[Lab] Question(s) for the Collective: Pressure sensors

[Henri Kuschkowitz]

Wow,

Thanks Tom. that was quite a quick response. The reason for using Arduinos is that I already have one (possibly two) available. I have heard of AVR chips before, but never used them nor do I know much about them at this point. I will definitely review them. Have you used them before?


Cheers,
Henri 

On 2012-04-10, at 1:40 PM, Tom Burns wrote:

> Hi Henri
> 
> If low cost is a goal I strongly suggest AVR chips with supporting circuitry instead of complete arduinos.  The chips + supporting circuitry come in at under $10.  If you find someone with an AVR ISP programmer they can load the arduino bootloader to the chips so further software revisions can be uploaded via serial.  Should bring the per-microcontroller cost down to ~$10.
> 
> Tom
> 
> On Tue, Apr 10, 2012 at 1:37 PM, Henri Kuschkowitz <henri.kuschkowitz at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> 
> I am hoping to be able to access the collective mind to get some information regarding pressure sensitive sensors for a possible project  for the upcoming Nuit Blanche here in Ottawa.
> 
> I would like to gather the input from people walking over a defined area on the ground (8"x10" possibly larger). Technically, only a digital output (step on/off an area) and no analog data would be required. Since there is no compensation for this project a low cost for material is a big factor in my research.
> 
> After a short analysis, I came to the conclusion that the cheapest alternative to buying any kind of sensors would be creating them by myself, similar to fluidforms or a pressure sensor matrix, and to combine them through multiplexing using one (or more) arduino(s). The sensors would be either mounted between sheets of plywood, possibly fabric or similar. The installation would be outside, so I have to factor this in for what material to use as well. 
> 
> My question would be whether any of you have any knowledge or advice regarding such an endeavour, whether or not I might be on the right track or should look into a different (possibly simpler) alternative? Also, I am not completely certain whether there would be any issue with multiplexing when a couple of sensors are capturing an input at the same time?
> 
> 
> As always, I more than appreciate any good advice!
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> Henri
> 
> 
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