Sensor to Utilize GPS Unit to Monitor Fluids in Tanks

Your GPS unit is designed to track stolen vehicles, I believe. How does that translate into monitoring remote levels?

There are many instrument companies that make what you seek, if all you want to do is monitor the level remotely. Foxboro, Rosemount, Endress + Hauser, to name a few. Try a Google search on any of these names and look at their products or contact a rep.

How far out is it, really? There are less expensive methods to remotely monitor electronically measurable things.

Hi Queenbee, You mention this 'water tank' 20ft x 15ft diameter, at a 'production site' Is it manned? If so, then an employee working on site, with a long stick could tap on the side of the tank and when the sound changed, that would indicate the level of the contents. A mobile phone[if it is in range] and a long pole is all that's needed. If the water tank is un-manned, that's another matter. There are plenty of options, but cheap and reliable often don't tango.

As far as I'm aware of, GPS is not all that good at detecting heights - it's designed for position measurement. As suggested by other posts, you probably need a very simple sensor and some radio link.

Since it is a remote location, your best method would be to use a sonic sensor. I usses ultra-sonic transmission to measure the density and level of your fluids. Now since you mentioned also you have 12V power, is this just a regular auto type battery or do you actually have a solar generator already in place? The sonic level sensor can has capabilities of output in several forms for transmission. The most readily type is the 4-20m.a. signal, which then would be encoded to a transmitter which you should use over the gps unit. Usually these small measurement devices are rated for 24VDC excitation, so you might need to set up a small transformer for your power supply. The whole system should not run more then about $1500.00 to build and set into motion. I believe your most expensive sub-assembly would be the micro-computer to be programmed into the operation for your actual control of the system as a whole. If yor GPS unit is programable to send and recieve process information, you will be ahead of the game. Set the system up to be remotely turned on, turn on the power supply to excite the sonic level detector, gather the information, and then output the information to your mainframe monitoring the remote site. Sounds complicated, but does work. I use to work at the largest evaporative pond system, crystal mining farm in Utah. Our area covers more then 25 square miles of intricated ponds, lift stations and dike/ water flow system. Our outer most ponds all have been set-up with remote measurement capabilities. I would recommend you contacting the facility and interface with there engineering group for a more indepth discription and the process that is used for this monitoring process you are in need of aquireing. Great Salt Lake Minerals Corp. 765n 10500w Ogden, UT. 84404 801-731-3100 x=3002 Ask for Darrel Richardsons Good Luck.

Dear LordMaximo; I like your concept of using my current gps units with production tanks. We are also in an area with remote access but do have solar panels set up at most stations. I need to communicate with over 60 production tank locations at a time. What are your thoughts on using your system with many different stations. Do I need to set up a complete computer/gps station at each tank? After I hear from you then I will contact Darrel. I want to at least sound like I know something more about the operation. Thanks , Queenbee

Hi Queenbee: I work for a company called Remote Control Technology and we actually offer a product that will help you with your application for monitoring your tank. What we offer is called a Wireless Data Controller (WDC). It is a web-to-wireless supervisory control and acquisition (WWSCADA) device, designed to directly monitor up to 10 digital inputs, which can be dry contacts or 120 VAC inputs. The WDC can also monitor up to 3 analog inputs and has 3 remote control relays. Your application for your tank would be monitored in real-time. This would be ideal for your application if corrective action needed to be taken. Status alerts can be sent via web or text enabled devices such as a cell phone, PDA, laptop computer, desktop computer, or pagers. I hope this helps. If you have any further questions, I would be most happy to assist you. Thanks Moneca

Moneca; thanks for the information. I have looked some of these up and have some questions, but these seem to be the solution I have been searching for. Thanks everyone, Queenbee ...