Jupiter Manual

STAR-Tank RADAR BLUETOOTH SENSORS

STAR-Tank sensor support has been added to Venus OS. These radar sensors use BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). This wireless technology allows devices to be networked within a range of about 40 meters (with Bluetooth Adapter), while consuming significantly less power than ordinary Bluetooth technology. The expected battery life is 5 years with tank measurement averaging 50%. Battery life is less at around 3 years if tanks average 10% level for example. STAR-Tank sensors feature phased co-herent radar sensing for non-pressurised tanks. They suite black water tanks, even with foam above the liquid line. The sensors are attached to the top of the tank. The liquid level, temperature and sensor battery voltage are streamed wirelessly to the GX device.

STAR-Tank reports at 60 second intervals. Pressing the button on top of STAR-Tank accelerates the reporting to a 10 second interval for 10 minutes. This is to aid commissioning. It also confirms the radar functionality is operating with a quick flash of the LED around the button. The radar sensor is approved with FCC for USA and is CE and UKCA approved. The temperature value can be used to trigger the temperature relay function on the GX device with relays to initiate stirrers of heaters in tanks as well as notification of this. To connect STAR-Tank sensors to the GX device via Bluetooth, the GX device needs Bluetooth functionality. Some GX products already have built-in Bluetooth, all others can easily be retrofitted using a standard USB Bluetooth adapter (see the Victron GX product range overview for GX products that have built-in Bluetooth). However, an additional USB Bluetooth adapter, also for GX devices with built-in Bluetooth, allows for limited relocation of the Bluetooth radio (via a USB cable extension) close to other supported Bluetooth devices that might not otherwise be reachable. USB Bluetooth adapters that have been tested and known to work: