FloScan Launches Fuel Tax Software Solution for Inland Fleets
FloScan's proprietary DataLog Fuel Monitoring Software now has built in Geo-Fencing capability that can automatically track fuel used when transiting through an unlimited number of geographic areas set to correspond to various tax rates and regulatory authorities. The DataLog Fuel Monitoring software is included at no-charge with every FloNET Fuel Monitoring System.
Operating commercial vessels on inland waterways requires accurate fuel consumption tracking to comply with fuel use taxes under the Inland Waterways Revenue Act. These taxes apply only to fuel used for propulsion and is based on gallons burned while transiting specific areas. The complexity of tracking fuel burned for tax purposes has been time consuming and sometimes little more than guesswork.
Geo-Fencing is a software feature that uses GPS to define a set of geographical boundaries. DataLog software was developed to provide minute by minute tracking of a vessel's fuel consumption broken down by propulsion and non-propulsion engines, engine operational data and GPS based vessel positioning. This information is provided by onboard FloScan fuel flow sensors on the vessel's engines and positional information is derived by linking the FloNET NMEA 2000 hub to the vessel's GPS system. The data is collected and cataloged by DataLog in a spreadsheet format that allows the fleet system administrator to easily incorporate geographical triggers so when the vessel enters one predefined boundary the program will record propulsion fuel consumption on a minute by minute basis until it exits that area and crosses into the next predefined area. The data captured can be quickly retrieved directly from the system or via preset broadcast email uploads to fleet operations for ease of use in various types of government tax filings.
DataLog Fuel Monitoring Software for FloNET Systems
DataLog was designed to satisfy customer requests to record fuel usage data for NOx emissions reporting and to simplify fuel inventory control. It also provides the captain with valuable real-time fuel flow data to pinpoint the engine speed to improve fuel economy up to 20% or more. And the individual fuel flow rates and temperatures keep track of the engine’s health and performance. Changes in these parameters under normal operating conditions, such as a reduction in the supply flow rate or a marked increase in the return flow temperature, are a clear indication that something's amiss and should be investigated. This feature alone could save thousands of dollars in downtime and repair costs. Click on our Featured Video (right side bar) for a demonstration.
Fuel flow parameters recorded and displayed include: • Net fuel flow rate • Net fuel usage total • Supply flow rate and temperature • Return flow rate and temperature
Vessel parameters recorded and displayed include: • Speed over ground • Course over ground • Fuel efficiency • GPS coordinates * Engine RPM
The data recorded on the PC is automatically transferred to a custom-programmed FloScan flash drive as a CSV spreadsheet file. The USB flash drive is automatically synched with the latest "unrecorded" data each time the flash drive is inserted. This can be done daily, weekly, monthly, etc..., to retrieve the data or the file can be manually e-mailed as an attachment directly from the vessel's PC. Each commercial copy can monitor and record up to 16 engines simultaneously on a NMEA 2000 or CANbus (network) backbone. Software also includes custom CSV spreadsheet report generation. Contact FloScan for pricing.
FloNET® Interface Series for NMEA 2000
The FloNET® Diesel Series is designed to interface with a NMEA 2000 network. The FloNET Interface hub takes current fuel rate values and broadcasts it to the network via PGN 65280 (FloScan Fuel Rate) and PGN 65281 (FloScan Fuel Total). The data is also broadcast simultaneously under PGN 127489 (Engine Parameters Dynamic) and PGN 127497 (Engine Trip Parameters). Garmin, Lowrance, Simrad and Nobeltec are a few of the manufacturers that offer immediate product compatibility. Click Here for more info.
Run Without Fear of Empty Fuel Tanks
Adventure without misadventure How many times have you hesitated to try new grounds or stay our longer because you couldn't trust your fuel tank gauges? Introducing a remarkable tool that'll give you more fishing and greater range with no fuel worries. Plus, it pays for itself: The FloScan Fuel Computer.
FloScan Fuel Computers show exact fuel use FloScan Fuel Computers show exactly how much fuel you've used, and how fast you're using it. Rather than trying to measure what's sloshing around in your tanks, FloScan's electronic sensors determine fuel flow right at your engine. And the computerized display indicates precise consumption totals. There's no guesswork. Unlike fluctuating fuel tank float gauges, you receive immediate, accurate data. No matter how rough the seas, no matter how many tanks or engines in your boat.
For less than the cost of a tow A FloScan Fuel Computer pays for itself in fuel savings alone. You can easily set your boat's most efficient speed by watching your FloScan to see how fuel usage varies at different speeds and running conditions. Most skippers can save 10%-15% on their fuel bill, so the serious fisherman/cruise can pay for his FloScan in less than a season. Something else to consider: a FloScan Fuel Computer costs less than a typical tow if you run out of fuel. (Think of it as an insurance policy with an automatic dividend of more fishing and real dollar savings).
Monitors your boat's heartbeat A FloScan Fuel Computer serves as a watchdog on engine performance. For example, if your GPH or MPH increases from what you've already determined to be a efficient operating level, you'll know something's amiss - nicked prop, fouled hull, engine problem, etc. Even something as simple as a defective spark plug can up your fuel consumption by 20-40%, with no other noticeable change in engine operation.
Trusted observer With the same opto-electronic technology used by the safety-driven aviation industry (FloScan's are virtually the only fuel flow sensors given FAA approval for use in general aviation aircraft), our marine fuel computers have a scant margin of error of less than 2% with on-board calibration. Tough, durable components like sapphire rotor bearings, precision aluminum die-castings, and gold-plated detectors perform in seas nasty enough to drive barracudas below decks.
Outboards to diesel cruisers FloScan has a model for just about every gasoline engine built, from single outboards to high-performance inboards. And our diesel models are the first affordable diesel fuel monitoring systems in the marine world, priced about 75% less than any comparable competitive product. We'll match the system to your engine. All we need is your engine make, model number, and hp rating.
International leaders in fuel flow technology We've been connected to some well-known engines. FloScan is the world's #1 producer of fuel flow sensor systems - over 500,000 used on cars, trucks, boats, and airplanes. (As a matter of fact, we invented them for each of these industries). Mercury Marine uses our fuel flow instruments to test engines. So does Power and Motoryacht Magazine for their boat test reports.
In the air Over 180,000 FloScan sensors have been installed on aircraft such as Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft. Remember in 1986, the record-breaking, non-stop, around-the-world flight of the "Voyager'" in which error-free fuel monitoring was absolutely paramount to the mission? Pilots Yeager and Rutan were guided by FloScan fuel flow meters. We'll give you the same security at sea. Whether you're fishing the Canyons, the Keys, Cabo, Catalina, or the Kenai, FloScan can extend your range and give you peace of mind - with an instrument that pays for itself.
Fuel costs are the single largest recurring expense involved in operating a commercial vessel and FloScan is dedicated to providing advanced Fuel Flow Computers that maximize vessel fuel efficiency.
The FloNET® Diesel Series is designed to interface with a NMEA 2000 network. The FloNET Interface hub takes current fuel rate values and broadcasts it to the network via PGN 65280 (FloScan Fuel Rate) and PGN 65281 (FloScan Fuel Total). The data is also broadcast simultaneously under PGN 127489 (Engine Parameters Dynamic) and PGN 127497 (Engine Trip Parameters). Garmin, Lowrance, Simrad and Nobeltec are a few of the manufacturers that offer immediate product compatibility. 
