Our machine setup consisted of the dynamometer, mounting plate, strain gauges, operational amplifiers, and an oscilloscope. Set in pairs, there are a total of six strain gauges on the dynamometer. The outputs from the strain gauges are then place into the strain gauge amplifier. The test setup consist of three rack mounted amplifiers, one amplifier for each component of the force. The amplifier conditions the signal from the strain gauges and then feeds the signal into the oscilloscope. Next, the oscilloscope outputs the voltage level from the strain gauges to the screen. Finally, from a calibration chart, the operator can determine the value for each component of the force.
