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Topic: Audit 863 Tank Sensors (Read 876 times) previous topic - next topic

Audit 863 Tank Sensors

In out 1997 U295, the water tank sensors work reasonably well. However, they never indicate that a tank is more than 3/4 full, and it seems to take longer than I expect for the gauges to register a level above empty. The system is an Audit 863.

I have searched in vain on line and in the manual for information on calibration. Today I called Javelina regarding the issue. The short answer is that there is no way to adjust the computer. All adjustments should be made by adjusting the metallic tape on the sides of the tanks. The tape can be replaced our repaired with a similar material from a hardware store. So, it sounds like I might get the adjustment I want by lowering the placement of the sensing tape on the sides of the tanks.

I would be pleased to learn from the experience of anyone who has adjusted, repaired, or replaced the metallic tape used for sensing waters in the Audit 863 system. Also, if there are hints regarding appropriate size or shape of the sensing strips, please send them. I would expect one could compensate for irregular shapes by making adjustments to the sensing tape, but that might be too much to expect.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Audit 863 Tank Sensors

Reply #1 –
Well, you are in for a bout of trial and error!
When I looked at mine (with similar problems), I saw that the tapes didn't go all the way down, so I figured that if I want to read the whole tank, it should go from the tippy top to the bottom.
When I tried it, the reading were all over the place.  After much trial and error, I got close enough to get decent readings.

First, try working with the fresh water tank (you can see the water level in it).

It seems the length is not the most critical, but it seems the distance between them and also the taper of each tape makes a difference.

I replaced the tape with aluminum tape, but you have to be careful of the tabs that the leads are hooked to.  They are tender and you have to get the old tape off and then stick them to the new tape in the same arrangement.

I'd recommend taking a picture and marking the tank where the old ones were and experiment with tape position.  Filling and draining the tank is the funnest part1 (right! :-[)

I tried tapes farther apart...closer...angled...tapered...etc.  If you try removing the tape a piece at a time, CAREFUL with the exacto knife, they are plastic tanks.  After moving the tapes around, they lose their stickiness.  Repeat installation.

Maybe, if you are lucky, thered is nothing wrong with your tapes except the are coming loose.  Try rolling them back on tight to re-adhere them.  Maybe putting some tape overlapping the old might get your readings better.

The guys at FOT inferred that it was trial and error getting the tapes right.  Better on your dime! ::)

Mike B. 
Michael Baldacchino
'97 40' U320

Re: Audit 863 Tank Sensors

Reply #2 –
JD, I have learned to live with the sensors on my 95 GV.
When filling with water  it reaches the 3/4 mark and then will wait a long time til it shows full.  When setting in one position for a long time the waste tanks will sometimes not show any indication at all until the coach is moved.
On our last trip we were in a CG for ten days without on site sewer, we managed to go ten days on waste tanks and only had to top off freshwater once during that time.  We used a lot of paper plates and skipped one shower each.  I don't think that I would try this in a coach With smaller tanks.
BTW , the Silver tape on my tanks looks like what the HVAC industry uses to assemble and seal fibreboard ducts with.  I have heard it called FACIT Tape ( not sure of spelling ), if its the same I have a couple rolls that I use for various purposes.