Building something like a Wii balance board?

mpark

I want to measure the distribution of my weight between my feet and between the front and back part of each foot. Basically I envision four weight sensors (load cells?), two under each foot at the heel and ball of the foot.

I understand the Wii balance board does something similar. Does anyone know what kind of sensors it uses? Or can anyone recommend a suitable sensor and point me to a source? Thanks.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

I used an accelerometer with my skateboard project a while back,
sample the starting position then check for changes in tilt.

OBC

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mpark

Thanks, but for my application I need a non-tilting platform.

Whit

mpark,

I think Parallax used to sell something like these - http://www.loadstarsensors.com/products.html

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Whit+


"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

Post Edited (Whit) : 9/3/2009 2:30:28 AM GMT

science_geek

why not something like 4 of these http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9376 then just take 1" ply wood to build a base the size you want and then on the 4 corners of the base glue/nail/screw on 4 squares the size of the the fsr's, then hook the 4 sensors up to a 4 channel adc of sorts. do some testing basics to figure out what value each output from the adc is equal to in weight. i would assume that with a few known weights you could extrapolate the various values needed. then read all 4 sensors and the display or do what ever you want to do with it.

just what i would try

Whit

These might work too (just off science_geek's link) - http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8685

One of the issues, of course, is the weight limit on each center. At 100 lbs each - these ought to work. The ones at 25lbs each would be limited.

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Whit+


"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

science_geek

wow, i was just about to edit my post with those on the bottom. i think they would work so long as you dont lean to far forward or to far back, you could also add multiple sensors at each point to spread the load. the old "2 scales add up to the total weight" high school physics lesson.

mpark

Thanks for the links!