Hello,
i would like to use a Load Cell to measure the static thrust of rockets.
I will use this load cell:
[size=2]robotshop.com/en/type-s-load-cell-100-kg.html[/size]
But i don’t know in electronics. My problem is to make a choice between:
Arduino UNO size=1[/size]
Phidgets 1046 size=1[/size]
[size=2]I have 5 questions[/size][size=1]:[/size]
[size=2]1) 1046 can make 125 measure by second, but i don’t know about Arduino.[/size]
[size=2]2) I have to put INA125P for Arduino. Is it necessery?[/size]
[size=2]3) Arduino doesn’t need to be plugged at my pc to make the measure. I don’t know about 1046…[/size]
[size=2]4) Why this so big price différence…?? ([/size][size=2]Arduino= $23.99 and [/size][size=2]1046= $90.00)[/size]
[size=2]5) I don’t know to make a program. What is the easiest to do, Arduino or 1046? [/size][size=2]I would like to have this sort of graphic: thefintels.com/aer/st123a.jpg[/size]
Thanks a lot for your answers.
Jo from France
Hi Jo and welcome to our forums!
To answer your questions:
] For the arduino, it takes about 100 microseconds (0.0001 s) to read an analog input, so the maximum reading rate could be about 10,000 times a second. This however will reduce a lot depending on what you do with the readings. If you want to write to an SD card, that process is much slower you wouldn’t really be able to read 10,000 times a second, maybe more like 500./:m]
] Yes, you would need an INA125P chip or something similar. The load cell sensor is configured in wheatstone bridge configuration so the two output signals from the sensor will vary in the millivolt and microvolt range, but the Arduino is only able to read 5mV, so a sensitive amplifier will be needed./:m]
] The 1046 board does need to be plugged into a computer to power the board and record the sensor values. You could use a small SBC like the Raspberry Pi to do this./:m]
] The Phidget 1046 board is much easier to use out of the box: all you have to do is connect the sensor to it and connect it to your computer with USB and you would be ready to start measuring values right away. The Arduino on the other hand will require custom circuits and a program for the Arduino board itself, but can be a more practical option if you want something that is self-contained and easy to carry around./:m]
] The easiest solution would be to use the 1046 board with a Windows PC running FlowBotics Studio. We don’t have any sample apps for the PhidgetBridge specifically, but you could use this sample app and modify it to use PhidgetBridge instead and you will get your graph right away. If you want to use Arduino, or the 1046 board with Raspberry Pi, you will likely need to make your own program which might not be a small task… More research would be needed to see what exactly needs to be done./:m]
Hope this helps,
Hello Jeffrey .
Thank you for your help.
I decided to use Phidgets 1046 that i bought. I use a S load cell (100kg).
Really easy to connect.
The Phidgets Control Pannel software allow me to calibrate and to see that all works fine.
But now… i am stuck. Impossible to go forward.
I just want to make a graphics with values.
So i bought the software you told me to use: FlowBotics Studio. I received it, but… Its really complicate for me to understand what to do. i understand that this sofware is good to control a robot. But it’s not what i am looking for.
I just want to log some values and convert them into a graphic.
Will you help me to find where to go in FlowBotics Studio…?
I can give you more explainations if you want on my project.
Thanks a lot.
Re.
i have read again your answer and i think that i didn’t understand very well all your comment.
You told me that i had to use FlowBotics Studio WITH this sample : robotshop.com/en/flowbotics-app-phidgets-usb-encoder-4-input.html?product-code=RB-Dsp-48
I am going to try but before i buy this article, do you really think it’s going to work?
You told me that I have to modifie it to use with Phidgets 1046.
But what do i have to modifie. Is it difficult?
Is this sofwtare going to be able to make data acquisition at 125 Hz ( at the maximum capability of the Phidgets 1046)?
Little help will be appreciated.
PS: I still don’t understand what peaple do after they bought Phidgets 1046 if you say that you have no sample for FlowBotics Studio…?!
What do they do whith this broadcast if they are not computer programmer as I am…??
Hi Jo,
Here is an example FlowBotics Studio project for the Phidget 1046.
It was created by modifying the Phidget Encoder 4 available at:
robotshop.com/en/flowbotics- … =RB-Dsp-48
This is only a test version to show what is possible using FlowBotics Studio. In this version, the gain is specified for all 4 sensors simultaneously and they are all permanently enabled.
You can also look at the attached images showing the main modifications that were performed in Flowbotics Studio to create the new app.
Also, this app example does have a history graph already present. This may suffice for your needs to have a display of the data over time. It supports changing the scale on both the X and Y axis.
RobotShop will be releasing a full featured app for the Phidget Bridge shortly.
Hope this helps!!
Phidget Encoder 4 (TO) Phidget Bridge (example).fsp (2.11 MB)
