Tank Level Options

[aeblank]

I'm interested in having more accurate tank level sensors.

I'm aware of SeeLevel (https://www.garnetinstruments.com/rv-shop/), which seems to be the go-to. It seems way more complicated than needed, however. I mean, why does it need to tie into the pump? I just don't get it. Perhaps as an OEM system, but not "aftermarket".

Anyway, I just think something else has got to be out there. An add-on system that just needs 12V and you plaster it to the side of the tank(s). Then bluetooth to it, or something. Naturally, I've yet to find anything. I can't help think of the propane level sensors that just slap onto the bottom of the tank and bluetooth to your phone/app. Simple, fairly reasonably priced, etc.

I did find this though.....
Conductive strips and an arduino. Interesting.
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub...fdc1004-9333c7

So I guess I post to see what other options there are. OR, has anyone done their own home-brew system?

[andymil]

I did a “home brew” system for the black and grey tanks last year. I used stick on sensors found on eBay. They are switches that light LEDs and I added buzzers for the full level. It’s completely separate from the OEM system. Sort of a backup system that’s better than the OEM.

[andymil]

I like that Arduino project. I might have to try that on our new (to us) 5er.

[aeblank]

Originally Posted by andymil

I like that Arduino project. I might have to try that on our new (to us) 5er.

That's the spirit! It seems like it could be cool. I'd guess it to have Bluetooth. Maybe it could support 3 sets of sensors. I swear there's a product here for a properly motivated person. Or maybe it's just me (and you).

[Kimber45]

Can one of you guys stop by and crawl in my black tank for me?

[aeblank]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

Can one of you guys stop by and crawl in my black tank for me?

Why?
The answer is still no....
But why?

Everything we're talking about is external.

[Kimber45]

Ill need to do some research to figure out how a tank monitor works on the outside?

[CTGREG]

I think it would be great if some sort of device could be made to announce "HEY, IT'S GETTING CROWDED IN HERE" the you lift the seat to the toilet and the level is shall we say, is full. Just a thought!

[andymil]

aceblank: I’m not sure if the Arduino works with Bluetooth. I don’t know enough about them.

I’m sure there’s a product here. Too bad I know less than nothing about bringing a product to market.

If I’m looking at it correctly, the breakout board used in the project can support 4 sensors. Not cheap though. $50 from India.

Kimber45: They work by reading changing capacitance.

CTGREG: I used a buzzer, but I guess you could get an Arduino to talk to you.

[aeblank]

Originally Posted by andymil

I did a “home brew” system for the black and grey tanks last year. I used stick on sensors found on eBay. They are switches that light LEDs and I added buzzers for the full level. It’s completely separate from the OEM system. Sort of a backup system that’s better than the OEM.

I missed your post somehow.
Your system uses discrete "is there fluid here" sensors positioned where you want them, right?

I'm wanting a percentage. 62% instead of "more than half, less than 3/4".

Granted, with the pancake tanks most of us have, a slight out of level condition changes things dramatically, too.

[andymil]

Originally Posted by aeblank

Your system uses discrete "is there fluid here" sensors positioned where you want them, right?

Yes. I used two on each tank. One for half and one for full. The motivation for these sensors was to set up a warning while filling the black tank with the tank flush. I’ve been flushing the black tank with a lot of water. A flashing LED with a buzzer that I can see and hear outside if the tank gets full. We also overflowed the grey tank once because the shower head was hanging down and dripping all night. It has a “tank is full” buzzer inside now.

[Dave_the_Piper]

Originally Posted by andymil

I did a “home brew” system for the black and grey tanks last year. I used stick on sensors found on eBay. They are switches that light LEDs and I added buzzers for the full level. It’s completely separate from the OEM system. Sort of a backup system that’s better than the OEM.

Could you expand on this? Sounds like something I would like to add. The buzzer at flush time is a great idea.

[andymil]

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-144771-2.html

Try this thread. Post #16 and 17. Let me know if you need more info. The eBay link might be dated but the switches are available from other sellers.

[Dinostop]

Originally Posted by aeblank

I missed your post somehow.
Your system uses discrete "is there fluid here" sensors positioned where you want them, right?

I'm wanting a percentage. 62% instead of "more than half, less than 3/4".

Granted, with the pancake tanks most of us have, a slight out of level condition changes things dramatically, too.

Check out iSeries by Tank Edge. They make systems that go by percentages. I’m on my third camper with the system and have never had an issue. Tech support is awesome as well. Only down side is running new wires to each tank. You use copper foil strips on the outside of the tanks. There are spots for your pump and water heater switch Che’s if you want but don’t have to use them.

[aeblank]

Originally Posted by Dinostop

Check out iSeries by Tank Edge. They make systems that go by percentages. I’m on my third camper with the system and have never had an issue. Tech support is awesome as well. Only down side is running new wires to each tank. You use copper foil strips on the outside of the tanks. There are spots for your pump and water heater switch Che’s if you want but don’t have to use them.

Ooo. I like that.
If course, $100 cheaper sure would be nice.

Did you install it on all your rigs?
What about the propane level? They talk about an already installed something... that I don't have. The other propane level thing I want is like $80 or something, so that offsets it, perhaps (see, I can"justify" things).

Thanks for the tip.

[Dinostop]

Originally Posted by aeblank

Ooo. I like that.
If course, $100 cheaper sure would be nice.

Did you install it on all your rigs?
What about the propane level? They talk about an already installed something... that I don't have. The other propane level thing I want is like $80 or something, so that offsets it, perhaps (see, I can"justify" things).

Thanks for the tip.

With the propane part of it, you need tanks that have the sending units in them. I never found any that have that.

As for installing the system myself, I did install them on each of my trailers. Some trailers were easier than others. For cost, I’ll pay the extra to not have to worry about over flowing black tanks.

[aeblank]

Maybe?
Manchester Tank G12846 LP Gas Tank - Remote 90° OHM Sender https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003D3WPGS..._qktNAb8QB02B3

I'll probably email them to clarify exactly what I want and end up with this on my Christmas list....

Though a home brew of this is still on my radar.