RV Water Level Detector
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
RV Water Level Detector
Hi,
A few years ago I had a Holiday Rambler RV (E350). But, what I'm curious about was the water level detector that it used.
As far as I could tell, ( and I've had the tank out
) the only 'sensors' were a couple of strips of metallic tape with attached wires. I've never seen any description of a level sensor with that type of arrangement. It only provided low/OK/'full' readings, but it worked just fine.
I'm just really curious about how it works (now I get curious
). I'd really appreciate any info from anybody that knows how they work, or at least knows a brand name or whatever.
Thanks,
hj
A few years ago I had a Holiday Rambler RV (E350). But, what I'm curious about was the water level detector that it used.
As far as I could tell, ( and I've had the tank out
) the only 'sensors' were a couple of strips of metallic tape with attached wires. I've never seen any description of a level sensor with that type of arrangement. It only provided low/OK/'full' readings, but it worked just fine. I'm just really curious about how it works (now I get curious
). I'd really appreciate any info from anybody that knows how they work, or at least knows a brand name or whatever. Thanks,
hj
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,940
Likes: 8
From: Southern Oregon Coast
It might work similarly to what's posted on this link: Water Level Sensor, water level switch, water level indicator, water level measurement, water level control, fluid level sensor, water level meter
I've serviced coffee brewers that had a similar arrangement - a pair of wires (1 is known as the "high probe" and the other is known as the "low probe") tells the brewer to pump water into the tank to be heated and maintains the water level.
In your case, it sounds like the probes are feeding a signal to a gauge to tell you if the tank level is low or high.
My tanks don't have a level detector on them and I wish they did - I've been sort of wondering how difficult it would be to install one.
A low AC voltage is applied between the probe electrode and the tank wall (or reference electrode in case of insulated tank). When the water/liquid comes in contact with the electrode tip, a conductive path is established between the sense electrode and the tank wall/reference electrode. This current is sensed, amplified and made to operate a relay whose contacts in turn can be used for annunciation/control.
In your case, it sounds like the probes are feeding a signal to a gauge to tell you if the tank level is low or high.
My tanks don't have a level detector on them and I wish they did - I've been sort of wondering how difficult it would be to install one.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
The traditional RV systems are just bolts through the tank with wire sensors that read a voltage/resistance...the fluid level completes the circuit and makes the read out in 1/3 or 1/4 tank increments...very primative to say the least...but certainly proven and somewhat effective
However there are much more accurate reading devices out there...and the one I have on my bus is similar to this See LeveL II Tank Monitor 709 - $176.97
Mine has battery voltage added to this monitor...it is nice to see your tank levels in an accurate level versus the 1/3 to 1/4 level increments...
Joe.
However there are much more accurate reading devices out there...and the one I have on my bus is similar to this See LeveL II Tank Monitor 709 - $176.97
Mine has battery voltage added to this monitor...it is nice to see your tank levels in an accurate level versus the 1/3 to 1/4 level increments...
Joe.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Thanks for the responses, but I don't think that's it. This tank had 2 (or maybe it was 3 - it's been a while), strips of metallic tape on the outside of the tank.
Nothing touched the water. That's why I'm so curious. Gave the manual to the new owner several years ago-- and now I start wondering.
Anyway F1,I'd think that the tough part would be the wiring to the indicator as far as adding a sensor. My tank was under one of the beds, and it was pretty easy to take out and work on. But, I don't know how you'd route any wires to the front area or wherever
Wow, I just found a system that works like the one I had -- only it's a lot more sophisticated . It's a circuit board that pastes to the side of the tank.
Sensor Board - For use with all model 709 tank monitor systems
Unfortunately, they just talk about a 'proprietary digital system'
Thanks again,
hj
Nothing touched the water. That's why I'm so curious. Gave the manual to the new owner several years ago-- and now I start wondering.
Anyway F1,I'd think that the tough part would be the wiring to the indicator as far as adding a sensor. My tank was under one of the beds, and it was pretty easy to take out and work on. But, I don't know how you'd route any wires to the front area or wherever
Wow, I just found a system that works like the one I had -- only it's a lot more sophisticated . It's a circuit board that pastes to the side of the tank.
Sensor Board - For use with all model 709 tank monitor systems
Unfortunately, they just talk about a 'proprietary digital system'
Thanks again,
hj
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