Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:34:13 -0800
Reply-To: Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Subject: Reed Switch/water level sensor
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Hi folks:
I've been doing a few upgrades to my water system lately, and wanted to get my water level sensor working again. I know that bus depot sold the sensors for a while, but I believe they are no longer available. From my understanding, it's usually the reed switches in these that break. I have determined that the lower, double pole double throw, switch is bad in mine, whereas the top one seems to still be working fine. So, my question is does anyone know where I can buy the switches? I see that eBay is filled with reed switches, I just don't know the specs.
Here's a link to repairing the level sensor btw:
http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/westy-water-tank-level-sensor-repair_topic42742.html
Speaking of Reed switches, I do see that there are marine places that sell stainless steel reed sensor sender unit from a few inches to 100 inches. What I don't know is how many switches there are inside of the things. Any boat owners on the list? The westy just has two, the lower one being a dual switch, so that it lights one of 3 LEDs. All in all, it's a pretty simple setup.
I also saw on eBay yesterday, a water level sensor that uses an 11 lead wire. One basically takes the total height of the tank, divides it by 10, and then strips the wire at regular intervals--one wire for each level. This in turn sends a signal back to an indicator panel to show the various water levels. Actually much more precise than the 3-level stock indicator. The only drawback is the gauge is about 3" x 5", so kind of large. About $70. If I find anything more about the Marine reed switches sending units, I will pass along the info. It would be nice to have a replacement option without having to do surgery on the old one.
Here's a link to an alternative water level sensor gauge: http://cgi.ebay.com/Tank-Water-Level-Indicator-Meter-Monitor-Gauge-Sensor-/230587975521?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item35b01d4761
And finally the link to the reed switches, sender units sold by marine dealers:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOELLER-19-INCH-WATER-SENSOR-SENDING-UNIT-boat-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2eb2c00683QQitemZ200567424643QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear
Troy
|