Black Tank Sensor

[ARD]

Can I just say Hallelujah! Newmar is done with KIB. As many of you know, I, as many others, have had issues with my black tank sensors reading properly from year 1. I've had new sensors, water pump relocated, new board, software updates, tons of recalibrations to no avail. This past visit to Newmar has taken care of my problem. Newmar unplugged the KIB pad on the tank and installed a a sensor by the gate valve that works by pressure (gravity). The higher the water level, the more pressure you have. It is working so far. No red lights, no showing 100% full when empty. It's the little things! Oh and the floater is still in the tank, so IF you do get a full tank reading when you think it's not full, you can pull the famous yellow wire and if it is still red, you know you are full. ?

 

[redbaron]

Can you post a picture of the new sensor? Does it still send data to your kib display for tank readings?

 

[ARD]

Can you post a picture of the new sensor? Does it still send data to your kib display for tank readings?

Ah, good question. My display works and seems to be very accurate. Yay. The pad on side of tank is disconnected, but the floater still works. Dang, I didn't ask how the readings were getting to the display. I'll send a photo in the morning.

 

[flyboy013]

I was reading up on tank sensors yesterday and found that Newmar uses the Kavlico KT-303 sensor on SilverLeaf coaches. My guess is that it would be this sensor or something very similar.

Silverleaf Electronics | Kavlico Holding Tank Sensor | Holding Tank Pressure Sensor | Single Sensor | KT-303

I couldn’t find any vendor document on this sensor, only a page from Silverleaf and a reference in Newgle.

 

[ARD]

Just emptied my tank and it says 0%. Is this sad that this makes me so happy? ?

 

[redbaron]

This device makes more sense than any other device I have seen!!!

Its a simple pressure switch. Failure is easy to fix, and accuracy is all but guaranteed. Amazing.

 

[Neal]

I'm more concerned about the floaters ?

For those wondering about the picture, this looks to be just ahead of the gate valve. I'm curious how it can really sense pressure differentials and know percentages especially between what goes in black vs. gray. I can understand a no/low pressure, i.e. an empty reading but above that I'm curious.

 

[flyboy013]

I'm more concerned about the floaters ?

For those wondering about the picture, this looks to be just ahead of the gate valve. I'm curious how it can really sense pressure differentials and know percentages especially between what goes in black vs. gray. I can understand a no/low pressure, i.e. an empty reading but above that I'm curious.

Take a look at this description of the process.

Determining water tank volume using hydrostatic pressure

Can a pressure measurement device be used to measure the volume in a rainwater harvesting tank?

www.sensorsone.com

 

[redbaron]

This is such an obvious design Improvement, I don't know why this hasn't been done before now.

 

[flyboy013]

This is such an obvious design Improvement, I don't know why this hasn't been done before now.

Based on Newgle, it looks like Newmar started using the Kavlico pressure sensor in 2011 and moved it down to the next model each year and by 2015 all of the luxury models were using it. I’m guessing they did not introduce it to the Dutch Star on down models as a way to maintain the difference in the various models. Perhaps also due to the tie-in with Silverleaf.

Given that Newmar has retrofitted Renee’s coach with a pressure sensor, I’m curious if this is now standard on current year Dutch Star and perhaps other models.

 

[redbaron]

It is standard in 2021. This is mfg by KIB, and outputs to the kib sensor data same as strips. I just looked up parts on comnet. Very slick.

 

[Neal]

I read the description, the problem in my mind is it's not water nor a consistent density. I can see this used reliably on the gray side but I'm curious on the dark side.

 

[redbaron]

I read the description, the problem in my mind is it's not water nor a consistent density. I can see this used would areliably on the gray side but I'm curious on the dark side.

You don't think milkshake slurry pressure will be the same as Grey water pressure?

A test would be necessary. My thought is initially the milkshake would have a lot of air in it, and be a bit more foamy. This would eventually settle, and the pressure would be applied against the sensor.

I don't think this would work with non-macerating toilets.

 

[Neemer]

This thread will reach over 100 posts. Poo threads always do.

 

[ARD]

I'm curious how it can really sense pressure differentials and know percentages especially between what goes in black vs. gray. I can understand a no/low pressure, i.e. an empty reading but above that I'm curious.

I don't know how it works, but it DOES work and it works well so far. ?

 

[Neal]

I’m sure it works detecting contents and empty. My concern is it knowing levels or when full. My hunch is it could detect 100% when only 40-50%. No way to know unless paired with a secondary system such as SeeLevel. Someone should reach out to the manufacturer and ask about use in a sewage scenario.

 

[NWIP]

I’m wondering how hard to retro fit? @ARD I need your coach for investigation ?. I’m sure mounting sensor would be easy enough just need to figure out the integration with monitor.

 

[MapNerd]

Not sure how I missed this but I will be asking Newmar to do the same to my coach. My tank sensors routinely stick at 100%. The only solution we have when that occurs is to yell to the better half flip the salesman switch then flush quickly before the sensor has had a chance to get a read after power comes back on.

This was on my list at my visit to Newmar back in August and they replaced my KiB sensor strips and all was fine...for a week and now it is as if they never did anything at all. Same behavior as before even though I flush my tanks with every dump. The worst offender is black but a few flushes often clears things up. Grey however, well I have no grey rinse and they wouldn’t install one in August.

We have a return trip scheduled for December. Daddy’s gonna get him a proper pressure sensor come hell, high water or, regrettably maybe a Visa.

 

[redbaron]

Newmar is installing this for me next week as a "1 time courtesy". Guess this means they won't install it a 2nd time for me on this same coach.

They said its a direct plug and play component developed by KIB. This is also the standard in 2021 vtdp and dutchstar.

 

[redbaron]

Newmar is performing my sensor upgrade. They told me the upgrade/retrofit is ONLY approved for the black tank, and they do not offer a retrofit for the gray tank. The gray tank often shows issues, but is not near the problem with a false reading as the black tank is, so I am fine with this solution.