Abstract: An apparatus records fluid level movement using a potentiometer that is rotated by a tape attached to a float and a counterweight. The output from the potentiometer is recorded by a microprocessor which is presettable for desired time intervals. Static friction in the moving parts causes small fluid displacement to go unrecorded until they accumulate to produce a larger rotation of the potentiometer, resulting in inaccurate data recording termed "staircasing." To overcome staircasing, before a reading is taken, an impactor made up of a solenoid with a spring-loaded core impacts the tape with sufficient magnitude such that the resultant movement and oscillation of the tape will overcome the static friction, resulting in a smooth, accurate data record.