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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Larry Rubin on May 05, 2016, 11:40:03 pm

Title: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: Larry Rubin on May 05, 2016, 11:40:03 pm
As part of the major work to rebuild the bay frame on my '04, all the bays were emptied.  See: rusted bay floor frame (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=27724.0)
After reassembly, the Javelina tank monitors show the gray tank filled while it is empty and the fresh and black tanks empty while they are at least have filled.  I have recalibrated the tanks but nothing changed and made sure the connections to the sensors are installed.

Is the Javelina controller shot?  Is there anything else to try to correct the problem?

Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: Carol & Scott on May 06, 2016, 08:51:42 am
Hi Larry -

This may not be your solution but works for us.

When we were having like problems we pulled the pressure sensors located behind the bay panels with two wires attached and cleaned them out then replaced them.

FOT has replacement sensors.  If you do a Search you will find the part numbers.

Our Black tank sensor still shows a thin black line along the bottom and will probably replace both later this year or next.  :D

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=search;sa=results
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on May 06, 2016, 10:12:14 am
Hi Larry,

Quite the adventure with your basement floor. A good lesson for all is to always check with your insurance company to see what they will cover.  Glad they came through for you.

If the Javelina sensors are reading zero you probably have an open circuit somewhere.  If it is all of them then it might be the Javelina itself.  That is an unavailable part for the 2001 coach, likely on yours as well.

If they are just reading but wrong, cleaning or replacing might work.  Our fresh tank sensor was clean but never read the correct level.  Black and gray tanks were all full of, well, stuff.  They were never even close.

We put in a SeeLevel tank monitor.  Fresh, black, gray, LP and battery. Works very well.  And the monitor is right where it is easy to check.  You need 3 extra strips to do the full height of the tanks.  It is cheaper (usually) to just buy two kits with three strips each and then you have two monitor displays, one inside and one outside in the wet bay.

RvUpgrades usually has pretty close to the best price and free shipping.  And they are reputable.  Avoid adventureRV.com. We had a poor experience with them.

Garnet 709 Seelevel II Tank Monitoring System (http://www.rvupgradestore.com/Garnett-Technologies-Model-709-SeeLeveL-II-p/709-1003.htm)

Roger




Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: P. Wyatt Sabourin on May 06, 2016, 12:16:38 pm
I second what Roger said, two kits on sale, and that See-level is far more accurate then OEM. The Gray and black tanks have square sides and read more accurate then the fresh. Use masking tape to hold the sensor stripe on for testing on the fresh before final assembly to get fresh as accurate as possible. The fresh tank has a slopping side so will not be totally correct.
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors inconsistant readings- broken wire / new problem
Post by: Larry Rubin on May 12, 2016, 10:45:59 pm
The problem turned out to be a broken wire.  There are 3 wires going to the pressure sensor and one broke at the junction clip on the sensor side on the fresh water tank.  Clip is easy to take apart and reseat the wire.

HOWEVER, I have a new problem.  When I first power on the Javelina, it displays the camera view for about 2 seconds then goes black.  When I switch to the tank monitor view, it too stays on for 2 seconds then goes black.  This happens several times as I switch views and then it stays on with no further problem.  No loose wires or connections I can see. 

Has anyone else seen this? Is it a heads up the system is about to quit? (or should I say about to tank?)
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on May 13, 2016, 08:00:52 am
Another vote for SeeLevel. The Javalina stopped working for the PO and he replaced it with a new backup/side camera monitor. He removed the Javalina under the dash.

I considered trying to find a rebuilt Javalina but it was cheaper and more accurate to go with SeeLevel.

We bought 2 kits and installed one monitor in the wet bay and the other in the bathroom.  We have been very pleased with this arrangement.
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: John Duld on May 13, 2016, 09:21:52 am
Larry,
Check the power supply for 12volt output.
If the voltage sags under load it will effect the display.
These systems require 12 volts to operate properly.
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: TulsaTrent on May 13, 2016, 09:28:14 am
I, too, am replacing the old monitor and installing SeeLevel monitors.
 
My question is, can I also remove the entire Audit 8T8 system. It seems the only thing I lose is the compass and temperature gauges. Is there anything bad that happens if I remove it?
 
Thanks,
 
Trent
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on May 13, 2016, 10:13:04 am
Trent, do you have the wiring drawing for the Audit system?  Mine says it is an Audit 5T7 or 5T9.  Drawing A-2701.06 12/09/99. So it should be current for yours.  Maybe they used a different model on the U295. I can send you a copy of the drawing if you need it.

Looking at the drawing it appears to be an entirely stand alone system. It monitors three tank sensors, the LP tank, the compass, an outdoor temp sensor and the rear camera.

I don't see any reason why it can't be removed entirely.  Maybe someone else did it and discovered an unintended consequence.  I am going to do the same thing so I can put in a functioning rear view camera. 
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on May 13, 2016, 10:16:20 am
Hi Larry,

If switching several times makes the problem go away it is possible you have a switch going bad.  I can just barely see our Jeep anymore and only when the light is just right. And we went to the SeeLevel setup (way better)! So It is time to junk the Audit stuff and put in a decent backup camera and monitor.
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: Larry Rubin on May 13, 2016, 12:23:27 pm
If switching several times makes the problem go away it is possible you have a switch going bad. 

Good thought -
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: TulsaTrent on May 13, 2016, 06:46:41 pm
Trent, do you have the wiring drawing for the Audit system?  Mine says it is an Audit 5T7 or 5T9.  Drawing A-2701.06 12/09/99.

Roger,
 
Mine is A-2701.05, 02/25/97, labelled "Audit Systems Monitor - 8T8. I think they went to LCD panels after mine, but do not know when that happened.
 
I agree that none of those seem to be necessary now, so I will remove the Audit 8T8 systems. I will still have a bazillion wires under the dash.
 
Thanks,
 
Trent
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: Dave Cobb on May 13, 2016, 07:30:30 pm
Bill Chaplin took out his Javelina system, to install SeeLevel, and new monitor, rear and side view cameras.  As I remember, under his dash there were a huge number of wires.  He claimed and used one old wire for each new tank sensor, and then bundled up the extras at both ends, for future use, as they were already routed thru the coach.
Title: Re: Javelina tank monitors giving inconsistant readings
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on May 13, 2016, 07:32:13 pm
Trent, mine still has a tube display.  From the drawing I have it appears it took effect at build number 5707 about half way between yours and mine.  276 coaches apart 2000 to 2001. Lots of them. Ours was built in January 2001.