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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: somewhereinusa on July 27, 2011, 05:52:44 PM

Title: Tank monetoring system
Post by: somewhereinusa on July 27, 2011, 05:52:44 PM
I've been looking for a tank monitoring system.
Does anyone have any thoughts, good or bad, about this system? Is anyone using one?
http://www.tankedge.com/products.html (http://www.tankedge.com/products.html)
It will monitor up to 8 tanks including diesel in metal tanks (with special sensors) or propane tanks(if equipped with sensors)
as well as voltage. (probably only 12v, but that is what I have.
Price looks good and panel is somewhat programmable.
Title: Re: Tank monetoring system
Post by: Joe Camper on July 27, 2011, 08:21:59 PM
I have installed that on a bus in KC and it was inexpensive easy to install the key pad is very user friendly and what is not to like about the external sensor aspect of it. That there alone is what convinced me to try it.

I give it a thumbs up

It periodicly scrolls thru all the settings by itself and does it frequently enough that often when you are standing there taking care of buisness it shows you without asking, I have it mounted on the wall behind the tank.

I doo like that too, a bunch. I smile every time it happens.LOL

You wont be disapointed get it.
Title: Re: Tank monetoring system
Post by: Joe Camper on July 27, 2011, 08:40:28 PM
Ill give you the other side of that equasion.

I also recently did a repair an a "tank sensor system" you see, I made that in quotation, because this perticular repair was not on just any bus but on a prevo and that warrents a entirly different class of definition.

Any bus guy knows that right?

So anyway The liberty sports polished stainless tanks and the nice inexpensive easy to install external sensor model wouldnt work. But more importantly it would not fit with the manufacturing philosiphy of making everything as exotic and complicated and expensive as possible to repair.

So they went with headhunter a very complex and expensive accessory.

The system works by pumping air out of a microcompressor built into a  motherboard every few muinits it pumps air down the tube and I assume the time it takes for the water level to comwe back up it knows the level. Quite an ingenious way to do it.MrWizzard stuff.

That sealed in epoxy component is 500 bucks its only 1/2 of the device. The controll panel looks like even more but I duno bout dat.

While Im on this rant it reminds me of another kinda related issue that speeks to the same topic.

On this beauty you have the ability with the simple flick of a switch to make incoming city water divert to your fresh tank and fill it.

Shizam for only about 10 time the cost of a simple ball valve that, by the way, is located almost directly next to the swith but behind a panel cause that would just be terrible to be able to see such things being a prevo and all.

For 10 times the cost and complexity to get to push a button verses moving a lever all in the same location.

God I just love these buses

Title: Re: Tank monetoring system
Post by: gus on July 27, 2011, 08:41:18 PM
That is my next purchase, not having a fuel gage is driving me nuts!!
Title: Re: Tank monetoring system
Post by: Joe Camper on July 27, 2011, 09:09:40 PM
Gus Im not sure but I do not think these external sensors will work on metal tanks.?   Anybody?
Title: Re: Tank monetoring system
Post by: TomC on July 27, 2011, 10:33:50 PM
My tank gauge is white plastic tanks-shine a light and see the level of the water. Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Tank monetoring system
Post by: niles500 on July 28, 2011, 02:10:33 AM
Gus - Is your next purchase a fuel gauge or a Prevost ???
Title: Re: Tank monetoring system
Post by: luvrbus on July 28, 2011, 07:36:32 AM
Gus, these people have the best fuel gauges on the market I like their other tanks monitors also a little pricey but last forever we did a bus with the LED gauges pretty neat www.wemausa.com (http://www.wemausa.com)

good luck
Title: Re: Tank monetoring system
Post by: somewhereinusa on July 28, 2011, 03:15:41 PM
Gus, from my reading of the web site and downloaded pdf forms, you can get a sensor for diesel that goes into the tank, you order the length priced from $130 to $160 depending on length. I also understand (going to check by phone) that if you already have a fuel sender you can use it for signal, you just have to tell them at time of order. From my understanding updates to software are free, but you have to send it back to them. I do think that changing type of sending unit has a charge.
Title: Re: Tank monetoring system
Post by: gus on July 28, 2011, 08:31:19 PM
The ad I read didn't say anything about metal tanks being a problem but I read it pretty fast.

They have three types, one requires being sent back to the factory for changes. One has a simple panel and one an exotic one.
All seem to be reasonably priced.

All my water tanks are translucent plastic,  the fuel tank is my main problem.

Prevost!! Does anyone on this board take me for the Prevost type?? No self respecting GM guy would think about owning a Prevost!!  :)