TLA100 User’s Manual
Page 8
Revision 1.2
sensor terminal resistance measurement (see Section 3.3.1.1), and 2) ground terminal to
sensor terminal resistance measurement (see Section 3.3.1.2). Once you have made these
measurements, you can enter the TLA100 gauge resistances through a display product such
as the Maretron DSM200. Refer to the user’s manual for configuring the TLA100 as the
manual provides detailed instruction on configuration procedures.
3.3.1.1 Power Terminal to Sensor Terminal Resistance Measurement
The first resistance measurement is between the power terminal and the sensor terminal found
on the back of the gauge. Before making the measurement, disconnect the power, ground, and
sensor wires from the gauge. Then, measure and record the resistance between the power
terminal and the sensor terminal (see Section 2.3.1.1 for help in determining which terminal is
which). Make sure to adjust the ohmmeter scale to give you whole numbers without over
ranging (sometimes indicated by blinking display or a 1 in the far left hand digit position). If you
see only numbers right of the decimal point, keep adjusting the scale down (usually the highest
ohm scale is indicated by a capital M for mega-ohms or 10
6
ohms while the next lower scale is
indicated with a capital K for kilo-ohms or 10
3
ohms). Typical resistance values between the
power terminal and the sensor terminal are between 100 and 200 ohms so you should be able
to use the 200-ohm scale.
3.3.1.2 Ground Terminal to Sensor Terminal Resistance Measurement
The second resistance measurement is between the ground terminal and the sensor terminal
found on the back of the gauge. Before making the measurement, disconnect the power,
ground, and sensor wires from the gauge. Then, measure and record the resistance between
the ground terminal and the sensor terminal (see Section 2.3.1.1 for help in determining which
terminal is which). Typical resistance values between the ground terminal and the sensor
terminal are between 100 and 400 ohms, however, some gauges have very high resistance
(i.e., greater than 1000 ohms). A resistance value over 1000 ohms generally indicates a low
cost, low accuracy gauge (i.e., gauge reading changes with battery voltage even though fluid
level is not changing). If the resistance measurement is above 1000 ohms, don’t worry about
recording the exact reading, as the maximum programmable value in the TLA100 is 3000
ohms. Maretron recommends that you custom calibrate (see Section 3.5.2) your system
whenever you are using a gauge with a reading of 3000 ohms or more. Also, you must be
aware that these inexpensive gauges won’t necessarily agree with the digital data available on
the NMEA 2000
®
network as the gauges tend to be inaccurate.
3.4 Configuring Tank Capacity
In addition to indicating the fluid level within a tank, the TLA100 also has the ability to be
configured or programmed with the attached tank’s capacity. This way, you will be able to view
the tank’s capacity as well as the amount of fuel remaining anywhere on the vessel where
there is an NMEA 2000
®
compatible display. It is not required, but you can enter the TLA100
tank capacity using a display product such as the Maretron DSM200. Refer to the user’s
manual for configuring the TLA100 as the manual provides detailed instruction on configuration
procedures.
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