DIY Bluetooth Fuel Manager - Page 3

MaleBuffy · 01 June 2014, 10:24

Update: I have tested the new sketch with two sensors! Working like it should! The best part is that it works, even if you have just one sensor connected.

So one sketch for both situations (Single engine and twin engine)!

Grab the code here.

MaleBuffy · 08 June 2014, 18:27

Run into an issue. Seems like the futurlec sensor does what it says one the box! 30l/h which isn't enough for my outboard.

Luckily I received the 3/8" one a couple of days ago. Going to test it this week.

More at http://malebuffy.blogspot.com

AMac · 08 June 2014, 18:37

If making this up for a diesel inboard would you need to fit a second flow sensor on the return fuel line and have a bit of software to do a calc of sensor 1 minus sensor 2 ?

AMac · 08 June 2014, 18:38

Could it also be made to be connected to a nmea 2000 network?

MaleBuffy · 08 June 2014, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMac

If making this up for a diesel inboard would you need to fit a second flow sensor on the return fuel line and have a bit of software to do a calc of sensor 1 minus sensor 2 ?

Yes. Look at some earlier post for the answer.

ribgeek · 09 June 2014, 13:52

with your arduino onboard and a CAN-BUS shield you should theoretically be able to broadcast fuel rates to your nmea2000 network (PGN 127489 field 6)
Information is sparse, some chap has already done it despite closed-source NMEA2000 (see below) but not released code...unless someone asks...allen652 or coryjfowler on arduinoforums

I'd be interested in contributing to this if time permits. The resources I have collected so far are:
Arduino CAN-BUS shield using MCP2515:
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10039

Users who have successfully broadcast PGN 127489:
NMEA 2000 Shield - Arduino Forum

MCP2515 arduino library:
https://github.com/coryjfowler/MCP2515_lib

just need to find time to tie it all together

MaleBuffy · 09 June 2014, 17:47

It's possible. It's easy to do with some shields already mentioned.
However, this project is about sending the data to an Android phone wirelessly.
Anyone is free to use the code for the Arduino.
But NMEA uses wires...and I don't like them much.

MaleBuffy · 10 June 2014, 09:48

Simon666 have you received your sensors? If I am not mistaken, you also got the set with the meter. Can you confirm that the manual states 60l/h instead of 30l/h?

Simon666 · 10 June 2014, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaleBuffy

Simon666 have you received your sensors? If I am not mistaken, you also got the set with the meter. Can you confirm that the manual states 60l/h instead of 30l/h?

Hi.
Yes I bought one sensor and one sensor/digital display combo.

I cant remember exactly what the flow figure was but it was higher than 30l/hr.
I'm away from home at the moment, but ill check tomorrow when I get back.

interestingly the sensor connect to the display did look very slightly different to the other sensor.
The wire comes out in a slightly different position and is potted in a resin.

the weather looks good this weekend so I hope to get down to the boat.

MaleBuffy · 10 June 2014, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon666

Hi.
Yes I bought one sensor and one sensor/digital display combo.

I cant remember exactly what the flow figure was but it was higher than 30l/hr.
I'm away from home at the moment, but ill check tomorrow when I get back.

interestingly the sensor connect to the display did look very slightly different to the other sensor.
The wire comes out in a slightly different position and is potted in a resin.

the weather looks good this weekend so I hope to get down to the boat.

Hope you do better.
Fingers crossed!

P.S. Can you take a pic of the two sensors side by side when you get back?

Simon666 · 11 June 2014, 22:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaleBuffy

Hope you do better.
Fingers crossed!

P.S. Can you take a pic of the two sensors side by side when you get back?

Ok i looked at the sensors.

The one attached to the digital meter does not have a spec label, but the instruction manual does say 3-60 liter/hour.

The stand alone sensor has a label which states 0.05 - 1.0 lpm (so also 60 l/hr)

This is strange as the PDF data sheet (link below) from Savant Electronics who are the manufacturer states it's rated at 30 l/ph.
http://www.digisavant.com/PDF/FS-3400AH-Spec.pdf

I have emailed Savant Electronics to ask which is correct.

Photos below of the flow meters.

Simon666 · 12 June 2014, 01:48

I just received this response from the manufacturers...

Hi Simon,

The flow range should be 0.05-1 liter/min.(3-60 liter/hour). I will revise the FS-3400AH specification on the web site immediately.

Best Regards,
George Liang
Savant Electronics Inc.
1670-3, Sec. 1, Huanzhong Road, Taichung City, 40761 TAIWAN
tel : 886 4 2425 5578
fax : 886 4 2425 0396

MaleBuffy · 12 June 2014, 07:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon666

I just received this response from the manufacturers...

Hi Simon,

The flow range should be 0.05-1 liter/min.(3-60 liter/hour). I will revise the FS-3400AH specification on the web site immediately.

Best Regards,
George Liang
Savant Electronics Inc.
1670-3, Sec. 1, Huanzhong Road, Taichung City, 40761 TAIWAN
tel : 886 4 2425 5578
fax : 886 4 2425 0396

WOW! That was fast.

I am going to try the sensor again, this time placing the sensor in a different position in the fuel line.

Simon666 · 12 June 2014, 10:05

How much fuel do you think your Tohatsu uses at full throttle?

MaleBuffy · 12 June 2014, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon666

How much fuel do you think your Tohatsu uses at full throttle?

According to the Manual 54l/h at WOT

MaleBuffy · 12 June 2014, 20:52

Savant seems to have revised the datasheet but actually made it even more confusing. They now state 30l/h at one point and 60l/h at another.

Moreover, they have changed the calibration table, so now instead of 2000 pulses per liter , it is 1724 per liter

You can see the old datasheet here

and the new one here

I guess I will have to measure it myself...

Simon666 · 14 July 2014, 21:36

Did you manage to measure the pules?
I have my boat at home now, so might crack on and get the gizmo fitted this weekend before i go on holiday.

MaleBuffy · 14 July 2014, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon666

Did you manage to measure the pules?
I have my boat at home now, so might crack on and get the gizmo fitted this weekend before i go on holiday.

Yes its about 1818-1820. Good luck. Changes I made in the configuration of the fuel line made it work!

Simon666 · 14 July 2014, 23:47

Great stuff

What method did you use to calibrate the flow meter?

What i need is a pulse counter option on the phone app. So i press a Start button, then feed it with 1 liter and it shows me the number of counts

MaleBuffy · 14 July 2014, 23:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon666

Great stuff

What method did you use to calibrate the flow meter?

What i need is a pulse counter option on the phone app. So i press a Start button, then feed it with 1 liter and it shows me the number of counts

I Wrote extra arduino code that counts Pulses and displays it in Serial monitor.