Posted by douglas.domurat (douglas.domurat@…>)
Hi,
I’m interested in installing some sort of tank level gauge
particularly for the fresh water tank in my F30. I understand two
basic systems are available. One external that is non invasive
attached to the outside of the tank and provides a basic reading of
the tank level to a small LED display. The other being an internal
float mechanism that can send a signal to an LED or traditional analog
looking gauge. Some can measure and display fresh water, holding tank,
and fuel too. Both have pluses and minuses. Does anyone have
experience with either or any other type of fluid level measuring
device?
Thanks,
Doug
Posted by michel.capel (michel.capel@…>)
Doug,
There’s a third - low tech - alternative, mentioned here years ago. I
installed it in my F33. Worked fine. Put a T-joint in the feeder
hose just forward of the pressure pump. Attach a transparent hose to
the T-joint. Find a convenient out of the way vertical bulkhead
location which is at the same level as the tank(s) and somewhat
higher. Put a small vent on top of the hose. Attach tje hose
vertically to the bulkhead. When you open the vent, the water will
run up into the gauge tube to the level in the tank. It gives you an
indication of the level in the tank. If you have more than one tank,
it works on the tank that’s feeding the pump at that time. After
use, close the vent, or you’ll suck air into the system when the
pump runs.
Because my tanks have odd shapes and are inaccessable, there is no way
to establish the relationship between the water level and the
remaining amount of water, that’s why I don’t see a level meter as a
solution.
What I’ve been trying to figure out, is if it would be possible to
install a household watermeter in the system. I stopped searching,
because I could not find a simple mechanical water(flow) meter that
can be reset to zero.
Any one has a clue and an opinion about this idea?
michel
Posted by Alan Kusinitz (akusinitz@…>)
I have the type that’s non invasive on
both my tanks. It works well. The one problem I’ve had is that the sensor
foil adhesive doesn’t stick well to my poly tanks. After a year the gauge
stopped working. I had to take apart things so I could access the tanks and
reattach the foil. I used duck tape over the foil. So far so good but my guess
is that will also fall off at some point. I thought of just cutting a thin
viewing slot in the base of the settees to eyeball the level but wasn’t
sure I would be able to see it clearly.
If I were doing it again, and if Michels
solution wasn’t accessible enough I’d probably go invasive with the
tankwatch air pressure based switch.
Alan F-33 Hull #51 1982 SEAPR
From:
FreedomOwnersGroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:FreedomOwnersGroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of douglas.domurat
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 4:13
AM
To:
FreedomOwnersGroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [FreedomOwnersGroup] tank
level instrument
Hi,
I’m interested in installing some sort of tank level gauge
particularly for the fresh water tank in my F30. I understand two
basic systems are available. One external that is non invasive
attached to the outside of the tank and provides a basic reading of
the tank level to a small LED display. The other being an internal
float mechanism that can send a signal to an LED or traditional analog
looking gauge. Some can measure and display fresh water, holding tank,
and fuel too. Both have pluses and minuses. Does anyone have
experience with either or any other type of fluid level measuring
device?
Thanks,
Doug
\
Posted by douglas.domurat (douglas.domurat@…>)
Hi Alan,
The tank watch air pressure system sounds a bit complex. Do you
think its reliable and is it pricey?
Doug
— In FreedomOwnersGroup@yahoogroups.com, “Alan Kusinitz”
<akusinitz@…> wrote:
I have the type that’s non invasive on both my tanks. It works
well. The one
problem I’ve had is that the sensor foil adhesive doesn’t stick
well to my
poly tanks. After a year the gauge stopped working. I had to take
apart
things so I could access the tanks and reattach the foil. I used
duck tape
over the foil. So far so good but my guess is that will also fall
off at
some point. I thought of just cutting a thin viewing slot in the
base of the
settees to eyeball the level but wasn’t sure I would be able to
see it
clearly.
If I were doing it again, and if Michels solution wasn’t
accessible enough
I’d probably go invasive with the tankwatch air pressure based
switch.
Alan F-33 Hull #51 1982 SEAPR
From: FreedomOwnersGroup@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:FreedomOwnersGroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
douglas.domurat
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 4:13 AM
To: FreedomOwnersGroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [FreedomOwnersGroup] tank level instrument
Hi,
I’m interested in installing some sort of tank level gauge
particularly for the fresh water tank in my F30. I understand two
basic systems are available. One external that is non invasive
attached to the outside of the tank and provides a basic reading
of
the tank level to a small LED display. The other being an internal
float mechanism that can send a signal to an LED or traditional
analog
looking gauge. Some can measure and display fresh water, holding
tank,
and fuel too. Both have pluses and minuses. Does anyone have
experience with either or any other type of fluid level measuring
device?
Thanks,
Doug