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Topic: SeeLevel 714 Display review (Read 1120 times) previous topic - next topic

SeeLevel 714 Display review

I just finished adding a second SeeLevel tank monitor display to our coach, the new one is an "always on 714" (meaning no need to press a button to check levels) which also includes temperature. I have a bit to do to finish the job like running wire to the external temperature sensor which I plan to put on the drivers side up on the back side of the sheet metal behind windshield washer bottle behind the headlights (Open to suggestions for a better place to locate an outside temperature sensor). If I do put it there, I will be able run the wire up through the bundle that is near the steering column and then use some of the old Audit Monitor wire bundle to get back to the tank sensors where I have terminal strips to tie into the new SeeLevel system. Since I do have the new SeeLevel 714 display up and running, I thought I would give a review.

Here is the quick version for those who have no interest in the details: I love this system! :D  For the rest...

I just finished running some wires and cables to the area just above the kitchen table through the curb side of the Utility compartment up through the closet, pantry, and in to the compartment where the Inverter remote and PowerWatch display lives. Since I will be changing out the inverter, and the current Heart Interface remote only provided minimal info, I stashed the Heart remote in the void behind the "coach Information panel" I mocked up out of some black foam core poster board (two layers) where I can still check it if I need to before I install the new Magnum MSH3012M inverter. I decided (for now) that I had room to keep the PowerWatch analog meter in the new panel. I did the mock up because I wanted to try out this layout before I commit it to a black powder coated aluminum that will become the permanent home to these devices which include; Magnum ME-ARC50, Midnite Solar Classic 150 Remote, a second Progressive Industries EMS remote display (the first along with the display switcher is in the utility bay with the hookups), the aforementioned PowerWatch, and finally, the SeeLevel 714.
What I like about the SeeLevel 714 display, is that it shows 4 values at once and is on all of the time. Here is a link to the 714:http://www.rvgauge.com/products/model_714.shtml

Their manual has some omissions which can be annoying. I had previously installed the SeeLevel 709 system when I put the tanks back in after my bulkhead repair. The 714 was not a released product at the time and so was not an option. When they first released the 714, they recommended against using it with a 709 >:( , because the 714 queries the sensor bus every 10 seconds or so and there was no provision to deal with the collisions that would inevitably happen when you push the button on the 709 to check the levels at the same time the 714 is querying the bus. Fortunately, SeeLevel fixed this with a firmware update before I bought the 714 at Quartzsite in January. I just got around to installing it and am very happy not to have to remember to go outside to check tank levels anymore! Of course, I still like have the Utility compartment SeeLevel 709 display for dumping the tanks.
I bought the Seelevel 714 system, which includes the tank sensors (these are the same sensors the more commonly available 709 Display uses), one or two temperature sensors, and the 714 display. I had already installed the tank sensors with the previously installed 709, but the package deal is a much better price overall and I was able to pass some of the savings on by giving an excellent price for the unneeded tank sensors to a fellow Foreforum member who was camped at the informal 2014 Quartzsite Rally. It was a win-win for both of us (thanks Kent!). At Quartzsite, the vendor (Ruffinitrv.com) only included one temperature sensor so I bought a second because the 714 can display one of two temperatures at a time, selectable by pushing a button. There is a dot on the display along with the temperature to differentiate between the two sensors.

This brings me to the first shortcoming in the installation instructions. There is no mention of how the temperature sensors are wired. The Propane input has its own green wire on the display connector. The tank sensors use a blue and a black wire (signal and ground, the tank sensor wires are tied together and each sensor is programmed per tank and top or bottom position by cutting tabs) clearly spelled out in the manual. The temp sensors have a blue and a black wire, so I inferred that the temperature is on the same bus as the tank senders. This is correct, but a sentence or two would have been helpful ::).

The second area where the manual leaves something to be desired is that there is no mention in the manual or anywhere on their website how to program the temperature sensors to distinguish one from another. As it turns out, there is a wire loop on the sensors that you cut on one of them and that programs a different ID for that sensor. I thought this might be how to do it, but I have temperature probes that are what looks like a wire loop for other measuring devices and didn't want to risk running one of the SeeLevel sensors in an experiment. To their credit, they replied to my email query the next business day and confirmed my suspicion and promised to amend the manual.

Finally, the last area where the manual could use some more information is on compatibility of multiple displays. As I mentioned earlier, I was told at Quartzsite that the 714's had a firmware update to allow them to coexist with a second 709 display. Here is what I found out; if the 714 is reading the sensor while you are pushing a button the 709 to display a level, you get see some sort of error, usually one that indicates an open circuit (shows as "OPn" on display, but could also be "Err"). No big deal since pressing the button again results in a normal reading. I also found out that when you hook up a second display, the LPG reading changes on the previously installed display. No mention in the manual, but I inferred that putting the second display on the bus affects the resistance of the connection. this results in a lower reading on the previously installed display. Also no big deal since recalibrating the sensor is easy. Fortunately, our propane is nearly full so just calibrated both of them to read 100%. Next fill up, I will do it again for a more accurate reading. The SeeLevel system has proven very reliable in the year since installed the original system. We still have that of course, but now with the always on all tank display with the addition of temperature, the renewed system is better than twice as nice. ^.^d

Neither the Magnum ME-ARC50 Remote (which will also display detailed battery info from the Magnum Battery monitor and allow tweaking the Magnum Auto Generator start when I put them in), nor the Midnite Solar Classic are functional yet. The second Progressive display will be functional when I terminate the cable I pulled. I used an 1 & ¼" hole saw to get through the basement floor and through the back of the forward closet wall and through the back of the pantry. I sleeved the penetrations with some ¾" plastic conduit (what I happened to have with us). When I am finished, I will seal around the cables (already caulked between the conduit and the hole through the basement because the last thing I want is a possibility of moisture getting to the void where the polystyrene insulation is). Other than I want the "coach information panel" to look reasonably OEM, I want to be able to see the tank levels from the bathroom and so placed it towards the front of the coach. Other displays are based partly on where I think they look best and where they fit. I plan to add a second Progressive Industries hardwired EMS with remote display between the generator and the breaker box and will add that below the other EMS display (flush mounted behind a Decora style light switch plate), thus the space in the center of the panel left blank for now. I welcome opinions about other possible gauges or arrangements might make sense. Other possibilities include remote for the Sterling Alternator to Battery charger, some sort of small LCD display for network, security system (via a Ardunio system), etc. For now, I think I have the basics covered once the new Inverter, Solar, etc. is finished... Though I doubt I will ever lack for projects that I would like to tackle. These kinds of projects are definitely more fun than bulkhead repair!
Don
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #1 –
Don, all I can say is---- WOW!
 Great job!

 Richard B
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #2 –
Coolness Don. Good job.

Mark
The selected media item is not currently available.
Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #3 –
Great job, Don. Just a few more upgrades and you should be ready to sell that rig and get another one. :P

(Just kidding... I think.) :)

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #4 –
                                   We installed the SeeLevel system in both of our previous motorhomes. Waaay more accurate than the stock stuff. If we were not selling it would be going in this coach too. SeeLevel is the cat's meow!

          D&D

Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #5 –
Don, you might want to check the location you plan on for the outside temp sensor. High and in a trapped area might yield a higher temp than low where the outside ambient air circulates. I did find a difference when I tried high and low locations in our '89--and our coach is mostly white!
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #6 –
I'm reopening this thread instead of starting a new one to relate my experience with the SeeLevel 714.

I ordered the 714 as soon as it became available. Everything Don says about it is right on. I love it! or I should say loved it.

Worked on my batteries today. I have plain old wet cells so have to water on occasion. When I opened the battery box noticed one of my batteries had dried fluid on top of it. My 2 others where clean. I'd been seeing some strange voltages lately and seeing this made me think I had a bad battery/bad cell so disconnected it to see if my voltages would normalize. Required some moving of cables which disconnected 12v from the coach for a bit. Hooked the 2 batteries back up and went inside.

Since all my luck has been bad lately I shouldn't have been surprised when I smelled burnt electrical pixies in the air. Wasn't sure what it was but then noticed my SeeLevel display. See picture below. I'm pretty sure it was saying Sh!t, Sh!t, Sh!t,Sh!t. Pulled the display and sure enough had sh!t stains on the circuit board. Called SeeLevel talked to Artie in support. He says they discontinued the 714 several years ago. Problem with the processor they were using. They would last 6 to 8 months or 6 to 8 years. He said he might have one around and went to look. He came back and said he had one! Ask how much and he said don't know will have to talk to my sales guy. Comes back after a couple of minutes and says I'm going to tell you exactly what my sales guy said "Can't sell it to him. We've had enough problems with that board and don't won't anymore".

I ask Artie what I should do. He says you can put in a 709 they work great!  :o Or I can wait about a year for the new display to come out. Will have touch screen and be way cool. Arggg!

I have/had the dual screen setup like Don so pulled the 709 from the bay and wired it in the coach. Getting up off the couch to check the levels reminds me of the old days when you had to get up to change the TV channels. What are we savages!

So anyway if any of you have a still working 714 you might want to put a switch on it so you can shut it off when doing battery work.

see ya
ken

 
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #7 –
Sht happens.    :thumbsdown:

I guess you saw the one offered at RVupgrades?

Garnet 714-MO Seelevel II Monitor Only
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #8 –
Wow, bummer! I feel your pain. Interesting that the only part of the display that still functions is the part that shows the battery voltage. Same thing when my isolator died and the alternator started putting out 17 volts and killed my first 714 display. I have long planned to put a dc-dc regulator and switch on mine. Of course, the problem with putting a regulator on it is then the voltage display part of the 714 would only tell me if the regulator was functioning properly. No big deal as I have the Magnum ARC-50 inverter control panel and the solar control showing house bank voltage, but I have to get close to be able to read them. It irks me that they didn't design it properly in the first place. Maybe I could find something that would be a brick wall limiter to not allow any thing more than say 15 VDC to pass. Sigh...
Don
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Sht happens.    :thumbsdown:

I guess you saw the one offered at RVupgrades?

Garnet 714-MO Seelevel II Monitor Only
Discontinued
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #10 –
Sorry your 714 display fried.  I am OK with my 709 displays.  Checking once every day or two is often enough for me.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Sorry your 714 display fried.  I am OK with my 709 displays.  Checking once every day or two is often enough for me.
You obviously are not married to Mrs. D... :) Between showers, dishes, & laundry I'm checking every 5 minutes!

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #12 –
Quote from: craneman –
Discontinued
Yes, I saw that, but it also says:  Quantity in Stock: 6
 
Being a "glass half full" type person, I took that to mean "We have 6 of them in stock, but after those are sold, there are no more".

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"
 

Re: SeeLevel 714 Display review

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Yes, I saw that, but it also says:  Quantity in Stock: 6
 
Being a "glass half full" type person, I took that to mean "We have 6 of them in stock, but after those are sold, there are no more".
I might call tomorrow just to see. A little hesitant to buy again since they cancelled production due to high failure rate. Hopefully the replacement is "only" a year out.

I am open to another brand if anyone has any suggestions.

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X