This basic piezo sensor from Measurement Specialties is often used for flex, touch, vibration and shock measurements. A small AC and large voltage (up to +/-90V) is created when the film moves back and forth. A simple resistor should get the voltage down to ADC levels. Can also be used for impact sensing or a flexible switch.
Comes with solderable crimp pins and a mass attached to the tip. This mass increases the sensitivity to motion.
Features:
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: Noob - You don't need to reference a datasheet, but you will need to know basic power requirements.
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I moded 1950s in-ground sensors to try and capture the surface wave from blasting using it as a kind of contact mic.
Pretty cool... you would probably appreciate this post: https://hackaday.com/2019/07/22/watch-earthquake-roll-across-a-continent-in-seismograph-visualization-video/
I'm trying to read the motion of something that moves up and down ~1mm at approximately 5 Hz. Can this read that or is there a better sensor on this site? (I tried the FlexSensor but the motion is too small.) Thanks!
how sensitive is this? I'm looking at sensing different vibration profiles from a mobile phone?
anyone every use these to power a micro-power device?
Any chance of having SignalQuest vibration and tilt sensors here in the future? No idea about the price, but they look very interesting. Alas, no luck yet finding a seller.
I love these little guys and need to order some more for an upcoming project. Any idea when we can expect the next shipment to come in? It's crazy, but every time I check in these things are sold out.
Thanks.
Has anyone ever tried to replace the mass? Could you teach me how? I bought this because I need to attach the mass to a magnet... turns out its copper XD. I don't want to use tapes. I hope you can help me :)
Maybe glue? It's not rocket science, it just needs to stick.
How does the mass increase the sensitivity of this?
Inertia. The device moves and the mass doesn't, until it catches up.
how the design circuit for generated voltage from this piezo?...please help me...email me at akina_mstr@yahoo.com
how much power can be produce by this piezo? can i directly use this circuit http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9946? i like to use this in my energy harvester.
I would like to attached this to large piece of machinery as vibration sensor. Has anyone built anything with this sensor? What was the maximum frequency?
Download the datasheet, above. All that info is in there.
I'm using this to power a flashlight abaxas1! All though I'm prototyping I got a successful voltage swing of around 1volt when vibrated very quickly. A joule thief would help get the voltage up for a flashlight/a couple of LEDs!