Apollo Smart
Q1. What is the Apollo Smart Monitor?
The Apollo Smart product consists of the Apollo Smart Transmitter and the Apollo Smart Monitor. The Apollo Smart Transmitter is easily installed on your oil storage tank to measure the level of the oil. It transmits the oil level information wirelessly to the Apollo Smart Monitor which may be located in a convenient location inside your home. Together they allow today’s energy and environmentally conscious consumers to monitor and track their heating oil consumption, its costs, and the heating systems environmental impact through carbon emissions, on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
Q2. Can I unplug my monitor when not I’m not using my heating in the summer?
The Apollo Smart Monitor is intended to be connected to a power source continuously. It contains a small battery to keep time during power cuts. If the Apollo Smart Monitor is left unpowered for an extended period greater than 3 months then the battery will deplete and information may be lost. However, when you are not using your domestic oil heating system, you may unplug the Apollo Smart and store it until you wish to use your heating again. Its back-up battery and internal clock keep track of the days as they pass. On powering back up again when you start to use your heating again, the Apollo Smart will continue monitoring your oil usage, and calculating the financial cost and environmental impact.
Q3. I unplugged my monitor and when I plugged it back in it is flashing ‘Lrn’?
When the Apollo Smart has been unplugged and is plugged in again, it will start up in ‘Lrn’ mode. Simply press any key to exit.
Q4. I had my first delivery of oil to my new oil tank and the litres delivered do not match that shown on my monitor?
The Apollo Smart owner should note that the first fill amount of oil into a tank will differ from the amount shown on the display. This is due to the fact that the Apollo Smart Monitor displays the volume of Usable oil available. The Apollo Smart Monitor in its calculations makes an allowance of 8cm of unusable oil in the bottom of the tank due to the location of the bottom outlet or the top discharge pipe
Q5. I had an oil fill and the updated Litre readings do not match what I ordered?
The selected tank type and dimensions entered may not precisely match the actual shape and capacity. For example, very few type A tanks are true rectangles. Most have strengthening ribs and rounded edges, all of these factors have an effect on the reported tank level. Other external factors such as ambient temperature can affect the tank structure by causing compression and expansion of the tank.
Q6. What do the Monitor readings mean?
A.
Q7. What substances can the Apollo Smart monitor?
The Apollo is suitable for measuring both liquids and solid materials. It is suitable for use with the storage of diesel fuel, kerosene, gas oil types A2, C1, C2 and D as defined by BS 2869. It can be used with other liquids such as water and some chemicals but for suitability please check with the company.
Q8.What kind of tank is the Apollo Smart suited for?
Apollo Smart suite for above ground tank only
The Apollo Smart is suitable for use with storage tanks that fit within the limits in the adjacent table (these apply to the inner tank for Bunded tanks)
Q9. I have a bunded tank, how do I measure the inside tank?
Please refer to manufacturers data for the most accurate measurements.
Q10. What do the Error readings mean, and how do I rectify the issue?
Q11. What kind of battery is used in the transmitter?
We use a long-life (3V-CR2450) lithium battery, which should last 5 – 7 years.
Q12.What type of battery is used in the Monitor?
We use a long-life (3V-CR2450) lithium battery, which should last up to 3 years with the unit unplugged.
Q13.Why must the transmitter stand vertically?
The transmitter uses ultrasonic technology, which means that the transmitter sends a signal out towards the oil surface and it bounces back to the device. If the transmitter is not vertical, there is no guarantee that the signal will be able to bounce back and may result in Error.
Click HERE to View Apollo Smart Leaflet
Click HERE to View Apollo Smart Product Manual
Click HERE to View Apollo Smart Instruction Guide
Q14. In what temperatures will the Apollo work?
The Apollo is suitable to operate in temperatures of -10 to +60°C. Temperatures below or above these stated may cause the unit to malfunction, but on return to normal climate conditions, the Apollo will revert to correct reading.
Q15. How far away can I have my transmitter from the monitor?
You may place the transmitter up to 150 metres from the monitor, line of sight. Please keep in mind that obstacles such as walls, re-enforced walls, metal objects or metal buildings reduce that distance.
Q16. Is the transmitter affected by rain?
The transmitter is closed in a weatherproof plastic casing that protects it from the elements and UV light. It remains more reliable than other brands.
Q17. Will the transmitter be affected by UV light?
No, the transmitter has been specially made using UV resistant material.
Q18. My monitor reads full all the time, why might this be?
There are a number of reasons why you may be receiving a full reading from your gauge;
- Ensure you have the correct tank dimensions inputted into your receiver device.
- Make sure that there are no possible obstructions within the tank. Obstructions can sometimes be overlooked during installation, anything from internal pumps or pipes or internal stays in steel tanks.
- Avoid fitting the transmitter above or near ribs in the tank.
- Check that the correct screw length has been used (max 19mm) and that they are properly located. Use of longer screws and/or if they are put in at an angle will interfere with readings and as a result, may show a full reading.
- In cases where it is a bunded tank, the transmitter/rocket needs to be fitted to the internal tank.
Q19. What if the oil in the tank is full to the very top. Will this
- Harm the Apollo transmitter?
- Affect my readings?
- Tanks should only be filled to 95% of their brimful capacity. In the event that the tank is filled to the top, this will not harm the transmitter as it is a sealed unit.
- If the tank is filled to the top as described then the oil/liquid will be too close to the underside of the transmitter and will result in intermittent incorrect readings or Errors until the oil/liquid level drops to 100 – 120 mm from the top of the tank. The readings will then return to normal without any adjustments or action needed. Please note depending on oil usage this may take a couple of weeks.The reason for the foregoing is that the Ultrasonics bounces a sound from the surface of the oil/liquid and measures the time it takes to then give a reading but if the oil/liquid is too close then it cannot record a time, it, therefore, needs a distance of 100 – 120 mm to give a correct.
Q20. Where on the tank should the Apollo transmitter be located?
The Apollo transmitter should always be located on top of the tank, in the case of a bunded tank, the transmitter should be located on the top of the inner tank. In both instances, the transmitter should be located in an area that it can see the oil/liquid clearly. It should be sited as far as possible away from any internal obstructions, such as internal ribbing or stays, any internal fittings or anti-splurge pipes, overfill prevention devices or anything that might interfere with the line of sight of the oil/liquid in the tank.
Click HERE to View Apollo Smart Leaflet
Click HERE to View Apollo Smart Product Manual
Click HERE to View Apollo Smart Instruction Guide
Q21. I have removed my transmitter from the tank and have found that the liquid in the tank has left a chalky residue on the bottom of the transmitter. Will this affect its performance?
No, your transmitter will continue to work correctly. The transmitters are weatherproof and will remain fully operational.
Q22. How many litres of oil should I be using per day?
Please refer to your boilers specification or contact your boiler manufacturer for these details.
Q23. How often does the Smart transmitter update the monitor?
The Smart transmitter sends information once a day. The exceptions to this are as follows
- If you have an oil fill, the unit will update within one to two hours
- If the monitor has lost power the previous day or the transmitter has been unable to send a signal the unit will update every hour until the following day
- If the transmitter has been rematched to the monitor
Q24. I haven’t used my oil in over 2 weeks, it now shows— on Days To Empty screen. I thought I had 40 days to empty a few weeks ago, Should I reorder oil?
No, as you have not used any oil, the level of oil has remained constant thus the monitor has received the same reading. Upon using your oil again, the unit will update the Days to empty again. Note depending on your oil usage, this may take up to 1 week.
Q25. At what stage should I reorder my oil?
Depending on your supplier, typical delivery times and your usage, each person will vary however a general rule of thumb to avoid running out of oil is to reorder when the bowser or fuel nozzle flashes on the monitor together with a Lo Ltrs reading. At this stage, there is 10% of usable oil left in your tank.
Q26. Can I use my current transmitter with my new Apollo Smart Monitor?
No, the Apollo smart transmitter contains specific hardware to work in conjunction with the Apollo Smart monitor. You will be unable to gain accurate readings with another type of transmitter from the Apollo range.
Q27. I have windows in my tank, how will these affect my readings?
The windowed part of the tank is often the widest or has protruding ribs which slightly compensate for the windows. Having said that, the windows do reduce the accuracy of the volume calculation
Q28. I have a number of tanks piped together. Can the Apollo Smart be used in this situation?
Certainly, the Apollo can be used on multiple piped tanks as long as the volume of oil in the tanks drops at an equal level in each tank. You can place the transmitter on one of the tanks in the same fashion as a single tank installation. It is as simple as that.
Q29. How much electricity does the Apollo smart use?
The annual cost of running the Apollo Smart is approx € 1.63 based on current ESB prices dated 03.10.11.
Q30. My tank is an irregular shape, how do I choose a tank type.
If your tank height is greater than the overall width choose tank-type B
If your tank width is greater than the overall height choose tank-type C
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