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Build Log 2- linear sensors

A project log for DIY Data Logger

An easy to build wireless data logger that I'm using to analyze mountain bike suspension performance

jeromekeltyjeromekelty 08/13/2014 at 04:562 Comments

Two readings I want to take are the position of the suspension fork and rear shock. This will show me the amount of suspension compression as well as the rate of compression and rebound. This is typically measured using a linear potentiometer but it has also been done using an acoustic transducer or linear velocity transducer. A good quality linear pot would be the Active Sensors CLS 1322 series and a 100mm sensor cost is around $180- and I need two pots. While that is a very competitive price it's still too high for me so I've been working on a less expensive solution.

My idea is to use a Spectra Symbol SoftPot membrane potentiometer and a small Igus linear slide to create a low cost linear pot. I'll make an Aluminum backing plate and the SoftPot wiper will attach to the sliding block on the Igus linear slide. I'll also have to figure out some way to make a cover...

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jeromekelty wrote 11/25/2015 at 06:40 point

I haven't had a chance to test out this sensor yet as my work has kept me extremely busy but I really can't see why it wouldn't work. I think the biggest problem would be noise but a quick test of moving the indicator up and down the sensor doesn't show any problems.

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Jeff Williams wrote 11/24/2015 at 19:56 point

Did you ever get this sensor working for suspension monitoring?  I am looking to monitor my motorcycle suspension travel and was thinking of using the same flexible pots but wasn't sure how well it would work

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