StretchSense Fabric Sensor Manual

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Smart, soft, stretchable sensors
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Our fabric stretch sensor is tough, rugged, and can be sewn into garments. Its resilience to tearing
when overstretched with vigorous force makes it ideal for sports applications.
The fabric sensor kit is designed for customers who are prototyping sensing technology in sports,
wearables and garment applications. The kit contains a fabric sensor connected to a BTLE circuit
protected in a casing. The sensor responds to changes in geometry, and communicates with an
Android App to display and record this data.

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Contents
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit.................................................................................................................... 2
Quick Start Guide ....................................................................................................................................4
Unboxing.............................................................................................................................................4
Getting Started................................................................................................................................ 4
Using the Android App........................................................................................................................4
Recording Data.................................................................................................................................... 5
Battery.................................................................................................................................................5
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit Datasheet .................................................................................................. 6
Sensor Dimensions..............................................................................................................................6
Sensor Characteristics 1....................................................................................................................... 6
Safety ......................................................................................................................................................7
Terms and Conditions .............................................................................................................................9
Limited Warranty Policy.......................................................................................................................... 9
Contact..................................................................................................................................................10

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Quick Start Guide
Get started straight away with the StretchSense fabric sensor. The Quick Start Guide covers how to
switch on the sensor, the basics of the Android App, and how to save data to a file.
Unboxing
The fabric sensor evaluation kit contains:
1 × Fabric Sensor
1 × Bluetooth LE transmission circuit with casing
1 × Coin cell battery (non-rechargeable)
+ Free StretchSense Android data capture App
Getting Started
Insert the lithium coin cell battery into the fabric sensor by removing the back cover of the casing
and slipping the coin cell into the battery holder.
Using the Android App
Download the StretchSense Fabric App from the Google Play Store
The StretchSense fabric sensor works with an App on your Android device. Go to the Google Play
Store to download “Fabric Evaluation App” from the list of results and install the App onto your
device.
Once the StretchSense Fabric App is downloaded to your
device, run the App. Ensure that Bluetooth is turned on
your device.
To pair the sensor to the App via Bluetooth press the
activation button on the case. After pressing the button,
you should observe a light flashing within the sensor. This
indicates that the sensor is ready to be paired to the App.
Press the Bluetooth symbol on the action bar at the top of
the App. Select the entry named “StretchSense” in the
available devices list. If no devices appear, press the button
on the sensor again and press “Scan” in the App.
Once the sensor is connected, the bar graph in the App will
respond to stretching and deformation of the sensor.
Tap on the graph in the App to change its scale. Minimum
and maximum can be specified in picoFarads. The graph can
be automatically scaled by setting the Min to the far left,
and the Max to the far right.

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Recording Data
To start recording data from the sensor, press the save symbol in
the action bar at the top of the App. The App will now begin to
record capacitance versus time as measured by the sensor.
To retrieve recorded data, connect your Android device to a
computer by USB. Ensure that your Android device is enabled as a
USB media device. On your computer, browse to the directory of
your Android device. Recorded data will be saved in the
StretchSense folder.
The data is stored in a comma separated value (.csv) file, in pairs of
Capacitance (in picoFarads), and Timestamp (in milliseconds).
Battery
The fabric sensor runs on a 3V CR1620 Lithium Metal coin cell
battery. The battery life of the sensor is approximately 12 hours
during operation. When the battery nears the end of its useful life,
a green light will begin to show through the top of the sensor case.
This indicates that the battery should be replaced.
To remove the battery, remove the back case of the sensor and use a small tool such as a pair of
tweezers to gently push the battery out of the battery holder.

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit Datasheet
Sensor Dimensions
The sensor has an active sensing zone of 90mm x 10mm surrounded by a 2mm sewable area.
Piercing or sewing through the active sensing zone will result in damage to the sensor.
Sensor Characteristics 1
Capacitance vs Extension
Capacitance vs Load
Parameters
Maximum extension
80mm (180% extension of active area)
Capacitance (un-stretched)
330pF
Capacitance (stretched)
440pF
Sensitivity
1.38pF/mm
Typical Load (un-stretched)
0.0 N
Typical Load (stretched)
7.25 N
Operating Temperature Range
10 –40 ºC
1. These values are indicative of the sensors. Individual sensors may vary.
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
330 380 430
Extension (mm)
Capacitance (pF)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
330 380 430
Load (N)
Capacitance (pF)

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Safety
Lithium Metal Batteries Warning
WARNING: Read before charging or using battery
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
You must read these safety instructions and warnings before using or charging your batteries.
Lithium Metal batteries are volatile. Failure to read and follow the below instructions may result in fire,
personal injury and damage to property if charged or used improperly.
StretchSense does not assume any liability for failures to comply with these warnings and safety guidelines.
By purchasing this battery, the buyer assumes all risks associated with lithium batteries. If you do not agree
with these conditions, return the battery immediately before use.
General Guidelines and Warnings
−Do not insert batteries in reverse. Observe the polarity markings on battery and equipment
−Do not short-circuit batteries
- Do not ingest batteries
−Do not charge batteries
−Do not force discharge batteries
−Do not mix batteries
−Do not overheat batteries by exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight.
− Do not weld or solder directly to batteries
−Do not dismantle batteries
−Do not deform batteries
−Do not dispose of batteries in fire
−A battery with a damaged container should not be exposed to water
−Do not allow children to replace batteries without adult supervision
−Keep batteries out of the reach of children. In case of ingestion of a cell or battery, the person involved
should seek medical assistance promptly.
−Do not encapsulate and/or modify or alter batteries
−Exhausted batteries should be immediately removed from equipment and disposed of
In the event of suspected damage to the battery, you must remove battery for observation and place in a safe
open area away from any combustible material.
Physically damaged cells could erupt into flame and after sufficient time to ensure safety, should be discarded
responsibly in accordance with best practice in your area.

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Do not allow batteries to overheat at any time. Batteries which reach greater than 60 degrees C (140 F) will
usually become damaged and will catch fire.
Do not allow batteries on or near combustible materials including paper, plastic, carpets, vinyl, leather, and
wood.
Do not over discharge, doing so will damage the battery.
Do not expose battery to water or moisture at any time.
Do not store battery near open flame or heater.
Always store battery in a secure location away from children.
CAUTION: batteries may be hot!
Operating Temperature:
0°C ~ 60°C
Before Use
Carefully inspect the battery for even the smallest damage. Make a visual inspection of the battery. Look for
any irregularities.
If any damage to the battery is found, do not attempt to use the battery. Remove battery for observation and
place in a safe open area away from any combustible material.
Storage & Transportation
- Store unused batteries in their original packaging and keep them away from metal objects which may
shortcircuit them. Storing unpackaged cells together could result in cell shorting and heat build-up.
−Store and display batteries in there original packaging in well ventilated, dry and cool conditions.
−Avoid storing or display batteries in direct sun or in places where they get exposed to rain
−Do not stack battery cartons on top of each other exceeding a specified height. The height is clearly
dependent on the strength of the packaging. As for general rule this height should not exceed 1.5 m for
cardboard packages or 3 m for wooden cases. The above recommendations are equally valid for storage
conditions during prolonged transit. Thus, batteries should be stored away from ship engines and not left for
long periods in unventilated metal box cars (containers) during summer.
Store, in a fireproof container.
Store battery at room temperature between 5 and 26 degrees C (40 and 80 F).
Storing battery at higher temperatures may cause damage to battery and possible fire.
Use caution to avoid puncture of the battery. Puncture of batteries may cause fire.
Damaged Batteries
Do not have contact with a leaky/damaged battery directly.
Do not allow the electrolyte to get into eyes or on skin. Wash affected areas immediately if they come into
contact with electrolyte.

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Terms and Conditions
1. Payments are processed by direct bank transfer, credit card payments can be arranged using PayPal but incur a 3.9%
surcharge.
2. The purchaser is responsible for any bank fees, local import duties, or taxes.
3. The purchaser will not receive any intellectual property rights, designs, or copyright to StretchSense works.
4. Lead times are calculated from time of payment to time of shipment unless otherwise agreed.
Limited Warranty Policy
1. Goods are provided as ""evaluation systems"" and should be accompanied by a skilled technician at all times during use.
As goods are evaluation systems StretchSense accepts no liability for damage either physical or financial caused by the
malfunction of the Goods.
2. When installed, maintained, and repaired in accordance with all of the directions, instructions, diagrams, and safety
warnings, cautions, and other notices set forth in StretchSense’s Manuals, and if not damaged by persons, actions, or
inactions unrelated to StretchSense, StretchSense warrants that the Goods will be free from defects in workanship and
materials in normal use and operation within the ninety (90) calendar day period following the date of delivery of the
StretchSense Goods to the Purchaser.
In the event of any such defect of which StretchSense is informed in writing within such ninety (90) calendar day period,
StretchSense’s sole responsibility is, at StretchSense’s option, to provide replacement parts at no cost to the Purchaser, to
repair the Goods at StretchSense’s facilities, or to refund the cost of the Goods to the Purchaser upon the return of the
defective Goods.
Requests for compliance with this express, limited warranty shall be honoured only when made by the Purchaser. No
Goods may be returned to StretchSense without its prior authorization. StretchSense shall pay transportation charges on
Goods found by StretchSense to be defective. This express, limited warranty shall be null and void if any modifications or
alterations are made to any Goods by any person or entity other than StretchSense.
3. THE WARRANTY IS A LIMITED WARRANTY AND IT IS THE ONLY WARRANTY MADE BY STRETCHSENSE. STRETCHSENSE
DOES NOT MAKE, AND PURCHASER EXPRESSLY WAIVES, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. ALL WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED BY
STRETCHSENSE. STRETCHSENSE SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT,
IN RESPECT OF GOODS, OR OTHERWISE FOR LOST PROFITS OR REVENUES, OR FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, COMPENSATORY,
EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF STRETCHSENSE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. THE STATED EXPRESS, LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL LIABILITIES OR OBLIGATIONS OF
STRETCHSENSE FOR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND ANY
ORDER, THE GOODS, OR OTHERWISE.
4. IN ANY EVENT, THE LIABILITY OF STRETCHSENSE FOR ANY REASON AND UPON ANY CAUSE OF ACTION WHATSOEVER
SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THEN PREVIOUSLY PAID TO STRETCHSENSE BY PURCHASER FOR ANY GOODS THAT DO
NOT MEET THE EXPRESS, LIMITED WARRANTY
5. STRETCHSENSE requests immediate notification of any claims arising from damage in transit in order to determine if
carrier responsibility exists.

StretchSense Limited
+64 9 634 1927
© 2012–2015 StretchSense Limited.
All rights reserved
support@stretchsense.com
www.stretchsense.com
Fabric Sensor Evaluation Kit
Information Sheet
May 2015
Contact
Address: StretchSense Limited
5/69 Captain Springs Road Onehunga
Auckland 1061
New Zealand
US DDI: +1 415 800 1003
NZ DDI: +64 9 634 1927
Email: support@stretchsense.com
Web: www.stretchsense.com
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