Well, it sure has been a little while since I was last here, huh?
Heck, we’ve had two more Star Wars movies since then.
And there’s still another on its way!
(The Last Jedi? More like The Best Star Wars Film, am I right?!)
Anyways, less sighing about what a great time it is to be alive and more blogging!
Star Wars isn’t the only thing that’s changed, either. Since I last found myself inspired enough to put digital pen to virtual paper, I’ve continued to dive deeper into the electronics DiY. I would say I’ve gone mad, but mad scientist is kinda the aim, right?
Thoroughly obsessed with all things ‘bleepy’ and ‘bloopy’, I’ve transitioned from the smooth armour and future tech of Star Wars robots to the new frontier of all things creepy, crawly, and walky. Boston Dynamics’ Big Dog is a great example, even if that creepy turn awe inspiring harbinger of Skynet and Judgement Day is well beyond my skill set.
Finding myself pretty deep in this robot-building dark hole, it’s become clear that a lot of the press and public attention is devoted to the flashier parts of this great hobby. I’m talking animatronics through to programming and AI. And heck, I can’t blame them! They’re super cool. But there’s a lot about the inner workings of this stuff that’s equally as captivating, if not more so, that don’t get the time of day or written word, for that matter!
From traversing terrain to making measured movements, sensors are a great example of this. Heck, how do you expect a big boy like this to wander without them? Simple or advanced, robotics rely heavily on the accurate, consistent, continuous data supplied by various load cells and sensors to measure the forces being placed on each and every component.
Having dealt with them a lot recently, they’ve inspired today’s post!
To continue the DiY theme, I thought I’d round up some of the best of the best guides doing the rounds that I’ve stumbled across in my journeys, each one showing you how to build your very own load cell, sensor, or whatever you want to call it. Sure, you could pick up an off-the-shelf solution, but where’s the fun in that?
Let’s get started!
1. The Mech Tech Place: Building A Low Cost Strain Gauge Load Cell Amplifier
Alberto’s guide is not for the faint of heart, but it’s also definitely for those lacking in deep pockets. It’s a great way to save cash on costly, custom-made load cell solutions and instead get your hands dirty and set your mathematical mind in motion, with the end-goal of creating a load cell that “measure forces with common USB analog DAQ or micro-controllers such as Arduino”.
If you’re able to parse the tech talk and know what you’re doing, it’s well worth checking out.
On an unrelated note, anyone here have a refresher course on Algebra they’d like to share?!...
2. Parallax Forums: Make Your Own Load Cell (Force Sensor) From Stuff You Already Have
Phil Pilgrim’s guide from over at the Parallax Forums really puts the Do It Yourself in DiY. Not only does he share how to build your very own load cell, but he details exactly how to do it with items you already have sitting around your home. And unlike other guides or notorious recipes that claim you definitely have [insert name of incredibly expensive, exotic item here], he’s actually right! In fact, I had Phil’s entire list within arm’s reach from my desk. Handy!
3. SCRIBD: Measurement Of Force, Torque, And Other Mechanical Variables With Strain Gage
Wow, what a mouthful, am I right? Look past the overly rambling title and you’ll find a valuable if slightly outdated guide to Transducers, Load Cells, and Load Measurement. You’ll need a SCRIBD account to view the whole thing, but with a free 30 day account on offer, this book’s guide to building your own DIY Transducer is just a few clicks away.
4. Reddit: DiY Load Cell
Ah, Reddit! Whatever you might think of the self-proclaimed home of the internet - good, bad, and ugly - this thread from the site’s /AskEngineers subreddit is a great source of knowledge, information, advice, and tips for those of you looking to bring your own load cell to life.
5. Arik Yavilevich’s Blog: 40 Cent DIY Pressure Sensor
10 cents short of a rapper, this guide from Arik gives you the insight into the thoughts, theory, and practical applications behind his custom-built, DiY pressure sensor which, you guessed it, costs just $0.40c. How crazy is that? Plus, the guide also explores how to expand the sensor’s practicality, with the steps and code required to get this working with the ever-reliable Arduino.
And once again, that brings me to the end of another post. Hopefully you’ve found this one useful, and here’s hoping I’ll be back here sooner rather than later.
For now, though, I have some code that needs debugging...fun!...