A Beginner’s Guide to Using Load Cells with NodeMCU

[ad_1]

If you’re interested in building projects that involve measuring weight or force, a load cell is an essential component to have in your toolkit. Load cells are transducers that convert force into an electrical signal, making them ideal for applications such as building scales, monitoring loads, or even creating a smart gardening system that waters your plants based on their weight.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of using load cells with the popular NodeMCU development board. NodeMCU is an open-source IoT platform based on the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module, making it a versatile choice for connecting your load cell to the internet and monitoring data remotely.

To get started, you’ll need the following components:

• NodeMCU development board
• HX711 load cell amplifier module
• Load cell (in this case, we’ll use a 5kg load cell)
• Wires for connecting the components
• Breadboard for prototyping

First, you’ll need to wire up the components as follows:

• Connect the red wire from the load cell to the E+ pin on the HX711 module
• Connect the black wire from the load cell to the E- pin on the HX711 module
• Connect the white wire from the load cell to the A- pin on the HX711 module
• Connect the green wire from the load cell to the A+ pin on the HX711 module
• Connect the DT pin on the HX711 module to D1 on the NodeMCU
• Connect the SCK pin on the HX711 module to D2 on the NodeMCU
• Connect the VCC pin on the HX711 module to 3.3V on the NodeMCU
• Connect the GND pin on the HX711 module to GND on the NodeMCU

Next, you’ll need to install the necessary libraries for the HX711 module. You can do this by searching for the "HX711" library in the Arduino Library Manager and installing it. Once the library is installed, you can upload the following code to your NodeMCU:

#include "HX711.h"



#define DOUT 5

#define CLK 4



HX711 scale(DOUT, CLK);



void setup() {

  Serial.begin(9600);

  scale.set_scale(2286.0); // This value is obtained by calibrating your load cell with a known weight

  scale.tare();

}



void loop() {

  Serial.print("Reading: ");

  Serial.print(scale.get_units(), 1);

  Serial.println(" kg");

  delay(1000);

}

This code initializes the HX711 module and reads the weight from the load cell every second. You can customize the calibration factor in the set_scale function based on the specifications of your load cell.

Once you’ve uploaded the code, open the serial monitor in the Arduino IDE and set the baud rate to 9600. You should see the weight readings from your load cell displayed in kilograms.

Using load cells with NodeMCU opens up a wide range of possibilities for creating IoT projects that involve measuring weight or force. Whether you’re building a smart kitchen scale or a remote monitoring system for industrial applications, the combination of load cells and NodeMCU offers endless opportunities for innovation.

In conclusion, by following this beginner’s guide, you’ll be well on your way to integrating load cells into your NodeMCU projects and exploring the exciting world of IoT and sensor technologies. Happy tinkering!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/jgBjMS3mZYiTGFWx9