Ultrasonic Tank Level

[Dave Lochner]

Having gone down the Wema/Kus sewage tank sender that never worked well, we bought a GobiusC unit. So far it seems to be working well, although we've only been out a couple of weeks. The unit uses a micro radar and sends out the level via BT to a phone app and to the N2K network. Calibrating was pretty easy, plug in the some tank measurements and it knows the level. The best part, for non-metallic tanks there is no hole cutting, it attaches to the top of the tank with 3m VHB tape.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Dave Lochner

Having gone down the Wema/Kus sewage tank sender that never worked well, we bought a GobiusC unit. So far it seems to be working well, although we've only been out a couple of weeks. The unit uses a micro radar and sends out the level via BT to a phone app and to the N2K network. Calibrating was pretty easy, plug in the some tank measurements and it knows the level. The best part, for non-metallic tanks there is no hole cutting, it attaches to the top of the tank with 3m VHB tape.

A very cool looking unit!!


It's expensive (€366) but looks extremely good.


But how do you set it up? With BT? I doubt that any regular network MFD's would do it.

[Dave Lochner]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

A very cool looking unit!!


It's expensive (€366) but looks extremely good.


But how do you set it up? With BT? I doubt that any regular network MFD's would do it.

Yes, it is set up with the GobiusC app on Bluetooth, then it sends out the data in standard N2K language, my Zeus 3s reads and displays it. It should be compatible with any N2K MFD that can display tank levels.

It is on the pricier side, however, compared to telling your wife the holding tank is full and backing up, it is priceless.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Dave Lochner

Yes, it is set up with the GobiusC app on Bluetooth, then it sends out the data in standard N2K language, my Zeus 3s reads and displays it. It should be compatible with any N2K MFD that can display tank levels.

It is on the pricier side, however, compared to telling your wife the holding tank is full and backing up, it is priceless.

Cool; thanks.


This could be a hot tip, as I'm not hearing universally good things about ultrasonic sensors with black water tanks, and the Maretron pressure type seems even more expensive if you factor in the box and one sensor.

[Dave Lochner]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Cool; thanks.


This could be a hot tip, as I'm not hearing universally good things about ultrasonic sensors with black water tanks, and the Maretron pressure type seems even more expensive if you factor in the box and one sensor.

I looked at Maretron, however it necessary to have a Maretron device to calibrate the sensor. The cost of the sensor and a dedicated display was much more than the GobiusC.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Dave Lochner

I looked at Maretron, however it necessary to have a Maretron device to calibrate the sensor. The cost of the sensor and a dedicated display was much more than the GobiusC.

You don't néed a Maretron MFD, you can use a PC connected via an Actisense NGT etc.


But I still think you made the right choice. Looks like that works better with black water tanks, and I'm thinking about going the same way..

[Dave Lochner]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

You don't néed a Maretron MFD, you can use a PC connected via an Actisense NGT etc.


But I still think you made the right choice. Looks like that works better with black water tanks, and I'm thinking about going the same way..

Yes, but I don't have a PC, I have Macs and I don't have a bridge between the N2K and USB. I could have purchased the Maretron bridge, but it would be for a single purpose, seemed like a waste money. That and I like the idea of fewer holes in the tank.

[DShant]

I had a Headhunter Sentry system on one boat that could monitor all tanks, water, black water, grey water and fuel, It was great when it worked but I recall having to recalibrate the fuel tanks a lot due to some kind of bug that would screw it up when going on and off generator power perhaps. I never figured it out. Also it seems expensive compared to what people have been talking about here.

Pros are it has no electric or movable parts in the tank and can be calibrated to give accurate information on any size or shape of tank. Has programmable high and low alarms for various levels both audible and visual.

Also I should mention that they have great customer service. My system was way out of warranty but when my captain called them to complain about the performance the owner sent his son over who installed a new head unit, recalibrated all the tanks and didn't charge a cent. The company is in Fort Lauderdale I think.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Dave Lochner

Yes, but I don't have a PC, I have Macs and I don't have a bridge between the N2K and USB. I could have purchased the Maretron bridge, but it would be for a single purpose, seemed like a waste money. That and I like the idea of fewer holes in the tank.

Yes, having to put another hole in the tank would be OTT.



I already have the whole but nevertheless think I will be going this way for my black water tank. It's on my list for next winter's works. Meanwhile I'll try to collect info from users to see if it works well in practice.


Thanks for the tip!