Tekscan / Flexiforce Sensors¶

These are small inexpensive resistive pressure / force sensors.

Tekscan System¶

Tekscan sells "handles" which are actually a complete interface for a single sensor. Testing showed that with 4 handles (sensors) feeding a powered USB hub, the "fourth" sensor did not show a reading on the strip chart even though all 4 sensors showed up in the list of connected devices within the TekScan MELF software.

WORKAROUND

• Open the first strip chart. Note that the problem sensor is "found" but no data is showing.
• Leave that chart open.
• Open a second chart. Note that all four sensors now display data.

Problem apparently somewhere in the Tekscan USB driver or in the MELF software itself.

Flexiforce Sensors¶

The sensors alone can be interfaced to a standard analog input module (DAQ/micro/Labjack/etc.) using a simple op amp interface circuit ( MC34071-D.pdf ). Note that this will be FAR more economical than purchasing the Tekscan interface electronics. The challenge, however, is to create a solid reliable physical/electrical interface between the sensors and your circuit. Do NOT solder to the terminals as you can/probably will melt the plastic. Instead look for a terminal strip with the proper spacing so that the wires can be inserted and the screws tightened for a good physical and electrical connection.