Standard fuel gauge

[IamGCW]

In reading the Tech section there is a rider that found a fuel gauge that can be added without changing to an interstate tank or drilling the original tank.  The designer (Joop) is across the pond in the Netherlands.  In simple terms he weights the fuel and presents the result on a fuel gauge.  Looks to be pretty accurate and simple to install.

Below is what I received from him. There are pictures on his web site.

www.joopangelier.nl

Gil

------------- From Joop -----------------------------------------

All items are for the Valkyrie only.
Handmade in the Netherland's:


Valkyrie Fuel gauge system:
No floating sensor needed.
No drilling into the tank.

Electronic box with cables, T-pice and fuel line with Motosens analog fuel gauge -  180 Euro
***New***  Electronic box with cables, T-pice and fuel line with micro-controlled steppermotor gauge - 220 Euro

Aditional:
Shipment Europa- 10 Euro
Shipment World -  24 Euro
Handlebar Bracket-  25 Euro
Paypal cost- 4% of the total cost
IBAN free

info: www.joopangelier.nl/download/Benzinemeter/Versie-3/Manual/

[BCoy]

I watched the video, it didn't look too difficult to install. Like you my question would be how durable is the sending unit.
Bill

[_Sheffjs_]

Dang it!  Now I have something more to add to the already crowded want list!      
  

[IamGCW]

I watched the video, it didn't look too difficult to install. Like you my question would be how durable is the sending unit.
Bill

I looked at the sending unit sensor and they are used in many applications.  So if needed a failed one could be replaced if you're skilled in component repair.  I am curious about the glycerine and why it is needed.  This thing would be a great mode to add with a DanMarc valve. 

Gil

[_Sheffjs_]

I watched the video, it didn't look too difficult to install. Like you my question would be how durable is the sending unit.
Bill

I looked at the sending unit sensor and they are used in many applications.  So if needed a failed one could be replaced if you're skilled in component repair.  I am curious about the glycerine and why it is needed.  This thing would be a great mode to add with a DanMarc valve. 

Gil

I think it is a great thing to add period and it looks - well the gauge looks like a great fit.  But why a great fit with the DanMarc?  I don't get it.   

[joop angelier]

Hello Valkyrie riders.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
For your info:

How the fuel gauge works:

The fuel gauge uses a pressure sensor connected via a splitter in the fuel line under the tank.
This eliminates the requirement to drill a hole in the tank.

To protect the sensor against the fuel it is filled with glycerine.
The glycerine is contained in the sensor and it's hose connection.
Because the specific gravity of glycerine it is heavier and does not mix with the fuel.
The glycerine therefore, will remain under the tank and will never be able to enter the fuel stream.
 
The measured pressure is equal to the height of the fuel.
More fuel is more pressure.
Less fuelis less pressure.

Because there is a fuel valve that closes the fuel tap when the engine is not running,
the fuel gauge only shows the right fuel level after the engine is started.
After the power is switched on, the indicator will show below zero.
This is because the valve is still closed.

When the engine is then started  the indicator displays full for a few seconds to test the fuel gauge.
After that it will show the first measurement of the fuel hight.
This may not be exectly correct because there may be some movement of the fuel.
The measured pressure is averaged out by a micro-controller
For about three minutes the pointer of the gauge may move very slowly to the right position.
After that the pointer will show the correct average fuel hight.

The sensor with it's electronics is designed to be placed as a unit under the tank.
On the side of the unit is a two color led.
This led is used to adjust the fuel gauge reading with a full tank.
The adjustment is done by a potentiometer next to the led.
The led starts to light up green as soon as there is some pressure.
The green will change its brightness according to the amount of pressure.
It should be bright green when the tank is full.
The led is turned to red if the adjustment is to high.
Between bright green and red there is a position where the led will blink green.
If the led blinks green the adjustment is correct.

From the unit a cable connects to the fuel gauge
It fits the look of the other Valkyrie instruments.

For more information or questions, mail me:
info@joopangelier.nl

[John Schmidt]

I have seen similar applications over the years and often wondered why nobody had done this for motorcycles that don't have fuel gauges. This looks like a neat installation, I personally don't need it since I've had an I/S tank on my Tourer since the first year I got it and added a gauge at that time. And just to PO all those that think Larue is the only one that finds great deals, I paid ZERO for my tank. Beat that 'Rue!!   

Jerry, the DanMarc cuts off the fuel flow totally when the key is off, helps to prevent hydrolock. I've had it on my bike along with an inline filter and Pingel petcock for 7-8 yrs., maybe longer. I think this sending unit should probably be mounted between the DanMarc and the petcock. Some years ago a friend had an old HD with a tank that held gas most of the time, but I used to kid him about it....saying as long as he prayed over it he usually got where he was going. For a fuel gauge, he drilled two holes in the side and connected them with transparent tubing. One hole near the top and the other nearer the bottom. When his fuel level dropped to the bottom of the tube, he knew he had about ten miles before he had to start pushing. Looked tacky but he didn't care, it worked perfect. I have something similar as an overflow on my 1200 since I can't use the OEM unit. Let's me know the coolant level at a glance.

[_Sheffjs_]

I fully understand the DanMarc and suggested it for Mike's bike because he....  Well let's just say I don't feel the need to have the Dan Marc, however I put Pingles both my 1500s and Doug's has a Pingel as well.  I have no issue with turning off my fuel every time the motor is off.  I just want to know why it is a good fit with the gauge.  Is it the Glycerine?  I'm lost. 

[joop angelier]

It is made to look like the spedo and tacho on the Valkyrie.



Check out the video from Leonardo (Seattle USA): https://youtu.be/AwRaa-37UP4

Joop.

[_Sheffjs_]

This is like candy     

[IamGCW]

Jerry

The reason I consider it a good fit with a DanMarc is you can install both at the same time.  Power and fuel connections can be joined on the bench.  I would place it downstream of the DanMarc and I'm guessing if the DanMarc were to fail you would show low fuel on the gauge.  In the event the power to the two failed the gauge would show that.  I like the automatic action of the DanMarc over the manual requirement of Pingle.  Adding the full setup of Voltmeter, Temp, and previously mentioned fuel would really be the best looking option.  If you are doing a BatWing fairing or in Nicks case the Harley fairing these gauges would be awesome.

John has the setup I would love.  More fuel with a factory sending unit. 

Gil

[John Schmidt]

Jerry, just turning off the fuel, especially the OEM petcock, doesn't really take care of the problem. If you happen to have a bad one, it will leak as though the fuel is still on....only at a slower rate. As for gauges, here's my setup at night. Quite easy to see & read, the picture was taken before I mounted the Harley fairing but they're still there. Fuel=center, coolant temp=left, oil pressure=right. If you should get an I/S tank with a sending unit, there is a method for reversing the float arm so you have a much larger array of fuel gauges available, most wouldn't need to be programmed.

[FloridaValkRyder]

Thanks Joop for chiming in on the details. Pretty well thought out system you have there. Not having a fuel gauge would drive me nuts personally, hence my I/S.

[_Sheffjs_]

Has anyone ever had a failure with the Pingel? It sure seems to be quite a bulletproof product

[Flrider]

Did you guys see all the other products Joop has put together

Impressive, just impressive 

Ok who is going to be the first one to get a fuel gauge?

Tempting, very tempting 

[Thunderbolt]

Very Interesting.  I'm surprised no one mentioned the gear indicator in Joop's picture. 

[IamGCW]

This thing has really captured my focus.  There is a teaser in his data about an update in about 4 weeks.  Almost a CHristmas present. 

Joop and I have been emailing each other since I found it on the 1500 Tech board.  As he pointed out there is a video of the install by one of our members.

Now for a small concern.  Glycerin is used at the sensor to protect it from the fuel.  A good idea with all the "witches brew's" we add to our fuel to clear up the various issues caused by the EPA.  Glycerin is easily found so if you were to screw up the install and spill it out of the sensor it can be purchased and replaced.  The extra can be used to soften your skin (ladies and Billy Boy) since it moisturizes (hygroscopic).  Hygroscopic basically means it attracts and holds water.  So a new concern with our "Corn fuel".  Would this be a side benefit or a curse?  Lets continue the discussion.

Gil

[joop angelier]

The new gear indicator electronics look like this:


The front pcb is the same as on a voltmeter or a fuel gauge.
The second pcb on the other side of the steppermotor turns the tacho signal and the speed senor signal into a voltage that is displayed by the other pcb with the pointer.

Still working on it.
The project is on the Dutch Valkyrieriders forum: http://www.vrcc.nl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=346&start=10

I'm one of the moderators over there.


Joop