Capacitive Interfaces

Loadstar Sensors offers many different kinds of sensors. One of them is based on the principle of change of Capacitance. We make the iLoad Series Capacitive load cells or capacitive force sensors that have either frequency or digital UART or USB output.

When a user wants to connect a capacitive sensor to a PC, PLC, Tablet, or smartphone, he or she will need to use one of the interface devices (also referred to as signal conditioners by some) shown below.

Capacitive Interfaces Quick Links

DQ-1000U Frequency to USB Interface

The DQ-1000U interface device provides a convenient way for an iLoad Mini Load Cell to be connected to a PC, Mac or Linux machine via USB or to a microcontroller via UART. It provides the iLoad Mini load cell with regulated power needed to power the load cell, reads the frequency signal from the load cell, applies calibration values to the signal and provides a digital output of the calibrated force, load or weight values.  The output signal is available via UART (Serial TTL) or via USB through the S2U Serial TTL (UART) to USB adapter.

The output data can be obtained at up to 150 Hz with the base DQ-1000U device and at up to 500 Hz using the DQ-1000UHS version of this device. Log and plot and display the data using our compatible LoadVUE Pro software on a Windows 8/10 PC or Tablet.
iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell with USB Output DQ-1000U and Software LV-1000
Suggested Kit:


iLoad Mini DOme Load Cell
DQ-1000U Load Cell Interface
LV-1000 LoadVUE Pro Software
Add Calibration
Add Accessories

DQ-1000A Frequency to Analog (& USB) Interface

The DQ-1000A interface is similar to the DQ-1000U but has an additional terminal block that can work off an external power supply and output a 0-5 V DC output proportional to the loads. The DQ-1000A like a DQ-1000U device can work with a PC via USB and can be powered by the USB port itself without need for any additional power supply.

In fact you can operate the iLoad Mini load cell from a PC via USB and display, log and plot data using LoadVUE Pro software and at the same time via the terminal block you can tap into the analog 0.5 to 4.5V DC output to work with PLCs or DAQs! This is a unique feature not available on most other load cells. We call it a hybrid load cell!
Analog iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell Kit with Output DQ-1000A
Suggested Kit:


iLoad Mini Load Cell
DQ-1000A Load Cell Interface
LoadVUE Pro Software
Pick Calibration
Add Accessories

4 Port Frequency to USB Capacitive Load Cell Interface

This kit shows four iLoad Mini load cells to be connected to a four-channel version of the DQ-1000U interface. By using four iLoad Mini load cells with a DQ-4000 interface, one can quickly build a moderate accuracy scale by placing the four load cells at the four corners of a frame.

But in addition to UART and USB, this device optionally offers wireless communication and battery operation capability via the DQ-4000ZP/DQ-4000WiFi/DQ-4000BLE versions of this interface. Please contact us for further information or to order items.
4 iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cells with USB Output DQ-4000U and Software SensorVUE
Suggested Kit:


4 iLoad Mini Load Cells
DQ-4000U Load Cell Interface
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration (included)
Add Accessories

4 Port USB Interface & Display for iLoad Mini Load Cells

In addition to all the features offered by the DQ-4000 miniature load cell interface, the DS-4000 device has a built-in LCD screen that displays the individual readings of each load cell as well as the sum total of all connected load cells.

For applications that cannot use a PC or Tablet as a display, this device provides a quick and easy display solution while still enabling data collection on a PC via USB or Wireless protocols.
4 Channel iLoad Mini Capacitive Load Cell Kit with USB Output DS-4000 and Software SensorVUE
Suggested Kit:


4 iLoad Mini Load Cells
DS-4000U Load Cell Interface
SensorVUE Software
Pick Calibration
Add Accessories

Touch Screen Displays

Many times instead of connecting a sensor to a PC or to a PLC, one simply needs to show the values on a LCD display. For those instances, we offer these easy to use touch screen LCD displays with one or four channels. The displays are capable of being used wit USB or wireles BLE load cell+interface pairs.

Works with iLoad, iLoad TR, iLoad Mini + DQ-1000U or any load cell mated and calibrated with a DI-100U, DI-1000U or DI-1000BLE interface devices.

Key Features include:

  • Tare and Read Capabilities
  • Change Units as needed
  • Comes with a Power Supply that provides 5 VDC via a micro USB connector
  • Comes with a swivel stand that can be placed on a flat surface and whose angle of display can be adjusted manually
DI -100U

DS-3000-Pro-1 Channel

Single Channel
Load Cells Only
Tare, Read, Change Units

DS-3000-Pro-4 Channel Display

DS-3000-Pro-4 Channel

Four Channels
Load Cells Only
Tare, Read, Change Units,
Peak & Low Values
Sum of all connected Load Cells

Sensor to Cloud Interfaces (IoT Gateways)

These devices allow a user to connect a sensor via USB to the Cloud via WiFi or other wireless protocols.

Node - IoT Gateway

Node

The Node is an IoT Gateway that connects to a sensor or scale with USB Output and transmits the data periodically to the SensorVUE or StockVUE Cloud. Works with any of our digital USB sensors or sensors with USB Interfaces (DI-100U, DI-1000U, DI-1000U-5V, DI-400U) or with sensors that are connected wirelessly via DI-1000ZP. Has a small form factor.

  • Small device size (3.5 x 2.5 x 1.25 inches)
  • Connects to SensorVUE or StockVUE Cloud via WiFi
  • Perforated case for efficient thermal heat transfer
  • Comes with 5V power adapter with micro USB connector
Node+ - Node Plus IoT Gateway with Display

Node +

The Node+ identical to the Node device but has a touch screen display that can be used to view information locally. Connect a keyboard and mouse to have a complete desktop compouter! Works with any of our digital USB sensors or sensors with USB Interfaces (DI-100U, DI-1000U, DI-1000U-5V, DI-400U) or with sensors that are connected wirelessly via DI-1000ZP.
Device size (8.75 x 4.5 x 4 inches)
Connects to SensorVUE or StockVUE Cloud via WiFi
Perforated case for efficient heat transfer
Comes with 5V power adapter with micro USB connector

Sensor Router SC-1200Z

SC-1200Z

The SC-1200Z wireless sensor router is a 12 port device that connects to our digital sensors and uploads the data wirelessly to SensorVUE or StockVUE Client on a PC/Tablet. It also works with our Node & Node+ IoT Gateways seamlessly to upload data to StockVUE or SensorVUE Cloud.

  • Device size (9.18 in. x 5.25 in. x 1.5 in.)
  • Each port has a MiniB USB Connector
  • Compatible with iLoad, iLoad TR, iLoad Pro and any resistive load cell or scale with UART outoput via MiniB connector
  • Provides power to each connected sensor and communicates with it via UART
  • Comes with a 9V/12V power supply
Looking for the best signal conditioner for your application?
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