SparkFun 5kg Load Cell
Overview
The SparkFun 14729 is a parallel beam load cell (strain gauge) designed to translate up to 5kg (11lbs) of force into a low-voltage electrical signal. It features an IP65 rating for protection against environmental dust and moisture, making it suitable for both prototyping and light industrial weighing applications. This sensor is typically used in bridge configurations where high accuracy and long-term stability are required.
Why Choose This Part
This sensor offers a high accuracy of +/-0.05 percent, ensuring reliable measurements for sensitive weighing tasks. Its parallel beam design compensates for off-center loading, while the IP65 rating provides durability in environments where spills or dust are common. The wide supply voltage range of 3V to 10V makes it compatible with both low-power microcontrollers and standard industrial logic levels.
Applications
Key Specifications
Getting Started
To interface this sensor with a microcontroller, use a dedicated strain gauge amplifier such as the SparkFun HX711 Load Cell Amp. Connect the four-wire bridge output to the amplifier's differential inputs to convert the millivolt-level signal into a digital value via I2C or SPI. Calibrate the system using a known reference weight to account for the specific offset and gain of your installation.
