Connectivity
Note: Tankmaster is powered via 5V USB-C power port and uses about 200 mA (450 mA peak). It can be powered using a 12V to 5V USB converter for hardwiring to the RV 12V power system, powered using a USB power adapter, and with USB battery packs. The runtime when operating off of battery pack is dependent on the size of the battery pack. Typical is about a day or two.
Trouble Shooting
Installation
Connecting to TankMaster WiFi
TankMaster can communicate with your phone in two ways: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. When you open the TankMaster app, it will always try to connect using Bluetooth first, because Bluetooth is fast, simple, and requires no network setup. If Bluetooth isn’t available or the signal is weak (for example, if you’re outside the RV), the app will automatically switch to Wi-Fi communication when TankMaster is connected to your local network.
Connecting TankMaster to Wi-Fi simply gives you greater range inside and around your RV, boat, or home. As long as your phone is on the same local network, you can check your tank levels without needing to stand near the sensor.
What the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Indicators Mean
On the main screen of the app, you’ll see Wi-Fi and Bluetooth indicators. These indicators do not show whether TankMaster has Wi-Fi; instead, they show how the app is currently talking to TankMaster:
Bluetooth On → Your phone is connected directly via Bluetooth
Wi-Fi On → Your phone is communicating with TankMaster over your local Wi-Fi network
Either one may turn on depending on which is strongest or available
Once TankMaster has joined your Wi-Fi network, it will stay connected in the background. The main screen simply reports which connection method the app is currently using.
If you want to see the TankMaster’s actual Wi-Fi connection details, go to the Wi-Fi Setup / Configuration screen. That page shows whether Wi-Fi is enabled, the IP address, the network name (SSID), and the signal strength.
Local-Only Operation (No Internet Required)
TankMaster is intentionally designed to work 100% locally. It does not require an internet connection, cloud account, or external server to function. This is beneficial for two big reasons:
Many RVers and boaters do not always have reliable internet
Local-only operation is far more secure and protects your privacy
Because of this design, TankMaster cannot be accessed from the internet unless you manually configure your router to expose it (port forwarding / public IP). Most Wi-Fi networks automatically assign a private IP address that stays safely protected behind your router’s firewall — which is exactly what we want for security.
Understanding Signal Strength (dBm)
When viewing Wi-Fi status, you’ll see the signal strength shown in dBm (decibels relative to a milliwatt). This is a standard Wi-Fi measurement:
–40 dBm to –60 dBm → Excellent signal
–60 dBm to –70 dBm → Good / very usable
–70 dBm to –80 dBm → Weak but usually still works
Below –80 dBm → Very weak and may disconnect or behave inconsistently
If you see weak signal numbers, try moving your router closer, repositioning the TankMaster, or ensuring the RV walls, metal, or tanks aren’t blocking the signal too much.
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi
If the app shows Wi-Fi connected but TankMaster doesn’t respond:
Confirm your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as TankMaster
Check the Wi-Fi Config screen for:
Wi-Fi Enabled = Yes
IP Address present
Signal strength better than –80 dBm
Try connecting over Bluetooth — if Bluetooth works, Wi-Fi likely just needs a signal improvement
Restart TankMaster or your router if needed
If you still have trouble, you can always access TankMaster directly using its IP address in a browser to confirm it’s running.
Sensors
🛠️ TankMaster Sensor Troubleshooting FAQ
What types of tanks do TankMaster sensors work on?
TankMaster external sensors are designed for:
✔️ Non-metallic tanks
✔️ Plastic / polyethylene / ABS
✔️ Fiberglass tanks
✔️ Tank wall thickness up to ~20 mm (about ¾ inch)
They will not work on:
❌ Metal tanks (they block the sensing field)
❌ Tanks with metal foil lining
❌ Tanks coated with conductive material
If you’re unsure about tank compatibility, contact us — we’re happy to help.
My tank wall is thick. Will the sensors still work?
Yes, in most cases.
Thicker tanks simply require increased sensitivity, and the sensors are designed to allow easy adjustment.
On RVs and boats with unusually thick tank walls, the default factory setting may not detect fluid reliably — this is normal and easily corrected using the sensor adjustment screw.
How do I adjust / increase sensor sensitivity?
Each sensor has a small trim adjustment screw. This controls sensitivity.
To increase sensitivity:
1️⃣ Locate the small trim screw on the sensor
2️⃣ Turn the screw counter-clockwise to increase sensitivity
3️⃣ Start with about 1.5 full turns
4️⃣ Then fine-tune in ½-turn steps
5️⃣ Watch for the sensor LED to turn on when fluid is present
We recommend adjusting one sensor first to see how much tuning your particular tank needs. Once that sensor is working reliably, repeat the same adjustment on the others.
How do I know when I’ve adjusted enough?
✔ The LED on the sensor turns on when the fluid reaches that probe level
✔ The TankMaster app reports a valid level
✔ The reading stays consistent
If you overshoot and the LED stays on constantly:
Turn the screw slightly clockwise to reduce sensitivity until behavior normalizes
The sensor still isn’t detecting fluid — now what?
Try the following:
👍 Make sure the sensor is mounted firmly against the tank
👍 Clean the mounting area (oil, dirt, and residue reduce signal)
👍 Check that wiring is secure
👍 Verify the probe location is actually reaching liquid
👍 Confirm tank is non-metallic
If your tank wall is extremely thick or insulated, we can assist with alternative mounting strategies.
Do I need to open the tank or drill holes?
Nope!
TankMaster sensors are fully external, require no drilling, and never contact wastewater or potable water. Adjustments are done entirely from the outside.
Troubleshooting: Tank Level Jumps or Missing Sensor Levels
Example issue: The tank level jumps from 25% (S1) directly to 90% (S4), skipping intermediate levels such as 50% or 75%.
This behavior is usually caused by one or more sensors not maintaining consistent contact with the tank wall. In most cases, the issue can be corrected by verifying configuration and properly re-mounting the affected sensors.
Step 1 – Verify Tank Configuration & Thresholds
Open the Tank Configuration screen in the app and review the sensor thresholds.
What to check:
- Default thresholds are:
- S1: 20%
- S2: 50%
- S3: 75%
- S4: 90%
- Thresholds must be in ascending order:
- S1 < S2 < S3 < S4
What to do:
- Change the threshold value for one sensor slightly (for example, change S2 from 50% to 55%).
- Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap Save Configuration.
- Return to the main gauge screen and observe whether the readings stabilize.
If readings remain inconsistent, continue to Step 2.
Step 2 – Check Active Sensors in the App
From the main screen, tap the tank gauge to open the Tank Status view.
Observe the “Active Sensors” section:
- ~25% → 1 active sensor
- ~50% → 2 active sensors
- ~75% → 3 active sensors
- ~90% → 4 active sensors
If the display jumps directly from 1 active sensor to 4 active sensors, note which sensors (typically S2 and/or S3) are not activating as expected.
Step 3 – Properly Re-Mount Questionable Sensors
If one or more sensors are not activating consistently, they should be removed and re-mounted. Even a very small air gap between the sensor and tank wall can prevent accurate readings.
Remove the sensor:
- Carefully peel the sensor off the tank.
- Completely remove all old adhesive from both the sensor and the tank surface.
Clean the surfaces:
- Clean the tank wall and sensor face with isopropyl alcohol.
- Allow both surfaces to dry fully.
Re-mount the sensor:
- Use fresh, high-quality adhesive (such as Gorilla tape or foam-backed VHB tape).
- Do not stack new adhesive over old adhesive.
- Press the sensor firmly and evenly against the tank for 30–60 seconds.
- Ensure the entire sensor face is in contact with the tank wall with no lifted edges.
Optional adjustment:
If the tank has molded ribs, seams, or thicker areas, moving the sensor laterally 1–2 inches (while keeping the same height) can significantly improve performance.
Step 4 – Verify Physical Sensor Operation
Each sensor includes a red LED that turns on when liquid reaches that sensor’s height.
- As the tank fills, the LEDs should turn on sequentially from S1 (bottom) to S4 (top).
- If a sensor LED does not turn on even when the tank is known to be at that level, recheck mounting and adhesion.
Step 5 – Recheck Sensitivity Settings
After re-mounting sensors:
- Return sensitivity settings closer to their original values.
- Only increase sensitivity if necessary after confirming solid sensor mounting.
Overly high sensitivity can cause unstable or jumping readings if sensors are already well-coupled.
What This Means
- If LEDs activate correctly and readings stabilize, the issue was related to sensor mounting.
- If sensors remain inactive, verify placement and consider repositioning away from seams or thick sections of the tank.
- In most cases, no sensor or controller replacement is required.
Following these steps resolves the majority of tank level issues related to skipped or jumping readings.
Notifications
What do TankMaster notifications do?
Notifications alert you when a tank reaches important levels so you can act before there’s a problem. TankMaster can notify you when:
🚰 Fresh water is getting low
🚽 Gray or Black tanks are getting full
Sensors detect unexpected changes
(depending on your setup and options enabled)
Notifications keep you informed without needing to constantly check the app.
How does TankMaster decide when to alert me?
Alerts are based on threshold levels that you configure.
For example, you might set:
Fresh tank: alert at 25%
Gray tank: alert at 75%
Black tank: alert at 85%
Once a tank level crosses that threshold, TankMaster will trigger a notification.
Do I need Wi-Fi for notifications?
No. TankMaster is designed to operate locally first. Notifications can work when:
Your phone is connected via Bluetooth
Your phone is connected to TankMaster over local Wi-Fi
No cloud account or internet required.
If the phone is completely disconnected (out of range or off the network), notifications may be delayed until it reconnects.
Do notifications repeat or just happen once?
TankMaster is designed to be helpful, not annoying 😊
Typically:
You’ll receive a notification when a tank first crosses the alert threshold
You won’t get constant repeating alerts unless the level moves significantly or resets past the threshold and crosses again
This prevents “spam” notifications while still keeping you informed.
Can I change alert thresholds?
Yes 👍
From the TankMaster app you can:
Enable or disable alerts
Adjust threshold levels
Change behavior depending on how you use your RV or boat
You’re always in control of what triggers an alert.
What happens if my tank sensor disconnects or can’t read?
If TankMaster detects something unusual (like a sensor not responding or providing impossible readings), it may:
Display a warning in the app
Provide a notification (depending on configuration)
This helps you identify issues early rather than discovering them when it’s too late.
Do I get alerts when I’m away from my RV or boat?
By default, TankMaster is local-only for privacy and security — it does not automatically send alerts over the internet.
If you want true remote notifications outside your Wi-Fi network, that usually requires configuring your router or using an external smart home system like Home Assistant.
Most users prefer local notifications only.
Troubleshooting Notifications
If you expected an alert but didn’t get one:
1️⃣ Make sure notifications are enabled in the TankMaster app
2️⃣ Ensure your phone has allowed notifications for TankMaster
3️⃣ Confirm your phone was connected via Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi
4️⃣ Check that threshold alerts are turned on and set correctly
5️⃣ Verify your sensors are reading correctly in the app
FAQs
No,
TankMaster is designed to work locally first, so you can view your tank levels directly from your phone via Bluetooth… even in the middle of nowhere with no Wi-Fi or cellular service.
If your TankMaster sending unit is connected to Wi-Fi, you get extended range.
TankMaster supports smart notifications based on tank level thresholds you configure in the app.
For example:
Get notified when your fresh tank is low
Get alerted when black or gray tanks are getting full
Notifications work locally via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Notification work in the foreground and background. Background notifications may be limited by iOS and Android to save battery power.
Yes. TankMaster has a local Home Assistant integration that lets you see your tank levels directly inside Home Assistant. Once installed, it will create sensors for your TankMaster so you can use them in dashboards, automations, and alerts.
t
- Install the custom integration from the tankmaster-homeassistant GitHub repo (as a custom_components/tankmaster folder in your Home Assistant config).
Restart Home Assistant.
Go to Settings → Devices & Services → Add Integration and search for “TankMaster”.
Follow the prompts to point it at your TankMaster device on your network.
(If you’re using HACS, you can add the repo there instead of copying files manually.)
TankMaster is a contactless RV tank monitoring system that mounts to the outside of your tanks to measure fresh, gray, or black water levels without drilling into your tank or replacing existing sensors.
TankMaster can monitor:
Fresh water tanks
Gray water tanks
Black holding tanks
Each TankMaster unit is assigned to one tank.
No. TankMaster mounts outside the tank using adhesive sensors. Nothing penetrates the tank and no plumbing changes are required.
Yes. Most users install TankMaster in under an hour with basic tools. Peel-and-stick external sensors, mount the unit, power it, pair to the app, and you’re done.
No drilling is required for the tank sensors. Power and cable routing may vary by installation preference.
TankMaster supports 12-volt RV power for permanent installs. TankMaster is powered via standard 5V USB-C connection that can be powered with a USB power pack, 12V to 5V USB converter, or battery pack.
The external sensors are IP65 rated and suitable for outdoor RV environments. The main TankMaster enclosure is not fully waterproof unless sealed, so it should be installed in a protected location where it won’t be directly exposed to water or heavy spray.
Try the following:
- Ensure power is connected
- Make sure the unit is reachable over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
- Confirm the app sees the device
- Restart the TankMaster device
- Check cables and sensors
Common reasons:
Sensor placement too high or too low
Not firmly bonded to the tank
Tank wall too thick in that spot
Incorrect assignment / calibration
Repositioning usually fixes it.
You can update TankMaster firmware using either the TankMaster mobile app or the built-in web interface. When a new version is available, follow the prompts in the app or upload the update file obtained from UGotToad.com through the web interface.
Important: Only install firmware files downloaded directly from UGotToad.com to ensure compatibility and device safety. Do not disconnect power during the update.
Home Assistant
TankMaster integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant so you can view tank levels, monitor sensor status, and create smart automations — all locally with no cloud required. With internet connectivity, you can also enable remote monitoring and notifications, so you’ll know what’s happening even when you’re away.