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Data and monitoring: Level Indicator for Rain Harvesting Tank

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    • CommentAuthoradh
    • CommentTimeNov 17th 2010
     
    Hi All,

    I have a rain harvesting system fitted which automatically switches over to mains water when the tank gets low. However there is no indication of the tank contents which is annoying as it's useful to know when the tank is running low. I know other systems have LED indications, or digital readouts, of the tank level but our system doesn't (Rewatec McRain). I've contacted the company who makes the system but all they have is a visual flag which is attached to the top of the tank and sticks up when the tank is empty! Not ideal in a domestic setting!

    Does anyone have any links or information on a third party indicating system I could fit to provide details of tank quantity?

    Thanks for any information :bigsmile:
    • CommentAuthorCWatters
    • CommentTimeNov 17th 2010 edited
     
    Perhaps one designed for heating oil tanks would work? Most people use the Watchman...

    http://www.sensor-systems.com/products_collection.html#Sonic

    Perhaps check with them to see if it's ok for water. Latest version sets off an alarm beep if the level falls rapidly indicating theft.

    PS: Latest version also has to be calibrated to set the tank depth. This should allow you to adjust the zero or 5% alarm threshold (eg by not entering the real tank depth).
    • CommentAuthorHenry
    • CommentTimeNov 17th 2010
     
    Try this (we have used it and, while basic, it is OK)

    http://www.rainharvesting.co.uk/pdfs/Tank%20gauge.pdf
    • CommentAuthoradh
    • CommentTimeNov 18th 2010
     
    Thanks for the info.

    Will make a few enquiries on the one for oil. I did find the one from rainharvesting.co.uk but it is around £90 which is a bit steep for an analogue gauge.

    I did find this on Ebay and after checking out the manufacturers website seems to be a cost effective but simple solution:

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200541633170&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_3227wt_1062
    • CommentAuthorMikeRumney
    • CommentTimeNov 20th 2010
     
    If you're into recycling /alternative methods you might want to consider what we're intending which is a car fuel gauge from the scrappy ... Simple float on hinged arm that alters the amount of current (or resistance?) to a "potentiometer" that feeds to the needle ... Just a case of calibrating where "empty" is ......... (??)
    • CommentAuthorMikeRumney
    • CommentTimeNov 20th 2010
     
    • CommentAuthoradh
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2010
     
    Thanks will have a good read through that thread.
    • CommentAuthorevan
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2010 edited
     
    Cut across a 16-way ribbon cable at a shallow angle, so that the narrowest end (just one wire) reaches the bottom of the tank, and the wide end (all the wires) is clamped at the top. Run the cable into the house in a bit of conduit.

    Then you have several choices for displaying the level: one would be a simple transistor and LED for each wire - the longest wire is "-" and the other wires are connected to the Base of your transistors.

    Even simpler would be a milliamp meter with a few resistors to set the scale, and all the other wires connected through it (the more of them touching the water, the more current).

    Either way, don't leave it on permanently or the wires will corrode, just use a push button to test the level when you want to. Use a 9V battery to run it.
    • CommentAuthoradh
    • CommentTimeNov 23rd 2010
     
    Thanks.

    If you click on the link for Ebay you'll see that's exactly what this product does. I think this is my best option and cheapest.

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