This sensor can detect flexing or bending in one direction. They were popularized by being used in the Nintendo PowerGlove as a gaming interface.
These sensors are easy to use, they are basically resistors that change value based on how much they’re flexed. If they’re unflexed, the resistance is about ~10KΩ. When flexed all the way the resistance rises to ~20KΩ. They’re pretty similar to FSRs so following this tutorial will get you started. You can use an analog input on a microcontroller (with a pullup resistor) or a digital input with the use of a 0.1uF capacitor for RC timing.
The bottom part of the sensor (where the pins are crimped on) is very delicate so make sure to have strain relief – such as clamping or gluing that part so as not to rip out the contacts!
We also have a shorter version here.
,
Technical Details
Dimensions:
- Length: 112.5mm/4.4in
- Width: 6.38mm/0.25in
- Thickness: 0.5mm/0.2in
- Weight: 0.5g/0.017g
Downloads:
Datasheet from SpectraSymbol