I'm creating my first Arduino project and would appreciate some guidance. I am basically trying to re-create a digital scale that will POST to the internet. I am going to be measuring the coffee levels of a coffee pot and updating our intranet with the info. The coffee pot will sit on the scale and at regular intervals the data will be submitted. The maximum weight of a full coffee pot will probably be less than 5 lbs (2.2 kg). Since this project is just for fun, I would prefer that the parts would be inexpensive.
I am a professional web developer, so the programming part will be easy for me. However, I have no experience working with electronics/sensors/micro-controllers. What parts do I need in order to measure these small changes in weight to a relatively lightweight object? Where can I buy them? Where can I learn to wire these parts together? Also, any tutorials you can refer me to would be VERY much appreciated.
Update: Here is the parts list that I've compiled so far:
- Arduino Uno ($29.95)
- Arduino Ethernet Shield ($45.95)
- Load Cell (where to find a cheap, small one of these?)