Friend wrecked his RV and gave me his tank level gauge and some sensors. I know they won't be very accurate particularly with the boat rockin and rollin, but at least I'll have some idea of fresh water and holding tank levels when in the slip. I'm just not sure where on the tanks they are supposed to be stuck. Top, middle? Any RVers use these before?
Tank Level Sensor Installation
- Thread starter wufibugs
- Start date
The possibility that I might need the sensor strip seems reasonable, although the little head unit in picture 2 has a peel off adhesive so that unit can be stuck to the tank. Not sure if it has a sensor of some kind, or it's just to mount and keep it from flopping around. I'm also wondering if the backing on the large foil patch has a peel off adhesive also and that acts as the foil sensor Joker referred to.
The only paperwork he had was a generic wiring diagram that does not have any brand or manufacturer on it. I will check the gauge head unit for a manufacturer, but probably just something in the orient. The wiring diagram does not show anything leading to a foil sensor, so I wonder if that changes anyone's analysis? Anyone know of an RV forum that might provide some insight?
The only paperwork he had was a generic wiring diagram that does not have any brand or manufacturer on it. I will check the gauge head unit for a manufacturer, but probably just something in the orient. The wiring diagram does not show anything leading to a foil sensor, so I wonder if that changes anyone's analysis? Anyone know of an RV forum that might provide some insight?
Attachments
So far so good, Woody. But where on the tanks did you mount the sensorst? First issue is side or front, which would govern whether it is more accurate in rolling seas or while heeling? Second how high, or low, on the tank did you mount? I am guessing that the foil patch is the part that reads the fluid level? If so, would it be advisable to fix the foil patch at the middle of the tank for best results?
I am not too trusting of the adhesive that comes on these things. Do you think there is problem with covering them with some kind of non-conductive tape?
I am not too trusting of the adhesive that comes on these things. Do you think there is problem with covering them with some kind of non-conductive tape?
i mounted mine on the end of the tank (tank faces long port to starboard) 1/2 inch from bottom to 1/2 before the top...2 strips 3 inches apart parallel to each other ..as for the non conductive tape that would be fine i guess...clean your tank surface good before applying the strips ..alcohol is good ...you will find that as far as reading the level under way it wont matter ...just read when you are at port or about to shove off or when anchored out if it gets full under way ...sail to the three mile limit and pump over board
Install
You need to go to Joker460 for the scadteck info or Fierilllo sales for all your info
on how to install.
Nick
You need to go to Joker460 for the scadteck info or Fierilllo sales for all your info
on how to install.
Nick
Ken i think you are correct ...that is the reason you use this type in the first place...the way i understand it is that on a metal tank it would be like a dead short all the time someone correct me if i am wrong
Not much
I hate to tell you the bad news if that is all you have,the gauge you need
to buy is not cheap and the strips of aluminum are cheap.
Nick
I hate to tell you the bad news if that is all you have,the gauge you need
to buy is not cheap and the strips of aluminum are cheap.
Nick
I do have the gauge and my tanks are plastic. The only thing that seems to be missing is the foil strips, though I'm still not quite sure if they are required with this unit. I will have to do a bit more detective work to see who manufactures this one. As suggested I'll also send the pictures to Scadtech and Fiorillo sales to see if they can help.
you will have to use the foil or it will not give you a correct reading ...it will be like a broken clock it will read correct only when the contents are at the same level as the contacts you stuck to the tank
So Many
I am pretty sure one of the ones mentioned has replacement foil and when you
add them clean the tank real good and maybe use acetone.
Woodster I have the system but have yet to install and was told my Wema
gauge uses different Ohms but after looking on the internet I see the tape
system uses the same Ohms as my wema gauge.
I have a round Gauge for my water and holding tank with a switch on the gauge
to switch back and forth to water or waste and the water one works just fine.
I can see my holding tank so never installed the new gauge or foil yet but hope to do so soon after the new year when things less crazy for a while.
But would love to see if my gauge works with the foil and will check my paper
work again for the foil system.
Nick
I am pretty sure one of the ones mentioned has replacement foil and when you
add them clean the tank real good and maybe use acetone.
Woodster I have the system but have yet to install and was told my Wema
gauge uses different Ohms but after looking on the internet I see the tape
system uses the same Ohms as my wema gauge.
I have a round Gauge for my water and holding tank with a switch on the gauge
to switch back and forth to water or waste and the water one works just fine.
I can see my holding tank so never installed the new gauge or foil yet but hope to do so soon after the new year when things less crazy for a while.
But would love to see if my gauge works with the foil and will check my paper
work again for the foil system.
Nick
Nick that is sort of like i did mine but i have a fuel gauge as well so i put a momentary on ...off...on switch to the power source to power all three or i can spot check or leave it off so as not to be using the power when not want to check the gauges ..i only leave it on when running the yannie ...when in port or anchored out it will be nice to not have the power draw
sorry forgot to mention that i have three gauges one for each tank... fuel ...waste.... potable water