Hi there,

We want to use strain gauges to measure the stress on an object. In order to read the measurements we thought of using the 1046 PhidgetBridge 4-Input.

However, it is not clear to us whether we can connect the strain gauge (which doesn't incorporate any wheatstone bridge) directly to the 1046 PhidgetBridge or whether we need a wheatstone bridge or similar in between.

1. Can we connect a strain gauge directly to the 1046 PhidgetBridge 4-Input?

2. Otherwise, would it work with a Voltage Divider (such as 1121 or 1134) in between?

3. Otherwise, what do we need to put there?

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ctm

For the 1046, you would want to use a strain gauge in conjunction with a wheat-stone bridge. You can do this by replacing one of the 4 resistors on a wheatstone bridge with the strain gauge; and then connecting the wheatstone to the 1046 as described in the product manual.

We will, at some point in the near future, be selling through-hole resistors that can be used in a wheatstone bridge.

Additionally, strain gauges typically have very small changes in resistance when stressed. The voltage dividers will not be able to accurately pick up the changes.

Hi again,

Although it's been a while, just to mention that the setup with the wheatstone bridges and the 1046 4-Input bridge worked just fine :)

For reference, we wired it as shown in the first circuit of this PDF

Thanks for everything!

_________________
ctm