DIY Weighing Made Simple with 1kg Load Cells and HX711

Ever wanted to add smart weighing to your Arduino projects but got stuck with finicky sensors? These 4 complete sets of 1kg load cells paired with HX711 modules solve that, giving you high-precision measurements right out of the box. I've used them to whip up a portable kitchen scale that fits in my drawer—super handy for portioning ingredients or checking postage weights.

How These Sensors Work in Real Projects

Each load cell has four leads: red to E+, black to E-, green to A+, white to A-. One end screws down tight, the other floats free, and you apply weight along the marked direction. No pressing the white rubber bit, or you'll risk damage—lesson learned the hard way. The HX711 chip amps that up with 24-bit A/D conversion, two channels, and gains up to 128x for tiny force detection.

Runs on 2.6-5.5V, handles -20°C to +85°C temps, and sips power (<1.5mA active). Serial interface means no extra programming headaches—just pin controls for 10 or 80SPS data rates. Simultaneous 50/60Hz rejection keeps readings steady even near appliances.

Why They're a Tinkerer's Go-To

Real-World Setup Ideas

Mount them under a wooden platform for a desk organizer that weighs incoming mail. Or rig four in a diamond for stable 4kg total capacity. In the kitchen, they nail recipe precision—my baking improved noticeably. For robotics, detect grip pressure without bulky extras. Code snippets abound online; libraries handle the math.

Grab these if you're prototyping force-sensitive bots, automated feeders for pets, or just curious about electronics. Four kits mean sharing with buddies or stocking spares. Reliable, affordable, and fun—exactly what DIY needs.

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