Hi,
I'd like to build a scale will control a small pump and shut off when it reaches a desired mass. I've done some quick looking and I see that making a scale is pretty simple and I saw where someone mentioned a readout but I don't see anything further. Here's what I need it to do:
- Tare the weight of the vessel once it is placed on the scale
- User sets the desired stop mass
- User activates pump and begins filling
- Readout displays mass as it fills and shuts off when it reaches set limit
- Audible alerts would be great for start and stop
So I know I can make the scale with Arduino, an Hx711, and a load cell. I'm guessing this isn't all new ground but I'm not really sure where to start.
Unless you are going to use this on the Space Station, the scale indicates weight, not mass. Don't mix the two in your description of your project.
Paul
The standard advice is to build up the project in manageable stages.
Play and experiment with each subsystem individually, get to understand it, then move on to the next.
Then start putting the subsystems together.
eg. Get the load cell working - maybe printing the weight to the serial monitor.
Learn how to make the display work, then perhaps get the weight on the display,
Learn how to get the pump going (observe all the advice about inductive loads). Make it stop and start under arduino control.
Then put it all together.
Projects kind of evolve as they go along so don't start with a huge shopping list or you'll waste money. Just buy enough parts to get the first part working.
Good luck! Have fun!
Paul_KD7HB:
the scale indicates weight, not mass.
The overwhelming majority of weighing scales are calibrated in units of mass. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that as long as you don't let g vary too much in between calibrations (not normally a problem).
Spclagenth:
Hi,
I'd like to build a scale will control a small pump and shut off when it reaches a desired mass. I've done some quick looking and I see that making a scale is pretty simple and I saw where someone mentioned a readout but I don't see anything further. Here's what I need it to do:
- Tare the weight of the vessel once it is placed on the scale
- User sets the desired stop mass
- User activates pump and begins filling
- Readout displays mass as it fills and shuts off when it reaches set limit
- Audible alerts would be great for start and stop
So I know I can make the scale with Arduino, an Hx711, and a load cell. I'm guessing this isn't all new ground but I'm not really sure where to start.
this seems similar to measuring level in a tank. you can use a potentiometer to set the desired mass. you could use PID control to fill your vessel. Remember you have to use a DC pump as you want to control the pump.
Paul_KD7HB:
Unless you are going to use this on the Space Station, the scale indicates weight, not mass. Don't mix the two in your description of your project.
Paul
Yes, thank you. I don't know what I'd do without people like you in my life
GypsumFantastic:
The standard advice is to build up the project in manageable stages.
Play and experiment with each subsystem individually, get to understand it, then move on to the next.
Then start putting the subsystems together.
eg. Get the load cell working - maybe printing the weight to the serial monitor.
Learn how to make the display work, then perhaps get the weight on the display,
Learn how to get the pump going (observe all the advice about inductive loads). Make it stop and start under arduino control.
Then put it all together.
Projects kind of evolve as they go along so don't start with a huge shopping list or you'll waste money. Just buy enough parts to get the first part working.
Good luck! Have fun!
Thanks, I always tend to make that mistake. Trying to make a project do everything right off the bat.
To that end I'm guessing that I'm probably asking too much from an Arduino? Would this be better as a raspberry pi?
Arduino should handle this easily.