Re: REFLECTOR: Fuel gauges

["Brian K. Michalk" <michalk@sisko.awpi.com>]

> I bought one of the sensors mentioned by Martin, and returned it to the
> factory for a refund.  I was hoping there might be a simple, but more
> reliable way, to solve this problem.  I believe in KISS, but I'm not sure
> what simple really is.  Back to the think tank.

Hmmm.  I know of a way.
Use a PTC as a level sensor.  Samsung has a line of PTC devices
specifically for this.  They also have NTC devices.  The PTC
(Positive Temperature Coefficient) devices have increasing
resistance with an increase in temperature.  The NTC
devices (Negative T C) are just the opposite.

When the NTC device is immersed, it stays cool through 
transferring its self generated heat to the fuel.  When it's
not immersed, it heats up and it's resistance lowers.

Wire up an idiot light on the dash in series.  It would be faintly
dim most of the time as an indicator of loop continuity.

Extremely simple.  No moving parts.  Very light weight.

I wish I had thought of it sooner though.   Hmmm, now that I think
about it, I might rip out the level sensor I now have and put in
an NTC.  Easier now than later.

-- 
Brian Michalk  <http://www.awpi.com/michalk>
Life is what you make of it ... never wish you had done something.
Aviator, experimental aircraft builder, motorcyclist, SCUBA diver
musician, home-brewer, entrepenuer and SINGLE!