Hi -
I would like to find a sensor that will measure the tension NOT compression on a cable in order to determine the weight applied to one end of the cable. So many searches basically return load sensors (for the use of scales etc.)
Can anyone suggest a term I should look for or better an actual sensor that will do what I'm after ?
Many thanks.
Paul.
Load sensor is the correct device. You just have to attach the cable properly to the sensor.
Well there are tension sensors, just look up for them (one example: Tension Sensors), they are not that cheap.
With the proper physical setup you can use a gauge sensor (precision may vary).
is your object at the end of the rope moving?
some reading: How to Calculate Tension in Physics: 8 Steps (with Pictures)
You would get better suggestions if you give a more complete description of your application.
But load sensors are used all the time in hoisting and lifting applications. They sometimes look like this:
or this:
or even this (load cell built into a shackle):
And even this Walmart special fish scale could measure the weight hanging from a cable:
BTW, this is a peculiar statement...
...since in normal usage, cables are not capable of supporting compressive loads.
Edit to add fish scale.
So is this, from the subject line:
Looking for a tension sensor (not LOAD sensor)
... since tension's as much a load as compression is.
First, thanks for all the feedback and apologies any confusion. I meant a sensor to measure the non-compressive load across a cable. DaveEvans I think came the closest to what I am after (fish scale etc.)
An important feature would be something I can interface with an arduino
Many thanks.
So, as others have said. It's the same sensor: a load cell will measure either compression or tension. Here are a few.
That can be accomplished many ways, since load cells (tension-only and otherwise) are available with outputs such as RS232 (a type of serial interface), I2C, and SPI. And barebones load cells just have a Wheatstone bridge, which can be powered and "read" with Arduino-compatible devices such as the oft-discussed HX711.
Put a camera on a fish scale 
Thanks so very much for the help guys.
Cheers..
Paul.
Lookup strain gauge sensors
Ok thank you 
I will.
Cheers
Try solving it mechanically. Make a holder for a compressive load sensor that can be compressed by the tension cable pulling on a yoke over the top of the compression sensor. Some hacksawing, filing, beating and bending on mild steel strip or tubing should yield a compression to tension adapter. For small tension loads, Home Depot or Tractor Supply have metal that ought to work.
If you're in the range of loads where 1/8 to 3/16 steel won't do, forget any DIY stuff and get something commercial that's rated for the load you're expecting, plus 100% as a peak load, plus another 200% for safety. Letting a cable under tension break and fly around is flatly dangerous.
Load Cells come in a few flavors. Tension and compression. You want a tension measuring load cell.
A tension load cell is one of the major categories or types of load cell commonly found within the weighing industry. Other types include, for example; compression, beam and single-point. Tension load cells, as their name suggests, are predominantly used for measuring tension or pulling force .
Here is a single example of a tension load cell. Happens to be an S Type Beam.
Ron
The working principle of measuring tension sensor and the sensor working principle of gravity measurement is the same, accept the signal of sensor measurement system is the tension, after conversion device in the system, the tension signal into current signal, and then, the signal output terminal on the dc ammeter, can show the size of the transformation of current, which can draw the size of the corresponding tension
Maybe this will help?
I use something similar to measure the tension on the webbing.
I use it to speed up or slow down the machine.
Really good tensiometer example.
Ron
I am working on a drone to carry cargo. I need something that can tell me how much upwards force the drone is creating. I have run the theoretical numbers, however with drag, i can't be sure the calculations will be accurate. What can I use to measure the upwards pull? A fish scale, won't work because this has the potential to be over 300 lbs.
Ground test. Simply add weights until the drone can't ascend.
I was hoping for something more precise that I would only have to run once, not multiple times, until I hit the limit. If no other good option appear before I am ready to run the test, I will probably do this.
