This straight bar load cell (sometimes called a strain gauge) can translate up to 10kg of pressure (force) into an electrical signal. Each load cell is able to measure the electrical resistance that changes in response to, and proportional of, the strain (e.g. pressure or force) applied to the bar. With this gauge you will be able to tell just how heavy an object is, if an object's weight changes over time, or if you simply need to sense the presence of an object by measuring strain or load applied to a surface.
This particular load cell comes attached to hardware that ends with a hook. This allows you to easily install and hang your load cell.
Each straight bar load cell is made from an aluminum-alloy and is capable of reading a capacity of 10kg. These load cells have four strain gauges that are hooked up in a wheatstone bridge formation. The color code on the wiring is as follows: red = Exc+, green = Sig+, black = Exc-, and white = Sig-.
This skill defines how difficult the soldering is on a particular product. It might be a couple simple solder joints, or require special reflow tools.
Skill Level: Noob - Some basic soldering is required, but it is limited to a just a few pins, basic through-hole soldering, and couple (if any) polarized components. A basic soldering iron is all you should need.
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If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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Any information on whether this is OK to use as-is outdoors? This is exactly what I've been wishing existed, to hang my bird feeder to, in order to detect whether a squirrel is hanging on it or not.. Also could detect when the feeder is empty and notify to refill. I guess I could put the whole thing hanging loose in a PVC pipe sealed at the top, but it would be great if I could just leave it as is..
Ooh... what a NEAT use! ;-)