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Calibrate a Wireless Load Cell

Calibrate the force measurement of the Wireless Load Cell (PS-3216).

Before you start

Calibrating the force measurement of the Wireless Load Cell requires the following materials:

  • 1 kilogram (kg) mass
  • String
  • Horizontally mounted support rod

An example calibration fixture, created using PASCO Structures components, is shown in the figure below. Ensure that the loop of string that will hold the 1 kg mass is tied to the LOAD side of the Load Cell.

Important

The calibration fixture in the image below will need to be held in place, either by hand or by mounting a heavy weight on top of the horizontal crossbeam.

Load Cell Calibration Fixture with Mass

Calibration

  1. Mount the Load Cell on the calibration fixture. Do not attach the 1 kg mass yet.
  2. Connect the Load Cell to Capstone.
  3. Select Calibration from the Tools palette.
  4. Select Force from the list of measurements, then click Next.

  5. Ensure that Two Standards (2 point) is selected in the list of calibration types, then click Next.

    Calibration Settings

  6. Hang the 1 kg mass from the string attached to the LOAD side of the Load Cell.

  7. The force on the sensor is now -9.8 newtons (N). Enter -9.8 into the Standard Value box, then click Set Current Value to Standard Value.
  8. Remove the mass from the string. The force on the sensor is now 0 N.

  9. Enter 0 into the Standard Value box, then click Set Current Value to Standard Value.

    Calibrate Force

  10. Review your new calibration, then click Finish.