Holding Tank Sensor

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey S

Given that it's 2016, I would strongly suggest against getting any tank level reporting product that doesn't have an NMEA 2000 or Signal K interface. It's sort of like getting a Loran in 1995. Get something that can warn you and interface to other capabilities - you'll be using it in 2020.

It doesn't appear like Profile, SCAD, SOLO, or whoever is making this and/or putting their name on it has any type of normal interface. At a minimum, ask them if it can be added. It should be part of the system and if enough people ask, maybe they'll add it.

Just my $0.02. Most people will likely disagree. Come back in 2020 and see if I was right...

It's a reasonable path forward... but OTOH, if there's no easy way to get the signal from sensor to display... it's difficult to raise this as a priority in existing systems.

I could run a wire. Pain in the neck. (Not sure my plotter supports a way to display that particular kind of data, even though it's a NMEA2000 unit.)

I could get some kind of wireless interface. If my plotter can now physically accept one. and solve the display (It won't, I think.)

I could buy a new display, with a wireless interface. Or I could buy and add a wireless interface to the network for the new display. Pain in the neck.

Of I could simply resign myself to using the existing display (gauge). OK, it's a Loran-equivalent, but it's cheap. Fast. No pain.

Makes a lot of sense to adopt a systems approach -- using the latest and greatest -- if there's lots of change going on, but... for one lousy piece of data... in an existing system of various age... there's a practical limit to how much work/$$$ is helpful.

-Chris

[kchace]

I'm a lover of modern technology and have all of my instruments connected to NMEA2000 in order to share data. But my tank level display is in the forward head, its easy and normal to see it "regularly". I don't really see the need to be able to monitor the holding tank level from my chart plotter?

Ken

[HeadMistress]

Do you think that's really necessary for a device on which the sensors use capacitance to read through the tank wall, only draws milliamps, and only reports 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and FULL?

As for SCAD'S advice not to use fresh water, they should have advised against using DISTILLED or filtered water, 'cuz every liquid has a dialectic value. Pure distilled water with no impurities has a value of 0 so the sensors can't read it.

Btw, "SOLO" isn't a brand name...it's just the name for the single tank version of the SCAD/Profile gauges. They also offer systems that can read up to 8 tanks.

[Codger2]

I calibrated my "FULL" mark by filling up the tank with fresh water. I removed the cover that held the Tank Watch tubes and had a friend tell me when the water level was at the top of the tank. I then re attached the cover, did the "Full" calibration as per the instructions and everything worked fine! Just returned from a 140 mile cruise with 4 adults aboard, (4 days) and the tank monitor read ¾ full. (3 green lights) This is a great tank monitor!

[dwhatty]

Originally Posted by Codger2

I calibrated my "FULL" mark by filling up the tank with fresh water. I removed the cover that held the Tank Watch tubes and had a friend tell me when the water level was at the top of the tank. I then re attached the cover, did the "Full" calibration as per the instructions and everything worked fine! Just returned from a 140 mile cruise with 4 adults aboard, (4 days) and the tank monitor read ¾ full. (3 green lights) This is a great tank monitor!

Walt: What's the size of your holding tank on your new boat?

[Moonfish]

Wow, the SCAD is less than half the price of the Gobius system (the only other similar system I was aware of - until now!). I think we'll be getting the SCAD soon...

Gobius waste holding tank level system.

[HeadMistress]

Buy it direct from the mfr and save even more. Profile Tank Monitors

[HenryD]

Jeff,
Can you recommend a sensor that does work with NMEA2000? I have tried the Maretron TLM100 without much success in getting them to calibrate.

[Codger2]

Originally Posted by dwhatty

Walt: What's the size of your holding tank on your new boat?

40 gallons.....

[Jeffrey S]

Originally Posted by HenryD

Jeff,
Can you recommend a sensor that does work with NMEA2000? I have tried the Maretron TLM100 without much success in getting them to calibrate.

Have you contacted Maretron?

I think their products are pretty good. There are sure to be other, less expensive ones coming out for Signal K too.

[Delfin]

Originally Posted by Ray

Thanks for the replies, it is a Wema SHS which is standard equipment on the newer Mainships. It appears to be a tube with maybe a float inside? Have not taken it out of the tank yet, just looking at the web site. They have no information about cleaning or maintenance


Thanks Ray

This design does get crudded up, but they can be easily cleaned. Pull the unit by unscrewing the six screws on the top flange. Remove the stainless tube, then ensure the rod the float moves on is clean and the float can move easily. Reassemble and you should be good to go for awhile. Lots of fun, by the way....

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by dwhatty

Walt: What's the size of your holding tank on your new boat?

Originally Posted by Codger2

40 gallons.....

We discovered our "40 gallon" tank (so marked, by the manufacturer) only effectively handles 24 gallons. Has to do with wall thickness (I think actual max capacity was more like 37 gallons) and then the inlet/vent fitting locations which are a few inches south of the top.

-Chris