1120 User Guide: Difference between revisions

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__NOINDEX__
<metadesc>The Phidgets FlexiForce adapter allows you to connect one FlexiForce FSR to a an Analog Input or VINT Hub port.</metadesc>
[[Category:UserGuide]]
[[Category:UserGuide]]
{{UserguideTOC|1120.jpg|1120}}
==Getting Started==
==Getting Started==
{{UgSensorIntro|1120|IR Distance Adapter|Voltage Ratio Input port}}
*{{CT|Flexiforce|Flexiforce sensor}}


===Checking the Contents===
{{UGbox|
'''You should have received:'''
* A FlexiForce adapter board
* A sensor cable
* A FlexiForce interface cable
* Two round plastic discs for the FlexiForce sensor sensing pad
|
'''In order to test your new Phidget you will also need:'''
* A PhidgetInterfaceKit 8/8/8 or PhidgetTextLCD
* A USB Cable
* A FlexiForce sensor
||}}


===Connecting the Pieces===
Next, you will need to connect the pieces:
{{UGbox|
[[Image:1120_0_Connecting_The_Hardware.jpg|600px|right|link=]]
#Connect the FlexiForce Adapter Board to an Analog Input on the PhidgetInterfaceKit 8/8/8 board using the sensor cable.
# Connect the 1120 to the HUB0000 with the Phidget cable.
#Attach the FlexiForce sensor into the Flexiforce Interface cable.
# Connect the Flexiforce sensor to the 1120. Polarity doesn't matter. See the [[#Technical_Details|technical section]] for details.
#Insert the other end of the Interface cable into the terminal block on the Adapter Board. The polarity of the FlexiForce sensor does not matter.
# Connect the HUB0000 to your computer with the USB cable.
#Connect the PhidgetInterfaceKit to your PC using the USB cable.  
|
[[File:1120_0_Connecting_The_Hardware.jpg|400px|link=]]
||}}


===Testing Using Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7===
<br clear="all">
{{UGIntroDone|1120}}


{{UGwin}}
==Using the 1120==
{{UGcontrolpanelSensor|1120|HUB0000}}


===Running Phidgets Sample Program===
{{UGSensorVoltageRatioInputUnitless|1120|0 and 1|To make sense of these values, view the technical details section below}}
 
{{UGwin2|'''InterfaceKit-full'''}}
 
{{UGbox6|
Double Click on the [[File:Ph.jpg|link=]] icon to activate the Phidget Control Panel and make sure that the '''Phidget InterfaceKit 8/8/8''' is properly attached  to your PC. 
|[[File:1018_2_Control_Panel_Screen.jpg|400px|link=]]
|
#Double Click on '''Phidget InterfaceKit 8/8/8''' in the Phidget Control Panel to bring up InterfaceKit-full and check that the box labelled Attached contains the word True.
#Make sure that the Ratiometric box is Ticked.
#When no force is applied to the sensor, the value in the corresponding Analog-In box is 0.  As more force is applied to the sensor, the value will increase.  When the value increases to 975 to 1000, the output of the sensor is saturated and additional force will not affect the value in the box.
#You can adjust the input sensitivity by moving the slider pointer.
#Click on the Sensors button to bring up the Advanced Sensor Form.
|
[[File:Sensor_InterfaceKit_Screen_421.jpg|400px|link=]]
|
#In the Sensor 6 box, select the 1120 - FlexiForce Adapter Board from the drop down menu.
#The force measured by the sensor is shown here.
#Formula used to convert the analog input SensorValue into force, either in lbs.
#A drop-down menu to select the force range of the FlexiForce sensor being used.  In this case, a 25-pound rated sensor is used.
|
[[File:1120 0 Advanced Sensor Form Screen.jpg|link=|400px]]
}}
 
===Testing Using Mac OS X===
 
{{UGmac| | }}
 
===Using Linux===
 
{{UGlinux}}
 
===Using Windows Mobile / CE 5.0 / CE 6.0===
 
{{UGce}}


==Technical Details==
==Technical Details==
===Formulas===
===Calibrate===
The FlexiForce Force sensor is a piezoresistor that has a very large resistance when it is not loaded (in the range of MegaOhms). The resistance decreases as more and more force is applied to it. Tekscan offers sensors with standard force ranges, such as 0-1 lb, 0-25 lbs, and 0-100 lbs. The same adapter board can be used for all three ranges. Because the expected part-to-part variance between FlexiForce sensors is as high as 40% it is imperative that you calibrate your sensor and determine the specific formula which applies to ''your'' sensor if you want accurate results.  For information on how to calibrate your sensor, refer to the [http://www.phidgets.com/documentation/Phidgets/3100_0_FlexiforceUserManual.pdf FlexiForce User Manual] from Tekscan.
The FlexiForce Force sensor is a piezoresistor that has a very large resistance when it is not loaded (in the range of MegaOhms). The resistance decreases as more force is applied. Tekscan offers sensors with standard force ranges, such as 0-1 lbs, 0-25 lbs, and 0-100 lbs. The same adapter board can be used for all three ranges. Because the expected part-to-part variance between FlexiForce sensors is as high as 40%, it is imperative that you calibrate your sensor and determine the specific formula which applies to ''your'' sensor.  For information on how to calibrate your sensor, refer to the [https://www.phidgets.com/productfiles/3100/3100_0/Documentation/3100_0_FlexiforceUserManual.pdf FlexiForce User Manual] from Tekscan.


===FlexiForce Sensors===
===Interface FlexiForce Sensors===
The FlexiForce sensors are easy to interface to the adapter board. They can be plugged into the Interface cable that is included. The other end of the cable has been stripped and tinned so that they can be easily inserted into the terminal block. This is useful if a longer cable is needed, as wires can be soldered to the stripped ends. The polarity of the FlexiForce sensors does not matter.
The FlexiForce sensors are easy to interface to the 1120. They can be plugged into the Interface cable that is included. The other end of the cable has been stripped and tinned so that they can be easily inserted into the terminal block. This is useful if a longer cable is needed, as wires can be soldered to the stripped ends. The polarity of the FlexiForce sensors does not matter. If a larger force range is desired, a resistor on the Adapter board can be replaced. This resistor is designated as RGAIN on the board and has a default value of 15kΩ. When the RGAIN resistor value is reduced, the sensor becomes less sensitive and more force can be applied before saturating the output. Conversely, if the RGAIN value is increased, the sensitivity increases and the output saturates at a lower applied force. If RGAIN is changed, calibration with known forces will have to be done to determine the proper formula. Based on limited testing, RGAIN=5kΩ will give enough range to measure up to 1000 lbs with the 100 lbs Flexiforce sensor. Changing the gain by much larger amounts can cause sensor instability and is not recommended. Also note that adjusting the gain is not a substitute for calibrating and conditioning the sensor. You should look at the manual for the sensor you are using and follow all calibration procedures contained therein before resorting to adjusting the gain value to achieve accurate results.
If a larger force range is desired, a resistor on the Adapter board can be replaced. This resistor is designated as RGAIN on the board and has a default value of 15 kiloOhms. When the RGAIN resistor value is reduced, the sensor becomes less sensitive and more force can be applied before saturating the output. Conversely, if the RGAIN value is increased, the sensitivity increases and the output saturates at a lower applied force. If RGAIN is changed, calibration with known forces will have to be done to determine the proper formula. Based on limited testing, RGAIN=5 kilo-ohms will give enough range to measure up to 1000 lbs with the 100 lb. Flexiforce sensor. Changing the gain by much larger amounts can cause sensor instability and is not recommended. Also note that adjusting the gain is not a substitute for calibrating and conditioning the sensor. You should look at the manual for the sensor you are using and follow all calibration procedures contained therein before resorting to adjusting the gain value to achieve accurate results.


===Measurement Accuracy===
===Measurement Accuracy===
To obtain the most accurate results, it is recommended that the sensor rests on a smooth surface and the object is only on the sensing pad and centered as much as possible. This can be achieved by using a small disc (included) that is just large enough to cover the sensing pad, and then placing the full force on the disc. Without the disc, the object may rest on the surrounding surface and record the force inaccurately.  Care must also be taken to avoid jagged or sharp edges on the sensing pad, as it can affect the measurement as well as potentially puncture the pad. The pad at the end of the strip is the only place where force is sensed. Any force along the rest of the strip is ignored. The longer the object rests on the sensing pad, the more the SensorValue will drift and vary slowly in value. It is very difficult to compensate for the drift since different constant forces will produce different drift rates. For this reason, the average accuracy of this sensor is approximately 5%. The formula above was determined after the object of known force was resting on the sensing pad for 15 seconds.
To obtain the most accurate results, it is recommended that the sensor rests on a smooth surface and the object is only on the sensing pad and centered as much as possible. This can be achieved by using a small disc (included) that is just large enough to cover the sensing pad, and then placing the full force on the disc. Without the disc, the object may rest on the surrounding surface and record the force inaccurately.  Care must also be taken to avoid jagged or sharp edges on the sensing pad, as it can affect the measurement as well as potentially puncture the pad. The pad at the end of the strip is the only place where force is sensed. Any force along the rest of the strip is ignored. The longer the object rests on the sensing pad, the more the sensor voltage will drift and vary slowly in value. It is very difficult to compensate for the drift since different constant forces will produce different drift rates. For this reason, the average accuracy of this sensor is approximately 5%.
 
{{UGotherint}}


{{UGasens}}
{{UGasens}}


==Product History==
{{UGnext|}}
{{UGhist}}
{{UGrow|February 2010 |0 |N/A |Product Release }}

Latest revision as of 16:51, 7 June 2018


Getting Started

Welcome to the 1120 user guide! In order to get started, make sure you have the following hardware on hand:


Next, you will need to connect the pieces:

1120 0 Connecting The Hardware.jpg
  1. Connect the 1120 to the HUB0000 with the Phidget cable.
  2. Connect the Flexiforce sensor to the 1120. Polarity doesn't matter. See the technical section for details.
  3. Connect the HUB0000 to your computer with the USB cable.


Now that you have everything together, let's start using the 1120!

Using the 1120

Phidget Control Panel

In order to demonstrate the functionality of the 1120, we will connect it to the HUB0000, and then run an example using the Phidget Control Panel on a Windows machine.


The Phidget Control Panel is available for use on both macOS and Windows machines. If you would like to follow along, first take a look at the getting started guide for your operating system:


Linux users can follow the getting started with Linux guide and continue reading here for more information about the 1120.

First Look

After plugging in the 1120 into the HUB0000, and the HUB0000 into your computer, open the Phidget Control Panel. You will see something like this:

HUB0000 Panel.jpg


The Phidget Control Panel will list all connected Phidgets and associated objects, as well as the following information:

  • Serial number: allows you to differentiate between similar Phidgets.
  • Channel: allows you to differentiate between similar objects on a Phidget.
  • Version number: corresponds to the firmware version your Phidget is running. If your Phidget is listed in red, your firmware is out of date. Update the firmware by double-clicking the entry.


The Phidget Control Panel can also be used to test your device. Double-clicking on an object will open an example.

Voltage Ratio Input

Double-click on a Voltage Ratio Input object in order to run the example:

1018 Sensors VoltageRatioInput.png


General information about the selected object will be displayed at the top of the window. You can also experiment with the following functionality:

  • Modify the change trigger and/or data interval value by dragging the sliders. For more information on these settings, see the data interval/change trigger page.
  • Select the 1120 from the Sensor Type drop-down menu. The Sensor Value will now return a value between 0 and 1. To make sense of these values, view the technical details section below


Technical Details

Calibrate

The FlexiForce Force sensor is a piezoresistor that has a very large resistance when it is not loaded (in the range of MegaOhms). The resistance decreases as more force is applied. Tekscan offers sensors with standard force ranges, such as 0-1 lbs, 0-25 lbs, and 0-100 lbs. The same adapter board can be used for all three ranges. Because the expected part-to-part variance between FlexiForce sensors is as high as 40%, it is imperative that you calibrate your sensor and determine the specific formula which applies to your sensor. For information on how to calibrate your sensor, refer to the FlexiForce User Manual from Tekscan.

Interface FlexiForce Sensors

The FlexiForce sensors are easy to interface to the 1120. They can be plugged into the Interface cable that is included. The other end of the cable has been stripped and tinned so that they can be easily inserted into the terminal block. This is useful if a longer cable is needed, as wires can be soldered to the stripped ends. The polarity of the FlexiForce sensors does not matter. If a larger force range is desired, a resistor on the Adapter board can be replaced. This resistor is designated as RGAIN on the board and has a default value of 15kΩ. When the RGAIN resistor value is reduced, the sensor becomes less sensitive and more force can be applied before saturating the output. Conversely, if the RGAIN value is increased, the sensitivity increases and the output saturates at a lower applied force. If RGAIN is changed, calibration with known forces will have to be done to determine the proper formula. Based on limited testing, RGAIN=5kΩ will give enough range to measure up to 1000 lbs with the 100 lbs Flexiforce sensor. Changing the gain by much larger amounts can cause sensor instability and is not recommended. Also note that adjusting the gain is not a substitute for calibrating and conditioning the sensor. You should look at the manual for the sensor you are using and follow all calibration procedures contained therein before resorting to adjusting the gain value to achieve accurate results.

Measurement Accuracy

To obtain the most accurate results, it is recommended that the sensor rests on a smooth surface and the object is only on the sensing pad and centered as much as possible. This can be achieved by using a small disc (included) that is just large enough to cover the sensing pad, and then placing the full force on the disc. Without the disc, the object may rest on the surrounding surface and record the force inaccurately. Care must also be taken to avoid jagged or sharp edges on the sensing pad, as it can affect the measurement as well as potentially puncture the pad. The pad at the end of the strip is the only place where force is sensed. Any force along the rest of the strip is ignored. The longer the object rests on the sensing pad, the more the sensor voltage will drift and vary slowly in value. It is very difficult to compensate for the drift since different constant forces will produce different drift rates. For this reason, the average accuracy of this sensor is approximately 5%.

Phidget Cable

Analoginput.jpg

The Phidget Cable is a 3-pin, 0.100 inch pitch locking connector. Pictured here is a plug with the connections labelled. The connectors are commonly available - refer to the Analog Input Primer for manufacturer part numbers.

What to do Next

  • Programming Languages - Find your preferred programming language here and learn how to write your own code with Phidgets!
  • Phidget Programming Basics - Once you have set up Phidgets to work with your programming environment, we recommend you read our page on to learn the fundamentals of programming with Phidgets.