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Building a Load Cell Scale with HX711 and ESP8266: A Step-by-Step Guide
Load cells are used in a variety of applications to measure weight or force. These devices can be expensive, but with the right tools and some programming know-how, you can build your own load cell scale at home. In this article, we will guide you through the process of building a load cell scale using an HX711 amplifier and an ESP8266 microcontroller.
Materials Needed:
1. Load cell
2. HX711 amplifier module
3. ESP8266 microcontroller
4. Breadboard
5. Jumper wires
6. USB cable
7. Computer with Arduino IDE installed
8. Calibration weights (optional)
Step 1: Setting up the HX711 and Load Cell
First, you will need to connect the load cell to the HX711 amplifier module. There are usually four wires coming from the load cell – red, black, white, and green. Connect the red wire to E+, the black wire to E-, the green wire to A+, and the white wire to A- on the HX711 module.
Step 2: Connecting the HX711 to the ESP8266
Next, connect the HX711 module to the ESP8266 microcontroller. Connect the DT pin on the HX711 to D2 on the ESP8266, and connect the SCK pin on the HX711 to D1 on the ESP8266.
Step 3: Programming the ESP8266
Now, it’s time to program the ESP8266 microcontroller using the Arduino IDE. Open the Arduino IDE on your computer and create a new sketch. Copy and paste the following code into the sketch:
“`cpp
#include
// Initialize the HX711 library
HX711 scale;
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
scale.begin(D1,D2); // Set D1 as SCK and D2 as DT
}
void loop() {
Serial.println(scale.get_units(), 2); // Print weight in grams
delay(1000);
}
“`
Upload the sketch to the ESP8266 microcontroller.
Step 4: Calibrating the Scale
To ensure accurate measurements, you should calibrate the scale using known weights. Place a known weight (e.g. 100g) on the load cell and observe the reading on the serial monitor. Adjust the calibration factor in the code until the scale displays the correct weight.
Step 5: Building the Scale
Once the scale is calibrated, you can now assemble the components on a breadboard. Connect the load cell, HX711 module, and ESP8266 microcontroller according to the wiring diagram. Power on the scale and test it by placing objects of known weight on the load cell.
Congratulations! You have successfully built a load cell scale using an HX711 amplifier and an ESP8266 microcontroller. This project is a great way to learn about electronics and programming, and it can be a useful tool for measuring weight in various applications.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Sharp Electronics Pune. Happy building!
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