RS232 serial messages for LP tank levels displayed in Snaplink Mobile

I'm creating a RS232 serial connection (based on info I gathered from other users here) between a Centeron controller (datasheet here) and my Omnipro II.  The Centeron controller will send the omnipro a daily message of propane tank percentage and I'd like that information to be displayed on my smartphone so I have instant access to it.  Is it possible to treat the propane level like a fake humidity sensor and have it displayed in the "temps" area?  Then I could also create a low setpoint to alert me.  Or is there a better way to display this data? 

Sorry, I cant help you but I am interested in monitoring a propane tank just like you are, and would like to hear if you are able to make it work.

Yeah, and it doesn't look like my original approach will work.  I spoke with the folks at Robertshaw and the RS232 connection on the receiver was installed as more of a troubleshooting method and not a good method to set and get info.  I think I'm changing gears and holding out for this product called tank utility since there doesn't seem to be an easy way to integrate remote ready tank gauges with the omnipro.  I missed the kickstarter campaign but it looks like they are starting production in January.  Fingers crossed...

I've used something like that to monitor two large industrial tanks for a previous job six years ago.  I used its analog output on a data logger.
 
Does your infrastructure allow you to measure voltage via an analog input?

BraveSirRobbin said:

I've used something like that to monitor two large industrial tanks for a previous job six years ago.  I used its analog output on a data logger.
 
Does your infrastructure allow you to measure voltage via an analog input?

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I have a remote ready gauge, and I was looking for a commercial unit to integrate with the omnipro ii - even if it's a simply relay that trips when 20% of the tank is left.  Your blog article on how to interpret the voltage from a hall effect sensor is awesome, but I think it is above my skill set.  I was really hoping to get a commercially available product like this one you posted about, but the local squibb taylor rep quoted over $800 for the unit which isn't worth it.      There is no way for the omnipro to interpret the voltage directly like it would a temperature sensor, correct?

I am not familiar with the Omni, but I'm sure other forums members that are will chime in with some advice.
 
Is this for a commercial application?  If so, the one I used that you referenced is a good product, but as you saw, very expensive.  I also wanted to comment though that their interface box did have some smarts to it in the fact that it would (from my memory) provide contact closures based on hi/lo set points as well as other readout and alarm features.
 
You could always create a voltage comparator circuit and do this same thing.  I did this for a Dexcom diabetes monitor project and could provide the schematics (providing I can find them).   This is something that would need to be bread-boarded.

It's a non-commercial application, and I love the digital readout from those units and the form c relay that could trigger a zone on the omnipro II.  I just wish they didn't cost so much.  Thanks for your help!