How Bluetooth (BLE) and WiFi Connectivity Work

Overview

TankMaster uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as its primary communication method,
with WiFi used as a secondary fallback when Bluetooth is not available.

The system is designed for local connectivity within and around your RV.
It does not rely on cloud services or remote internet access.

Primary Communication: Bluetooth (BLE)

Bluetooth Low Energy is the default and preferred connection method for TankMaster.

• Used for initial setup and pairing
• Used whenever the phone or tablet is within Bluetooth range
• Lowest power consumption
• Most reliable connection inside the RV

Typical BLE Range

• Approximately 30 feet in open space
• Range may be reduced by RV walls, tanks, wiring, and metal structures

When Bluetooth is available, the app will always prefer BLE,
even if WiFi connectivity is also available.

Secondary Communication: WiFi

WiFi is used as a fallback connection when Bluetooth is out of range.

• Used automatically by the app when Bluetooth is unavailable
• Requires the TankMaster and mobile device to be on the same local WiFi network

WiFi IP Addressing

TankMaster does not use a fixed IP address.

• The IP address is dynamically assigned by the local router (DHCP)
• The IP address may change over time
• No manual IP configuration is required

Typical WiFi Range

• Approximately 100–300 feet, depending on the router
• Range may be reduced by RV construction materials
• Metal framing, tanks, and appliances can impact signal strength

How the App Chooses the Connection

The TankMaster app automatically selects the best available connection:

1. Bluetooth (BLE) is always tried first
2. If Bluetooth is unavailable, WiFi is used
3. No user action is required to switch between connections

Because Bluetooth is preferred, the WiFi connection indicator may not show as connected
when Bluetooth is active.

Local Connectivity by Design

TankMaster is intentionally designed for local monitoring:

• No cloud servers are used
• No internet connection is required
• All communication remains within your local network

Remote access over the internet is not currently supported.

Factors That Affect Range

• RV wall construction
• Metal tanks and framing
• Electrical wiring and appliances
• Distance and orientation between devices

If connectivity becomes unreliable, moving closer to the TankMaster
will usually resolve the issue.

Common Questions

Why does the app show Bluetooth connected but not WiFi?

This is normal. Bluetooth is preferred whenever available due to lower power usage
and more direct communication.

Do alerts require WiFi?

No. Alerts work over Bluetooth when the app is within range
and can also use WiFi when Bluetooth is unavailable.

Can I access TankMaster remotely?

TankMaster is designed for local connectivity only.
Remote access over the internet is not supported.

Tips for Best Results

• Use Bluetooth whenever possible
• Use WiFi as an extended-range backup
• Be aware that RV construction can reduce signal range

Related Articles

• Bluetooth Pairing & Re-Pairing TankMaster
• LED Status Meanings
• Alerts & Notifications
• Power & Reboot Behavior