What a fantastic video! Thank you so much for taking the time/trouble to produce this, I’ve been struggling trying to get my system working and you’ve answered so many Q’s for me, like….. the so called powered inputs 3 & 4 actually need power to the Tank 140 unit! Can I ask? 1. My tanks are no where near where the Cerbo and Tank 140 are mounted. We live on a 53’ Barge, the propane tanks are 40’ away! Can I extend the wires which supply the sensor? Obviously being careful to make good connections so as not to interfere with the voltages etc. 2. Can I tap into the same 12v supply the Cerbo runs off to supply the Tank 140?
Ross: Thanks for the instruction. Wondering for boondocking purposes, what is the electrical draw of the Cerbo GX (and add-ons like the Safiery LPG sensors) on a daily basis as it seems the monitoring occurs constantly with the direct battery connections? Bruce
I wondered this as well, but I figured I won't need continuous monitoring. Rather, I think I would turn the system on periodically, maybe once a day or once every 2 or 3 days, depending on what I learn about typical usage. Getting the levels at that frequency should keep me as informed as I need to be, I'd think.
Hi David, you can use a ruuvi.com/ sensor, so long as you update to the latest firmware on the Cerbo. It will read it over Bluetooth. You can also hardwire a Victron temperature sensor for BMV 702/712, but the Ruuvi is probably a cleaner setup.
Hi, thanks for sharing this info. I have a question about using the KUS sensor with the Cerbo GX. Is there a special plug that connects onto the two wires on the sensor that allow the connection into the GX?
Hi Matthew, yes there is a special plug that the wires were connected to in this video. Those little plugs come with the Cerbo GX. You just put ferrules on your wires and push them into the plugs.
Look for mopeka propane sensors. The pro version will work with horizontal tanks and connects to the cerbo via Bluetooth so you don't need the gx140. They are around $60-70.
Thank you Silvano! Yes I have ordered the Ruuvi sensors but from Finland to Texas, they are taking a couple of weeks. The next two videos will continue my studies of the Cerbo GX, with a look at the GlobalLink 520 and the Ruuvi sensors. Thanks for stopping in!
He Ross nice presentation, but i have a question: Why need the GX Tank 140 while the Cervo GX has also that kind of tank options or missed i some info on this part?
Thanks, the Tank 140 does 4 voltage-based sensors. The Cerbo at this time only does 4 resistive tank sensors. One is reading voltage changes, and the other is reading resistance changes, in ohms. Two different sensor types.
Will the Safiery sensor work on an aluminum tank if the sensor is kept in contact with the tank? Or can the sensor work from the top vs the bottom of the tank? Thanks
Appreciate the content but I wanted to comment on issues I am having since I used your video in my purchase decision. I purchased the LPG magnetic tank sensor and cannot seem to get it to consistently provide a reading on standard 20 lb propane tanks. I have it connected to a GX Tank 140 and Cerbo GX. I also have the Safiery pressure sensors on my water tanks which are working fine. I have tried at least a half dozen times with liberal amounts of coupling gel on the mating surface and I can only get the blue light to blink intermittently then it goes solid again. I am afraid the sensors are not designed to be ideal for standard 20 lb propane tanks.
If we put tank horizontaly not werticaly , is there eny difference comes over readings And my second question is , can this sensor work with liquid tanks also
If there are no air gaps between the sensor and the tank surface (because you used the couplant gel), then the reading should be accurate, even with a horizontal tank. However because the tank cross section varies based on liquid level, the resulting percentage shown will be off. You can program a round cross section into the Cerbo GX that would compensate for this, but ultimately the sensor would not bond as strongly to a horizontal tank due to the round surface, and may fall off. Per your 2nd question, yes these sensors will work on any liquid, not just propane. Great question. They have more of these sensors of different types at Safiery.com
Hi Jon, for a horizontal tank on the Cerbo, it looks like SeeLevel could work with some custom programming workarounds. I have not done it yet but here is a thread on it in the Victron Forums: community.victronenergy.com/questions/56783/seelevel-ii-cerbo-gx-connection.html If it were me though, I would probably get this Safiery sensor and see how well it would work on your tank. You can program custom tank shapes into the Cerbo for a particular sensor. In your case the tank cross section would be a circle.
@@rosslukeman I'll let you know when I get to the point of trying to tackle this one. My tank is attached the the underbody and exposed to the elements. My initial concern would be whether the Safiery sensor (held in place by magnet) would withstand those elements. Thanks, Ross!
Hi Jon, yes I can see how you'd be worried about the Safiery sensor flying off. Getting the SeeLevel programmed with the Cerbo GX seems like a big project but I may have to tackle it.
Hey Chad, good question. In the future they will be available from vanlifeoutfitters.com, but at this time it's not on their site (I've looked a few times). I ordered mine from Australia, to Texas. The founder of Safiery said they won't be on Amazon, so that's out. The shipping from AU is not cheap but I say buy it from them and be done with it.
@@rosslukeman Thanks Ross! You confirmed what I have seen this far. I need to get more information regarding the proper sensors. I’m setting up a Victron system in a Grand Design 5r with Cerbo GX and tank module. I have watched your video on the propane tank several times and it’s very helpful. My setup needs sensors for both propane tanks, a fresh water tank, 2 gray tanks and a black tank. Just not sure on the waste tank sensor. All fluid tanks are polypropylene construction.
Hi Chad, with the Cerbo and the tank 140 it sounds like you're set up to read any type of sensor. I would check out the other pressure-based sensors from Safiery. You can also search for "black tank sender" to see resistive tank senders for the black tank. As you probably know resistive senders plug in natively to the bottom of the Cerbo. Thanks, Ross
Not a great experience with Safiery here. Magnets are crazy strong, enough to separate from the sensor while installing. Not sure how you would remove from the tank without destroying the unit. The thickness of the sensor is too tall for a standard tank base ring. Caused the tank to teeter about a 1/4”. For the price there are much better options.
Pressure sensors don't work on tanks like Propane or CO2, since they hold a constant pressure no matter the level. This is because propane has a boiling point at room temp of about 125-150psi, so the liquid in the tank will only boil off enough gas to maintain the pressure equivalent to its temperature. CO2 is another gas that does this, as does Nitrous Oxide and other gasses.
Get the Ultimate Van Power Cheat Sheet: www.rosslukeman.com/vanpower
I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel as I am a big Victron fan and research these things almost every day for fun.
I live on a Narrow boat in the UK and find I can use all of the ideas and information in your videos . Well done.
Thanks Ian, maybe I'll have to start saying "this will work for your van, RV or boat." Good to know, thanks for tuning in!
Very Professional explanation. Thank you
Thank you! I appreciate the phone support while setting up this video.
Awesome video Ross!
Thanks Jim! Good to hear from you, hope things are going well.
Great presentation
Thanks Larry!
Excellent video visuals, makes it so much Easier to understand.
this guy explains it so well !! Thank you Ross!
Thanks for tuning in Greg!
Thanks Robert!
This is a great video. Thank you.
Thank you, I appreciate you checking it out!
Great Info. Thank you!
Thanks Melissa, I appreciate you tuning in!
Thanks Ross that was great
Appreciate it Garry! Thanks for tuning in.
What a fantastic video! Thank you so much for taking the time/trouble to produce this, I’ve been struggling trying to get my system working and you’ve answered so many Q’s for me, like….. the so called powered inputs 3 & 4 actually need power to the Tank 140 unit! Can I ask? 1. My tanks are no where near where the Cerbo and Tank 140 are mounted. We live on a 53’ Barge, the propane tanks are 40’ away! Can I extend the wires which supply the sensor? Obviously being careful to make good connections so as not to interfere with the voltages etc. 2. Can I tap into the same 12v supply the Cerbo runs off to supply the Tank 140?
Ross: Thanks for the instruction. Wondering for boondocking purposes, what is the electrical draw of the Cerbo GX (and add-ons like the Safiery LPG sensors) on a daily basis as it seems the monitoring occurs constantly with the direct battery connections? Bruce
I wondered this as well, but I figured I won't need continuous monitoring. Rather, I think I would turn the system on periodically, maybe once a day or once every 2 or 3 days, depending on what I learn about typical usage. Getting the levels at that frequency should keep me as informed as I need to be, I'd think.
Hey Ross, I enjoy your videos. Lots of good information. I would like to monitor my fridge temperature on the Cerbo GX. Is there a way to do that?
Hi David, you can use a ruuvi.com/ sensor, so long as you update to the latest firmware on the Cerbo. It will read it over Bluetooth. You can also hardwire a Victron temperature sensor for BMV 702/712, but the Ruuvi is probably a cleaner setup.
😀Good to Know, Great Tips
I'm glad that was helpful, thanks for watching Darryl!
Can't it be attached on side mounted tanks (laying down). As long as there is enough space underneath for the sensor.
Hi, thanks for sharing this info. I have a question about using the KUS sensor with the Cerbo GX. Is there a special plug that connects onto the two wires on the sensor that allow the connection into the GX?
Hi Matthew, yes there is a special plug that the wires were connected to in this video. Those little plugs come with the Cerbo GX. You just put ferrules on your wires and push them into the plugs.
@@rosslukeman thanks 👍
Hi Ross, love the channel. Is there any option for something similar to measure a horizontal tank?
Look for mopeka propane sensors. The pro version will work with horizontal tanks and connects to the cerbo via Bluetooth so you don't need the gx140. They are around $60-70.
Thanks for answering Cha Chi, I just did a video on the Mopeka’s.
Excellent tutorial. Thanks! Are you planning on a similar one to display temperature, e g. with RUUVI sensors? Regards, Silvano
Thank you Silvano! Yes I have ordered the Ruuvi sensors but from Finland to Texas, they are taking a couple of weeks. The next two videos will continue my studies of the Cerbo GX, with a look at the GlobalLink 520 and the Ruuvi sensors. Thanks for stopping in!
@@rosslukeman Wow, that's good. Looking forward to the RUUVI topic.
He Ross nice presentation, but i have a question: Why need the GX Tank 140 while the Cervo GX has also that kind of tank options or missed i some info on this part?
Thanks, the Tank 140 does 4 voltage-based sensors. The Cerbo at this time only does 4 resistive tank sensors. One is reading voltage changes, and the other is reading resistance changes, in ohms. Two different sensor types.
Will the Safiery sensor work on an aluminum tank if the sensor is kept in contact with the tank? Or can the sensor work from the top vs the bottom of the tank? Thanks
Hey Zolo, I could wager an answer but it's probably best to ask the Safiery team. Here is their contact page: www.safiery.com/form/contact-us/
Nice Vid, What do you recommend for a black water tank sender?
Hey Mark, great question! It's would be something like this (amzn.to/3IC6dgy). You could also use a cassette toilet and eliminate the black tank.
Appreciate the content but I wanted to comment on issues I am having since I used your video in my purchase decision. I purchased the LPG magnetic tank sensor and cannot seem to get it to consistently provide a reading on standard 20 lb propane tanks. I have it connected to a GX Tank 140 and Cerbo GX. I also have the Safiery pressure sensors on my water tanks which are working fine. I have tried at least a half dozen times with liberal amounts of coupling gel on the mating surface and I can only get the blue light to blink intermittently then it goes solid again. I am afraid the sensors are not designed to be ideal for standard 20 lb propane tanks.
If we put tank horizontaly not werticaly , is there eny difference comes over readings
And my second question is , can this sensor work with liquid tanks also
If there are no air gaps between the sensor and the tank surface (because you used the couplant gel), then the reading should be accurate, even with a horizontal tank. However because the tank cross section varies based on liquid level, the resulting percentage shown will be off. You can program a round cross section into the Cerbo GX that would compensate for this, but ultimately the sensor would not bond as strongly to a horizontal tank due to the round surface, and may fall off. Per your 2nd question, yes these sensors will work on any liquid, not just propane. Great question. They have more of these sensors of different types at Safiery.com
Hey Ross, can GX Tank 140 be used with Color Control GX?
Yes, the GX Tank 140 can be used with all GX devices
Would love to add this to our cabin propane tank, however its a 420 Lb tank. Does anyone know if they make a sensor for larger tanks?
Please check out their sensors on Safiery.com and you should find the maximum sizes. Search "LPG sensor."
My propane tank is fixed under my van. Any ideas for how I can monitor the level through a Cerbo GX?
Hi Jon, for a horizontal tank on the Cerbo, it looks like SeeLevel could work with some custom programming workarounds. I have not done it yet but here is a thread on it in the Victron Forums: community.victronenergy.com/questions/56783/seelevel-ii-cerbo-gx-connection.html
If it were me though, I would probably get this Safiery sensor and see how well it would work on your tank. You can program custom tank shapes into the Cerbo for a particular sensor. In your case the tank cross section would be a circle.
@@rosslukeman I'll let you know when I get to the point of trying to tackle this one. My tank is attached the the underbody and exposed to the elements. My initial concern would be whether the Safiery sensor (held in place by magnet) would withstand those elements. Thanks, Ross!
Hi Jon, yes I can see how you'd be worried about the Safiery sensor flying off. Getting the SeeLevel programmed with the Cerbo GX seems like a big project but I may have to tackle it.
@@rosslukeman would love to figure int a horizontal monitor solution.
Where can Safiery sensors be purchased in the US?
Hey Chad, good question. In the future they will be available from vanlifeoutfitters.com, but at this time it's not on their site (I've looked a few times). I ordered mine from Australia, to Texas. The founder of Safiery said they won't be on Amazon, so that's out. The shipping from AU is not cheap but I say buy it from them and be done with it.
@@rosslukeman Thanks Ross! You confirmed what I have seen this far. I need to get more information regarding the proper sensors. I’m setting up a Victron system in a Grand Design 5r with Cerbo GX and tank module. I have watched your video on the propane tank several times and it’s very helpful. My setup needs sensors for both propane tanks, a fresh water tank, 2 gray tanks and a black tank. Just not sure on the waste tank sensor. All fluid tanks are polypropylene construction.
Hi Chad, with the Cerbo and the tank 140 it sounds like you're set up to read any type of sensor. I would check out the other pressure-based sensors from Safiery. You can also search for "black tank sender" to see resistive tank senders for the black tank. As you probably know resistive senders plug in natively to the bottom of the Cerbo. Thanks, Ross
Not a great experience with Safiery here. Magnets are crazy strong, enough to separate from the sensor while installing. Not sure how you would remove from the tank without destroying the unit. The thickness of the sensor is too tall for a standard tank base ring. Caused the tank to teeter about a 1/4”. For the price there are much better options.
Thanks for sharing your experience Billy!
Wouldn’t a pressure sensor of some kind work easier for any kind of gas tanks?
Maybe so but I'm not aware of any that tie into the Cerbo GX.
Pressure sensors don't work on tanks like Propane or CO2, since they hold a constant pressure no matter the level.
This is because propane has a boiling point at room temp of about 125-150psi, so the liquid in the tank will only boil off enough gas to maintain the pressure equivalent to its temperature. CO2 is another gas that does this, as does Nitrous Oxide and other gasses.
To bad they don't make one for class a
You should contact them and see if they have any recommendations: www.safiery.com/form/contact-us/
They make quite a few different sensors.