DT019 Sensor Sheet

Type:
FORCE

Range:
-10 - 24 Newton

Sensor Description:

The DT019 is a general-purpose device for measuring forces. It can be used as a replacement for a hand-held spring scale, or it can be mounted on a ring stand. It can measure both pulls and pushes. Forces as small as 0.01 Newton and as large as 20 Newton can be measured. The Force sensor has a high current consumption and it is recommended to work with this sensor while the MultiLog is powered by from the AC/DC adapter.

How it works:

The DT019 uses strain gage technology to measure force, based on the bending of a beam. Strain gages attached to both sides of the beam change resistance slightly as the beam bends. These resistors are built into a bridge circuit so that the changes in resistance result in a small change in voltage. An amplifier circuit inside the sensor steps up this voltage so that it can be measured by the lab interface. Potentiometers are included in the amplifier circuit to allow adjustment of the sensitivity and the voltage produced when no force is applied. The DT019 was designed to produce a voltage that varies in a linear way with force.

Calibration:

In general, no adjustments are necessary when using this sensor.

What is it used for:

Collision experiments: Mount the DT019 for the measurement of horizontal force with the hook at the end of the beam in position to act as a bumper for an air track glider or dynamics cart. The following graph shows the results of such an experiment:

Specifications:

Detection range: -10 - +24N.
Produces 0.065V/N (gain control in fully clockwise position)
Produces 0.2 V/N (counter-clockwise)
No calibration required.