![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
||
![]() |
||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() This board is for PLC Related Q&A ONLY. Please DON'T use it for advertising, etc. |
||
![]()
|
New Here? Please read this important info!!!
![]() |
#1 |
Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 313
|
Self Powered Remote Sensor
We have a customer that wants to have a portable level sensor that can be moved between tanks and signal when the tank has dropped below a level.
To do this the sensor (probably a capacitive sensor clamped to a level tube) would need to be connected to a box that is providing both power for the sensor and wireless comms. The remote box would need to be rechargeable. I know there a numerous ways this could be built from various IOT boards but is there some real product in this niche? |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Illinois
Posts: 648
|
__________________
David M. Camp Marshall Electric / https://mei-tech.com/monitor-and-control Please Download from our download section "Monitor and Control" .pdf. |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Lifetime Supporting Member
|
We have a sample on the shelf from Digi that sounds close to what you might need:
https://www.digi.com/products/networ...connect-sensor We have not field tested it yet.
__________________
It's not all the variables I am most concerned with, it's the undiscovered constants. |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 313
|
Thanks guys.
The customer is a tightarse and wants a single portable sensor because they only use one tank at a time and have heaps of them. The tanks are in close proximity so cellular data is not needed. The Digi looks nice but it uses non rechargable batteries that only last 2 years at 2 samples per day! Last edited by Geoff White; February 7th, 2019 at 08:46 PM. Reason: clarification |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Member
|
A typical 4-20mA transmitter will run for several days continuously on a triple 9V transistor battery (3 batteries wired in series) pack.
Banner node radios operate on a lithium D cell for a couple years and can be turned off with the faceplate pushbutton. Find the correct type of 2 wire loop powered level transmitter (pressure, ultrasonic, radar, whatever), power that with relatively cheap 9V batteries that are easily replaced and a Banner node radio and gateway radio. Gateway radio is near whatever you're sending the level signal to and is 24Vdc powered. |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 | |
Lifetime Supporting Member
|
Quote:
https://www.alliedelec.com/product/b...dbq5/70168288/
__________________
It's not all the variables I am most concerned with, it's the undiscovered constants. Last edited by OkiePC; February 7th, 2019 at 10:33 PM. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Lifetime Supporting Member
|
Another place to look:
https://www.onsetcomp.com/products/data-loggers/zw-008 https://www.onsetcomp.com/products/d...ggers/ux90-004 We used Hobo Loggers for temporary temperature monitoring at a food plant where I used to work. They are surprisingly robust and easy to use and relatively economical. We stuck them inside freezers as low as -40F. Ours were not the wireless type, we had to retrieve them and upload the data. Their tech support was good too, so you might call them with your application and see what they recommend.
__________________
It's not all the variables I am most concerned with, it's the undiscovered constants. |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Member
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Lifetime Supporting Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 1,273
|
check out signalfire or oleumtech. but neither is really cheap.
|
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 2,316
|
this maybe a stupid question, but how will the customer be able to tell
one tank level from another? james |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Stockholm
Posts: 233
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Member
|
If you are keen on the idea of building your own.
An Arduino with analog in, a 4-20mA level sensor (an ultrasonic sensor from Automation Direct), and a rechargeable battery could help your frugal friend. Then you could pull the data off the Arduino using WiFi over ModbusTCP. You may even be able to mount the Arduino and battery on top of the level sensor in a small plastic box. Battery life should be OK but read rates and sensor selection will determine battery life.
__________________
“Did the Lord say that machines outta take the place of livin’, and what’s the substitute for bread and beans? Do engines get rewarded for their steam?” -John Henry |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 313
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Lifetime Supporting Member
|
So you really just need a single discrete input? Or is it going to be analog?
__________________
It's not all the variables I am most concerned with, it's the undiscovered constants. |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 313
|
Just a single digital input (probably a capacitve prox)
|
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
What are the 3 processor modes? | StoneNewB | LIVE PLC Questions And Answers | 8 | March 22nd, 2015 08:13 AM |
Troubleshooting Remote Slave D4-RS Link light error | wildcatherder | LIVE PLC Questions And Answers | 1 | September 14th, 2009 01:15 PM |
Sensor battery powered checker | joeparrish | LIVE PLC Questions And Answers | 10 | July 28th, 2009 06:36 PM |
omron device net remote temperature sensor unit | newton | LIVE PLC Questions And Answers | 1 | July 2nd, 2007 07:40 AM |
PNP to NPN how. | Billando | LIVE PLC Questions And Answers | 8 | July 19th, 2002 05:34 PM |