I understand that the analogue pin would only read random values coming from a loose wire. But I was surprised to see today that if I did this, there was actually a pattern to the randomness - It kept cycling between 0 to 1023 up and down at approx 0.3Hz.
When I for the sake of experimentation decided to reload the same code that was already on the arduino, this pattern changed to something like 0, 1023, 4, 1020, 6, 1010, 10, 1001 etc. (photo attached). You'll notice every second reading is an decreasing value from 1023, and the opposite for every other reading.
For interests sake, does anyone have an explanation for these patterns if they are supposed to be interference, and why the pattern changed form when I reloaded the same code.
These patterns were present when running the closed circuit as well (when the resistor was in series), expect at a much much slower rate. When the resistor is in paralell, I get values 30-40 constantly and when I touch the piezo this drops to zero for a moment and then returns. The reverse of what I expected, I thought it would increase voltage.
Sigh, I thought an amplifier might be the only option all right. Unfortunately, my project includes floating balloons, and they won't be able to accommodate for more weight than the piezos. Maybe its back to the drawing board, or else make MANY compromises to my project.
Below I've attached what is hopefully my final circuit. I will examine it many times before I actually set it up.
Thanks for all your help so far!
Full Diagram IMT.fzz (21.5 KB)
_2_Multiplexers_With_LDRs_PiezosB.ino (6.53 KB)