Zero Offset

Zero Offsets

Each shaft section (left and right) contains multiple load cells which are used to measure the force being applied to the paddle.

The output of a load cell when the shaft is experiencing no force is referred to as the Zero Offset. Each load cell has an associated zero offset.

There are six load cells on a kayak power meter, 3 in the left shaft and 3 in the right. The load cells have been designated A, B, C for each shaft

The Zero Offset of a load cell can drift a small amount with a change in temperature. This is why manufacturers of power meters typically recommend performing a Zero Offset calibration on a semi-regular basis.

The Zero Offset of a load cell will be between -2047 and 2047. A typical Zero Offset will change no more than 2-5 units between calibrations. A difference of 10 or more is an indication that either a bending force is being applied to the shaft; that there is an issue with that particular channel or that you recently travel from an extremely hot or cold climate.

After performing a number of Zero Offset calibrations, it will quickly become clear how frequently or infrequently a Zero Offset calibration is required. If the Zero Offsets vary by no more than two between calibrations, then there is little to be gained from performing a calibration regularly.