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Old 06-09-2009, 03:53 PM   #1
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1982 28' Airstream 280
Venice , California
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Time to fabricate a new 'Control Center'

I don't know about you guys, but the black glassy control panel above my fridge is a source of constant frustration. Water level meters with ambiguous faintly glowing lights at 1/4, 1/2, etc. Useless. Ditto for the battery monitors and propane level. Time to bring my 83' 280 up into the new millennium and fashion a gauge bar and control system that is more useful and verbose.

I was thinking of using the equivalent of a fuel gauge for each of the three water tanks and propane and using voltmeters for the two batteries with an ammeter to show current load. Going the other direction, I could use digital displays and even a %full display for the tanks and batteries.

Has anyone taken on this project before? Any particular suggestions on how to get started and what the input ranges might be for the tank floats?

/dale
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Old 06-09-2009, 04:00 PM   #2
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I've heard good things about the Seelevel monitors

SeeLeveL RV Gauges by Garnet Technologies Inc.
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Old 06-10-2009, 06:51 AM   #3
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1983 31' Airstream310
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Good project - I've thought about it many times but never actually started. I like your ideas about replacements for the screwball light system. Pics please, both during and after.
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Old 06-10-2009, 10:30 AM   #4
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1969 25' Tradewind
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Another possible source for some meters.

BEP Automotive electrical and electronic products
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Old 07-06-2009, 07:04 PM   #5
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1983 30' Airstream 300
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Got that control center done yet?
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Old 08-04-2009, 09:46 PM   #6
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1982 28' Airstream 280
Venice , California
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Ha! Not yet

I purchased the SeeLevel monitors. Looks like a great system. Have the Trimetic Battery Monitor already. Love it. Just waiting for the free time. Been focused on upgrading the bones lately--four new airbags, new radiator ($$$$), two new bell crank arms, etc. Suspension work is the only thing I outsource, because I can't lift this girl up in the air. But at $4500, it was a big pill to swallow!

I'll keep you posted on the new control center. It will probably happen sometime after Burning Man.

/df
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Old 03-21-2011, 06:04 PM   #7
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1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Jamestown , Kentucky
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Hello Dale

So how is the gauge install project going ?

and How do you like your new air bag system.
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Old 03-23-2011, 09:27 PM   #8
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1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
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Dale, look up Zepplinium's post here...
Lots of good info and Ideas.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f443...tal-58532.html
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Old 03-24-2011, 12:39 AM   #9
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Lopez Island , Washington
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Last weekend I installed the 2025RV Trimetric unit from Bogart Engineering; this provides ammeter, voltmeter and time-integrated amp readings (e.g. % actual charge in battery). I'm quite happy w/ this unit, and it satisfies the need I felt to replace the non-working meters in the Airstream "Central Control" panel. I can recommend this as much nicer than having only instantaneous amp and volt readings....

A water level sensor would still be a nice addition, though.

- Bart
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