Wireless Propane Tank Monitoring Sensors

How to Monitor Your Propane Levels

Knowing how much propane you have in your tank is crucial for uninterrupted usage. Let's explore the most common methods to keep track of your propane levels:

1. Manual Gauge Inspection

Most outdoor propane tanks are equipped with a gauge that indicates the percentage of propane remaining. This gauge is usually located under the dome of the tank. To ensure you never run out, it's a good practice to check this gauge regularly. A wise move is to plan a refill when the gauge reads around 30%. This gives you plenty of time to arrange a refill without the risk of running out.

2. Propane Tank Monitoring Systems

For a more advanced approach, consider using a propane tank monitoring system. These devices attach to your tank and automatically keep track of propane levels. They eliminate the need for manual checks by providing real-time data, often accessible through an online platform or app. This method offers the convenience of checking your levels from anywhere at any time, ensuring you’re always informed.

Each method has its benefits. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or cutting-edge technology, being proactive about monitoring can keep your home or business running smoothly without interruptions.

How Homeowners Can Check Propane Tank Levels

Monitoring your propane tank levels is crucial for ensuring a steady supply for your home. Here are some effective methods to keep track:

1. Manual Gauge Check

Most propane tanks come equipped with a percentage gauge under the tank's dome. This gauge shows you the current level of propane, expressed as a percentage of the tank's capacity. To keep your supply steady:

• Plan to check the gauge regularly, especially during high usage periods.
• Consider scheduling a refill when the gauge reads around 30%. This ensures you never run too low.

2. Propane Tank Monitoring Systems

Enhance convenience by installing a propane tank monitor. These devices automatically track your propane levels and provide updates without the need to physically check the tank.

• Real-Time Updates: Monitors deliver real-time data, accessible from smartphones or computers.
• Alerts and Notifications: Get notified when your tank reaches a specified level, helping you to plan refills in advance.

By using either manual gauges or advanced monitoring systems, homeowners can efficiently manage their propane supply and avoid unexpected shortages.

What Do You Need for Remote Propane Tank Monitoring to Work Properly?

To ensure remote propane tank monitoring functions effectively, you need to pay attention to a few key requirements:

1. Reliable Cellular Signal: If using a Cellular Gateway, it's crucial to have a strong and reliable cellular signal in your area. This ensures the monitoring system can communicate data accurately and in real-time. Alternatively you can also use an Ethernet Gateway if instead of cellular you want to connect the solution to your home network.

2. Compatible Monitoring Equipment: Choose monitoring equipment that's compatible with your propane tank. Many third-party devices are available, so ensure you select one that integrates well with your existing setup.

3. Proper Installation: Installation should be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically involves securing the sensor correctly and ensuring all connections are stable.

4. Regular Maintenance: Periodically check the device for any software updates or battery replacements. Keeping your equipment in good condition can prevent data errors.

By securing these components, remote monitoring will aid in maintaining efficient propane usage and preventing unexpected runouts.

Understanding the Difference Between Propane Tank Gauges and Remote Monitoring

When it comes to keeping an eye on the propane levels in your tank, two popular options stand out: propane tank gauges and remote propane monitors. Both devices aim to measure how much propane you have left, but they offer different features and functionalities.

Propane Tank Gauge

A propane tank gauge is a basic tool that provides a direct, on-the-spot reading of your tank's propane level. Generally, these gauges are mechanical and feature an analog dial reminiscent of a vehicle's fuel gauge. The needle moves along a scale, indicating how full or empty your tank is at any given moment. This is a no-fuss, manual approach, ideal for those who prefer straightforward, tactile readings without any technological frills.

Remote Propane Monitoring

On the other hand, remote propane monitoring offers a high-tech alternative. These devices use digital technology to track propane levels more precisely and in real-time. The information is often accessible through apps or websites, enabling you to check your propane status from virtually anywhere. This advanced system usually provides alerts or notifications when it's time to refill, making it highly convenient for those who appreciate a more connected and hassle-free experience.

In summary, while both devices serve the critical function of tracking propane levels, a propane tank gauge is a simple, manual reader, whereas remote monitoring leverages digital technology for a more comprehensive and convenient overview.

ioX-Connect's Wireless Sensor communication can reach 1,200+ feet through 12+ walls non-line-of-sight.

Unlock the Benefits of Cellular Propane Tank Monitors

Effortless Monitoring

Cellular propane tank monitors offer unparalleled convenience by allowing you to check your tank's levels from anywhere, anytime. Forget about the hassle of manual inspections; this technology ensures you're always informed.

Prevent Unexpected Shortages

There's no need to worry about running out of propane when you need it most. With real-time alerts and updates, you can anticipate refills before your supply hits critical low levels. Say goodbye to last-minute scrambles and enjoy uninterrupted usage.

Smart Usage Insights

These monitors provide valuable insights into your propane consumption patterns. Understanding your usage helps you manage costs more effectively, ensuring you make informed purchasing decisions.

Peace of Mind

Beyond convenience and cost management, knowing that your propane levels are constantly being tracked offers peace of mind. Whether you're at home or away, the assurance of continuous fuel supply is a benefit you’ll appreciate.

By integrating a cellular propane tank monitor, enjoy not just a steady supply of propane, but also enhanced management and peace of mind.

Simplifying Propane Delivery with Auto-Fill Services

Managing your propane supply doesn't have to be a hassle. Auto-fill services offer a seamless solution that makes propane delivery straightforward and worry-free. Here's how these services can revolutionize your fuel management:

Remote Tank Monitoring

• Stay Updated Effortlessly: Remote tank monitoring keeps you informed about your propane levels without the need for manual checks.
• Region-Specific Availability: While service offerings may differ by region, many companies provide tailored solutions to meet local needs.

Auto-Fill Benefits

1. Automatic Delivery: With auto-fill, your propane is delivered automatically based on your usage patterns, ensuring you never run out.

2. Convenience: By removing the need to constantly monitor your tank and schedule deliveries, this service saves you valuable time.

3. Eligibility for Special Programs: Some providers offer free propane delivery for customers who use remote monitoring and meet specific credit criteria.

4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your propane supply is managed automatically gives you one less task on your to-do list.

Improved Efficiency

The combination of remote monitoring and auto-fill services not only enhances convenience but also optimizes propane usage. This ensures you always have a consistent supply, reducing the risk of running low or experiencing delivery delays.

By leveraging these innovative services, you can streamline your fuel supply management and enjoy a hassle-free experience.

You can connect up to 50 different ioX Wireless Sensors to 1 gateway. Gateways can also serve as range extenders if you have a big site where sensors will be installed more than 1,000 ft apart.

The life span of the battery is dependent on several factors, including:

• How frequently does the sensor transmit data (Heartbeat)
• How far the sensor is from the wireless gateway
• The obstructions that can cause difficulty in sending data (farther distance and obstructions require that the radio operate at longer intervals to send and receive data)

ioX-Connect Sensors and Gateways provide automated data logging. Our sensors can store up to 4,000 messages if the gateway connection is lost (non-volatile flash, persists through the power cycle). For 10-minute Heartbeat settings, this accounts for approximately 22 days of messages or readings. For 2-hour Heartbeat settings, our sensors can log up to 266 days of readings.

Plus, our gateways can save up to 50,000 sensor messages if its connection is lost. Our sensors and gateways can log all this data before sending it to the ioX-Connect platform—our sensor management and monitoring software—for cloud storage, trending, and analysis.

ioX-Connect wireless products use Encrypt-RF bank-level security, featuring a 256-bit exchange to establish a globally unique key and an AES-128 CTR for all data messages. Security is maintained at all communication points from sensor to gateway, gateway to software, and back again.

ioX-Connect's standard wireless products use several features to help protect sensor data in transit. The proprietary sensor protocol uses very low transmit power and requires specialized radio equipment to operate. Typical wireless devices that run on non-proprietary communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee) operate using different frequency bands, so you can't use them to eavesdrop on the radio communications from the ioX-Connect family of sensors. In addition, we use a robust packet tampering evaluation routine to ensure that traffic isn't altered between the sensors and the gateways. This enables us to check for well-formed data packets that only originate from ioX-Connect enabled devices. We have algorithms that protect against spoofing and re-transmission of wireless data packets to safeguard data further.

Absolutely! This is what sets ioX-Connect apart from all other IoT solutions out there. ioX-Connect's Analytics module allows you to combine data from different sources not just sensors to create cross functional reports, analyze and trend sensor data, interact with your historical data and collaborate across departments thereby giving you more insights into your business/operations.

Yes. The ioX-Connect platform can be fed with data from external sensors provided we can retrieve the external sensor data through some service like an API. Please reach out to us at: sales@iox-connect.com for more detail on integration capabilities.