[Short Answers #1] Output voltage of a strain gauge amplifier module

In this video I try something new. I demonstrate the answer for a question asked by one of my viewers. I will try to make these kind of videos frequently if I receive questions that are relatively easy to answer and it worth to make a demonstration video of it.

Please leave a comment and tell me what is your opinion about this video format. Is it a good way to interact more with the viewers?

You can find the strain gauge module through my website and if you buy it using the provided affiliate link, you support my channel.

[AKracecars]

Hello Mr. curious, Thank you for the work you do, I love your YouTube videos.

I am working on building a suspension load cell for data logging for a Racecar. Its very similar to this setup in the video, but is using a full bridg strain gauge from Omega with 4 leads coming out. The brain box can supply 5v and I need to send it a signal back. (All of the calibration can be done in the logger software). My question is, being a full bridge, would your amplifier work? I’m thinking about using this one, would it work better?
This is the amplifier I bought, do you think that would work?
(Teyleten Robot Millivolt/Microvolt Voltage Amplifier Module AD620 Instrumentation Amplifier Module Signal Amplifier Module DC 3-12V High Precision)
Thanks for any wisdom you can share

[matiasmolfino]

Do you by any chance have the formula to calculate the strain based on the voltage this amplifier gives? I found one for whetstone bridges online but I can't figure out how to apply it to this setup.
Thanks!

[DYEngineering]

Thank you very much for this video, addressing my question! Your board does work like assumed it should. It seems mine is faulty.

[chipv]

I had the same problem that was reported at the beginning of the video. So I tried a second module and it worked fine so I think some of them are defective.

[matiasmolfino]

I had the same problem in like 5 modules, then I realized the screw in the potentiometer is way over tightened, so give it like at least 3 counter clock wise turns while looking at a serial monitor or a multimeter and you will find the working range.

[hxzrsx]

If i'm using 120 Ohms strain gauge, should i use same 120 Ohms for the three other resistor or should I change it to 240 Ohms because the amplifier amplify the staringauge one to 240 Ohm?

[paulpreu]

Hi, I found the problem why some of these boards don't work. I checked the resistances of the bridge and the resistors should be 360 Ohms to match the resistance of the strain gauge. But in my case the resistors were 3, 6 kOhms. I replaced them and now the circuit works as expected. SMD resistor code should be 3600 or 361. Sounds weird but code 3600 means 360x10^0, 3601 means 360x10^1, 362 means 36x10^2 and so on. Seems someone put the wrong reel in the placement machine.

[cacophonixgaul]

Hi, I just recently stumbled upon your excellent tutorials, thank you for your uploads. I have few of these strain gauge module and when I connect these to power supply using arduino most of these module glows the red led. Only the ones with blue led light on gives the reading. What is the meaning of this red led light?

[cyril]

Wouw,
Thanks a lot for this tiny and instructive video !

What is the module reference ?
I wonder, when using some programmable components made in 3, 3 Volts logic, maybe it will be mandatory to transform the +5 Volts signal to a digital signal via Analog to Digital conversion ?

Another interesting experiment could be to place the strain gauge onto a closed volume, with a temperature modification (via a Peltier module).
Most of electronic components are prone to temperature-induced offsets.

Remember that most metals, when heavily cold-formed are making heat when the strain is applied.
I wonder also how to "connect" the plastic gauge to the component itself...

Lots of metals have poor surfaces rugosity, if the sensor flies upon them, some delamination should occur quickly.

Best regards !

[fazrizainiibrahim]

in this module there is an amplifier, then is the output an amplified output or an actual output?

thanks a lot

[hxzrsx]

Help, I don't know how to connect that amplifier to a wheatstone bridge on a breadboard, the voltage didnt change when i bend the stain gauge. Its for my homework, the deadline is nextweek start from this comment time😭