I'm looking to get started with Arduino for the first time Before I buy I just wanted to make sure I'm getting the right stuff. My first project is to make a logging force sensor. Here's what I was thinking of getting:
The above force sensor says it's rated optimally for 5-12V, so that'll work with Arduino Uno, right? If I've read right the outputs on an Uno are 5V.
I'm a bit confused when shopping around for Unos, because there's the "name brand", and then there's all these clones which I can get on Ebay for literally a tenth the price of buying a new Arduino Uno from a store. I use Linux so I want to make sure that I can actually connect with it, that it's not going to require some sort of special windows driver or something. What do you recommend?
You should have less trouble connecting with Linux than with Windows. The Uno design is Open Source so clones are not illegal. I only have genuine Unos so I can't comment on the quality of the clones - but they will probably be OK.
I think the sensor will work with an Uno. I presume you know how to use it - I don't.
If you mean the small PP3 type of 9v battery - don't. They cannot supply enough current. Use a pack of 6 x AA batteries.
Hi, the controversial part first: See: Arduino-YourDuino-Sparkfun
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What About "Arduino Compatibles, Arduino Derivatives, Arduino Clones and Arduino Counterfeits" ??
The Arduino project – both hardware and software – is open-source. The schematics, hardware design files, and source code are all freely available. Arduino is under a Creative Commons Share Alike license. Anyone can duplicate the design or make modifications or additions to it and market the resulting product as long as they, in turn, make all the designs available.
What you will see:
-- Arduino Derivatives: The YourDuino RoboRED and the YourDuinoRobo1 are derivative designs which add functionality and make changes to the original design, and are marked with their own artwork/identification. Another example is the Sparkfun Redboard.
-- Arduino Clones: Are available on Ebay and other sources. They use the exact Arduino open-source design but have their own markings and do not pretend to be original Arduinos.
-- Arduino Counterfeits: (Also regrettably available on Ebay etc) Violate the Arduino Copyrights by copying the Arduino markings and attempt to look 'just like' an Arduino from Arduino.cc
----( end copy)---
Other stuff:
You won't run very long with a "9V transistor battery".. What do you need for life?
terryking228:
-- Arduino Derivatives: The YourDuino RoboRED and the YourDuinoRobo1 are derivative designs which add functionality and make changes to the original design, and are marked with their own artwork/identification. Another example is the Sparkfun Redboard.
at this point in time, the ESP8266 is becomming more and more popular.
an added fncion that I believe should be in any new design would be to add power for the ESP board. since it needs 3.3 volts and uses a lot of power when transmiitting, I am waiting for someone to come out with a way to have one plug and use both boards.
Wow, I just checked back and there's already tons of responses - you guys are great here
If you mean the small PP3 type of 9v battery - don't. They cannot supply enough current. Use a pack of 6 x AA batteries.
Duly noted - thanks!
I - The force sensor you show is a "load cell" that has multiple 'strain gauges' built in. You can not 'read' it directly from Arduino. You will need some added electronics such as the module here:
Thanks a bunch. But just so that I understand why.... why is that that it can't be directly read? There could be a big gap in my understanding here, but I read this:
And assumed the sensor would work the same. What exactly is going on, and what exactly does that module do?
The Genuino and Arduino cost a bit more but part of that goes to pay for this website and development of the genuine products.
I'm sympathetic to that argument, even though the cost is literally an order of magnitude higher. But there is one factor that would influence my decision - are they made by a for-profit or non-profit?
if you want to embed your device, then the UNO is not recommended.
I'm not sure what you consider to be the dividing line. Either way, I'm sure this won't count as "embedded"; I'm looking to do some rocketry tests and want to have a way to accurately measure the force over time to see how well my propellant combinations do. So I need a log of the forces to sync up to video of the burn.
if you want to embed your device, then the UNO is not recommended.
I'm not sure what you consider to be the dividing line. Either way, I'm sure this won't count as "embedded"; I'm looking to do some rocketry tests and want to have a way to accurately measure the force over time to see how well my propellant combinations do. So I need a log of the forces to sync up to video of the burn.
pushing wires into headers that have two sides internally and are at best a friction fit. that is my dividing line.
nothing wrong with using a shield that has rows of headers being both electrical and mechanical connections.
dave-in-nj:
sorry I cannot actually put the brackets around quote to show you as the forum grabs that !
[nobbc] will let you type the correct [quote][/quote] and [code][/code] tags. I don't bother using it very often but sometimes you do need to show the exact BB code.
One thing to remember is [nobbc] does require a proper closing tag:
[/nobbc] Others such as [code] or [i] will let you put an opening tag and then all remaining text is inside that tag. [nobbc] does require a closing tag.
Thanks everyone! No need for screw terminals or anything like that, a friction connection is fine for my needs here. And I'll swap out the HC-05 for a HM-10.
Any responses to either of these issues below?
I - The force sensor you show is a "load cell" that has multiple 'strain gauges' built in. You can not 'read' it directly from Arduino. You will need some added electronics such as the module here:
Thanks a bunch. But just so that I understand why.... why is that that it can't be directly read? There could be a big gap in my understanding here, but I read this:
And assumed the sensor would work the same. What exactly is going on, and what exactly does that module do?
The Genuino and Arduino cost a bit more but part of that goes to pay for this website and development of the genuine products.
I'm sympathetic to that argument, even though the cost is literally an order of magnitude higher. But there is one factor that would influence my decision - are they made by a for-profit or non-profit?
As long as the difference in price is going to Arduino.cc rather than "a small donation to Arduino.cc and the rest to a private entity", then I'll buy genuine.
I'm still not understanding how you're determining that it needs an amplified signal, given that my understanding is that both Arduino and the sensor can operate on 5V. I mean, I trust you and will go ahead and buy the extra module this evening, but I'm not understanding what prevents it from working. Is it that Arduino can't read out the voltage in fine enough increments or something?
Before I buy I just wanted to make sure I'm getting the right stuff. My first project is to make a logging force sensor. Here's what I was thinking of getting:
