Mastering Your Apollo Ultrasonic Receiver Settings

Ensuring your heating oil tank is accurately monitored is crucial for efficient home management, especially during the colder months. The Apollo Ultrasonic Oil Level Monitor provides a reliable, wireless solution, but its precision relies heavily on correct setup. One of the most critical steps in this process is properly configuring the multi-switch settings on your Apollo receiver to match your specific oil tank's height. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, helping you understand how these settings work and how to troubleshoot common issues to keep your system running smoothly.

Understanding Your Apollo Ultrasonic Oil Level Monitor

The Apollo Ultrasonic is an ingenious electronic gauge designed to measure the level of oil or other suitable liquids within your storage tank. It operates on a simple yet effective principle: a transmitter, securely fitted to the top of your tank, emits ultrasonic waves that bounce off the liquid surface. This information is then wirelessly transmitted to a receiver unit, typically plugged into a mains electrical socket within your home or office. The receiver translates these signals into an easy-to-read bar display, indicating your oil level in ten graduations of the tank's height.

Beyond its primary function of displaying oil levels, the Apollo system offers a suite of features designed for convenience and peace of mind. It's built for durability, coming with a 1-year warranty and powered by a long-life lithium battery (3V-CR2430) in the transmitter, typically lasting 5-7 years. The system is versatile, compatible with various liquids including diesel fuel, kerosene, home heating oil, and even water, provided they meet specific BS 2869 standards for oil types. Installation is straightforward on most standard plastic or steel tanks featuring 20mm, 32mm, or 38mm (1½”) gauge holes.

The Critical Step: Setting the Receiver's Multi-Switches

The accuracy of your Apollo Ultrasonic monitor hinges on one fundamental configuration: setting the multi-switches on the receiver to reflect your tank's exact height. This isn't a 'one size fits all' scenario; each tank's dimensions are unique, and your Apollo needs to be precisely calibrated to them.

Measuring Your Tank Height

Before you even touch the receiver, the first and most important step is to accurately measure the height of your oil tank. Take your time with this; even a small discrepancy can lead to inaccurate readings. Measure from the very bottom of the tank to the top, where the transmitter will sit.

Locating and Adjusting the Multi-Switches

Once you have your tank's height, you'll need to consult the tank height chart provided in your Apollo Ultrasonic Monitor's instruction manual. This chart is your key to translating your tank's physical height into the correct multi-switch configuration. The multi-switches themselves are located in a small recess on the back of the receiver, typically positioned above the pins that plug into the wall socket.

To adjust these switches, you'll need a small tool, such as a star/Philips head screwdriver or even the tip of a ballpoint pen. The switches are small toggles that you'll flip upwards to the 'ON' position. Only the switches specified by your tank height chart should be moved. For example, if your tank is 850 mm high, the chart would instruct you to set switches Number 4 & 8 to the 'ON' (Up) position. Any other switches should remain in the 'OFF' (down) position.

It is vital to refer to the specific chart that came with your Apollo unit, as settings can vary slightly between models or revisions. Do not guess or use settings for a different tank height; this will result in incorrect readings.

Enabling the Low Level Audible Warning

Beyond the tank height settings, there's another crucial switch: Switch 1. Flipping Switch 1 to the 'ON' (up) position enables the low-level audible warning. This feature provides an invaluable alert when your oil level drops to a critically low point, giving you ample time to arrange a refill before you run out completely. It's a highly recommended setting for peace of mind.

Once you've made these adjustments, your Apollo Ultrasonic receiver is now programmed to your specific tank height, ready to provide accurate readings.

Sample Tank Height to Switch Setting (Refer to your manual for full chart)

While your specific manual contains the definitive chart, here’s an illustrative example:

Please remember, this table provides an example. Always refer to the tank height chart in your official Apollo Ultrasonic instruction manual for the correct settings for your specific tank.

Matching the Receiver and Transmitter

Once the receiver's multi-switches are set, the next logical step in the installation process is to match your receiver with its transmitter. This crucial step ensures a unique communication code between your two units, preventing interference from other nearby Apollo systems. This only needs to be done once.

1. Plug the receiver into a suitable electrical socket and switch it on. The display screen will show a flashing top bar, indicating it's waiting for a unique code. This flashing will last for approximately 2 minutes.
2. During this 2-minute window, hold the transmitter against the right-hand side of the receiver, ensuring the black dots on both units are touching. Hold them together for about 20 seconds.
3. You'll hear an audible beep, indicating the matching process is underway. A change in tone signifies completion. Once all 10 bars appear and flash on the receiver display, the unique code has been successfully transferred.

Fitting the Transmitter to Your Tank

With the units matched, the transmitter can now be fitted to your tank. Ensure the weather seal is securely in place. For tanks with pre-drilled 20mm or 32mm holes, simply insert the transmitter. For 1½” (38mm) BSP gauge sockets, an optional adapter is available and should be screwed into the socket before fitting the transmitter.

It is paramount that the transmitter is installed vertically on top of the tank. This is critical for the ultrasonic signal to bounce correctly off the oil surface and return to the device. Using the two supplied stainless steel self-tapping screws, tighten the transmitter onto the tank, but do not overtighten and do not use longer screws, as this can interfere with readings. The Apollo Ultrasonic Oil Level Monitor is now fully installed and should begin receiving signals within an hour.

Understanding Apollo On-Screen Displays and Troubleshooting

Your Apollo receiver is designed to provide clear messages about your oil level and system status. Understanding these messages is key to effective monitoring and troubleshooting.

Normal Messages

• Bars on Screen: The primary display, indicating the oil level. 10 bars mean full, and each bar represents 1/10th of your tank's height.
• Early Warning Nozzle: Appears when the oil level reaches a low preset point, signalling it's time to consider ordering more fuel.
• Almost Empty (Red Light Flashing): A critical warning that your oil level is extremely low.

Other Messages and Troubleshooting

Sometimes, the display might show messages indicating an issue. Here’s how to interpret and address them:

• Blank Screen or Top Bar Only (after installation or power failure): This means the receiver is waiting for a signal. Do nothing! The signal should be received within one hour as the unit locates its unique signal. Do not unplug the receiver to reset it.
• Flashing Triangle (no bars): This indicates no radio signal is being received from the transmitter (after waiting for 4 hours).
• Action: Check the matching procedure. Try repositioning the receiver, moving it closer to a window or away from metal objects, thick granite walls, or other electrical equipment (especially Wi-Fi devices) that might obstruct the 433Mhz FM signal. Ensure the transmitter seal is undamaged.
• Fixed Triangle Only: This is a low battery warning for the transmitter. The unit will continue to give readings until the battery is exhausted.
• Action: Replace the long-life lithium CR2430 battery in the transmitter.
• Flashing Triangle, Middle Bar Only: This indicates no ultrasonic echo is being received from the liquid surface.
• Action: Check that the transmitter sensor cone is clean and free from dirt or chalky residue. Ensure the transmitter is vertical and its seal is undamaged. If the oil level is within 8 inches (100-120mm) of the transmitter, this message may also occur; wait for the level to drop for accurate readings. Internal tank obstructions like ribs, stays, or pipes can also interfere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Apollo Ultrasonic Monitor

Q1: What exactly is the Apollo Ultrasonic Gauge?

A: The Apollo is an electronic gauge that utilises ultrasonic technology to accurately measure the level of oil or other suitable liquids within your storage tank. A transmitter on top of the tank wirelessly sends this information to a receiver unit plugged into your mains electricity, which then displays the level using a series of bars.

Q2: I've misplaced my instructions. How do I rematch the unit and determine the multi-switch settings?

A: The multi-switch settings correspond directly to your tank's height and are detailed in the instruction manual. For rematching, plug in the receiver, then hold the transmitter against the receiver (black dots touching) for approximately 20 seconds while the receiver's top bar is flashing. You'll hear beeps indicating the process. Always refer to your specific manual for the tank height chart.

Q3: What do the different readings on the receiver mean?

A: The receiver displays oil level using bars; 10 bars indicate a full tank, with each bar representing 1/10th of the tank's height. An 'Early Warning Nozzle' appears at a low preset level, and a flashing red 'Almost Empty' light signifies a critically low level.

Q4: What types of liquids can the Apollo Ultrasonic monitor?

A: The Apollo is suitable for a wide range of liquids, including diesel fuel, kerosene, home heating oil, admixtures, waste oil, agricultural fuel, Adblue, lubricants, biodiesel, detergent, and gas oil types A2, C1, C2, and D as defined by BS 2869. It can also monitor water.

Q5: What kind of tank is the Apollo suitable for?

A: The Apollo works with most plastic and steel tanks up to 3 metres in height. However, internal ribs, stays, or bars within the tank can sometimes interfere with the ultrasonic signal. For bunded tanks, ensure the transmitter is fitted to the internal tank.

Q6: Why is my receiver showing a flashing triangle?

A: A flashing triangle (with no bars) indicates that the receiver is not getting a radio signal from the transmitter. Try moving the receiver closer to a window or away from metal objects, thick walls, or other electrical devices, particularly Wi-Fi equipment, which can obstruct the signal. Check that the transmitter seal is intact.

Q7: What does a flashing triangle with a middle bar mean?

A: This signifies that no ultrasonic echo is being received from the liquid surface. Ensure the bottom cone of the transmitter is clean and free from dirt or chalky residue. Also, check that the transmitter is fitted vertically and its seal is undamaged. If the oil level is very high (within 100-120mm of the transmitter), this message might also appear.

Q8: What does a fixed triangle on the receiver screen indicate?

A: A fixed triangle means the lithium battery in your transmitter is running low. The unit will continue to provide readings until the battery is fully depleted. The battery (CR2430) typically lasts 5-7 years and should be replaced.

Q9: Why must the transmitter be positioned vertically?

A: The transmitter relies on ultrasonic waves bouncing off the oil surface and returning to the device. If it's not perfectly vertical, the signal may not reflect back correctly, leading to inaccurate readings or error messages like the flashing triangle with a middle bar.

Q10: My receiver always reads full. What could be the problem?

A: Several factors can cause a constant 'full' reading. Double-check that the multi-switch pins on your receiver are correctly set according to your tank's height chart. Also, inspect the tank for any internal obstructions such as pumps, pipes, internal stays, or ribbing that might be blocking the ultrasonic signal. Ensure the correct screw length (max 19mm) was used for fitting the transmitter, as longer or angled screws can interfere. For bunded tanks, confirm the transmitter is on the internal tank.

Conclusion

Properly setting up your Apollo Ultrasonic Oil Level Monitor, particularly the multi-switch settings on the receiver, is fundamental to its reliable operation. By carefully measuring your tank, consulting your manual's tank height chart, and accurately adjusting the switches, you ensure your system provides precise and timely information about your oil levels. Understanding the different on-screen displays and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues will empower you to maintain continuous oversight of your heating oil, helping you avoid unexpected run-outs and manage your fuel consumption efficiently. With these steps, your Apollo monitor becomes an invaluable tool for home heating management, offering peace of mind throughout the year.

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