What is the temperature range for sensor use?

Question: What is the temperature range for sensor use?

Answer: Standard Tekscan sensors are specified to operate in a temperature range from -40 ºF to 140 ºF (-40 ºC to 60 ºC). If the sensor is used at a temperature different than the calibration temperature, there will be a temperature effect.

The operating temperature range of the Handle is 32 °F to 122 °F (0 °C to 50 °C). Thus, if the application involves extremes of temperature, the Handle should be insulated or otherwise protected from the extremes of high temperature.

Many sensors can be produced with high temperature ink and substrate for use over a temperature range from -40 ºF to 400 ºF (-40 ºC to 204 ºC). The appropriate sensor for prospective high temperature applications is individually evaluated, and quoted.

We do also have High Temperature model sensors; they are specified to operate in a temperature range from -40 ºF to 400 ºF (-40 ºC to 204 ºC). Calibration would be affected when the temperature goes beyond this specified range. Keep in mind that we do not recommend the use of the ELF system handle with our High Temperature model sensors, and if you do intend to use it with the sensors, a waiver would need to be signed.

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Do I need an Instron device to calibrate my ELF system?

Question: Do I need an Instron device to calibrate my ELF or WELF?

Answer: No! You can use dead weights and that will work fine. The video calibration tutorial uses one, but it's not necessary.

 

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Can I Trim the FlexiForce sensor?

Question: Can I Trim the FlexiForce™ Sensor?

Answer: Yes - it is possible to trim the FlexiForce sensor if the sensing area is too large or the wrong shape for your application. Additionally, trimming the sensor can be a good way to develop a proof-of-concept before investing in a customized sensor solution. However, please keep in mind that trimming the sensing area can result in less durability, potential for shorting, and less sensitivity.

Trimmed FlexiForce sensorIf you attempt to trim the sensor, we recommend using a sharp pair of scissors to lessen the stress and/or deformation of the sensor that may occur when cutting. Once you've trimmed the sensor to the desired shape and/or size, you will want to apply a piece of tape to both sides of the sensor - this will help create a seal around the sensor keeping out dirt and debris.

If you need to punch a hole in the sensing area, we recommend creating a slightly larger hole than needed, applying tape on both sides of the sensing area, and then creating another smaller hole in the center. This will create a ring of tape around the hole you've just created and help to keep the sensor sealed.

Note: Tekscan cannot warranty sensors that have been physically altered.

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Why do I need an excitation circuit to read force with FlexiForce A201 sensors?

Question: Why do I need an excitation circuit to read force with FlexiForce™ A201 sensors?

Answer: You should use an excitation circuit to provide a constant drive voltage/current and provide an output voltage that is proportional to the applied force. Our FlexiForce QuickStart Board contains all the components necessary to build the recommended circuit, along with a detailed, step-by-step instruction manual.

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Can I customize a Tekscan sensor?

Question: Can I customize a Tekscan sensor?

Answer: Yes. If you cannot find a sensor that fits your application needs in our standard selection, we can work with you to custom design and manufacture a sensor. Your sales representative can provide you with additional information.

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Can I purchase only Tekscan sensors?

Question: Can I purchase only Tekscan sensors?

Answer: Tekscan’s patented array or grid sensors are designed to only work with our software and hardware; therefore you cannot simply purchase the sensors unless you own a Tekscan system. We offer single element force sensors that can be purchased without our electronics and software.

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How do I clean Tekscan sensors?

Question: How do I clean Tekscan sensors?

Answer: You can wipe our sensors clean with alcohol or water.

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Can Tekscan sensors be cut or trimmed?

Question: Can Tekscan sensors be cut or trimmed?

Answer: Yes, some of our sensors can be cut or trimmed to smaller sizes or shapes, or even punctured for secure placement, such as the model 4205 (pictured) and model 7800 pressure sensor designed to be sized for custom embedding in battery placements.

Tips for trimming:

The rows and columns are connected through silver dots and traces on the surface of the sensor. If you trim the sensor, a row or column will remain active so long as the silver dot and silver connecting trace remain intact and connected to the handle.

Based on this photo, you can trim up to 15 rows from the distal end of the sensor before you reach the column trace connections. And you can trim up to 5 columns from either side before you reach the silver connections to the rows.

Consult with a Tekscan engineer if you aren't sure if your sensor is trimmable or how to do it. Cutting through the sensing element will short the sensor! 

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The ability to trim for shoe size is one of the most important advantages of our in-shoe F-Scan™GO sensor, which can be trimmed to fit any shoe size up to a men’s size 14.

Tips for trimming the F-Scan GO sensor can be found in the manual, or HERE. 

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How fast does the developed color of Prescale fade and what is the best way to keep the measured Prescale from being deteriorated?

Question: How fast does the developed color of Prescale fade and what is the best way to keep the measured Prescale from being deteriorated?

Answer: Ultraviolet rays accelerate the fading process of the color. Therefore, please protect the Prescale from ultraviolet rays by keeping it in a file and storing the file in a cabinet. The color will gradually fade even when storing the film in this manner. It is recommended that you measure the pressure values with a pressure measurement system within 60 minutes of applying the pressure and that you keep the data in digital form for reference.

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How fast is the Prescale System's minimum measurable pressure application speed?

Question: How fast is the Prescale System's minimum measurable pressure application speed?

Answer: The minimum measurable pressure application speed is 1 msec. At faster rates, accurate data cannot be guaranteed since microcapsules and color-developing material would absorb the pressure. As for the slowest speed, there's no limit unless pressure is repeatedly applied.

Correlation between pressure and micro-capsules

Micro-capsules in varying sizes and wall strength are used for Prescale. The size of the micro-capsule and the strength of its wall correlate with pressure. Large micro-capsules and micro-capsules with thin walls are broken by low pressure and small micro-capsules and micro-capsules with thick walls are broken by high pressure. The size of individual micro-capsules varies but starts as small as several µm. Small micro-capsules are coated on the Prescale to measure high pressure, and large micro-capsules are coated on the Prescale to measure low pressure.

Correlation between color density and micro-capsules

The volume of color forming material in micro-capsules and color developing material determines the color density.

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