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Best Load Cell to Measure Medication Weight?

Former Member

Hello,

I am using a board that has both raspberry pi and arduino capabilities. I am looking for the best load cell to take small measurements such as that of a pill. It would have to be relatively sensitive enough to measure in grams. Anyone have suggestions on the best load cell for something like this? Don't worry if it has a complex set-up. Wiring up a circuit to accompany the cell shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks!

  • Accurate load cells can be very expensive. You can make them from scratch, but the mechanics get very precise and tricky. I would be tempted to buy a low-cost pocket scale to obtain a sensitive sensor coupled with appropriate mechanics. I would then take it apart and tap into the sensor or electronics to get the weight signal. The built-in readout will tell you when you have your signal calibrated properly.

    Here is a typical device - but there are many similar devices available:

    500G X 0 01G 0 1G Mini Digital Pocket Jewelry Scale Calibration Weights Wfeu | eBay

  • in reply to dougw

    At that price I doubt if there will be any useful accessible signals - it'll have one of those mystery black blobs on the board with everything in it.

     

    I think the idea is fine - just that OP may need to buy a few (different models) before they get one that hacks easily.

     

    These people sell high sensitivity load cells:

     

    http://www.smdsensors.com/Products/Low-Range-Force-Sensors-Grams-to-10s-of-Grams-Full-Scale/

     

    I have no idea of the price but they don't look cheap.

     

    If the OP is looking for fun and entertainment it isn't that hard to build a force balance scale to weigh pills but it's a lot more work than hacking a ready made scale.

     

    MK

  • Hi Miranda,

     

    Do you need a self contained scale that will measure what you want or a weighing platform that will connect to other devices or programmes? (Canadian spelling)

     

    My company makes a scale that is used to measure the remaining doses in an asthma inhaler (pMDI)   It has a custom input mode that would allow you to programme in the weight of a single pill or dose of a medicine, and from there calculate the number of pills being weighed. 

     

    I'm trying to develop a scale platform that will weigh items as low a .03g and send that number via Bluetooth to an iPhone or Android device to be processed.   There are a ton of bathroom scale and kitchen scale products with Bluetooth, but nothing for jewelry scales.    I can arrange to send you a sample, in exchange for your input into my project.  

     

    sl

  • in reply to Former Member

    Hi Stan,

     

    Ran across this post and was wondering if your scale ever came to fruition?  We are looking for exactly what you have described above.  Please let me know.

     

    Thanks.