Tank Monitor Calibration (F/E)

[wil01]

It seems that the tank monitoring panel used by Newmar in 2007 was manufactured by a company now known as Tech-Edge Manufacturing, LLC. It seems that a lot of merging went on in that time frame and the name of the manufacturer was likely different from the current manufacturer.

At least up to 2000 the calibration of the tank sensors was done by adjusting a screw for each tank. The 2007 panel is different. I don’t know how long this version continued. You can identify this panel as follows. The manufacturer indicates that it is still the current version.

1. It has no adjustment screws on the front of the panel.

2. There is a red button marked “F” and a red button marked “E” at the right of the panel above the tank buttons.

Here are the calibration instructions from the manufacturer:

************************************************** *************

“SMART CHIP” MONITOR PANEL MEASUREMENT
AND CALIBRATION
Calibration on this tank now features our new Smart Chip calibration
algorithm.
TANK MEASUREMENT – To measure the level of a tank, simply push the
button on the display panel corresponding to the tank you wish to measure.
The lights on the panel will turn on in sequence, indicating the level of the
tank. The panel will draw no power unless the buttons are pushed.
CALIBRATION – The new Smart Chip calibration should eliminate sensor
installation issues and greatly simplify tank calibration. Review the
instructions below completely before attempting calibration.
A- You can calibrate either empty or full first but both need to be
calibrated. If you are starting with empty, your tank must be empty,
then:
B- Press and hold the tank reading button for the tank you are
calibrating.
C- While you are holding the tank reading button, press and hold in the
“Empty” calibration for 4 seconds (this button is the right of the two
small round buttons above the tank reading buttons. It is either red
or black).
D- Lights will flash 3 times when empty setting is complete. Release
buttons.
E- Fill the tank with water prior to calibrating full, then:
F- Press and hold the same tank reading button
G- While you are holding the tank reading button, press and hold in the
“Full” calibration for 4 seconds (this button is the left of the two
small round buttons above the tank reading buttons).
H- Lights will flash 3 times when full setting is complete. Release
buttons
I- Battery – Set Full only – the panel will flash when below 10 VDC.
Please call (541) 610-0401 for any questions or help you may need in the Procedure.

*************************************************

The calibration process went just as described in the above instructions.

I have just checked with Tech-Edge Manufacturing and the calibration data is stored in the unit’s nonvolatile memory and shouldn’t be lost if the 12 volt power is disconnected. That’s very good news.

The Newmar tech had no information or knowledge about this issue. He did provide me with the information necessary to contact the manufacturer.

I don’t think the factory does any calibration on these tanks at all, and every coach needs to calibrate the tank monitors.

The fresh water and gray water tanks are easy to get full and empty for the calibration. Getting the black water tank full is a little larger issue and should be done with care.

I started to fill the black water tank for calibration when the gauge showed ¾ full. I had to add a little more than 15 gallons of water before I could see water through the water closet discharge and call the system full. Requiring 15 gallons of water to fill a tank that is ¾ full indicates a 60 gallon tank instead of the actual 45 gallon tank. You can see that the accuracy originally was nonexistent.

How to calibrate the LP tank is another issue. Not many will like to completely empty the LP tank. We’ll see how it goes.

Wil

["007"]

Thanks for your informative post Wil, will add as added info with the thread we have in QT's # 3.

[shaman52]

The sensor calibration works as Wil describes.

I replaced all three tank sensors recently when I was installing tank flush valves. All three tanks had sensor tape incorrectly placed and the aluminum tape was starting to peel away from tank. Tape should be 1/2" from top and bottom of tank according to manufactures instructions

New $5 each Moda Sensor Repair Kit link https://tankedge.com/accessories.html

Attached are water tank original sensors and my completed water tank sensor repair.