Static Test Stand by Steve Ghioto

A few more photos:
(Click on a small one to bring up larger pictures)



Load cell is bolted to heavy aluminum plate from underneath, using threaded holes that were already there.  A shim of aluminum is used to space it up off the plate a bit.  This shim is 0.10 inch thick, and roughly 1 inch by 1.5 inches.  Note that the base of the load cell has a shelf, which provide a little more clearance.  Together, these place the far end of the load cell about 0.12 inches from the base plate.  

Here is the interior of the amplifier box.  Steve got an extra-large one with the idea that the innards of the Dataq unit could go in it.  I suspect the Dataq might fit in without removing its own box, just making a hole for the serial connector at the far end.  This would allow the amp output to be wired to it inside the box, thus one less part to juggle in the field.  Load cell in on one side, serial output on the other.  

Topside of the amplifier board.  It uses the INA125, but has some other parts.  I am an electronics idiot, and so will not attempt to describe their function.  It looks like the basics in McCreary's book, but with a few extra adjustments, bells, and whistles.

Knobs on the side of the box provide a gain control and a level control for zero adjustment.  

Belly of the hand-crafted circuit board.  

Incomplete, pending some "free time," whatever that is.

Jimmy
jyawn@sfcc.net
www.jamesyawn.com