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Load Cells with USB, UART, & Analog 0-5V Output shown in various configurations
The iLoad Pro load cell is one of the family of load cells that use capacitive measurement techniques to measure forces or loads. Unlike traditional strain gauge load cells, these capacitive load cells do not use resistive strain gauges that are bonded to a metal member. Instead it uses two capacitive plates separated by a gap as the sensing element.
When the load/force is applied, this gap changeschanging the capacitance. This change is measured and transmitted as a digital signal directly from within the sensor and can be in the UART or USB format. In addition, an analog voltage (0-5 V DC) can also be output as an option simultaneously making it easy to use for a wide variety of application!
Here are three different views of the load cell:
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There is one threaded hole on the top and three threaded holes on the bottom of the load cell for adding on various accessories and attachments. They make it convenient to customize the load cell can be used for compression, tension or universal force measurement.
Load Cells with USB Output
The iLoad Series Capacitive load cells can be simply connected to a USB port on PCs running Windows, MacOS or Linux, and on Windows tablets.
With the available LoadVUE Pro software, available for Windows and Mac, you can plot, log, and share data.
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The HX-100 and HX-400 output options allow for analog and digital outputs to microcontrollers, voltmeters, and Windows PCs and tablets. You can even generate alerts based on sensor values and have it be sent to an email address or SMS number.
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The iLoad, iLoad Pro and iLoad TR load cells can easily be connected to a micro-controller like an Arduino via the available UART output natively available from the sensor with a simple ASCII command set!
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You can even get Digital and Analog Output simultaneously from the digital load cell and access it conveniently via the HX-100 break-out board |
Add more load cell cells and read values from all of them by simply connected them to a USB Hub and using LV-4000 four channel software or SensorVUE software for unlimited number of sensors. |
The iLoad Pro and iLoad TR load cells can be adapted to meet your unique application needs by
adding-on various accessories to make it easy to apply loads to the sensors. Here is short video that provides a quick overview :)
The various load cell configurations possible with the iLoad Pro are illustrated in the use cases below:
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iLoad Pro shown with a load button inserted into the top threaded hole The load button can be attached to the top hole of the load cell. It helps to "plug" the hole on the top and makes it easy to apply axial forces to from the top pushing down onto the load cell. This is the most commonly used configuration used for measuring compressive forces. |
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iLoad Pro shown with an inline tension adapter Inline adaptors can be used to make it easy to keep forces inline along the axis of the load cell and to attach things with a single threaded bolt. it allows other accessories such as caster wheels, eye-bolts, rod-ends etc. to be attached to the bottom of the load cell. |
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iLoad Pro Load Cell shown with eye-bolts Eye bolts can be attached to the top of the load cell and the bottom with an inline adapter. They allow for the measurement of forces pulling away from the load cell (tensile loads and forces). |
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iLoad Pro shown with tension adapter and Rod-EndsRod Ends are very similar to eye bolts. The difference is that rod ends allow for a wider range of motion due to the moving bolt in the middle. |
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iLoad Pro Load Cells with fixed feet A foot pedal attached to an inline adapter under the load cell allows for the measurement of weight being applied from on top of the load cell. One can use this kind of setup under four corners to quickly create a platform scale or measure weight under a bed or table or desk or a machine. |
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iLoad Pro with leveling feet Leveling feet are very similar to foot pedals. Leveling feet allow for application on uneven surfaces because the angle of the base of the accessory is adjustable. |
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iLoad Pro or iLoad TR with Caster Wheels Caster wheels can be attached to inline adapters under the load cell. They allow the load cell to be used for mobile applications such as for making stretchers for ambulances. |
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If the iLoad Pro/iLoad TR is the right choice for your application, contact sales@loadstarsensors.com or view the spec sheets for more info.
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