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This very long force sensitive resistor - over 2 feet - has a sensing area of 0.25x24". This FSR from Interlink Electronics will vary its resistance depending on how much pressure is being applied to the sensing area. The harder the force, the lower the resistance. When no pressure is being applied to the FSR its resistance will be larger than 1MΩ. This FSR can sense applied force anywhere in the range of 100g-10kg.
Two pins extend from the bottom of the sensor with 0.1" pitch making it bread board friendly. There is a peel-and-stick rubber backing on the other side of the sensing area to mount the FSR.
These sensors are simple to set up and great for sensing pressure, but they aren't incredibly accurate. Use them to sense if it's being squeezed, but you may not want to use it as a scale.
- Sensing area: 0.2x23.985"
- Datasheet (408 FSR)
- Hookup Guide
- FSR Integration Guide
Force Sensitive Resistor - Long Product Help and Resources
Using the SparkFun PicoBoard and Scratch
November 11, 2014
Here are a few tips in using the PicoBoard with Scratch v1.4. The PicoBoard allows us to write Scratch programs that interact with a variety of sensors on the PicoBoard. These sensors include: sound, light, a slider, a push button, and 4 external sensors (A, B, C, and D).
Force Sensitive Resistor Hookup Guide
May 5, 2016
How to hook a force-sensitive resistor up to an Arduino to measure pressure variances.
Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping
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.
See all skill levels
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Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5
Based on 5 ratings:
Worked perfectly for what I needed
I had never used one of these before. Decided I'd give it a try and see if I could add aftertouch to one of my synthesizers. Once I found that putting some foam (weather stripping) on top made it significantly easier to control, I was elated. Just add a 10K resistor to one side and it works exactly like an expression pedal pot!
Works great
I wasn't really sure how well this was going to work for my project, but it ended up being exactly what I needed. I am mounting it so you can pinch it and turn on some LED lights and it has worked perfectly for that. It is plenty sensitive across the whole length of the resistor that you can easily pinch it at any point and it will work.
Read Directions for using a FSR!
I used my first long FSR in a science project I was trying to complete before a regional science fair in my state. I tried to solder the FSR into my project and totally melted the connections on the end of the strip with my trusty soldering iron. Sparkfun got it to me in a couple of days allowing me to complete my project on time. Thank you Sparkfun!
Works fine, but....
I cannot figure out how to use the amphenol connector that I bought with it. There are no instructions. I wasn't able to close it by hand, so I had to use pliers. Finally got it closed and the FSR pins just fell out!!
Anyone want to get me up to speed on that connector??
Worked just as expected
Had no issues worked exactly as described!
Does anyone know that if I cut these, does that mean I waste the part that I cut off? Or can I cut this in half to have 2 30cm long force sensitive resistors?
Are there any large FSRs which can give a reading of the position on the sensor where the force is applied, instead of purchasing many individual elements? Or another item which might do a similar thing?
They should make 12 inch versions.
hey SF, please consider changing your packaging for this item.
this is what i got, and there is some :wave: between the peel and stick, with some debris in-between. messy.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6430706/wavy.jpg
Sorry about that! If that ever happens again, please contact us and let us know and we can help you out.
I need to measure the pressure of a tire,
about ~ 2 bar (~ 30psi aprox). Can i use this sensor?
Does anybody know, if you can TRIM those sensors? Is it possible to order a SHORT or MEDIUM one?
These particular sensors were designed to be trimmed to fit. I have cut dozens of them in half to fit my application. The top of the sensor has 2 traces that are not connected. When you press down on the sensor you are pushing the top layer into the bottom layer, which has a coating of conductive ink. The more you press, the more surface area of the bottom layer comes into contact with the traces and the lower the resistance becomes. Cutting the sensor doesn't interfere with any of this.
My apologies for the confusion on the last comment. At the time, we did not have any data sheets confirming that the sensors could be cut. We have had customers cut these and end up shorting the two sides together due to unclean cuts or the pressure from cutting through the sensor, so please keep this in mind if you attempt to adjust them.
You cannot trim the sensors. Be sure to check out the data sheet(listed as the integration guide here) for proper handling information.
The intergration guide refers to this sensor as a '24” Trimmable Strip' if I'm not mistaken, and digikey prints the following in their description:
"The standard 408 sensor is a strip sensor 622.3mm in length. To meet the needs of your application, however, it can be cut down to a very short length."
I could really use a shorter one, but as I only ordered one of these I think I'll keep it away from scissors for a bit longer.
Would this take a car driving over it? Would it work outside?
The sensor can be pushed above its 10kg limit provided the force is distributed over a decent amount of area. I have never pushed the limits of the sensor though. If someone does try stomping on it or running it over with a car please let SparkFun know.
The sensor does indeed work outside. You should be able to leave it in the sun on a hot day without any problems. There might be some problems leaving the sensor out in the middle of a Siberian snow storm though, I wouldn't push the cold end of the sensor too hard.
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So glad to fine this for under $30 as it sells for elsewhere! great find Sparkfun!