Basic Measurement Question

[TheDHndrsn]

This is a "where do I start" question for the DYI electronic wizards out there.

I want to measure force along a single axis and am looking for the simplest approach. I want to do this via electronic means. What means of contrivance should I consider?

For example, say I wanted to strap a helicopter to a fixed platform and measure lift or thrust, positive or negative, and output those data. Capture need not be digital, an analog output such as a strip chart recorder is OK for now.

Constraints are that it be simple, lightweight, sensitive (to be defined), reproducible, and non-mechanical. Accuracy relative to established units of measure is not critical at this point.

The simpler the better.

Dave

[TheDHndrsn]

I have a way of being cryptic when writing posts. Or possibly this is just the wrong place to ask.

The idea is to modify a heli stand and add a bracket to which someone (me at least) can attach an experimental flight platform and assess lift, roll, pitch and yaw without putting the platform in the air. And ... do so without busting the bank.

Thinking gauge sensors. Another approach possibly is inexpensive pots. Pot concern is constant calibration. Will worry about the circuit and remaining design once I figure out the best most cost effective means of electronic measure.

Maybe the design will appeal to clubs for testing new builds without putting them in the air. Then again, what fun would that be.

Possibly something out there already?

Dave

[Jermo]

Dave there are off the shelf components you can buy to measure "force" as you call it or rather contact pressure. You just need the support circuitry to interface that to whatever processing system you want like a computer or microcontroller.
It's totally up to the system designer on how it's implemented. Check out the Netduino and the Arduino. They are cousins of a sort and both the pretty much the same thing.
Jer

[TheDHndrsn]

Thanks for the response on this Jermo, I picked up a Raspberry Pi from a buddy. Idea is to build based off of that. One of the thoughts I had was to use a spare 3G I have sitting about. Adapt that to a plate and feed inputs to the Pi. That would leave only thrust for measure. Had not considered looking at Arduino sensors. Too obvious for me I suspect. LOL Also unsure if adapting a 3G is possible. Time will tell.
At the moment, trying to learn the Pi. That and build my new Forza. You can imagine where my priority is.
Thanks again!
Dave

[Jermo]

Yes. I have a pie too

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[TheDHndrsn]

I just finished up a piece of pumpkin!