SG03 strain gage selection

[Nate1066]

I would like to know if it is possible to use two 350 ohm strain gages for completing a quater bridge II in the scc-SG03 module.  I'd use the internal excitation of 2.5V.  The SCC Series Strain-gauge Module Users Guide p 48 suggests "Two 10 kOhm, ±0.02% ratio tolerance, ±2 ppm/°C tracking temperature coefficient of resistance resistors."

I'd like to use 350 ohm because I have them on hand.  I was thinking that the important thing was for the two gages to be equal. 

In case its necessary for the answer: using the scc-sg03 in the sc2345.

[Otis]

Hi Nate,

You're exactly right.  The only thing that matters with strain gauges is that each side of the bridge is balanced.  If what you have on hand is two 350Ω strain gauges then it should be alright.  The manual says two 10kΩ resistors because the higher precision resistors can be more easily sourced, and it makes sure that the power draw is kept to a minimum.