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ADS1232REF load cell board

Philip Tsao
Prodigy 90 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: ADS1232REF, ADS1232

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to make a small digital scale for a range of 0-500 grams and a precision of 1 gram or 0.1 grams.  I want to be able to read data (weight) through the serial port so that when a certain # of grams is reached, my computer program can do something else.  Will this board be capable of doing this?  I understand that my weight and precision requirements are mainly for the load cell...but I just wanted to double check that this board would work.

Also, the board has 2 inputs and channels.  Does this mean I can hook up a maximum of 2 load cells to the board and set up 2 digital scales with the board?

Thanks!

  • 0
    TI__Guru** 113765 points

    Philip,

    You can review the user guide to see how the device communicates through the serial port.  Basically you can start a terminal program (like hyperterminal) and control the ADS1232REF in this manner.  For example, you can setup the device, take a reading, and the reading will be displayed on the terminal.  The reading is ASCII format and in hex representation.

    Using the terminal blocks on the board, you can set the inputs to use two load cells.  The header will only allow the use of one load cell.

    Best regards,

    Bob B

  • 0 in reply to Bob Benjamin
    Prodigy 90 points

    Dear Bob,

    Thanks for the reply.  I did take a quick look at the serial port instructions, it looks like it will suit my needs.

    I'm just curious, but does this board work regardless of load cell types and weights?  For example, will the the board work for small loads (grams)  as well as large loads (kg)?  Does it work equally as well regardless of the load magnitude?

    Thanks.

  • 0 in reply to Philip Tsao
    TI__Mastermind 43915 points

    Hi Philip, 

    That is going to depend on the weigh scale sensor that you decide to use. The weigh scale sensor will output some voltage and you are to use the ADS1232 to convert that voltage. The ADS1232 has a couple gain options, so set the gain appropriately for your input signal. 

    Regards,

    Tony Calabria 

  • 0 in reply to Tony Calabria
    Prodigy 90 points

    Thanks guys.  I think I will purchase a cheap kitchen scale and tear it down to make sure I know how to use the board before I purchase any load cells.  Will let you know if I have any more questions.

  • 0 in reply to Philip Tsao
    Prodigy 90 points

    The tare button doesn't seem to work.  I've gotten it to work once...but every other time i press it, it does nothing.  This isn't really important to me, as I can just do a software tare, but just thought I would bring it up.

     

    Other than that, the board is working fine.

  • 0 in reply to Philip Tsao
    TI__Guru** 113765 points

    Phillip,

    Is the switch malfunctioning, or is it not responding in the way you think it should?  When you press the TARE button, does the LCD flash TARE and then SETTLING?  What is the weight you are trying to measure, and what does the LCD display?

    Also, can you tell me what the version number is of the firmware that you are using?  This is scrolled across the screen when the device is powered up or is reset.

    Best regards,

    Bob B

  • 0 in reply to Bob Benjamin
    Prodigy 90 points

    Dear Bob,

    I think it just may be the switch, the LCD does not flash TARE at all when I press it.  The firmware is 1.10d.  It seems to be working this morning...I just have to press really hard on the button to get it to work.  I have no problems with the other buttons.

     

    Thanks,

    Philip