Hardware Needed

Components for RP2040 Zero with HX711 and Strain Gauge

Core Components

• RP2040 Zero

  • Microcontroller board (3.3V logic, USB-C powered).
  • Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H1B79MTP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

• HX711 Load Cell Amplifier

  • Used to amplify signals from strain gauges/load cells (requires 5V power).
  • Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDBTJ3XC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

• Logic Level Converter (e.g., **TXB01颗 or MCP23017)

  • Converts 3.3V signals from the RP2040 to 5V for the HX711 and vice versa.
  • Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCF6TCSJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

• Strain Gauge / Load Cell

  • Measures force or weight (e.g., a 5V-compatible load cell with four wires: VCC, GND, +, -).
  • Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H21D2L3Q?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

• Chicago Screws

  • M4 x 10mm Chicago Screws (used with M4 x 10mm Flat Head Socket Cap Screws Countersunk)
  • https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5HMM6XH?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

• M4 x 10mm Flat Head Socket Cap Screws Countersunk

  • Used with Chicago Screws.
  • Link: https://www.amazon.com/M4-0-7-Socket-Screws-Stainless-Bright/dp/B08P5MWGK6/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2Q4CV6XP9HAUB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1WXdpsKGgNPewtCIyX0qm34oeeWdbYRbSHHBPwlmoZNiDUNJB5o5_8b0PRDXZ6yNYKdxMM4IzJIbgahcKdQklis5WvrfhpRez_-9eTTBvQetPDgsVpAQoKTQ50uk7uo8fOcVn72liB0ANIxnmqzJMqCkmhgOrqqXiF5-OLANlcisP4NkEHUxeGgb-gpUBDUqIIsRUg9sKuN8uWBzNIeFtQ9xJn33S9aRAonvYeKgDWM.-S0Fnzp2dfJWLiXMPfPWtTE6pfDXVZKwc9ZadbTJpXU&dib_tag=se&keywords=m4%2Bx%2B10mm%2Bflat%2Bhead%2Bcountersunk%2Bscrews&qid=1791334570&sprefix=m4%2Bx%2B10mm%2Bflat%2Bhead%2Bcoun%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-9&th=1

Additional Components (Optional)

• Resistors

  • 330Ω
  • 10KΩ

• LEDs

  • Amber
  • Red

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Connectivity & Wiring

• USB-C Cable

  • To power the RP2040 Zero and connect to a computer for programming.

• 28 AWG Wire

  • Used for strain gauge connections to the HX711.
  • Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQVCG6X6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

• JST Connectors

  • Connects strain gauge controller to the MCU.
  • Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3LVLMP9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

• Dupont Connectors

  • For strain gauge wire connections to the HX711.
  • Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B11SX39B?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

• PCB Board

  • To create your own circuit board.
  • Gerber Files Found Here