wow...couple of ideas I hadn't thought of..so thanks!  The only one I was thinking was using an accelormeter, where its used more of a vibration sensor.
   
  In as much as analyzing the mode of failure, the orignal failure was from a close proximity lighting strike, and not sure on the second since I just sent the failed unit back to the design house. They may not want to replace it with something more robust or less prone to failure but the biggest problem I have with the design is its transmitting over cat5 analog voltages from the load sensor to the interface, so losses in the cable, broken cable, poor connections all can affect the system.  I'd rather just see an on/off signal to the control with the local A/D sending it.  But in the end im just the fixit guy for this project.
   
  I've sent an email to the end user asking to describe what isnt working exactly.  Of course I expect an answer...it doesnt activate when stepped on....hmmm...guess its broken.  I'd rather not make too many trips to site, waste of time and fuel (but I charge these guys mileage at least)

       
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