NI 9219 Load Cell Measurement

[MClayp]

Hello, 

We have been using the NI 9219 module to measure our Pancake Load Cell Model # LCF500 and Item # FSH00149. Here is our wiring diagram:

The setup was working well until we sent the load cell off for calibration. Since it came back, we have been unable to read it. We sent it back to Futek, but it checked out fine. When I open NI MAX all I see is noise:

Questions:

1. Does the wiring look right? It's worked in the past so think it should be fine.

2. What is the excitation voltage of pins 3 and 5 of the NI Module supposed to be when nothing is connected? I measured the voltage with a voltmeter and found 0 V with nothing connected. Does a load need to be applied for voltage to be shown on these pins?

Any recommendations are appreciated. 

Thank you for your help,

Michael

[santo_13 · Accepted solution]

You are not configuring the NI9219 to be measure a load cell, instead you're configuring it to read a voltage.

If you configure it to measure load cell, you will see an option to configure excitation voltage.

[MClayp]

Thanks for your help. Ended up finding out that our Python program for reading the load cell was set up to read voltage. I had wired it up as a strain gauge as you pointed out. Just had to rewire it for voltage and supply excitation from a power supply. Thanks