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Capacitance fuel quantity

Brent

Active Member
I am having no success calibrating the vans capacitance fuel quantity sensors. I am now wondering if there is any way to check the sensors. Secondly, does anyone have any experience with this system could give me any pointers?

Thanks, Brent
 
It might be a ?did you plug it in? question, but what EFIS are you using ?

Do you need to convert from capacitance to resistance ?
 
Capacitance

Brent
I recently did this. Here is link where you can see it.

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_log.php?user=sglynn&project=607&category=0&log=261285&row=27

One thing to note the voltage change was very small and the Dynon gave error messages that it hadn't changed, but it had. The entire voltage range was within one volt but this is sufficient to register volume.

My system is Vans capacitance plates, and Dynon EMS and Dynon Capacitance to Voltage converter connectors.

have fun
 
I don?t think you?ll read above 18 gallons. Your floats will have topped out by then. If the first 18 gallons are accurate I believe your in good shape.
 
I don?t think you?ll read above 18 gallons. Your floats will have topped out by then. If the first 18 gallons are accurate I believe your in good shape.

He doesn't have floats; the capacitance plates do a great job of reading from empty to full but have the disadvantage of not being accurate when using or mixing alternative fuels (e.g. MOGAS).

I second what sglynn said. If you see any change in values, just carry on.
 
I breadboarded capacitance converters ala Jim Weir during my construction around 2010.

During that excercise I measured the dry tank capacitance of vans system, also knowing that the capacitance would roughly double when filled with avgas.

If memory serves, the dry tank value was 180 picofarad. Quite small.

I wound up buying and using the Dynon convertors because they were cheap and available in a nice compact package vs all the work to do final fabrication on the Weir breadboarded units (that worked also). The Dynons are not perfect but good enough to satisfy my needs.

Years ago, Brantel posted a volume to voltage curve for the Dynons in his 7 which was a big help in tuning my GRT EIS to work with the Dynon convertors.
 
I have the Dynon converters, too, but haven't tested them yet.

One way to play with them is to put a test load on them and measure the output voltage. Rzbill quotes 180 pF empty, 360 pF full (plus/minus some biases from the tank connector to cap plates)

An easy tank simulator would be a length of RG-58 coax, which has a capacitance of about 30 pF/foot. Crimp on a connector on one end and connect to the Dynon gauge. 12 ft would give you a "full" tank, 6 would give you an "empty" tank. Simply trim the end to adjust the capacitance (just cut it with a wire cutter; be sure the shield and center conductor don't short when done).

I'll go do this and report back ...
 
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First, check your wiring and make sure your senders are getting the voltage, ground, and return signal they need.

If they are good, drain your tanks and check to make sure your plates aren't shorted out.

If all that is good, call Dynon.
 
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