1121 User Guide
Getting Started
Checking the Contents
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You should have received:
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In order to test your new Phidget you will also need:
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Connecting the Pieces
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Testing Using Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7
Make sure you have the current version of the Phidget library installed on your PC. If you don't, follow these steps:
- Go to the Quick Downloads section on the Windows page
- Download and run the Phidget21 Installer (32-bit, or 64-bit, depending on your system)
- You should see the
icon on the right hand corner of the Task Bar.
Running Phidgets Sample Program
Double clicking on the icon loads the Phidget Control Panel; we will use this program to ensure that your new Phidget works properly.
The source code for the InterfaceKit-full sample program can be found in the quick downloads section on the C# Language Page. If you'd like to see examples in other languages, you can visit our Languages page.
Updating Device Firmware
If an entry in this list is red, it means the firmware for that device is out of date. Double click on the entry to be given the option of updating the firmware. If you choose not to update the firmware, you can still run the example for that device after refusing.
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Testing Using Mac OS X
- Go to the Quick Downloads section on the Mac OS X page
- Download and run the Phidget OS X Installer
- Click on System Preferences >> Phidgets (under Other) to activate the Preference Pane
- Make sure that the is properly attached.
- Double Click on in the Phidget Preference Pane to bring up the Sample program. This program will function in a similar way as the Windows version.
Using Linux
For a step-by-step guide on getting Phidgets running on Linux, check the Linux page.
Using Windows Mobile / CE 5.0 / CE 6.0
Technical Details
Configuring the Voltage Divider
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Why is adjusting the resistance important? The Analog Input can measure a voltage between 0V and 5V. The analog measurement is represented in the software as a value between 0 and 1000,so a sensor value of 1 unit represents a voltage of approximately 5 millivolts. When using variable resistance devices a voltage divider is commonly used to measure the changing resistance. The two resistors in the divider form a voltage, based on the ratio between them. This voltage is then measured by the Analog Input. To optimize the voltage divider to meet your need you have to adjust the fixed resistance to match the characteristics of your chosen sensor. To adjust the resistance on the Voltage Divider, simply turn the screw on the potentiometer clockwise to decrease the resistance and counterclockwise to increase it. You get between 900 ohm to 1000 ohm change in resistance per revolution. First, adjust the resistance for no stimuli on your sensor and then apply maximum stimuli and make sure that Sensor Value stays within a range that gives you expectable resolution. At the extremes (<50, >950), a very large change in stimuli (and therefore change in the resistance) produces only a small change in Sensor Value. Keep adjusting until you get a range you are happy with. |
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Non-Phidgets Sensors
Here is a list of interesting variable resistance sensors that could be used with the Voltage Divider.
Light Sensors:
www.digikey.com
Light Sensors - CDS Photocells (Advanced Photonics)
Search for “photocell”
Examples - “PDV-P9003-1”
Force Sensors
www.digikey.com
Force Sensors (CUI Inc.)
Search for “force sensor”
Examples - “IESP-12”
www.trossenrobotics.com Force Sensing FSRs
Thermistors
www.digikey.com
Search Digikey for ‘Thermistor Radial’
Choose a thermistor with a resistance in the range 10K ohms.
Bend sensor
Phidget Cable
The Phidget Cable is a 3-pin, 0.100 inch pitch locking connector. Pictured here is a plug with the connections labelled. The connectors are commonly available - refer to the Analog Input Primer for manufacturer part numbers.
