TESCO Metering Expands 1037-RIV Optical Pickup Compatibility to Include Itron Sentinel Meters

Bristol, PA — September 23, 2025 — TESCO Metering, a leader in precision meter testing and optical device solutions, today announces that its 1037-RIV Optical Pickup is now fully compatible with Itron Sentinel meters. This enhancement expands utility teams’ options for seamless, accurate pulse detection across a broader range of meter platforms in AMI environments.

“Utilities want tools that just work—across their mixed fleets, in real-world conditions,” said Tom Lawton, President & CEO of TESCO Metering. “By extending the 1037-RIV to support Itron Sentinel meters, we’re making field testing simpler and more dependable. One pickup, consistent alignment, clean signals—so technicians can focus on the work, not the workaround. It’s another example of how TESCO Metering listens, iterates, and delivers practical solutions for our customers.”

What’s New

The 1037-RIV Optical Pickup was originally designed for Itron’s Gen™5 Riva™ meters, engineered to match the shape and optical pulse output location of those meter faces. With this update, users can now deploy the same rugged, RF-resistant sensor reliably with Itron Sentinel meters—eliminating compatibility concerns and simplifying field operations.

Key Features at a Glance

• Automatic alignment – Integral elastic band aligns the pickup with the optical port and holds it securely in place without requiring manual adjustment.
• Reliable pulse detection – Infrared sensor maintains accuracy and consistency even in the presence of AMI or RF interference.
• Ambient light blocking & IR sensing – Ensures clean signal detection in variable lighting and meter housing conditions.
• Sturdy elastic band & rugged materials – Conforms to ANSI standards, built for long life in demanding field conditions.

Compatibility with TESCO Metering Equipment

The 1037-RIV Optical Pickup is engineered to integrate seamlessly with a wide array of TESCO Metering equipment, including the TESCO Metering 6330 Meter Site Analyzer and the TESCO Metering DTS-2990 Desktop Meter Station. This ensures utilities can leverage existing TESCO Metering test platforms without additional adapters or modifications. Multiple cable configurations and lengths are available to match different TESCO Metering test boards and field instruments for maximum flexibility in the lab and in the field.

Why It Matters

Itron Sentinel meters are widely deployed in AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) systems across North America. By ensuring compatibility with these meters, the 1037-RIV Optical Pickup provides utilities and field technicians with a single, reliable tool for accurate pulse detection in both Sentinel and Riva environments. This compatibility streamlines field testing, reduces the need for multiple specialized pickups, and supports efficient AMI operations.

Availability

The 1037-RIV Optical Pickup with Sentinel compatibility is available immediately. Units may be ordered directly through TESCO Metering or through authorized distributors. Lead times, pricing, and order customization (such as cable lengths) are available upon request from TESCO Metering sales representatives.

About TESCO Metering

Since 1904, TESCO® Metering has been the trusted leader in American-made metering equipment and custom utility products for the electric utility industry. With over a century of engineering innovation, TESCO Metering designs and manufactures precision meter testing instruments, field test kits, and smart grid metering solutions that ensure accuracy, reliability, and compliance across today’s evolving energy infrastructure.

From our ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 certified facility in Bristol, Pennsylvania, TESCO Metering proudly builds all products in the US, supporting domestic manufacturing, short lead times, and superior quality control. Our U.S.-manufactured metering systems serve utilities across North America, including meter test boards, burden sets, EVSE testers, optical probes, and custom field-testing equipment engineered for precision and durability.

TESCO Metering’s portfolio spans lab-grade testing setups, rugged field kits, and AMI test solutions designed to meet the demands of modern smart grid environments. What sets TESCO Metering apart is our close collaboration with utility engineers, meter shop managers, and field technicians—developing custom metering tools that solve real-world challenges, improve safety, and streamline operations.

Beyond products, TESCO Metering is deeply committed to metering education and industry training. Our annual TESCOOL event and support of regional meter schools reflect our dedication to advancing utility expertise and maintaining technical excellence across the metering community.

With generations of trust, TESCO Metering continues to lead in custom utility solutions, American-made metering equipment, and dependable technical support. Contact us to learn how TESCO Metering’s precision utility instruments can improve accuracy, safety, and efficiency for your metering operations.

Reliable Results. Every Meter. Every Time.