micro-Controller fuel gauge

[stratocaster9]

hey guys, its my 1st post here and i really need some good advice..
I m trying to build a module that can fit in with the fuel sensor, and store the fuel level at different times. But i got no idea about which micro-controller to use.. i should be able to connect the micro-controller to an external memory such as a mmc card that i can retrieve data from, and a real time clock to get event times..

 

[hotwaterwizard]

Most Fuel sensors are Resistive. You should be able to build a resistance monitor of some sort..

 

[hotwaterwizard]

They do make resistance Dataloggers

 

[MikeMl]

Assuming you leave the existing fuel gauge in the vehicle, then there will be a voltage change across the sender as the fuel is consumed. In a moving vehicle, there is a lot of sloshing, so you will have to record a "running average" over about a 10sec window.

Most micro processors (PICs, et al) do not have much volatile ram, so you will have to store your samples in a non-volatile memory like an SD card.

 

[stratocaster9]

Right you are Mike, can you suggest a micro-controller with pins for external memory and real-time clock?

 

[MikeMl]

What are your power requirements? Is this supposed to be battery powered? If so, I like the TI MSP430 series. There has been a lot of discussion of interfacing SD cards to u-controllers on the micro-controllers forum here.

 

[stratocaster9]

M planning to use the installed 12 V vehicle battery, will that do??