When
you select a remote tank monitoring solution you are
selecting a long-term business partner. There are
several factors you should consider. Ask yourself
and the potential solution providers the following
questions:
How long have you been
providing tank monitors? Wireless monitors?
LevelCon has been in business 24 years, providing
tank monitors for 15 and wireless monitors for 4 years.
Is the solution completely
wireless, no external power and no phone line?
LevelCon’s solution is completely wireless.
We utilize solar power, long life batteries and two
cellular networks. No phone lines or outside power
are needed.
Can the equipment monitor
more than one tank?
LevelCon can monitor two tanks with one unit. This
cuts your equipment cost by as much as 40%.
Does the system cover both
the Amps (analog) and GSM (digital) network?
This is a very important question that is worth understanding
before you make a decision on a solution. LevelCon
provides monitors for both systems but will provide
equipment for the GSM network whenever possible. This
is currently over 99% of the time. There are gaps
in the coverage of each of these networks so it is
important to have the option of going with either
so you maximize your coverage. Another important point
is that the mandate from the FCC to keep the Amps
network alive will expire in Feburary of 2008. No
one knows at this point if there will be enough business
to support it. It not, it will very quickly go brown
and then black. Amps equipment can not be switched
to GSM.
How long with the batteries
last?
LevelCon uses a battery and solar power combination
that optimizes the battery life. LevelCon batteries
last, on average, 3.5 years. If the units are going
to be used indoors where there is no sun light, LevelCon
offers options for 110VAC or a lithium battery.
What is the battery cost?
LevelCon’s batteries are managed by exception
rather than rule. Batteries may need to be replaced
around every 3.5 to 4 years. The battery can be purchased
at a local Batteries Plus store for around $8. LevelCon
can supply the batteries to you for $20 each.
Is there a monitor for
all products, including gasoline?
LevelCon offers several sensor types including those
for hazardous environments like gasoline. This allows
you to choose the appropriate kit for the tank and
product.
Can you set custom report
times? How many?
All report times are customizable. Up to 24 per day.
All report times can be changed remotely.
Will the unit send a special
report when low? Critical low? High?
LevelCon’s T100G checks the product level every
thirty minutes. If it detects a set point you have
created, it will send a report immediately rather
than waiting for the next scheduled report time.
Will the unit send a
special report after being filled?
LevelCon’s T100G checks the product level every
thirty minutes. If it detects that the tank has been
filled it will send a report immediately rather than
waiting for the next scheduled report time.
Can you adjust report
times and set points remotely?
All reporting features of the T100G can be programmed
remotely.
Can LevelConnect integrate
with other backend solutions?
Yes, LevelConnect can integrate with all backend solutions
and currently uses an XML and ftp methodology that
is acceptable to most application providers. If other
methods of integration are needed LevelCon can generally
provide the integration services at no charge.
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