FAQ

Baesd on our customers' queries, we have compiled a comprehensive set of answers to the commonly asked questions. Please search for keywords (browser search) and Click on the arrow next to the questions to expand/collapse the answers. If you can't find the question and answer you are looking for, please contact us and suggest items you'd like to add to this page.

Loadstar Sensors' AI Chatbot Helper

Most Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 10. My load cell cannot connect with my computer

There can be a number of reasons for this issue. For e.g. use of incorrect cable and USB dongle, drivers not installed properly, damaged load cell or interface, obsolete operating system etc. Please review the possible causes and remedies for this issue on our Blog - "Troubleshooting connectivity issues with Loadstar Sensors' sensors or interfaces" to try and resolve this issue on your own. If you still cannot, then contact us for support.

FAQ 20. Can I use the same sensor with a different interface? Or vice versa?

No. Sensors and interfaces are not plug and play. Each sensor must be calibrated with a specific sensor and used together as a pair. You cannot simply mix and match sensors and interfaces. Once calibrated, each pair must be identified with a matching serial number label and used together. If a load cell or sensor goes bad, then the replaced item must be once again labeled and identified after calibration together to avoid any issues during use.

FAQ 30. Do I need to include calibration with my order?

Yes. Every load cell and interface must be mated and calibrated before they are functional. They are not readily plug and play. That is why for new purchases, we insist that you add a calibration service to your order when ordering a sensor and an interface. That way, we make sure you get a NIST traceable calibration certificate and we make sure the sensor meets specifications before we ship it to you. When you get the kit, it is ready to use out of the box.

For future orders, one can get it calibrated by third party calibration shops if they have the software, or you can do it yourself if you have the calibration utility built into LoadVUE Pro, SensorVUE and ControlVUE software. We offer calibration services with NIST traceability that meets most QA/QC needs. You can refer to our calibration build and buy page to see the various calibration options we have and their respective prices. 

FAQ 40. How Can I get a formal quote sent to me?

If you register and login to our site, on most load cell pages, you can find a Build Your Order button. On that page, you can add items to your cart and either place an order to buy it or have a formal quote sent to you.

Alternatively, you can contact us with the desired items for a quote and provide us your full shipping address and phone number. We will be happy to send you a formal detailed quote with shipping costs, expedites options, lead time and payment fees etc.

FAQ 50. Where can I find the 3D Solid Models of a load cell?

3D models as well as Spec Sheets of most of our load cells are available on the detailed web pages for each sensor. You can usually jump to it by clicking on the quick access button on that page. You can also access it under the Support Menu option on our site. You must register and login before you can access and download these files. If you do not find what you need, please contact us.

FAQ 60. What operating systems are supported by your software?

LoadVUE Lite (LV-100 and LV-400) is compatible with Windows 8/10/11 and Mac OS as well as Linux (Raspberry Pi). LoadVUE Pro, SensorVUE, and ControlVUE are compatible with Windows 8/10/11 versions. 

FAQ 70. What is typically included in a complete sensor kit?

One each load cell page, we make available options to build your own kit. You can build a digital USB kit by adding a load cell, an interface (DI-100 or DI-1000 or DI-400), software, high speed options, wireless options, accessories and calibration. All cables and dongles required for operating the load cell, interface, and software are typically included in the kit (for e.g. a USB kit with DI-100U will come with a miniB to miniB cable and an S2U Serial to USB dongle). The wireless kit has a battery operated, rechargeable wireless interface (DI-1000ZP) which also has a USB output port.

The Analog kit typically consists of a load cell, an analog interface with 0-5 VDC output (AI-1000) or 4-20 mA output (AI-1000-CV), and analog calibration in compression, or tension or universal mode.

Please take a look at this video to get an idea of the various kits we offer. A kit with calibration service includes a calibration certificate.

If you want any more information about a specific kit, please contact us with the kit details. 

 

FAQ 80. What is the typical lead time and expedited processing options?

For most kit orders which includes a sensor, an interface, calibration and software, the typical lead time is 2 weeks after receipt of order with payment or a PO. This is because we need to kit the order, calibrate it, pack it and ship in the order in which it is received.

For most sensor only orders without calibration, we can ship within a few days. If needed urgently, we offer expedited processing options with a 1 week, 3 business day, 1 business day or same day options for a small additional fee. The Build Your Order buttons on a sensor page typically lays this out in detail for you.

For special cases, please contact us.

FAQ 90. Can I buy against a PO?

We require pre-payment for most orders unless payment terms have been setup. For domestic US customers, one can apply for terms by filling out a form and providing references. For international customers we require pre-payments prior to shipping out the order.

Payments can be made with a credit card or Paypal (3.5% payment fees of total), wire transfer ($40 for domestic and $65 for internationl payments), or via Checks (domestic customers only) or ACH at no additional cost. We will not start processing the order unless we get an approved PO or payment. The lead time starts after the payment or an approved PO is received.

FAQ 100. Are you ISO 9001 certified?
We are not an ISO certified calibration service provider, but we are an OEM for many of the sensor products we offer and have very stringent internal quality processes to meet or exceed the specifications. 
We use NIST traceable dead weights or reference equipment to perform the calibrations. We show applied and calculated loads with the inaccuracy of each step. We also include the NIST traceability information on our calibration certificates. 
You can view sample certificates here:
We make sure every single sensor shipped meets specs when a calibration procedure is ordered with the products.
You can review our Quality Policy and methodology here:
We have been in business for over 20 years now and have over 10K customers in 85+ countries around the world who trust us for their sensor needs.
If your company MUST have an ISO/IEC 17025 or Z540.1 Calibration, then we can take the sensor to an accredited lab and perform the calibration there and satisfy your needs. The price will accordingly be higher for this service in comparison with our very modestly priced calibration service.
We hope this reassures you that we have the highest quality standards despite not paying for the expensive ISO 9001 certification. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions.

Technology

TECH 10. What is the difference between Loadstar Sensors' iLoad Series load cells vs. conventional strain gauge load cells?

Conventional load cells are built using strain gauges or piezo resistive devices which are basically variable resistors arranged in a wheatstone bridge network. When a strain/stress is applied to the strain gauge – it changes the resistance of one or more resistors slightly. This change in resistance leads to an unbalanced circuit resulting in a small milliVolt change in output signal that is amplified and calibrated to measure loads. Typical full scale outputs are in the 20-40 mV range.

In comparison, our load cells are built using variable capacitors. When a load is applied, the capacitance changes significantly and is converted into a digital frequency signal. As the load changes, the frequency changes. This frequency change can be measured very accurately and can be converted into either a digital (USB, Bluetooth, XBee Wireless, WiFi) or analog(0-5V, 0-20 mV, 4-20 mA) signal that is easy to input DIRECTLY into a DAQ or a PLC or a PC.

TECH 20. What is the input power requirement for USB operation?

Maximum Input Voltage = 5V Input Voltage Noise < 100µVrms Input Current = 50mA max

TECH 30. What kind of forces can the load cells handle? (Impulse/Dynamic/Static loads)?

Generally speaking iLoad series load cells are designed to be used in a static loading situation. The load cells perform well in a dynamic environment as well but are limited to approximately 3 to 5 millisecond response times.

If you are looking for faster response rates you can utilize one of our resistive analog load cells in combination with our DI-1000UHS-1K digital USB interface with data output rate of 1 khz to capture faster dynamic forces with our LoadVUE Pro, SensorVUE or ControlVUE software.

As far as true impact force measurements are concerned, we offer a complete solution with a resistive force sensor, a DI-1000UHS-10K USB interface with up to 50 khz data rates and LV-1000HS-10K software to capture, display and plot data on a Windows PC or Tablet. Please review our Impact Force Measurement page for further information.

TECH 40. Which series of load cells is appropriate for use with a data acquisition system or a programmable logic controller?

You can use any of our iLoad Series load cells with the optional 0-5V analog output. You can also use any of our resistive load cells with the AI-1000 Single Channel Load Cell Signal Conditioner which provides a 0-5V output that can be input directly into most DAQs or PLCs. We also offer a 4-20 mA output via the AI-1000-CV analog signal interface.

TECH 50. Do you supply a calibration curve with your load cells?

Yes we provide calibration data that shows the applied load vs. measured loads using our load cells. For analog load cells, we supply a calibration curve that shows load vs. voltage.

TECH 60. What is the nature of the Force vs. Voltage Output?

The iLoad Analog series load cells have a linear output with approximately 0.5V at zero load and approximately 4.5V at full load.

TECH 70. What products use/need the S2U adapter (dongle)?

The S2U adapter converts Serial TTL (UART) signal from the following devices to USB signal; the USB still appears as a virtual COM port to Windows/Linux/Mac applications. Please visit this page for the latest drivers.

TECH 80. The Loadstar Sensors software does not recognize the load cell/DI-100/DI-1000/.../other device. How do I troubleshoot?
  • When the load cell or the digital USB load cell interface is connected to the computer, does an USB port show up in the device manager?
  • If the answer is No, then the drivers may not have been properly installed. Please download and install the drivers from this page.
  • Some devices and load cells need an S2U adapter (dongle) to convert the signal from the device into USB. See the answer to the previous question. Make sure you are using this adapter from Loadstar Sensors. You cannot use a off-the-shelf standard USB-A-male to mini-B-male cable with these devices. Our S2U adapter contains proprietary electronics to perform the serial to USB conversion.
  • The DI-1000U does not need this adapter. So an off-the-shelf cable can be used with DI-1000U. Do not use the S2U adapter with the DI-1000U.
  • If the COM port shows up on the device manager, but the software still does not recognize the device then check the cable connections to make sure they are tight. If necessary, try replacing the cable.
  • If the problem is with the DI-100, is the led on the DI-100U blinking? If yes, the dongle and the cable are providing power to the unit. If not try replacing the dongle or the cable or both.
  • Some DI-1000U units have an on-off switch. Is it on?
TECH 90. Can I extend the cable from my load cell to the interface?

Yes. Although we don't recommend it, we can splice a cable to extend the length. 

Instead of extending the cable between load cell and the interface, we recommend that you extend the output side i.e. the USB output cable by using our USB Extender cables with 5m (15 feet) per cable that can be daisy chained up to 45 feet total. 

TECH 100. What is the maximum force I can apply to the load cell without damaging it?

Each load cell has a rated capacity or max load. Most have a safe overload limit of 50% of rated capacity. (e.g. If a load cell is rated to 1,000 lbs, then you can safely use it occasionally to 1,500 lbs.) However, we recommend you use the load cell within the rated limit indicated on its spec sheet. Overloading your sensor will damage it.

TECH 110. What should I do if I overloaded my load cell?

If you think you overloaded your load cell, please send your load cell, interface, and cables back to us ASAP. We will have to evaluate the load cell to see if it has been damaged. You will have to replace the load cell if it has been damaged.

Please also fill out a support form with the issue and sensor serial number to help us better assist you.

TECH 120. What is the difference between 1-channel and 4-channel?

Assuming you mean with regard to the DS-3000-Pro display or the LV-100 and LV-400 LoadVUE Lite software, 1-channel means it can only connect to 1 sensor (digital load cell or digital load cell kit) at a time, and 4-channel means it can connect up to 4 such digital load cells or load cell kits at a time.

TECH 130. Do you have STEP/CAD files?

After signing up and logging into our website, you can find the solid models under the Support menu option on the top task bar or through thinks link

TECH 140. Does a magnet or magnetic field affect a sensor?

The output signal from the sensors are very small mV/V outputs. If the magnet induces an electro-magnetic effect on the output signal, it could affect the results of the sensor and appear as noise. Sometimes you can simply use statistical techniques like median or averaging filters to smooth out the noise.

However, our capacitive sensors are much less affected, if not at all, affected by external electromagnetic fields. This is because the entire sensor is enclosed by a faraday cage.

TECH 150. My sensor reading seems to have a lot of noise.

To minimize noise: turn off all cell phones, plug the interface power supply into its own outlet, and keep the interface, sensor, and cables away from other electronics (fans, pumps, transformers, etc.) that can produce electromagnetic noise.  

iLoad Digital USB Load Cells

LUD 10. Is the power regulated inside an iLoad series load cell?

Yes, but only for the iLoad, iLoad TR and iLoad Pro Digital USB load cells – not the iLoad Analog load cells. You would need to provide a 5V regulated power supply to the iLoad Analog load cell. Any offset from this voltage will cause a similar offset in the output voltage.

LUD 20. How can I mount the iLoad Series load cells to my apparatus?
LUD 30. Can the iLoad series of load cells handle side loads?
LUD 40. Do we need any signal conditioning electronics to operate a iLoad series load cell?
LUD 50. What is the pin-out of the iLoad Digital USB load cell connector?
LUD 60. How many iLoad Digital USB load cells can be connected to a PC?
LUD 70. Is it possible to interface iLoad Series USB load cells to LabView or Matlab?
LUD 80. Are the iLoad Series capacitive load cells temperature compensated?

iLoad Mini USB Load Cells

MFD 10. What is meant by “frequency” output? How can I interpret the frequency data to infer loads in lb.?

The iLoad Mini load cells has 2 frequency outputs. When Control Input = logic ‘1’, the Mini outputs the load cell frequency, Fsensor. When Control Input = logic ‘0’, the Mini outputs the reference frequency, Fref. The compensated frequency Fcomp = Fsensor - K*Fref, where K is a constant provided by Loadstar. Loadstar can provide the coefficients for the quadratic equation to translate Fcomp to weight. Although possible in theory, most customers do not have the equipment, skill or time to perform calibration in their facility, hence we recommend that you purchase the Mini Load Cells with the DQ-1000 or DQ-4000 interface devices.

This can be tested by launching the Hyperterminal application from Windows XP, opening up the relevant COM port and sending the command "O0W1". The load cell will return the sensed load in millipounds as an ASCII string. LabVIEW or Matlab can retrieve this string and process the result. See Driver Installation and Hyperterminal Operation for more information and examples using LabVIEW and Matlab.

iLoad Analog Load Cells

LAD 10. Can I use a 9V battery to power the iLoad Analog load cell?

You can use a 9V battery with a regulator to regulate down to 5V from 9V. You just have to be careful that the battery doesn't deplete down to below 5 V since the output signal will then start dropping with the drop in voltage.

LAD 20. What is the wiring diagram for the output from the iLoad Analog load cell cable?
LAD 30. Is the output from the iLoad Analog load cell ratiometric?
LAD 40. What is the difference between a CS Series and the iLoad Analog load cell?
LAD 50. I purchased a CS Series load cell from you earlier. Do you still carry it?

Interfaces

INT 10. Which interface provides USB output?

DI-100U/DI-100UHS or DI-1000U/DI-1000UHS USB Interface have USB outputs for resistive sensors.  (Note: You need to calibrate the sensor and interface together for the pair to function) You can refer to our interface products page for a more detailed breakdown of our various interfaces. 

INT 20. Which interface provides Analog output?
INT 30. What is the difference between the DI-100 and DI-1000?
INT 40. How is the DI-100 or DI-1000 powered?
INT 50. Are all resistive load cells supported for the DI-100/DI-1000(four or six wire)?
INT 60. How fast is the data update rate for the DI-100/DI-1000?
INT 70. Why is my wireless interface not working/out of battery?

Software

SFW 10. Do your load cells and sensor interfaces support other platforms like Windows CE, Unix or Macintosh?

Yes, we provide drivers for several different platforms including Windows (8, 10, and 11), Mac OS and Linux. Since we use the industry standard FTDI chips to convert serial output from our load cells and interfaces to USB output, any platform that supports these FTDI chips will be able to read our devices. Please visit http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm for the latest drivers for your platform.

Once the drivers are installed, the device appears as a virtual COM port to the system (similar to a Bluetooth device). The device then can be read with any terminal or modem program that can read serial ports.

Note: iLoad series load cells purchased prior to March 2009 will only work with 32 bit versions of Windows XP. If you have these load cells starting with serial no. F09xxxxxxxx then, you must contact us to purchase replacement load cells. 

SFW 20. Do I need to purchase LoadVUE to use iLoad Digital USB load cells?
SFW 30. What are the differences between LoadVUE and LoadVUE Lite?
SFW 40. Trouble Connecting with digital sensors with LoadVUE Lite?
SFW 50. What software can I use to log or plot data?
SFW 60. Is it possible to connect iLoad Series USB load cells to LabView or Matlab?
SFW 70. Is there a maximum number of sensors I can display and log with SensorVUE?
SFW 80. What are the minimum hardware requirements to run LoadVUE Pro?
SFW 90. I lost my software/I am trying to download software from an old link, but it's not working. Is it possible to get a new one?
SFW 100. Can my software display real time data from 2 sensors simultaneously?
SFW 110. Is Loadstar Sensor software compatible with other sensors?
SFW 120. Can I use the software to control external devices based on real time data?
SFW 130. Is the software a subscription?
SFW 140. Can I use Loadstar Sensors' software on different devices?
SFW 150. How do I change the unit of measure on the software?
SFW 160. Can I compare data captured using the LoadVUE Pro/SensorVUE/ControlVUE software?
SFW 170. Can I use LoadVUE Pro to record data from my torque sensor.
SFW 180. Can I use LoadVUE Pro to record data from a displacement sensors?
SFW 190. Can I uninstall LoadVUE Pro from my laptop and install the software onto a new PC/tablet?

Calibration & Recalibration

CAL 10. Does the sensor come calibrated?

If you buy a resistive load cell only, you will get a nominal mV/V Output e.g. if you supply 10 V to the load cell, then the change in output from zero load to full load will be about 20 mV if the load cell has a 2 mV/V rating. But, it is not a "real" or "accurate" representation of the actual mV/V for that particular load cell.

If you want an actual mV/V value you must add an analog mV/V calibration, in Compression, Tension, or both (Universal) to your order.

If you want USB Output, add a DI-100U/DI-100UHS or DI-1000U/DI-1000UHS USB Interface and Digital Calibration in Compression, Tension or Universal mode to your order.

If you want an Analog 0-5V DC output, then add AI-1000 and an Analog Calibration in Compression, Tension or Universal mode to your order.

If you want an Analog 4-20 mA output, then add AI-1000-CV and an Analog Calibration in Compression, Tension or Universal mode to your order.

Here is our calibration page that provides more information about our calibration service and the costs. 

CAL 20. Is it necessary to add calibration to a sensor and interface configuration?
CAL 30. Can you calibrate a non-Loadstar Sensors load cell?
CAL 40. Can I calibrate the load cell myself?
CAL 50. Where do I ship my load cell for recalibration?
CAL 60. How often should I recalibrate my sensor(s)?
CAL 70. Do I need to ship the interface with the sensor for recalibration?
CAL 80. Can I get my sensor tested to see how off it is prior to calibration?
CAL 90. Something is wrong with my load cell. Can I send it in for evaluation?
CAL 100. What do I need to calibrate a sensor myself with Loadstar Sensor software?
CAL 110. Is your organization ISO certified? Can i get an ISO certified calibration?
CAL 120. What is the mV/V signal and how can I interpret them?

Ordering and Processing

ORD 10. Where can I make a purchase?

You can either purchase directly on our website under your desired sensor's build and buy page, or purchase through our partners: McMaster, Digikey, Amazon, or Jameco

ORD 20. What are the payment options?
ORD 30. Can I set up an account? Do you offer a Net 30 payment option?
ORD 40. Is it possible to extend payment terms for an international order?
ORD 50. What is the standard lead time?
ORD 60. Is the expedited processing fee for the entire order or per sensor?
ORD 70. Can I provide my own account # for shipping?
ORD 80. Can I expedite my order?
ORD 90. Can I get an update on my order?

Building Wired and Wireless Scales

SCAL 10. How can I build a scale with 4 iLoad Series Digital USB load cells?

You can connect at least 3 but typically 4 (for improved mechanical stability) iLoad Digital USB load cells to your PC either directly if it has 4 USB ports available or via a USB Hub that has 4 ports with a single UBS connection to the PC. Install and run LoadVUE Pro 4000 software. LoadVUE can display individual as well as the summed total of the weights or loads on the four load cells.

SCAL 20. How can I build a wireless scale with your load cells?

Policies & Warranty

PLCY 10. What is your warranty policy?

We have a 90 day warranty policy.

PLCY 20. What is your return policy?
PLCY 30. Is there an Exchange Policy?
PLCY 40. Does my sensor have warranty?

Certifications and Quality

CERT 10. Do you have ISO certification?

We do not have ISO certification at the moment but are working to get one. However, for calibration, we use reference load cells that were calibrated at a ISO 17025 certified calibration lab, and we use NIST traceable equipment.

CERT 20. Are the Load Cells NTEP certified?
CERT 30. Are calibration certificates NIST traceable?
CERT 40. How do you ensure quality control for calibrations?