using copper objects as capacitive sensor

Thread Starter

TillFly

Joined Oct 26, 2016
69
Hey there,
some time ago I made an art installation using a plant as a capacitive sensor. I like it a lot because one could measure different sensor values at different position on the plant and map it to whatever (sound, light..).

I wonder now if I could have that effect with any copper object.
Lets say this lamp:
https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s...ampaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

or

this table plate
https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s...ampaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android


what do I have to watch out for?
I guess not every copper is PURE copper? how do copper amount per kg of the object, it´s size, shape, corrusion possibly influence it´s usage as sensor?
what should I have in mind when aquiring a copper object for my purpose?

T
 

Sensacell

Joined Jun 19, 2012
3,432
Capacitive sensor electrodes just need to be conductive- not terribly conductive as the plant experiment shows.
Any metal object will suffice.
 

OBW0549

Joined Mar 2, 2015
3,566
what do I have to watch out for?
Nothing, really, except conductivity.

how do copper amount per kg of the object, it´s size, shape, corrusion possibly influence it´s usage as sensor?
No effect; there is absolutely nothing special about copper in this application. All that matters is that the object be electrically conductive to some degree. The results with copper will be indistinguishable from what you get with any other metal, or carbon, or even partially conductive objects like plants.

what should I have in mind when aquiring a copper object for my purpose?
Esthetics, and cost.
 
Top