LevelCon StarPin Remote Tank Monitoring Gateway

Checking tanks and equipment across a large or remote site can take valuable time, especially when someone must travel simply to read a gauge. The LevelCon StarPin provides a practical way to bring compatible field measurements online.

StarPin is the communication gateway in the monitoring system. A compatible sensor measures the required parameter, such as liquid level, pressure or flow. StarPin receives that reading and sends the reported information to the LevelCon Portal, where authorised users can review it remotely.

How StarPin communicates

StarPin uses its configured cellular connection for off site reporting. Where cellular coverage is unsuitable, an optional Globalstar satellite configuration may be available for the selected system.

Compatible LevelCon wireless sensor nodes can communicate locally with StarPin through the LevelCon ISM mesh network. This local connection links the sensor node to the gateway; it is separate from the cellular or satellite service StarPin uses to send information to the LevelCon Portal. StarPin does not require the customer’s site Wi-Fi for this process.

For example, a wireless sensor node mounted at a tank can send its measurement to a nearby StarPin. StarPin then uses its configured external communications connection to report that reading to the cloud platform.

What can StarPin monitor?

StarPin can work with compatible wired and wireless sensors. The appropriate sensor depends on the stored material, tank or equipment, required measurement, operating environment and system configuration.

Compatible applications may include:

water, fuel and other compatible liquid levels
pressure and flow
temperature and humidity
LPG gauge monitoring
selected industrial equipment and Modbus devices, subject to configuration

For example, a water-storage site may only need tank-level readings. An irrigation installation may need both tank level and flow data. Metromatics can help match the gateway and sensing method to the information the site actually needs.

Reporting, history and alerts

The LevelCon Portal displays the information reported by the installed monitoring system. Authorised users can review the latest reported readings, historical trends and configured alerts without travelling to every asset for a routine check.

Measurement and reporting intervals are configurable. The appropriate settings depend on the application, sensor, communications method, power arrangement and how frequently the team needs updated information.

For example, a tank with frequent deliveries or rapid level changes may need more regular reports than a slowly used storage tank. The reporting settings should be agreed during system configuration rather than described as continuously live or real-time.

Power and installation

StarPin uses an integrated micro-solar panel and supercapacitor, with an optional 12 V power arrangement for suitable installations. Mounting and power requirements should be confirmed for the selected configuration and site.

Before installation, confirm:

the sensing method and sensor materials suit the stored liquid or measured asset
the sensor’s measurement range suits the tank or application
the selected cellular or satellite service has suitable coverage
the local wireless path is suitable when a LevelCon wireless sensor node is used
the micro-solar panel can face the sky and is not unnecessarily shaded
the mounting position is secure and appropriate for the environment
the equipment and installation meet any site-specific electrical, operational or hazardous-area requirements

Reviewing these details before ordering helps avoid selecting a sensor, communications option or mounting position that does not suit the site.

Key StarPin features

compact gateway for remote monitoring applications
cellular communication for off-site reporting
optional Globalstar satellite configuration where specified
LevelCon ISM mesh communication with compatible wireless sensor nodes
compatible wired sensor options, subject to configuration
integrated micro-solar panel and supercapacitor
optional 12 V power arrangement
GPS and vibration sensing
AES-128 security
JSON API and selected Modbus support, subject to configuration

Typical applications

water and wastewater tanks
fuel, oil and lubricant storage
compatible chemical and liquid-fertiliser tanks
LPG and propane tanks with a suitable gauge or sensor
mobile tanks and tanker trailers
pumps, generators and other compatible equipment
agricultural and industrial assets

Technical Specifications

Specification	LevelCon StarPin
Product type	Remote cellular monitor and advanced sensor node
Dimensions	Approximately 64 × 44 × 27 mm
Cellular communication	Cat-M1 LTE and 4G
Satellite communication	Optional Globalstar satellite connectivity
SIM	Multi-carrier SIM options
Security	AES-128
API	JSON API
Location	Integrated GPS
Condition monitoring	Vibration sensing
Industrial interface	Modbus, subject to configuration
Power	Integrated micro-solar panel and supercapacitor
External power	Optional 12 V supply
Local display	None
Mounting	Magnetic mount or optional fixed bracket
Operating temperature	Approximately –40°C to 65°C
Storage temperature	Approximately –50°C to 80°C
Country of origin	More than 50% assembled in the USA

Is StarPin right for your site?

The best remote monitoring arrangement depends on more than the tank itself. The stored material, sensing method, reporting frequency, communications coverage, power and mounting location all affect the final configuration.

Metromatics can help you review these requirements and select a suitable combination of sensor, StarPin gateway and LevelCon monitoring service.

Talk to Metromatics about your remote monitoring application.