Holding tank and water tank under V berth sending units

[Clydo]

My gauges don't work on level of liquid in holding tank and water tank. Has anyone replaced "sending" units on tanks
using existing wiring? Searched archives several years back but no info.

Clyde Thorington
C310 #245
ILEAN TOO
San Jose, CA

 

[valcour]

I used the Garnet seelevel II, which at that time had battery voltage, fresh water, black water, and LPG monitors. There were no wires/senders on hull 218 to the fresh water or holding tank, so I had to run wires to each location, which was not difficult. Due to the odd shape of both tanks, they are not perfect, but it is a great upgrade, and the senders glue onto the outside of the tanks. I have still never figured out the propane sender, I think you need a tank with a sender built in to make that portion work.

https://www.garnetinstruments.com/rv-shop/products/

 

[JRT]

I don't think these were standard equipment so you need to identify the manufacturer for the correct sending units.

 

[Tom J]

My boat didn't have any sensors. I installed Raritan sensors that glue to the outside of the tanks.

 

[VFR750]

I used the Garnet seelevel II, which at that time had battery voltage, fresh water, black water, and LPG monitors.

It's been several years since this post, and there are few mentions since then. I am looking to add tank sensors to my holding and fresh water tanks.

How has the SeeLevel II system worked over these past years?

 

[jssailem]

Depends on the tanks involved.

If metal then you need an insert type with a float to provide the level.

If plastic you can use a sensor you attach to the outside of the tank. SCAD Technologies builds a reliable one. I have used them for 5 years on the plastic Holding tank and now on my water tanks.

TM Series Tank Montors - SCAD Technologies LLC

SCAD TM series tank monitors are easy to install and use sensors that attached to the outside of a tank, which cannot foul.

scadtech.com

 

[VFR750]

SCAD Technologies builds a reliable one. I have used them for 5 years on the plastic Holding tank and now on my water tanks.

TM Series Tank Montors - SCAD Technologies LLC

SCAD TM series tank monitors are easy to install and use sensors that attached to the outside of a tank, which cannot foul.

scadtech.com

John,

That is good to hear you are happy with the SCAD system.

On my 315, the waste tank is plastic, and the potable water tank is plastic tank, but it appears to be in a fiberglass support tub.

The picture of my waste tank shows how small the gap is on the left hand side (aft). That might tricky getting the foil tape in there.

The semi-rigid PCB of the SeeLevel sensor may be easier to slip down into that gap and get it to stick properly.

The other option is to go with a microwave radar system like the Gobius C, but that seems much more expensive.

 

[jssailem]

Yes it is a tight fit. And you’ll want to clean the tank side before applying the sensor. I think it can be either side of the tank, if the area by the hose is more easily accessed.

 

[dlochner]

The Gobius C is a nice unit, pricey but nice. It offers both Blue Tooth readings and will integrate with the N2K network so it can be read on a display or chart plotter. It's an easy install if there is an N2K Tee nearby. Pick a spot on the tank, clean the surface with a supplied alcohol wipe, and stick it on. I have one on my holding tank.

 

[VFR750]

Dave,
Good to hear you like the Gobius C

I see they now have a Gobius C Basic version for ~1/2 the price of the Gobius C.

It gives up the NMEA for a smartphone interface with bluetooth. And it is only 43mm tall, which make it more likely to fit over the top of the waste tank.

A contender.

 

[john2]

we had no gauges from factory. placed a wema gauge/sender in the watertank.
with an extra push button so i can check tank level without running the pump.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

SCAD is the top rated water and holding tank level monitor...sensor attaches to the outside of any tank material except metal. I especially like that it provides an infinite tank level reading instead of the typical 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, full. Reasonably priced, available from a number of retailers and easy to install.

--Peggie




--

 

[VFR750]

I ended up going with the new Gobius C Basic.

It simplifies the installation and wiring. I only need 12V DC power and ground. 25mA draw.

It transmits a signal via Bluetooth, and with thier smart phone app you know the level. No need to cut holes for a gauge that rarely gets used.

 

[CaptBob]

VFR750, have you installed the Gobius Basic yet? How was the install, have enough clearances above the waste and fresh water tanks? Is the system working okay for you?

Thanks for any info you provide. I’m considering similar system for my 315.

Bob
“Kimberly”
Cat 315. 87

 

[VFR750]

I am in the process of wiring the sensors.
There is plenty of room on top of both tanks.

I’d say the only issues were the 24awg wires and the need for a 0.1A fuse. It’s a big jump in wire gage that required a 24 to 18 connector to mate with the fuse holder, then a second (on the to do list) jump from 18 to 14. You need a special fuse holder for the 5x20mm fuses. I found a source for a sealed holder. That is visible in the picture.

I added a 5A circuit breaker to the panel and ran 14/2 wire under the sole using the guide tubes installed by the factory. I went with 14awg even though I could have used 16awg. The glow in the dark snake is very helpful when looking under the sole.

Right now the power line is in the area of the water pump.

The last “challenge” will be getting the power from the salon to the v-berth behind the head enclosure.

I’ll splice (2) 14awg lines for the sendors to the 14awg feed. Plus I’ll clean up the mess in there.

 

[CaptBob]

Great, thanks for the info. I figured there would be challenges in wiring the units in. I'm anxious to hear how the finish and Gobius functions for you. Keep me posted on your progress as time allows. Thanks again. CaptBob

 

[VFR750]

Running the wire was my biggest worry. But it turned out just fine. And satisfying.

 

[CaptBob]

Hi VFR750, did you finish your installation? Did the calibration work out good for you? Any issues in calibrating? I am ordering the Gobius Basic system this evening. Thanks for your feedback.

Capt Bob
S/V Kimberly

 

[VFR750]

I finished the wiring today. They work! I connected to them by Bluetooth. Easy.

waste tank complete.

I am not finished on the water tank. I ran out of plastic shielding for the wires and haven’t fully secured the wires. But electrically it is done.

I started the calibration process. Both tanks are pretty much empty and the calibration came back empty.

I left one fuse out so that I could tell which sensor was on which tank and set that up. Then added the fuse back and set up the other one.

When I’m in the water I will finish the calibration by filling the water tank.

And maybe add a fixed amount of water to the waste tank to see how accurate it is.

 

[CaptBob]

SFR750, Wiring on waste tank very nicely done. I’m sure the water tank wiring will be just as nice. I’ll be using your wiring ideas for my install. Good to know that the initial calibration is working.

Thanks for the update. Like I said, I’ll be ordering my system later this evening. And, am excited to get started. Thanks again.

CaptBob
S/V Kimberly