Propane level indicators - types and how they work

[Second Chance]

mpking and Cate&Rob -- then how does the screw on gauges work? There's no float and I can't envision how it would weigh the contents. Not doubting you guys, just can't connect what I've seen with what I'm reading. I know propane is great for BBQ grills and RV heaters...after that not too knowledgeable.

These gauges measure pressure only - which is "all or nothing" in a propane tank. They'll only tell you when the tank is empty (a little too late).

Rob

[Cate&Rob]

I now have Flame King bottles (with built-in gauge). So far, no issues.

Hi Howard,

Just to be clear, that "gauge" cannot measure the amount of propane in the tank. Note that it has a wide green band where the needle will wander, based on temperature, regardless of how much liquid propane is in the tank. When the liquid has all vaporized, the needle will move to the narrow yellow band and then quickly to the empty red zone. All that gauge can tell you is that either you have some unknown amount of propane . . . or the tank is empty.

Rob

[howson]

All that gauge can tell you is that either you have some unknown amount of propane . . . or the tank is empty.

The only reason I know that is because a really smart Canadian (who owns a legacy 303) told me about this one (two?) years ago. (Good thing that Canadian doesn't have a per-post surcharge for everything I've learned from him--I'd owe a fortune!)

BL-- I know the limitations, but it's better than nothing.

[bertschb]

...But what works time after time for me is the little red/green gauge on the regulator when a tank runs out. Tank runs out, gauge turns red, auto flips to the next tank. Get empty tank filled, flip lever on top, gauge turns green until the other tank runs out.

Same here. I'm a gadget junky and I'm always looking for an excuse to buy something to play with. I came thiiiiiiiiis close to buying the Mopeka device.

But, the auto switching regulator works so well for me there is no need for me to know how much propane is in a tank. I'll know it's empty when the flag turns red and if it isn't red, I don't care how much propane is in there.

[Cate&Rob]

In the middle of the night (when I know the first tank is getting close to empty) I will hear the furnace hiccup and restart after the automatic switch-over. Then, I go back to sleep (and can deal with the empty tank in the morning). A very clever and useful device.

Rob

[ncitro]

I use the Mopeka sensors. I had an issue with the magnets coming unglued from the sensors, but they shipped me new ones at no charge. I found the batteries to be a pain, so I took a lesson from someone with a levelmate pro and got a 3.3V power supply and soldered it onto the battery contacts for the Mopeka sensors. Now they run off the rigs power, and I find they work way better too. Always have full strength and they connect right away. Here is the supply I got:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Calbar]

I use the Mopeka sensors. I had an issue with the magnets coming unglued from the sensors, but they shipped me new ones at no charge. I found the batteries to be a pain, so I took a lesson from someone with a levelmate pro and got a 3.3V power supply and soldered it onto the battery contacts for the Mopeka sensors. Now they run off the rigs power, and I find they work way better too. Always have full strength and they connect right away. Here is the supply I got:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Your post and one previously got me thinking about doing the power supply idea too. I really don't like the idea of opening the cover at the beginning and end of the season all the time and doing the battery thing. I am going to have to do this in the spring before we start travelling again.

Thanks,
Rob

[ncitro]

Your post and one previously got me thinking about doing the power supply idea too. I really don't like the idea of opening the cover at the beginning and end of the season all the time and doing the battery thing. I am going to have to do this in the spring before we start travelling again.

Thanks,
Rob

Yeah it was pretty straightforward if you’re comfortable with an iron. I run both sensors off one power supply with no issue.

[Yoda]

Update
So folks know I picked up one of the level indicator pens recommended https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-LPGC1...ct_top?ie=UTF8

It seems to work very well.

[Calbar]

Yeah it was pretty straightforward if you’re comfortable with an iron. I run both sensors off one power supply with no issue.

Thanks. Educated in electronics and been in the field for 33 years so will be simple to do. I just need to stop myself from removing the battery holder and soldering to the board. Need to remind myself that KISS works best.

Rob

[ncitro]

Thanks. Educated in electronics and been in the field for 33 years so will be simple to do. I just need to stop myself from removing the battery holder and soldering to the board. Need to remind myself that KISS works best.

Rob

I hear you there, I’m sure you’ll be happy with the results then. I was amazed how much better it works of the power supply, so much do I wonder if the batteries I was using were underpowered.

Edit: spelling

[Calbar]

I hear you there, I’m sure oil be happy with the results then. I was amazed how much better it works of the power supply, so much do I wonder if the batteries I was using were underpowered.

Yes I noticed that on your post. I have one sensor that works really good and one that sometimes losses the reading. Hopefully this will help.

Rob

[howson]

I hear you there, I’m sure oil be happy with the results then. I was amazed how much better it works of the power supply, so much do I wonder if the batteries I was using were underpowered.

Hmmm...I still have the Mopeka sensors stashed in a drawer somewhere. I may have to give this a try, too.

[howson]

I use the Mopeka sensors. I had an issue with the magnets coming unglued from the sensors, but they shipped me new ones at no charge. I found the batteries to be a pain, so I took a lesson from someone with a levelmate pro and got a 3.3V power supply and soldered it onto the battery contacts for the Mopeka sensors. Now they run off the rigs power, and I find they work way better too. Always have full strength and they connect right away. Here is the supply I got:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Did you put a fuse on the wiring?

[ncitro]

Did you put a fuse on the wiring?

yes, I fused the input to the power supply, but not the output.