developed optical probes to endure a drop from a distance of one meter in case it slips from the user’s grip.

Powerful Magnet

The head of the device boasts a powerful magnet hidden below the surface, allowing the probe to attach securely to the optical port. This eliminates the need for constant manual checking and ensures a secure connection to the device.

Caution: Due to the strong magnetic force of the probe’s magnet, please do not store it near electronic equipment as it may cause damage if stored for long periods. It can also result in malfunctions in any storage device, including hard drives, solid-state memories (such as flash memory and SSDs), RAM storage, and similar.

Optical Filter

To establish communication between two devices through an optical port, a specific wavelength is necessary. The wavelength employed should be within the range of 880 nm infrared light, which remains invisible to the human eye. The light filter integrated into this optical probe effectively screens all ambient light, negating any possible interference to ensure uninterrupted and efficient communication between both the devices.

High Quality Cable

When using wired products, the cable is susceptible to detachment due to bending and stretching. Nonetheless, our wired optical probes are equipped with a robust and superior quality cable, ensuring prolonged and effective use.

Mechanical specifications

• Dimensions: Diameter 37mm, Height 26mm
• Cable: Length 2m, Diameter 4.5mm, four-wire cable LAPP GERMANY
• Connector: D-Sub 9-pin female
• Infrared filter: Against external light influences
• Weight: Complete assembly weighs a maximum of 110gr
• Casing material: Probe Head ABS, Infrared filter Polycarbonate

Electrical Specifications

• Signal Specifications: Signals are in the range of +3 to +15V or −3 to −15V
• Compatibility: ANSI C.12.18 standard
• Signal level: Compatible with RS232 (EIA-232)
• Power Requirements: Powered by RS232 port
• Power consumption: approx. 9 mA (transmitting)
• Data Rate: from 300 to 57600 bit/s
• Communication: Half duplex
• Optical: 880nm bi-directional IR interface
• Echo filter: Yes

Environmental Specifications

• Operating Temperature: -30°C to +60°C
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Rugged: Meets the requirements of several tests, including those for thermal shock, humidity, water resistance, RF susceptibility, ESD, drop, random vibration, solar radiation, salt, fog, and low pressure.