pizo vibra film tab's.
stamp_demon
Posts: 69
Hello, I ordered a few of the pizo vibra film sensors. I was wondering wich lead is possitive, and wich is negitive. Or does it not matter?? Also if I can't find the 5.1 v zenor diod is there a possible subsitition?? Thanx _Duane
Comments
·· The Piezo Vibra tabs don't really have a polarity, per se.· No negative or positive lead.· As for the 5.1V Zener Diodes, Parallax carries them and there is a link on the product page for them.· The Zener Diode is recommended but not absolutely necessary.· The device outputs up to 70V under certain conditions, and a Zener Diode clamps that down.
·· The current, however, is extremely low, and shouldn't damage a Stamp I/O pin.· I prefer to use the Zener in conjunction with a 220 ohm resistor (Just to be on the safe side), although you could use an op-amp, or even I 1MOhm or 10Mohm resistor with a small capacitor.· The device really has several characteristics that lend well to other applications if you understand it.
·· One example I tried was using an Op-Amp to amplify the signal (And buffer/filter the output) so that I could read air movement, such as breathing on the device.· If you have a scope and set your volts/div down to 500mV or less you will see what I mean.
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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support
csavage@parallax.com
· Thanks again _Duane
·· Those other components values really depend on the application and the way you're using the part.· For now, I would just tie one end to ground, and the other through a 220 ohm resistor to the Stamp I/O pin.· Any movement on the tab (Bending/Flicking) should result in the I/O pin seeing a HIGH.· I would still get the Zener though, but you could mess around with it for now.
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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support
csavage@parallax.com