Ultrasonic Long Range Wireless Tank Level Sensor Datasheet

Device Overview

Introducing NCD’s Ultrasonic Long Range Wireless Tank Level Sensor, boasting up to a 2 Mile range using a wireless mesh networking architecture. Incorporating a corrosion resistant Ultrasonic proximity detection sensor, this wireless device transmits highly accurate tank levels as distance values at user-defined intervals. The Ultrasonic tank level sensor features 1mm resolution with a distance measurement range of 40 to 9999mm.  Please note the recommended useful range is 500 to 9999mm for best reliability. The Ultrasonic tank level sensor is IP67 rated and comes with a 75 inch (1.9 Meter) probe while the transmitter has a IP65 rating.

Applications requiring 100% reading-to-reading reliability should not use Ultrasonic Tank Level Sensors at a distance closer than 500mm.  Although many users have found a Ultrasonic Tank Level Sensor to work reliably from 0 to 50cm for detecting objects, it is not guaranteed to have operational reliability for objects closer than the minimum reported distance. Because of ultrasonic physics, these sensors are unable to achieve 100% reliability at close distances.

Feature

  • Industrial Grade Ultrasonic Tank Level Sensor
  • Reading-to-Reading stability of 1mm at 1 Meter (typical)
  • 500 to 9999mm Measurement Range with 1mm Resolution
  • 40 to 499mm Measurement Range with Reduced Reliability
  • Target Size Compensation for Greater Consistency and Accuracy
  • Fully Calibrated and Linearized with Temperature Compensation
  • Long Range Wireless Range of Up to 2 Miles Line of Sight
  • 128-Bit AES Encrypted Wireless Communications
  • Standard Electrical 3/4 Inch PVC Pipe Fitting
  • Supports Smart Percentage Detection Change Mode
  • Validates and Retries on Lost Communication Packets
Figure 1: Device Overview

Status LED

The Status LED is used to indicate errors or other sensor diagnostics.

LED blinks once – Message was sent successfully and no error in last sensor read as well in data transmission.

LED blinks twice and then one more time – Message was sent successfully but there was an error in last sensor read.

LED blinks thrice – MCU is having issue communicating with the radio module.

Sensor Specifications

SpecificationsMinimumNominalMaximumNotes
Width3.54"
Length4.52"
Height2.16"
Enclosure RatingIP65, NEMA 1,2,4,4X,12,13, UL-508
Mounting 1/4 NPT
1/4-28 UNF
Magnet Mount
Temperature Rating-40° C23° C85° CComponent Rating
Tested Temperature0° C23° C40° CAs Tested by NCD Staff
Probe Temperature-40° C23° C105° CAs Tested by NCD Staff
Temperature range-25°C [-13°F]85°C [185°F]
Measurement range40 mm9999 mmResolution of 1mm

Printed Circuit Board Specifications

ParameterMinimumNominalMaximumNotes
Trace Width0.007 inch0.012 inch0.25 inchTrace Width depends on the Trace Type
Layer Count2L - RigidTop and Bottom Layer
Material TypeFR-4 TG170FR-4 TG170FR-4 TG180
Surface FinishENIG 2u"
IPC StandardIPC CLASS 2
Finished Copper Foil1.0/1.0 OZ
Finished Thickness0.062 inc
Fine line <4.0/4.0milNo
Blind & Burried ViasNo
Non-Conductive ResinNo
Conductive ResinNo

Mechanical Drawing

Figure 3: Mechanical Drawing

RF Module Specifications

Parameter868MHz900MHz2.4GHz
Frequency Band863 MHz to 870 MHz902 to 928 MHzISM 2.4 GHz
Transmitter PowerUp to 13 dBm ERPUp to 24 dBmUp to 8 dBm
Receiver Sensitivity-106 dBm at 80 Kbps-101 dBm at 200 Kbps-103 dBm at 250 Kbps
Range (dense urban)~1000ft~1000ft~300ft
Range (line of sight)~2 miles~2 miles~1 mile
Data Rate80 Kbps200 Kbps250 Kbps
Networking ProtocolDigi XBee® DigiMesh®Digi XBee® DigiMesh®Digi XBee® DigiMesh®
Encryption128-bit AES128-bit AES128-bit
Reliable Packet DeliveryRetries/acknowledgementsRetries/acknowledgementsRetries/acknowledgements
IDsPAN ID and addresses, cluster IDs and endpoints (optional)PAN ID and addresses, cluster IDs and endpoints (optional)PAN ID and addresses, cluster IDs and endpoints (optional)
CertificationCE/RED, ROHS CompliantFCC (America), IC (Canada), C-Tick (Australia), Anatel (Brazil), IDA (Singapore)FCC (America), IC (Canada), RCM (Australia), Anatel (Brazil), Teleck MIC (Japan), KCC (South Korea)

Power Requirements and Expected Battery Life

Power Requirements

This Sensor is battery powered

Powered by a single Tadiran lithium inorganic battery, with a 3.6V (9000mAh capacity).

While changing the batteries:

  1. Turn off the sensor
  2. Only use an equivalent 3.6V battery
  3. Checkout the polarity marking on the battery holder and the battery
  4. Replace the battery
  5. Batteries should not be replaced in fire-risky areas
  6. Do NOT install rechargeable batteries

Expected Battery Life

SpecificationsMinimumNominalMaximumNotes
Batteries-1-The devices comes with a single 9000mAh battery
Battery Life 1 TPD10 YearsTPD Transmissions per Day
Battery Life 12 TPD8 YearsTPD Transmissions per Day
Battery Life 24 TPD5 YearTPD Transmissions per Day
Battery Life 96 TPD3 YearTPD Transmissions per Day
Ultrasonic Tank Battery Life
Store and Documentation

Head to the NCD store if you want to purchase the
Ultrasonic Long Range Wireless Tank Level Sensor.

If you already have the device and would like more information into its basic and advanced operations check out the Quick Start Guide and User Manual.