Short Flex Sensor
The Flex Sensor changes resistance as it bends, making it ideal for motion sensing, wearable projects, robotics, and gesture-based interfaces where detecting flex or movement is required.
<>This sensor can detect flexing or bending in one direction. They were popularized by being used in the Nintendo PowerGlove as a gaming interface.
These sensors are easy to use, they are basically resistors that change value based on how much they are flexed. If they're unflexed, the resistance is about ~25KΩ. When flexed all the way the resistance rises to ~100KΩ. They're pretty similar to FSRs so following this tutorial will get you started. You can use an analogue input on a micro-controller (with a pullup resistor) or a digital input with the use of a 0.1uF capacitor for RC timing.
The bottom part of the sensor (where the pins are crimped on) is very delicate so make sure to have strain relief - such as clamping or gluing that part so as not to rip out the contacts!
Features
- Detects flexing or bending in one direction
- Resistance ranges from approximately 25kΩ when unflexed to 100kΩ when fully flexed
- Functions as a variable resistor that changes value based on flex intensity
- Compatible with analogue microcontroller inputs using a pull-up resistor
- Compatible with digital inputs using a 0.1µF capacitor for RC timing
- Requires strain relief on the crimped pin connection to prevent contact damage
- Originally popularised by Nintendo PowerGlove gaming interface
Specifications
- Length: 77.57mm
- Width: 6.41mm
- Thickness: 0.48mm
- Weight: 0.27g
Resources
- Datasheet
Package Contents
- 1x Short Flex Sensor