Piezo sensor input to Arduino

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Hi, I've just began to use an Arduino kit and piezos sensors to build an electronic marimba prototype instrument.
I'm a complete beginner when it comes to electronics, and I'm sure this problem won't be difficult to resolve.
I have followed the Piezo tutorial with the 'Knock' program.
I connected a piezo sensor i bought from Maplin - black to ground, red to an analog input as advised.
I also connected a 10kohm resistor, but no response.
I've also tried a 4.7k resistor, but still nothing.
I've changed the threshold value several times and have also added code such as printInteger(val); to return value whether above or below threshold but still don't get any feedback.

I thinking the voltage created by pressing the sensor may be too low, or that it all happens too fast for the arduino.

Any suggestions?

Chris

2

What value do you get with printInteger(val)?
Zero all the time?

3

Thanks for reply Lenox, problem solved
Solution was so simple i'd rather not mention it.

A threshold of 250 works well for me with many piezos hooked up.
I now need to figure out to interface this with Pd.

Cheers
Chris