The single page installation guide, OBS-USR-M007-R3, C3+ Tank Monitoring Kit Installation Guide is available for printing and downloading.
The Frequently Asked Questions Section also has How to Sign Up for the Observant Global Software Platform with a C3+ Tank Level Monitoring Kit.
If you already have an Observant Global account, remember to add your new Observant kit to your portfolio as described in Adding New Equipment.
Parts Lists
Before assembling your Observant™ Tank Level Monitoring Kit, make sure that you have all the parts listed above (for each box).
Tools Required (Not Supplied)
You will also need to bring the items listed above when installing the Kit. Don't leave home without them!
Information Required for Registration
Note the location of the C3+ serial number:
When it is convenient, be sure to record the three items above. They will be necessary to register and configure your Tank Level Monitoring Kit.
Assembly
Watch the Installation Video or read on below.
Strap Mounting Plate to Pole
Unscrew band from each hose clamp. Position C3+ mounting plate so its top aligns
with mark on post’s label. Thread each band through a plate slot, around the post,
back through its mating slot, into the clamp, and tighten. Note: hose clamp screws
will be concealed once the enclosure is installed.
Attach Pole to Bracket
Assemble mounting post to tank bracket with supplied 5/16” bolt, washer, lock washer, and nut set. Only hand tighten the hardware. The final adjustment of the pole's angle will be made once the assembly is mounted to the tank roof.
Mount Solar Enclosure on Pole
Attach the C3+ enclosure to the mount using the two tabs at the top as a guide. Secure with the supplied thumb screw through from the inside of the enclosure.
Mount Antenna on Enclosure
Assemble the antenna to the C3+ enclosure. Route the cable behind the DIN rail. For a proper seal, make certain that the o-ring is on the outside of the enclosure. Ensure that the whip section and mounting nut are securely fastened.
Position and Secure Solar Panel
Extend solar panel outward to desired angle. Secure this position with the large internal thumb bolt.
Attach Sensor Assembly
Attach the sensor assembly supplied with your kit. Note there are two different types, a larger unit for the Tall Tank Kit and a smaller one for the Standard Tank Kit; either are attached to the C3+ enclosure via the conduit port in the bottom of the Enclosure using the mating nut.
Connect Antennas to C3+ Module
Remove the C3+ module from the packaging and connect the two antenna cables. Note that one is for GPS location, and the other is for radio communications. It is important that these not be reversed.
Mount C3+ onto DIN Rail Inside Enclosure
Mount the C3+ module onto the rail inside the enclosure. Catch the top rail and rotate the unit down until it snaps into place. (You may need to pull down the release tab at the back of the C3+ module in order for it to seat properly. It is slotted to allow a flat-bladed screwdriver to assist in the process.)
Plug in the Solar Panel and Sensor Cables
Remove the unconnected RS485 and Power plugs from the C3+. Connect the two front panel cables. The cable coming from the solar panel goes to the power port. The cable from the sensor assembly is connected to RS485 No. 1 port.
Choose the Location and Drill the Hole in the Tank Roof
Due to the minimum distances that the sensors can accommodate, with the C3+ Tank Kit, the bottom of its sensor should be at least 4" (10.2cm) from the highest level to be measured. For the C3+ Tall Tank Kit, the sensor bottom should be at least 12" above the maximum possible tank level. Note the sensor should be placed higher than these if there is risk of water splashes reaching it.
Drill or cut the sensor hole in the top of the tank at the desired mounting position, noting that the hole needs to be a minimum distance of 15% of the "tank height" (see above) away from the edge.
Note for liner tanks, due to the curvature of the roof, the sensor needs to be installed right in the middle of the tanks to avoid reflections and accomodate the minimum 4" (10.2cm) clearance.
The C3+ Tank Kit requires a hole of 2” (50mm) in diameter, the Tall Tank Kit requires a larger hole of 3” (75mm) in diameter.
Mount the Assembly to Tank Roof
Place the sensor in its hole. Position the C3+ and enclosure assembly on the roof so that the pole swivels in a plane which passes through the center of the tank roof. The sensor should point directly at the water surface at a clean 90º angle. Otherwise the signal can end up bouncing a number of times around the tank before returning to the sensor and therefore create inaccurate readings.
Using the supplied self-drilling screws, attach the assembly to the tank. When installed for maximum charging power, the solar panel will face true south (in the northern hemisphere or true north in the southern hemisphere). In consequence, the panel will directly face the sun at local noon.
Attach the Bird Deterrent
Attach the Bird Deterrent strip to the top of the solar panel by sliding it into the tabs. It should click securely into place.
Turn on the C3+ and Verify That it Is Operational
Smile, You're Installation is Complete
Shut the enclosure door and secure the latch.
This completes the assembly and installation of the C3+ Tank Level Monitoring Kit.