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5-Channel Strain Gauge Transmitter - Quick Start Guide

1. Wiring Diagram for Single Bridge/Half Bridge/Full Bridge Strain Gauge Connection

2.Wiring Diagram for Wired/Wireless Communication

2.1 Wired Communication Wiring Diagram:

2.2 Wireless Communication Wiring Diagram: (The wireless transceiver board supports three power supply methods; choose the most suitable one freely)

3. Hardware Wiring

Below, we use the wired RS485 communication method as a tutorial example

I. Hardware: Required Items for Operation

  1. 5-Channel Transmitter

  2. Strain Gauge Sensor

  3. USB Cable

Required Items for Operation

II. Hardware: Wiring Diagram

Wiring Diagram/Connecting to Computer

4、 Computer Side: Install USB Driver [Latest versions support driver-free functionality; this step can be skipped if not needed]

Connect the hardware wiring and plug the USB interface into the computer.

Then, open the USB driver file included in the provided materials and double-click to install the CH340/CH341 driver.

After successful USB installation, open the computer's Device Manager to check the corresponding COM port number.

5. Computer side: Software usage

Open the software and select the port number (if the port number is not displayed in the dropdown menu, you can manually enter the corresponding port number). Once connected, it is ready for official use.

The top-left corner of the software features a graph display function, which can be clicked to view pressure curves.Multiple transmitters can be networked to display multiple pressure curves, with a maximum of 10 pressure curves displayed simultaneously.

6、 Calibration and Usage

6.1. Measuring Microstrain με

For microstrain measurement, simply select the bridge circuit, resistance value, and corresponding attachment method in the microstrain column, then save the parameters to start collecting strain gauge data.

Additionally, regarding the method of attaching strain gauges, the requirements are very strict. Non-professionals may produce data with significant discrepancies. In such cases, it is generally necessary to reattach the strain gauge before remeasuring. The data output by the transmitter is collected from the strain gauge signal terminals. If data anomalies occur, it is recommended to inspect the strain gauge. Furthermore, the lead length should not be too long, as the cable itself may introduce signal interference and attenuation. A gradual increase or decrease in data may be due to temperature effects, which can be disregarded. When significant deformation occurs in the object, the data will change exponentially.

6.2. Measuring Other Deformations, Strains, Pressures, etc. For measuring other deformations, strains, pressures, etc., data calibration is required for the actual application scenario

Calibration Method:

When a pressure sensor/strain gauge sensor is first connected to the transmitter module, it must be calibrated before normal use. Calibration mainly involves two steps: zero-point calibration and calibration.

Step 1: Disable the write protection function (if already disabled, this step can be skipped and does not need to be repeated).

Step 2: Zero-Point Calibration: Remove all objects from the weighing pan (tray), send the zero-point calibration command to permanently save the current AD value as the zero point (initial value).

Step 3: Calibration: Place a standard weight on the weighing pan (the weight should not be too light, preferably more than 20% of its range), input the weight value, and send the weight calibration command. The calibration is complete when the data returned by the module matches or closely approximates the weight value. If unsatisfactory, the weight calibration command can be resent.

7、 Networking Connection

7.1. Wired Networking Connection

[Step 1]

Set the address number: Before networking, each transmitter must be assigned an address number (configured via software or command).

[Step 2]

Wiring: Connect V+ and V- to the power supply. Connect all A+ and B- pins together, resulting in two wires connected to the A and B terminals of the RS485 serial module. (Power can be shared, but it is recommended to power each transmitter independently.)

[Step 3]

Computer Communication: Connect the serial module to the computer software. The software can enable network polling or select a specific address number to collect data.

Device Communication: Connect to industrial control equipment such as PLCs. Send commands to the corresponding address number to receive data.

7.2. Wireless Networking Connection Method

[Step 1]

Set the address number: Before networking, each transmitter must be assigned an address number (configured via software or command).

[Step 2]

Wiring: Connect all V+V-A+B- identical pins together, resulting in 4 wires connected to the +-AB terminals of the RS485 wireless transparent transmission module's transmitter. (Power can be shared, but it is recommended to power each transmitter independently.)

[Step 3]

Computer Communication: The wireless receiver module connects to the computer software via USB. The software can enable network polling or individually select an address number to collect data.

Device Communication: The wireless receiver connects to the AB lines of industrial control equipment like PLCs. The receiver requires power, and sending commands to the corresponding address number will retrieve data.

7.3. Fully Wireless Networking Connection Method

[Step 1]

Set Address Number: Before networking, each transmitter must be assigned an address (configured via software or commands).

[Step 2]

Wiring: Each transmitter is equipped with an independent wireless transmitter. Connect V+V- to the power supply and A+B- to AB.

[Step 3]

Computer Communication: The wireless receiver module connects to the computer software via USB. The software can enable network polling or individually select an address number to collect data.

Device Communication: The wireless receiver connects to the AB lines of industrial control equipment like PLCs. The receiver requires power, and sending commands to the corresponding address number will retrieve data.

8.【 Appendix: Introduction to the Principles of Strain Gauge Measurements for Various Forces:】

A strain gauge is a sensor that detects deformation in an object. The amount of deformation is extremely minute. Moreover, deformation occurs only when the object is subjected to an external force (gravity, pressure, tension, etc.). The greater the force applied, the larger the deformation. This deformation can be measured by attaching a strain gauge to the object's surface. The greater the deformation, the stronger the signal output by the strain gauge! This principle is the basis for common electronic scales. Figure 1 below shows a 40kg-capacity load cell, where the strain gauge is horizontally attached to the beam. The white soft coating protects the gauge during bending deformation. This high-precision mounting process enables detection of forces as small as 1g.

Although measuring deformation with strain gauges involves interference signals due to temperature effects during mounting and experimentation, strain gauges remain the best solution for detecting micro-strain.

Some may ask: 'I'm measuring stress, micro-strain, or other forces—not weight! How do I handle the deformation data for micro-strain?' In reality, whether measuring micro-strain or force, the principle is the same, rooted in physical mechanics. Force causes deformation, and the strain gauge converts this deformation into an output signal. After connecting the strain gauge, gently touching it will show data changing exponentially. Our debugging software's graphical interface can also visualize this. For observing general trends in deformation, simply connecting the strain gauge suffices.

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