Snake River tank monitor

[c34no1471]

I've looked on this web site for a discussion of this problem; didn't find this specific issue discussed, but I would suspect others have experienced a similar problem. 

A few years ago I installed the Snake River Accu-Gage four-tank monitoring system.  This is the one with the foil strips on the outside of the tanks.  I mounted strips and sensors on the two fresh water tanks and the holding tank.  It was worked fine up to now (once I got a good ground connection).  Calibration, of course, is an issue with the irregular tank shapes.  But I find the monitor accurate enough for my purposes.

But now it says the aft water tank is full when it is full, one-quarter empty, half empty, or empty.  The other two sensors are still working properly.

Any ideas?  Thanks.

[Ken Juul]

If I remember correctly Dennis Ferriello used to be the owner of Snake River.  He either changed the name or moved on, He still has a posting in the Suppliers and vendors section of the market place, but the link would not load for me.  He used to be very helpful, drop him a note or give him a call. From the New Providence Marine web page.

(435) 656-0042 (voice)

dennis at ferriellosales dot com

[Peggie Hall]

You got it almost right.  I've known Dennis for about 15 years. He was the national sales manager for Snake River...he became increasingly unhappy asas the quality of Snake River's products deteriorated, resulting in  a very UNamicable parting of ways. Dennis then started his own competing company making excellent quality gauges and providing the best customer service in the industry--SO good that he captured every single one of Snake River's OEM boat builder accounts, putting SN out of business.  Practical Sailor rated his Profile line of gauges #1.

Most of his components are interchangeable with SR...he's very helpful and prices are MORE than reasonable. This is the correct website: http://ferriellosales.com/  You have the right phone number for him. You'll like him.

[tonywright]

Foil monitors are affected by nearby masses of metal (or possibly wood). I would check to make sure that you have not moved something like this very close to it.

Tony

[c34no1471]

Thanks to all of you--Ken, Peggy and Tony.  I e-mailed Dennis.  He responded quickly asking for my phone number.  I sent it, he called, we talked.   He thinks it is likely the sensor, which was not "robust"  and which may be shorting out.  He had some suggestions for things to check out.

Tony, your point is well taken. I recently moved my secondary anchor (the Danforth that Catalina provided with the boat) from topsides (mounted in a bracket on the lifelines) to the cockpit locker.  It is sitting above the tank...I will try moving it out of the way and see if that is the problem.

If not, I'm inclined to give Dennis some business and try his new monitor.  He says it works with the foil I've already installed.

[c34no1471]

Moving the anchor didn't help.  It became clear to me that the Snake River panel had failed.

After exchanging e-mails with Dennis Ferriello, who has been extremely responsive and helpful, I ordered and installed the Ferriello monitor panel (the 7.0 Profile version).   I've done the set-up procedures, but I'll wait to calibrate it for the three tanks next spring (I'm hauling out next week for the winter).  It works beautifully (with my exisiting sensors), the detailed screens read in tenths of capacity, installation was straightforward, and I'm quite pleased.