Analog meter to digital

[bambambam]

Hello- brainstorming possible ideas for a solution to a pain point we experience in our house each month.

Does anyone know of a way to convert an analog type meter that must be read (like on some propane tanks) to a digital meter that can transmit readings digitally?
One solution is to completely remove the analog meter and physically replace with a new digital one. this would be expensive and labor intensive.

I’m looking for some sort of additional piece or adaptor to link the existing dial/meter to a digital
one. Any ideas? Let me know if this is unclear.

Thanks!

 

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[Greg R]

You want us to come up with a solution for you?

 

[Raoul Duke]

You want us to come up with a solution for you?

 

[biophase]

Hello- brainstorming possible ideas for a solution to a pain point we experience in our house each month.

Does anyone know of a way to convert an analog type meter that must be read (like on some propane tanks) to a digital meter that can transmit readings digitally?
One solution is to completely remove the analog meter and physically replace with a new digital one. this would be expensive and labor intensive.

I’m looking for some sort of additional piece or adaptor to link the existing dial/meter to a digital
one. Any ideas? Let me know if this is unclear.

Thanks!

Get an iPhone, put the camera on the gauge, write an app that reads where the gauge is and sends its result to a server every 10 seconds.

 

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[ruzara5]

analog type meter that must be read (like on some propane tanks) to a digital meter that can transmit readings digitally?

Its app time. Or prototype time from a online electronic hardware store.

 

[bambambam]

You want us to come up with a solution for you?

Thanks for the input, Greg. What is the point of this forum if not to collaborate, educate, motivate each other? What benefit does your reply provide? I clearly stated I was brainstorming and wondering if anyone had any ideas. Go back to your pedestal and stay away from threads asking for help if you cannot provide any.

 

[bambambam]

Get an iPhone, put the camera on the gauge, write an app that reads where the gauge is and sends its result to a server every 10 seconds.

Thanks for the idea. This gauge is a numerical gauge that reads flow. I only need readings every X amount of days. Not sure an app is the best solution as the gauge is not easily accessible

 

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[bambambam]

Its app time. Or prototype time from a online electronic hardware store.

Agree on prototype time. Ill continue brainstorming. thanks

 

[biophase]

Thanks for the idea. This gauge is a numerical gauge that reads flow. I only need readings every X amount of days. Not sure an app is the best solution as the gauge is not easily accessible

You need to figure out how the gauge reads flow.

 

[c4n]

The simplest and cheapest way I can think of (without replacing the gauge):

1. place a camera
2. link it to wifi or mobile network
3. take picture of the gauge and send it to a computer
4. process the image on the computer to read the value

You can even find sample code online, this one is from 2006: http://www.eissq.com/DialADC.html

 

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[c4n]

P.s.: based on your posts you might want to seriously consider partnering with (or hiring) someone who possesses more technical/engineering knowledge than you do and shift your focus to areas you are better at.

 

[FlipFlops]

Boats use an electronic standard called NMEA 2000 or N2k. You can purchase all kinds of sensors which convert to digital signals. Most are used to display on a chartplotter. Fuel tank level, rudder position, holding tank level, propane tank level ( Maretron - Marine Tank Monitoring Products )

Not sure if that is what your looking for.

 

[shubham525]

This is what your looking for.

Converting analogue utility meters to digital ‘now even simpler’ with compact retrofit solution - IoT Now - How to run an IoT enabled business

 

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