• WaterCompass Install Kit
• WaterCompass Installer App (iOS or Android)
• 5/16" nut driver
• 3/16" masonry screw bits for drill
• Cable ties (long)
• Cordless hammer drill & impact driver (or equivalent)
• Flashlight or headlamp (phone light will work)
• Screwdrivers (flathead, precision)
• Wire cutter or wire snipper
• Ladder (at least 6-foot)

• FM250 flow monitor
• Sensor (12-foot) or Pulse Kit
• Antenna
• Antenna mount
• Antenna mounting template
• Six 3/16" x 1-¼" concrete screws
• Hose clamps
• “Do Not Remove” Sensor Tag w/ zip ties

Play Button (Green Button): Press and hold the green play button for ~3 seconds. The device will enter meter mode, where it will capture and report usage data.

Bluetooth Button (Blue Button): Press and hold the bluetooth button for ~3 seconds. The device will enter bluetooth mode and start advertising the serial number of the flow monitor. 

LED's: Confirms connections status of LTE cellular or bluetooth broadcast. 

Note: Try not to press any buttons on the device before installation. This installation process will specify when to press each button. 

This phase outlines the essential steps for installing the FM250 flow monitor hardware. Follow each step carefully to ensure proper assembly and device readiness. 

Step 1: Prepare the Hardware Components

Step 1A: Assemble the sensor components according to product specifications.

Step 1B: If required, assemble the pulse dongle before installation. 

Step 2: Mount the FM250 Flow Monitor

Securely mount the FM250 enclosure to the designated surface near the meter, ensuring it is stable and secure.

Step 3: Mount and Connect the Antenna

Install the antenna in a vertical position and connect it firmly to the FM250 to enable cell reception. 

Step 4: Connect to LTE Cellular Network

Power on the FM250 only when instructed, then wait for the device to connect to the LTE network.

Step 5: Connect to the Water Meter

Step 5A: Attach the flow sensor to the water meter according to the installation guidelines.

Step 5B: if using a pulse input, wire the pulse cable to the appropriate terminal on the meter. 

Continue to Phase 2: Activation & Calibration

This phase outlines the essential steps for activating the FM250 flow monitor. Follow each step carefully to ensure accurate setup and reliable device performance. 

Step 1: Connect to the Device via Bluetooth

Establish a Bluetooth connection between the mobile app and the FM250 device. 

Step 2: Confirm LTE Cellular Communication and Pulse Capture

Verify that the device has stable LTE connection and successfully captures pulse (flow must be occurring). 

Step 3: Activate the flow monitor

Add to the virtual warehouse site, select the monitoring point, enter location details, and activate the flow monitor. 

Step 4: Calibrate the flow monitor

Follow the guided steps to pair the sensor, capture flow data, and enter meter readings. 

Step 5: Verification and Wrap Up

Ensure calibration is complete, take installation photos, and submit the final installation report. 

Proceed to Phase 3: WCIR Submission

Once WCIR is submitted, the installation is complete!

Properly assembling the sensor or pulse dongle will ensure that the connection is tight and waterproof, preventing water ingress should the water meter box or utility vault flood with water.

How to Assemble:

• Slide the end cap, rubber grommet, and barrel connector onto the FM250 dongle cable.
• Do the same for the sensor cable or pulse wire.
• Connect the sensor or pulse cable to the dongle via the RJ45 connector.
• Seat the grommets into the barrel connector.
• Tighten the barrel connector but do not over torque the enclosure. 

Proceed to Step 2: Mount the Flow Monitor

After assembling the sensor, mount the hardware according to the environment to ensure optimal performance and minimal interference. 

Meter Box Installation

• Install the hardware to minimize interference with the meter register, ensuring the device is situated out of the way of valves and shut offs.
• Take care to prevent the entanglement of the FM250 sensor with any existing AMI or AMR cables.

Utility Vault or Inside the building

• Mount the FM250 device on an adjacent wall.
• Position the device as high as possible for the best signal. 

Proceed to Step 3: Mount and Connect the Antenna

Proper antenna placement is critical to ensure reliable LTE connectivity. Follow these guidelines based on the installation environment. 

Antenna Mount Best Practices

• Install as high as possible to maximize LTE signal
• Avoid obstructions (except vault lid)
• Use template to position the antenna near the lid
• Use extension cable if needed for better reception

Shallow Meter Box

• Stake antenna near edge of meter box
• Keep clear of valves and shut-offs

Utility Vault, Mechanical Rooms, & Water Closets

• Mount the antenna to the highest point achievable within the meter environment. 
• Extend the antenna if necessary. 

Connect Antenna to the Flow Monitor

• Attach the antenna to the SMA connector.
• Ensure connection is hand-tight & secure. 

Proceed to Step 4: Connect to LTE Cellular

Establish a cellular connection to ensure the FM250 can transmit data reliably. 

Connect the FM250 to LTE

• Press and hold the green “Play” button on the FM250 for 3 seconds.
• Allow time for the connection sequence to complete, 1-2 minutes.

LED indicator beneath the Bluetooth button

• Blinking Yellow - searching for cellular signal
• Blinking Green - Establishing LTE connection
• Solid Green - Successfully connected to LTE
• Solid Red - No connection, relocate antenna

Proceed to Step 5A to attach the sensor

Proceed to Step 5B to connect a pulse cable

Proper sensor placement on the water meter register is critical for accurate flow monitoring, quick calibration, and long-term data reliability. 

Sensor Placement Guidelines

• Place at 3 or 9 o'clock on the meter register
• If AMI/AMR present, use opposite side
• Sensor bottom should rest just above the bottom of the meter register

Secure the sensor with a hose clamp

• Use provided hose clamp to fasten sensor to the meter register
• Hand-tighten only - do not over torque
• Glue down sensor if needed

Cable Management

• Route cables along conduit and pipe to reduce strain
• Secure cables using zip ties
• Keep cables clear of moving parts
• Ensure area is safe to access after install

Proceed to Phase 2: Activation and Calibration

Proper wire connections are critical for accurate flow monitoring, battery stability, and long-term data reliability. 

Pulse Device Guidelines

• Brown wire not always used - confirm before removing the heat shrink
• Use pulse cable, not AMI/AMR system cable
• Avoid contact with AMI/AMR cables or hardware
• Verify meter output with spec sheet or call support

Wire Connection

• Make connections inside provided barrel connector
• DB-Y connectors are acceptable in pit installations

Cable Management

• Route pulse cable along conduit to reduce strain
• Secure cables using zip ties
• Avoid sharp bends or excess slack
• Keep cables clear of moving parts
• Ensure safe access to meter after install

General Pulse Guidelines

2-Wire Pulse Guidelines

3-Wire Pulse Connection 

Proceed to Phase 2: Activation & Calibration

Establish a bluetooth connection between the mobile app and the FM250 device. 

Press the bluetooth button on the FM250 device.

In the app, tap Connect.

Review the Bluetooth connection details.

Select the serial number of the FM250 from the list. 

Once connected, press Next to continue.

Proceed to Step 2: Confirm Communication & Pulse Capture

Verify that the device has a stable LTE connection and successfully captures pulses (flow must be occurring).

Tap View Device from the main screen.

Verify device communication:

• Ensure cellular connection is Pass.
• Signal strength should be medium or greater.

Perform a Pulse Capture:

• Tap View Pulses while water is actively flowing.
• Run water for at least 1 minute. 
• Confirm the Total Pulse Count is increasing with flow.

Return to the main screen and tap Device Options.

Proceed to Step 3: Activate the Flow Monitor

Add to the virtual warehouse site, select the monitoring point, enter location details, and activate the flow monitor.

Tap Install Device.

Select a Site by pressing the Play button (Pro Services virtual warehouse)

Choose Monitor Point > New Water Meter.

Tap Create New Monitoring Point.

Fill in all required Monitoring Point Details. 

Add Location Information (GPS Coordinates, location info, etc)

Tap Save to complete the setup. 

Select OK to proceed to the calibration process.

Proceed to Step 4: Calibrate the Flow Monitor

Follow guided steps to pair the sensor, capture flow data, and enter meter readings. 

Tap Begin Calibration.

Take the Base Meter Reading.

• Tap the camera to take a photo
• Enter reading when prompted
• Select Next to Proceed

Start Flow Capture - must detect 100+ pulses.

Take the Calibration Meter Reading.

Perform a second Flow Capture - again, detect 100+ pulses.

Take the Verification Meter Reading.

Tap Next. 

Proceed to Step 5: Verification and Wrap Up

Ensure calibration is complete, take installation photos, and submit the final installation report. 

Verify Calibration Status

• Confirm that the device is within tolerance.
• If needed, tap Review to update meter readings or restart the calibration process. 
• Tap Verify Again to return to the final verification step. 

Take Installation Photos 

• Tape Next to follow the prompts to capture required installation photos. 
• Take clear photos of the installation. 

Submit Installation Results

• Tap Finish and Submit to finalize the installations

Proceed to Phase 3: WCIR Submission 

Please complete the WaterCompass Installation Report before departing the site. 

Click here to access the WaterCompass Installation Report

Make sure the vault lid is closed, all tools and trash are collected from the installation area. 

Step 1: Prepare the device

• Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the device for 3 seconds.
• Ensure two yellow LED lights are blinking under the blue and green buttons.

Note: Blinking yellow LED lights display when the device is advertising itself for Bluetooth connectivity.

Step 2: Connect to Bluetooth

• In the installer app, tap "Not Connected" at the bottom of the Site Page.
• Follow the Bluetooth requirements on the screen and tap "Continue."   3. Scan for available devices.
• Choose your device from the list and tap "Connect."

Step 3: View Device Information

• Tap "View Device" at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap "View Device" at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3: Reset to Shipping Mode

• Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
• Note: The Bluetooth connection will disconnect after the reset. You’ll need to reconnect to Bluetooth once the reset is complete.
• Select "Reset to Shipping Mode."

Step 5: Connect to Cellular

• Press the green button on the device to establish a cellular connection.
• Confirm that the cellular connection shows "Pass."
• Ensure the signal strength is "Medium" or higher.