Customer:
I want to strain gauge a canoe paddle and measure the paddling forces. I’m planning to base the design on the HX711 ADC, ESP32 MCU and AT24C512C EEPROM, and prototype via breadboard. I’m a retired engineer but haven’t built anything like this before. What do I need to read and learn, how do I connect these units together, and how do I program them?
Originally submitted via email support on 4 December 2025. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.
Soldered Support:
A strain gauge is a simple sensor that detects the strain it is put under. The connections are straightforward, especially if you’re using the Qwiic version of the HX711 amplifier, as Qwiic is the I2C communication protocol with plug-and-play cables.
The AT24C512C in chip form would need to be wired via standard I2C to the ESP32. However, if you’re not planning to store a lot of data in EEPROM, the ESP32 has onboard flash storage of 512 bytes, which could store your calibration data, so you may not need external storage.
For documentation on the HX711, see: Hx711 - Overview | Soldered Documentation
For the Arduino IDE tutorial: Arduino - Arduino Quick Start Guide | Soldered Documentation
You’ll need these Arduino libraries:
If you have more specific questions about connecting components or code, feel free to ask.
Customer:
The EEPROM needs to store a lot of data. To define the force profile of a paddling stroke, I need to sample at HX711 max capacity (80 Hz). Ideally it should be at least 200 Hz but that’s not possible, so 80 Hz will have to do.
For a standard training session of about 90 minutes: 906080 = 432000 datapoints.
Please comment on the implications of these requirements. I have additional requirements to explain after you respond.
Soldered Support:
The HX711 v1.2.0 is able to poll at 80 Hz. Older versions cannot. Make sure you get the newest version.
The polling rate is controlled by jumper JP1, which is by default connected to GND. To enable 80 Hz mode, the jumper needs to be moved to connect to position 1 instead. On older HX711 breakout versions, this was hard-connected to 0 and cannot be changed.
For storing 432000 datapoints, you have several options:
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Customer:
I intend to order all parts through you: a suitable breadboard, HX711 v1.2.0, ESP32, and AT24C512C EEPROM.
I want to record paddling data during training sessions in the EEPROM and then download it in CSV format to a laptop for subsequent analysis. After downloading the data, the EEPROM should be reset to empty.
I want this process to be as simple as possible. How best would you recommend I do that?
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Soldered Support:
Here are relevant products for your project: