Care must be taken to not overload the load cell. Its range is +/-100 N (10 kg). This is for loading and unloading the cell for a practical such as Hook’s law.


For changes in force with time impulse you will need to carefully test the limits. For example, a drop onto the hard buffer from 10cm will give a maximum force of 10 N using the mass of the sensor package only.


Collisions can generate peak loads much higher, a cart colliding with the sensor can easily reach 95 N.


When using attachments to the load cell, make sure the thread of the attachment does not go through the cell and lock the cell or restrict its movement. A thread insertion of 5mm will be sufficient in most cases.


A flat headed attachment will be used to push the sensor against an object or provide a buffer for impulse and collision work.


Make sure the attachment sits proud of the case to allow contact with the practical.


For collisions, use the shortest intersample time available; for SHM and suspended masses, use 10ms. Exactly which data collection speed will give the best recording depends upon the stiffness of the spring used and the mass suspended.


The software contains a Tare function to let you set the zero point.


The user set up for the data collection lets you set triggers and recording durations to co-ordinate start and  end points.