Handbook Clarifications and Corrections

While we spent a lot of time and effort to ensure a high-quality handbook, our great EduExo community helped us to identify a few minor inaccuracies and errors that we want to address.

To ensure that all users have access to the correct information, please find some additional information and clarifications below. Please contact us if you have any related questions or comments.

How to connect the force sensor amplifier correctly?

In the Handbook, there is an error about how the force sensor amplifier chip is connected. The result is that the force sensor only provides a signal when a force is applied in one direction and no signal in the other direction. The problem is caused by incorrectly connecting pin number 5 (IAref) to GND, and not to pin numbers 5 and 14 as it should be to measure forces in both directions (2.5V reference voltage source, half of the 5V supply voltage).

If you have already implemented the circuit on the breadboard, the solution is very simple and quick. Pull the jumper cable that connects pin 5 to GND, and reconnect it to pin numbers 5 and 14 of the amplifier instead. A corrected schematic is shown below (Figure 3.15 on page 49 of the Handbook).

How to connect motor and amplifier to the Arduino?

This is a question that has been raised by several users. How can you connect both the motor and the force sensor amplifier to the Arduino when both require the 5V outlet of the Arduino? This issue was not specifically addressed in the handbook and the answer is: by using the breadboard.

You can connect both the motor and amplifier to one of the buses on the breadboard. Then, connect the 5V outlet of the Arduino to the same bus, supplying both. You can find a sample schematic in the figure below.