How will you collect the dynamic data?

I'll do an estatic experiment with the spring on so I can get the elastic constant, and then I'll do and dynamic experiment without the spring, releasing the weight so I can get the time needed for it to go from open to final course position, and use this to get the damping constant... Something like that..

That's interesting, why don't you put a quick release fastener to take off the weight from the structure?, but carefully.