Van's Capacitor Fuel Level Sensor Interface

[vhbill]

Can anyone tell me what module I need to interface the Van's flat capacitance fuel sensor plates to a 0-5V input fuel level gauge such as the Dynon D-180?

Bill
RV-6A

[JordanGrant]

I don't know who makes it or what its called, but the Advanced Flight Systems guys (the engine monitor makers) have a module that works great in their system.

[moodyjr]

I have the Vans plates in my RV-8A & purchased the Princeton Electronics senders to interface with GRT EIS 4000 I am using in the panel ($95 each last year). The EIS inputs use a 0-5V signal.

In any event, I ended up using the EIS inputs for other parameters and have subsequently purchased 2 no. 1-1/4 in dia UMA (capacitance) fuel level indicators which use a 0-5V signal.
I have bench tested this combination & it works OK so these senders would probably be OK with any other indicator which used a 0-5V signal.

To be on the the safe side, first check with Todd Stehouwer at GRT/ Princeton
616 243-8800 PH
616 245-7707 FAX
todds@princeton-electronics.com

I am having some problems with the interface between the senders & my tanks. The senders are set up for capacitance of 200-500 pF. For some reason my tanks measure about 100 pF. Still sorting this one out with Todd.

cheers
John Moody
RV-8A

[N941WR]

Bill,

Post this on Dynon's forum, better yet, search their forum. I'm sure it has come up before.

When you are done, please post the answer back here as others of us will need that info as well.

Thanks.

[chaskuss]

Originally Posted by vhbill

Can anyone tell me what module I need to interface the Van's flat capacitance fuel sensor plates to a 0-5V input fuel level gauge such as the Dynon D-180?

Bill
RV-6A

Bill,
20 years ago (September 1989), Jim Weir wrote an article in KITPLANES on how to make these modules yourself. I have a copy of the article, which I can email to anyone interested. I don't want to post it here, as I have not asked permission to do so from the author. Simply contact me off list.
Charlie Kuss

[ArVeeNiner]

Dynon sells those modules.

[chaskuss]

Originally Posted by vhbill

Can anyone tell me what module I need to interface the Van's flat capacitance fuel sensor plates to a 0-5V input fuel level gauge such as the Dynon D-180?

Bill
RV-6A

Has anyone tried to use the Electronics International Capacitance to Voltage Converter Module sold by Vans for the above purpose? I'm referring to:

IE P-300C on page 31 of Vans new Accessory Catalog. These are only $45 each. I spoke to Dale at Vans. He said that they were designed for the EI gauges (BIG $$$).

I'd like to find something that will work with the common resistive type fuel gauges (Vans, Stewart Warner or Mitchell)

Charlie Kuss

[N941WR]

Charlie,

Dynon sells the converters for $50. If you are running a Dynon, why not use their units?

These should also work with other fuel gauges.

I've been using mine for two years now with no problems.

[chaskuss]

Originally Posted by ArVeeNiner

Dynon sells those modules.

Thanks Kelly,
Adding Dynon to my Google search terms results in

Capacitance to Voltage Converter for Vans Capacitance Plates #100654-000 @
$50 each. Does the Dynon EIS use a 0 to 5 volt reference?
Charlie Kuss

[chaskuss]

Listers,
Does anyone know if the Dynon, Electronics International or Princeton converter modules will work with the more basic analog fuel gauges sold by Vans, Stewart Warner or Mitchell? Do any of these converter modules contain a "trimming" potentiometer to calibrate the Vans Capacitance Senders to these gauges? Usually a "trimming" potentiometer will have an external adjustment point (usually an adjustable screw).
Charlie Kuss