How do I know if the load cells within my PASCO device have been overloaded?

Load cell is not reporting out correct values

A load cell is a piece of precision machined metal that has a strain gauge mounted on it.  Because the shape of the beam is known and the amount of strain (displacement) for the beam is determined by the change in the resistance of the strain gauge, the load placed on the load cell can be determined.

If a load cell is subject to a strong impact, the metal of the load cell can be plasticly deformed.  When this happens, the load cell no longer will report out correct measurements.  The diagram below shows how to determine if a load cell within a Smart Cart has been bent.

A Smart Cart with a bent load cell has been subject to loads greater than that which it was designed for and is not able to be covered under warranty (even if the device is still under the warranty period).