philippi TCM4 User manual

kTANKMONITOR TCM4
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
philippi elektrische systeme gmbh www.philippi-online.de
Neckaraue 19 [email protected]
D-71686 Remseck am Neckar Telefon: [phone], Fax -22
V2.3 - August 2011
INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................2
2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................................................................... 3
3. INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................................4
4. OPERATION................................................................................................................................................. 5
5. HANDLING / SETUP.....................................................................................................................................6
6. TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................................12
7. MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................................................................12
8. TECHNICAL DATA......................................................................................................................................12
9. CE-CONFORMITY......................................................................................................................................12

kTANKMONITOR TCM4
Page 2 V2.3 - August 2011
1. INTRODUCTION
Dear customer,
thank you for buying the tankmonitor TCM 4. This digital unit is state of the art in tank monitoring
On the large, illuminated display you can read:
xthe actual filling level of up to four tanks
You have the possibility of:
xadjusting an alarm threshold (full or empty alarm)
The tank levels are shown as a bar and in % or litres.
The TCM 4 is easy to operate and well readable. You have a quick overview of up to four tank levels.
For level-sensoring we recommend the sensors of our TGT / TGW - series, the ultrasonic sensors UTV and
the fresh water flow sensor DFS. These sensors are not part of the purchased parts package.
Sensors of other manufacturers can be connected as well; depending on the type you may need a hardware
adaption at our company.
In the SETUP- menu the display will be configurated to the connected sensors. Also you have the possibility
to adjust the tankmonitor to your given tank - geometry to show the real tank filling level correctly.
Please note: only when using the flow sensors DFS the shown display of litres is correct, because it mea-
sures the flowed litres. If you`re using other sensors, the TCM calculates the remaining tank capacity by
the tank volume and the actual level. Depending on the accuracy of the sensors it cannot be litre-correct.
EXTENDED ADJUSTMENT POSSIBILITIES starting from software 2A - May 2010:
the tank depth can be adjusted to the centimetre by using ultrasonic sensors UTV40 or
UTV80. If you`re using a distance ring to balance the off zone of the sensors, you can
compensate this value too! (please see page 9).
Please, read the Instruction Manual carefully and follow all instructions before putting the
equipment in operation.
1.1. PURPOSE
The tankmonitors of the TCM-series can only be used with suitable tank sensors for low voltage purposes
DC 10-30V. They were designed for the use on yachts or camper vans and must be used in an enclosed
environment which is protected against rain, moisture, dust and condensation.
Don`t use the TCM tankmonitors in places where there could be danger of explosion by gas or dust.
1.2.CONTENT
xTankmonitor TCM 4
xPlug-in clamp
xThis Instruction Manual
1.3. ACCESSORIES (TO BE ORDERED SEPARATELY)
xFlow sensor for fresh water DFS Ord.-Nr.: 7 0003 0304
xTank sensor TGT / TGW 200-800 Ord.-Nr.: 6 6011 7xxx
xUltrasonic tank sensor UTV 20-80 Ord.-Nr.: 7 0219 35xx

kTANKMONITOR TCM4
V2.3 - August 2011 Page 3
1.4. WARRANTY
philippi elektrische systeme gmbh grants a two year limited and not transferable warranty for the first buyer of
this equipment, commencing on the date of purchase and covers defects in manufacturing, parts and materials.
Production or material defects will be corrected without costs if:
xthe equipment will be send to us at the expense of the sender
xenclose the receipt (copy) of purchase
xthe equipment was treated in the intended use
xno strange spare parts were built in or external effects happened
Not included in the warranty are damages from:
xovervoltage in the inputs or reverse polarity
xentered liquids in the device or oxydation through condensation
xlightning
Not under warranty are follow-up costs and normal wear and tear.
In case of warranty there must be a specification of the defect. Adetailed description of the
defect will ease and speed up the repair.
Please note that we cannot accept carriage forward deliveries.
1.5. EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
Both the adherence to the operating instruction, and the conditions and methods during installation, using
and maintenance of the TCM cannot be supervised by philippi electrical systems. Therefore we do not take
any responsibility for loss, damage or costs, which develop due to incorrect installation and/or
inappropriate enterprise.
1.6. QUALITY MANAGEMENT
During the process of manufacturing all devices pass several checks, controls and tests. Production, controls
and tests are due to given protocols. Each TCM has its own serial number. Please do not remove this label.
The assembly and testing of all TCM devices is carried out completely in our company at Remseck am Neckar.
2. SAFETY REFERENCES
xunautorised change to the equipment will invalidate the CE sign
xthe installation of the TCM may be made only by electrical specialists.
xImportant! Pay attention to the correct polarity of the batteries!
The assembly and operating instruction is a component of the TCM package. It must be kept
(for reference). Importantly: - for later maintenance work - and for the use of subsequent owners
of the equipment.

kTANKMONITOR TCM4
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Connection of ultrasonic sensor UTV or over active sensors:
Light GND -
12/24V
UTV +
DFS +
GND - TG 1 TG 2
TG 3
TG 4
Light
GND -
12/24V
UTV +
DFS +
GND -
TG 1
TG 2
TG 3
TG 4
3.3. INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION
Please install the TCM in a visible place, so that it can be read off at any time. The necessary installation
cutout is 88 x 88mm, the necessary minimum depth is 40mm.
The TCM supervises up to four tanks at the same time. If you have less sensors, start connecting the first
sensor at terminal TG 1 ( if you`re using two, connect them to TG 1 and TG 2 and so on)
You can use both passive (resistance) and active (ultrasonic) sensors at the same time. For the
connection have a look at the connection diagramms.
The flow sensor DFS has to be connected to terminal TG1 (if you`re using 2 flow sensors DFS,
terminal TG1 and TG2)!
If you want to use tank sensors with an output of 4-20mA or 0-10V you need a hardware-adaption at
our company. Please ask.
The power supply of the TCM is either directly from the battery or over a power distribution panel. Use a cable
1,5mm² cross section which has to be fused (1A).
The display is lit when you press a button or you can connect the terminal “Light” to a switch and switch it
on/off manually.
ATTENTION:
If the power supply of an ultrasonic sensor is
connected directly to the on board DC system,
not through the tankmonitor, this connection
wire has to be fused by an 1A fuse!

4. OPERATION
The display shows the tank levels automatically after switching on.
In the SETUP-menu you can adjust each tank-display individually to the medium (fuel, water...), to the type of
sensor used, to the compensation value for the tank-geometry and the alarm-threshold. In case of a power sup-
ply breakdown all of these adjustments are saved and immediately available after switching on.
The tank levels are measured each 5 s. The measured levels are shown in a bar diagram and additonally
either in litres, in percent or without further indication. This can be adjusted in the SETUP-menu.
If the indication over a tank is “----”, the measured value of the related tank is out of an expected value or there
is no sensor connected.
If an alarm threshold for a tank is set up , this threshold is shown by a little triangle on the side of the bar.
So you have a quick overview if the tank level is inside of the correct range.
If the threshold is over 50%, the full -alarm is on, i.e. a filling level over the threshold set off the alarm.
If the threshold is below 50% the empty - alarm is on, i.e. a filling level below the threshold sets off the alarm.
In case of an alarm the related tank symbol is blinking and a buzzing signal is sounding for the preset time.
The alarm can be acknowledged by you when pressing a button
To reduce the current consumption when using ultrasonic sensors (ca. 50mA / sensor), you can choose the
Powersave Mode. Please note: when using the Powersave mode, the alarm is deactivated too!
In the Powersave mode the measurement is carried out every 30 min. (11 ,5-13 V) and every 2 hours
(below 11,5V). The Powersave mode is activated automatically if the supply voltage goes below 11,5V to save
the batteries life. Under 10V no measurement takes place.
In 24V- operation double values are applying.
kTANKMONITOR TCM4
V2.3 - August 2011Page 5
Connection of passive (resistance) sensors like TGT /
TGW and other:
Connection of flow sensors DFS:
Light
GND -
12/24V UTV +
DFS +
GND -
TG 1
TG 2
TG 3
TG 4
Light
GND -
12/24V
UTV +
DFS +
GND -
TG 1
TG 2
TG 3
TG 4
(2.DFS)

5. HANDLING
When pressing the push buttons the display light is lit during 60 s. If you connect the terminal “Light” to the
power supply via the power distribution panel the light can be activated manually.
The alarm can be acknowledged by pressing a button.
Following actions are activated by pressing:
Button 1 Button 2 Button 3 Button 4
Button 1Long pressing (3s) Tank is being filled up in 5% steps until the maximum
value (Only if tank1: Tanktype 40 -Flow sensor DFS)
Button 2 Long pressing (3s) Tank is being filled up in 5% steps until the maximum
value (Only if tank1: Tanktype 40 -Flow sensor DFS)
Button 3 Short pressing (2s) “SETUP”- menu available; when the display is blinking,
release the button
Long pressing (5s) Setup-menu is locked / unlocked
Button 4 no function
5.1. SETUP
In the SETUP-menu all adjustments can be changed:
Following is the key function:
Arrow: selection of the line to be modified
Plus: increase the value
Minus: decrease the value
Return: save the values and return to the
tank display
kTANKMONITOR TCM4
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kTANKMONITOR TCM4
GLOBAL SETUP
1. Display a) Display of the remaining tank capacity in litres (l)
b) Display of the remaining tank capacity in percentage (%)
c) No numerical display of the remaining tank capacity
2.Amount of tanks Amount of the displayed tanks (1 - 4 tanks)
3.Tank X Menu individual adjustment of each tank:
Capacity in litres, tanktype, Compensation-value, alarm - threshold and
alarm - duration
4. Language Language for the SETUP-menu. Available are following languages:
German / English / French / Italian / Spanish
5. Contrast Display contrast attitude + = dimmer, - = brighter
6. Powersave Mode 1 = on, 0 = off
The inverted line can be changed.
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE TANK DISPLAY:
You get into the choosen tank menu by pressing the button 3 (arrow to the right):
in the tank menu you can adjust the tank type (e.g. water, fuel, waste and the type of the sensor), the
capacity, the compensation-value (adjustment of the tank-geometry), the alarm-threshold and duration.
Also you have the possibility to preset the ohm-values for 0%, 50% and 100% if your sensor has another range
of resistance than 5 - 180 or 240 - 33 ohm (tank type 25 -29).
V2.3 - August 2011Page 7

kTANKMONITOR TCM4
Page 8 V2.3 - August 2011
INDIVIDUAL TANK SETTINGS IN THE TANK MENU:
CAPACITY OF THE TANK
By pressing the +/- - button you can adjust the capacity of the tank. The capacity is displayed in litres.
TANK TYPE (Tank 1-4)
By choosing the type of tank you`re defining both the desired display symbol and the type of a given sensor.
There are 5 different tank symbols to choose of:
Fresh Water Fuel Waste Water Grey-water Gas
Tank type Sensor Measurement range Attention
0 1 2 3 -4 philippi TRG 6 levels (6..190 Ohm)
5 6 7 8 9philippi TGT / TGW 5..180 Ohm
10 11 12 13 14 philippi UTV 0,5..2,5V
15 16 17 18 19 0...10 V Hardware adjustment!
20 21 22 23 24 240...33 Ohm UTR not possible!
A) 25 26 27 28 29 free adjustment of resistance range
30 31 32 33 34 5 Stab Büschelgeber 4 Stufen AuxiliaryhardwarePB43!
B) 35 36 37 38 39 philippi UTV 40/UTV 80 0,5..2,5V
C) 40 Flow sensor DFS former: tank type 35
4...20mA possible by: Hardware adjustment!
Incorrect display information can occur due to not compatible parts. Please ensure that the tank type matches
the sensor. In former models the tank type of the flow sensor DFS was 35.
A) FREE ADJUSTMENT OF THE RESISTANCE RANGE OF THE SENSOR:
(TANK TYPE 25/ 26/ 27/ 28/29)
Does your sensor have a characteristic line which doesn`t exist in the SETUP? In this mode you can adjust the
display to your sensor!
Sensors: this mode can only be used in connection with resistance-sensors, not in connection with
active / capacitive sensors!
The resistance-values for 3 levels (0%, 50%, 100%) have to be
entered. First you have to measure the resistance of your sensor
when the tank level is empty, half-full and full by using an ohm-
meter. You have to enter these values in the submenu of the
according tank at 0%, 50% and 100%.

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V2.3 - August 2011Page 9
B) ADJUSTMENT OF THE TANK DEPTH + DISTANCE RING
(TANK TYPE 35 / 36 / 37 / 38 / 39 )
You need the following ultrasonic sensor:
- tank depth plus distance ring equal or less than 40 cm: UTV40
- tank depth plus distance ring greater than 40 cm: UTV80 (max. depth measurable : 80 cm)
The depth of each tank can be adjusted to the centimetre in the SETUP-menu.
After entry of the tank type 35 - 39 the display Now you can adjust the depth by pressing
shows the depth 40 cm: the - / + buttons
Is the depth of the tank greater than 40 cm, you have to
use an UTV80. The TCM4 is showing that automatically:
To balance the off zone of the ultrasonic sensor (the range which is not measurable between sensor and liquid
surface - 50 mm) you can use a distance ring UTS 25 or UTS 50.
If you`re using such a distance ring you can entry this distance too.
If the tank depth plus the distance ring is equal or less than 40 cm you need an UTV 40; greater than 40 cm an
UTV 80. The TCM4 shows the type of UTV- sensor required automatically.
ATTENTION! If the total of tank depth and distance ring is greater than 40 cm, you have to use
an UTV 80! (f.e. tank depth is 37 cm and distance ring is 5 cm = total depth is 42 cm)
You can use only ultrasonic sensors UTV40 or UTV80!

C) TANK TYPE 40 - DFS (former software: tank type 35)
If the tank type 40 (flow sensor DFS) is preset for tank 1 or 2, the following symbol is shown in the
basic display:
after filling-up of the tank you can fill-up the shown content according to the filling in steps
of 5% by long-pressing (ca. 5s) of the button.
If there`s water flowing through the flow sensor DFS and the tank is filled, this is shown
by a rotating bar. If the tank is empty, the bar doesn`t rotate.
ADJUSTING THE ALARM
You can adjust the alarm threshold for each tank separately.
Alarm duration 0 s Alarm off
1... 600 s Alarm duration 1... 600 seconds
601 s Alarm open end, until it will be acknowlegded by pressing a button
or if the measured value has changed so that the alarm is cancelled.
Alarm level 0 % Alarm off
1..50 % Empty-alarm: if the level falls below the adjusted threshold the
alarm will be activated. The activation is delayed by 15s.
51... 99 % Full-alarm: if the level rises above the adjusted threshold the alarm
will be activated. The activation is delayed by 15s.
POWERSAVE- MODE (PS)
The Powersave mode (PS) is only for the use with ultrasonic sensors UTV, or other active sensors, because
these sensors have a power consumption of ca. 50 mA of each sensor.
If the Powersave mode is activated in the SETUP, there`s the
sign “PS” down to the right.
ATTENTION!
In the Powersave mode the alarm is switched off!
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kTANKMONITOR TCM4
V2.3 - August 2011Page 11
In the Powersave mode the measurement takes place in dependence of the supply voltage:
Above 13V the Powersave mode is switched off automatically. Below 11,5V automatically switched on.
If the supply-voltage is between 11,5 - 13V a measuring cycle takes place every 30 minutes;
if the supply voltage is below 11,5V a measuring cycle takes place every 2 hours.
Ameasuring cycle lasts 5 minutes, thereby the sensors are scanned each 5 s.
Anew measuring cycle is started each time when a button is pressed. During the cycle-interval the display
shows the latest measured values.
In 24V- operation double values are applying.
ADJUSTMENT TOTHE GEOMETRYOF THE TANK / COMPENSATION (TANK 1-4):
Tank1...4 : Adjustment of tank geometry
With non rectangular tanks the level height is not proportional to the content of
liquid in the tank. By means of the compensation value this can be considered
in the display. The compensation value changes the tank characteristic in such
a way that the indicated level is approximated to geometry of the tank.
The value to be entered is value the tank display should indicate with the half
level height of the tank is. The following examples shows which values the
compensation value with different geometry will be:
If tank geometry is strongly deviating from the examples, then the correction
value can be determined.
The correction value is computes by capacity of level iof half height divided by
the capacity of entire level in the tank multiplyied by 100.
Capacity of half level height
Correction value K = ------------------------------------ x 100
Level of fuel in the tank entirely
Example: The tank has a total volume of 150 l with a maximum filling height
(tank height) of 50 cm.
In order to determine the correction value, the tank is filled up only up to the
half filling height (= 25 cm). Computationally or by filling up a value of 65 l
results.
Inserted into the formula results for the correction value a value of:
K = 65 l/150 l x 100 = 43
This is deposited accordingly now in the Setup.

kTANKMONITOR TCM4
6. TROUBLESHOOTING
If the tankmonitor shows wrong values or (---), please check first the sensor and the correct connection of the
sensor. Check also the wiring between the sensor and the tankmonitor. This is the main source of defect.
If the shown values are totally implausible, check the supply voltage of the sensors. The supply voltage has
to be min. 10V (see the data sheet of the sensor).
7. MAINTENANCE
The tank does not request special maintenance. The frontpanel can be cleaned with a damp cloth without
using agressive detergents.
8. TECHNICAL DATA
Power supply DC 10-30 Volt
Power consumption ca. 8mA when using resistance sensors,
60mA if the display is lit (12V)
12mA when using a flow sensor DFS
when using ultrasonic sensors UTV:
50 mA per sensor (without Powersave mode)
Dimensions: 105 x 105 x 40 mm
Installation cutout: 88 x 88 mm
9. CE-CONFORMITY
philippi elektrische systeme gmbh
Neckaraue 19
71686 Remseck am Neckar
Germany
certifies herewith, that the product: Tankmonitor TCM 4
fulfills the requirements of the European Regulation EMC 89/336/EEG “electromagnetic compatibility” and
the amendments to 92/31/EEG and 93/68/EEG.
Following harmonised standards were implemented:
Emission: EN 50081-1:1992
Immunity: EN 50082-1:1992
Remseck, May 2009
Dipl.-Ing. Michael Kögel
general manager philippi
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