NXP Webinar May 2025 (728x90)
Become a Member
elektor
elektor
Members Only​
Article

DIY Kitchen Scale

Weigh up to 49.05 kg∙m/s^2 with Arduino

DIY Kitchen Scale
DIY Kitchen Scale
The starting point for this article was a project posted on Elektor Labs describing the construction of a kitchen scale from an ATmega328 microcontroller, a load cell, a load cell interface board, an LCD, and some software. A bit of cutting and drilling of wood and metal was required to transform it all into a useable weighing scale.
Log in here as a subscriber to read the article.

This is a MEMBER ONLY article. You need a subscription to read this article.

Benefits of a subscription
  • Unlimited access to online Member Only articles
  • 3 new editions Elektor Magazine (digital)
  • More than 5000 Gerber files
  • 20% member discount on e-books (at elektor.com)
  • 10% member discount on Products (at elektor.com)
View the offers
Available from €5.33 per month.
What is Elektor Exclusive?

Materials

Gerber file

CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.

Elektor recommends the Elektor PCB Service service from its business partner Eurocircuits or AISLER as the best services for its own prototypes and volume production.

The use of our Gerber files is provided under a modified Creative Commons license. Creative Commons offers authors, scientists, educators and other creatives the freedom to handle their copyright in a more free way without losing their ownership.

PCB

Extra info / Update

* Up to 5 kgs
* OLED display
* Arduino-based

Component list

From the Store
150708-1: Kitchen scale PCB, bare
150708-71: Kitchen scale kit of all parts
Component List
Resistors
R1,R2 = 4.7kOhm
P1 = 10kOhm 15-turn trimpot
Miscellaneous
K1 = 4-way SIL pinheader socket, 0.1” pitch, horizontal
K2 = 6-way SIL pinheader socket, 0.1” pitch, horizontal
1 pc 6-pin SIL pinheader, 0.1” pitch, vertical
2 pcs 8-pin SIL pinheader, 0.1” pitch, vertical
1 pc 10-pin SIL pinheader, 0.1” pitch, vertical
S1,S2 = tactile switch, PCB side mount
HX711 breakout board
2 pcs M2×10 mm bolt
4 pcs M2 nut
PCB # 150708-1 from Elektor Store

Discussion (0 comments)

elektor

cbucs 7 years ago

What is the make and model of the OLED display? It is not listed in the article??
Reply
Show more
0 Comment(s)
elektor

vidalv 5 years ago

Interesting project, thanks.
My remarks, I do not find the use of potentiometer or at least on my proto it has no effect.
The BP calibration to rebounds ... so he launches the calibration several times.
The memorization BP must remain depressed to freeze the measurement, in fact an On / Off button would be better!
Finally, and I think it's important, if we calibrate with low weight 50g 100g when we want to measure Kig the measure is wrong. Maybe there are 'robust' shots between the two parts of the pressure sensor or I missed something?
PS: Too bad we can not attach an image in the post ....
Reply
Show more
0 Comment(s)
elektor

DON W 4 years ago

Does anyone know of a source for the plexiglass pieces mentioned in the article? the kit is no longer available, and i'd like to find a source, or at least, drawings/dimensions for the pieces. 
Reply
elektor

bera 4 years ago

Hi Don W,

Thanks for taking interest in this project of mine. The plexiglass pieces that you mentioned here are just three plates to create -

1. Base plate - for holding the electronics.
2. Middle plate - for fixing the strain gauge bottom on it.
3. Top plate - For fixing the other end of the strain gauge, for placing the load on it.
...
When you place load on the top plate, the strain gauge deflects wrt the middle plate which is the measure of weight.

The bottom and the middle plates are fixed by three long nut-bolts while the top plate is directly fixed on the strain gauge for load measurements.

The transparent plexi glass is very sturdy and looks good. However, in absence of it, any plate of size 4" diameter [or more] can work.

You may look my original project here  -  https://www.elektormagazine.com/labs/5-kg-kitchen-scale-built-on-arduino 

Bera 
Reply
elektor

DON W 4 years ago

Thank you for that information, much appreciated. 
Reply
Show more
1 Comment(s)

Embed Code