MAY 2024 sub-project of rocket
DIY-LOAD CELL
From scratch to ma2r3s
full tutorial
Step into history of this project.
(May 1- Sep. 17, 2024)
The load cell has five generations. Over two months of continuous testing and improvement, it has met all the requirements for a rocket static test. It can accurately measure the weight of an object or the force applied to it. My focus was to design it to be as accessible as possible so that anyone can replicate it or even improve it by following the shared materials. I have put in as much effort as I can to cover all the small and basic details I have experienced, to save people’s time and ensure they don’t make the same obstacles I did.
The second generation (May 26,2024)
Body of work
MAY 7, 2024
First Generation (simple and loose)
This is the first generation 3D model I designed after measuring the dimensions on the weighing module. Although it is relatively simple, it can measure the weight of some simple items. However, the design has some flaws; the surface is not very flat, and it is not very stable.
May 13, 2024
Second Generation (<1.5g error)
This is my second-generation design. It has reinforced the base and the surface platform, making the overall structure smoother and more stable for measuring the weight of various items. However, its measurement frequency is only ten times per second
June 5, 2024
Third Generation
This is my third-generation design. It can not only measure the weight of objects vertically but also measure the thrust of rockets more accurately horizontally.
Fourth generation
I upgraded its chip from Arduino to Teensy 4.1.
The Teensy 4.1 is a powerful microcontroller with impressive processing capabilities. Here are some key details about its processing power:
Fifth generation
The fifth generation is specially designed for ease of manufacturing for everyone.It incorporates the stability and simplicity of previous designs, so everyone can follow my steps to complete their own independent load cell.
MATERIAL LIST
The HX711 I am using is a precision 24-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed specifically for weighing scales and industrial control applications. It is commonly used with load cells to measure weight or force. The module amplifies the small electrical signal generated by the load cell and converts it into a digital signal that can be read by a microcontroller, such as an Arduino.
HX711 10KG Sensor |
Amplifier Amplify signals |
Arduino nano or Arduino uno Calculation |
Wires power connection and signal |
Step 1
Stripping wires for connecting pin headers
Procedures
Step 2
Solder and secure pin-headers
Step 3
Assemble the 3d model
Use a wire stripper to slightly expose the copper wire at the end of the lead, being careful not to cut the entire wire. Then, find a DuPont wire and cut one end of it. Strip a bit of the copper wire at the end.
First, slide the heat shrink tube onto the wire. Then, twist the exposed copper wires from the wire and the connector together and solder them. Next, move the heat shrink tube over the soldered joint and use a heat gun to heat the tube, causing it to shrink and secure the connection.
Use screws to secure the force sensor; it might be a bit tight, but as long as it’s firmly fixed, it’s fine.
Procedures
Step 4
Solder and connect the amplifier
Step 5
Connect to arduino
Step 6
Upload code and calibrate it!
Advance work!
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Step 7: Enhance your hx711 processing speed to 80 times per second!!!
Data logging in Excel