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DSGarcia said:I would like to build a load cell simulator to use with various scale indicators for software testing. I know a strain gauge is basically a resistor bridge, but what value resistors should I use and across which terminals is the potentiometer?
Thanks,
Dale
Hi Dale,DSGarcia said:Eric,
Thanks for the information. This not exactly what I was looking for...close, but not quite. I do not need specific load cell values, just a continuous variable control to simulate various load cell values. I will be able to view the resulting "weight" on the indicator. I will then use the serial output to develop averaging routines and to "lock" an appropriate value. I would be varying the value to simulate scale movement.
It appears, according to your drawing, that I would use a bridge with 251 ohm resistors and on the variable side, use 250 ohms plus a 1 ohm variable resistor. Unfortunately, the lowest value I can find is 100 ohms with 1K ohms being the most common lower value.
Thanks,
Dale
ericgibbs said:Hi Dale,
I thought you were looking for a 'stepped' input.
The low value variables are difficult to find. One solution, which isnt totally linear, is to use a 100R multiturn, with a 0.5R
from each end of the variable to the centre wiper.
Take off from the bridge at the junction of the two 0.5R's and the pot wiper.
Eric
DSGarcia said:Eric,
I understand about the variable resistor, but is 251 ohms correct for the other three sides of the bridge? I'm looking to simulate perhaps a 2 or 3 mV/V load cell.
Thanks,
Dale
DSGarcia said:Eric,
I think a sketch would be most helpful.
Thanks,
Dale
DSGarcia said:Eric,
Thanks, this is what I needed. If I do not need the zero trim (the indicator has an auto-zero function), could I simply use 250 ohm resistors?
Thanks,
Dale
Hi Dale
I am a new member to the forum and very interested in your Load Cell Simulator/tester could you please help me out with the diagram and spec if this is inorder?
Cheers
Fred